Catching the Fever Again

Last year, I had some very specific goals. I was going to edit my two completed first drafts, submit them both for publishing, and write a new first draft. Of course, I wrote the perfect first draft (twice, I might add), so editing wasn't going to be a big deal. And I am a brilliant writer, so of course, both manuscripts would be picked up immediately for a publishing deal and I would be famous! (And also, well paid.) And the cycle would continue. That was in my naive state.

Now, I've had six or seven months off from the writing routine. I haven't really posted to my blog. I haven't opened my drafts, except to send a copy to a friend who wanted to see what I had been up to. I started a new wip in November for National Novel Writing Month and got about 2000 words into the story before I stopped writing again. (It was a weekend endeavor and I was 8 months pregnant, but still.)

It's been so long since I really did anything serious with this whole writing thing that I'm kind of worried about getting back into it. Not that I don't love it still. I do. I just have gotten out of the routine. And finding a new routine is kind of rough. So, I'm still thinking about goals to set and how to find the excitement again.

The good news is that I have two drafts that I haven't looked at in months and months. "They" (whoever they are) always say that you should put some distance between you and your drafts so that you can edit with some detachment. I will be able to do that, I think.

So, here's the question, friends. How do you get the passion back when you feel like it's missing? How and where do you start after taking a break?

A year later....

Well, here we are. It's been a year since I started this blog. And I find myself wondering where the time went. I just read over the first couple of entries and realized that when it comes to the writing world, I was pretty naive. I had this strange idea that all I needed to do is was write a book length manuscript and submit it to be published. I didn't really understand the process or how much work it really would be.

I also didn't know how hard it would be to make time for writing in my already hectic every day life. I wasn't planning on having distractions with my kids and being pregnant and buying a house and a hundred other things that came around during the last year.

I didn't know I was capable of writing, and writing well. I didn't know I would make some great friends in the writing community. I didn't know that there was such great information and resources available to the beginning writer.

I had some pretty unrealistic goals about what I should expect of myself. I had that "super" complex. The one where I'm supposed to be "super"-mom, "super"-wife, "super"-housekeeper, "super"-author. Lots of expectations that didn't get fulfilled. Some things I did do really well, though. I I spent a lot of time with my family and taking care of myself while I was pregnant. And we had a beautiful baby girl on last month.

I'm still trying to figure out my life and schedule now that so many things have changed since I first started this journey. The next few days will be filled with figuring out what I'm doing and when I'm doing it. It's going to be hard to pick up things after a long absence. I don't know which of the three projects I've got in the wings should be priority number one. We'll probably play it by ear. What I do know is that I'm happy to be getting back to something that I genuinely love and letting my creative side flourish again.

You'll be hearing from me again soon, so look out world, I'm back!

Things that happen

Well, it happened again. I got a bright shiny idea. And now, even though I had thought I would be taking a break from writing, I find myself trying to sneak in time where I don't really have any left. Oh, the Shiny New Idea curse.

This one is a complete departure from everything I have ever even considered doing before. It has apocalyptic/post apocalyptic themes, a little bit of alternate history, as well as some fantasy/sci-fi elements. And it's the first idea that's really going to need a lot of research before I even start to write. (How much research do you really need for a fairy tale retelling, after all?) I have just enough background with the subject matter to get myself into terrible trouble if I'm not really careful. I'm pretty excited about this. And best of all, the story arch that I envision is at least two books, maybe more.

I'm not going to go into full writing mode any time soon, but I will start piling on the research and building some character sheets, etc. so that when writing time happens again, it will be all laid out and ready to go. And I'll keep up on my reading, honing the craft, seeing what works and what doesn't.

That's it from my neck of the woods. How are things with you?

It's about time!

So, it's been. . .  oh, several months, I guess. I know you've all been missing me like crazy. The lack of my sparkling wit and stunning personality have left you all devastated, I'm sure. So, after the long silence, here's an update.

On the writing front, there's nothing new to report. I've read a lot. And I mean a lot. And, in a strange way, I'm learning a lot about writing from all the reading I've been doing. Wake, Fade, Liar, and more. It's been good. I haven't really written much of anything at all. My laptop died about two months ago and we only just replaced it. (Fortunately, there was a back up of all my files.) Between the computer and being sick, my motivation to put fingers to keyboard has been pretty close to nil.

I've discovered a few things, though. I really am a writer. Even when I don't have the ability to write, the ideas don't stop. I have things to work on for years to come. It's pretty great. Also, I'm far too critical of myself. I spent a while feeling really bad about not being really active with my writing. I have to remind myself that two years ago, I didn't even know I could write a book and now I have two finished first drafts with edits and real potential. Even if I have to take an extended hiatus, I know I'm capable of the work and that is a huge thing to discover about myself.

So, this has brought me to a few conclusions. First, since I'm capable of doing it, it won't really matter if I take an extended break from writing. My kids have to be my first priority, especially since they are all so young. And time consuming. Second, even if I'm not actively writing, I can still be improving my craft. I can have a writing journal for new ideas. I can read books to see what works and what doesn't. There's lots of ways to keep my hand in, so to speak.

I still want to stick around in the blogosphere, so I'm working on a few things in the back of my head. Maybe a weekly post about what I've learned from the books I read or some other such thing.

Now, for some really exciting news. We found out we're having a girl. It's pretty great after two little boys. She'll be the  most rough and tumble girl, ever, based on her brothers. She'll have to be just to survive. We're halfway through pregnancy at this point and things are starting to settle down. I feel a lot more stable and less sick. It's great.

We're also in the process of buying a house. We've been renting for years and years, so putting down roots is a little scary. We've never been ones to do major life events one at a time, though, so it's all good. I like staying on my toes. (At least I tell myself that. It helps with the insanity.)

So, there you have it. That's me in the last several months. Hopefully, there won't be such a long gap before my next post. Have a great week, everyone and we'll see you all again soon!

Just stopping In

Well, as I suspected, pregnancy has been pretty rough. I spend a lot of time on the couch, ignoring the feeling in my stomach. Or at least trying to. Pregnancy has a sort of selective amnesia associated with it, I think. I never remember until I'm in the middle of it just how sick I get. I get a shot every two or three days, take an anti-nausea pill every day, and can't cook at all. It's a lot of fun. And next time I start to think "Oo... a baby might be fun" I'll have to remember the first four months of pregnancy.

I haven't worked on anything at all in more than two weeks. I haven't even opened a word document. I just can't focus on anything. It makes me a little sad, actually. I was really in the groove and pushing forward. Now, I have no idea what kind of time line to attach to anything. I just don't know what to expect.

I miss all of you. That's one of the most surprising things. I wanted to stop into the blogosphere today and catch up a little, since it's a relatively better day, and I miss you! I hope that you are all doing well, that your journeys are fulfilling, your work is rewarding, and your days are enjoyable. I'll stop in again on a good day and see what you are all up to.

PS. I have a few awards that I've received and I haven't forgotten about them. I'll get to them when I can.

Thanks

I just wanted to say thank you to everyone for their comments and support. It's a really exciting and strange time for me right now and I'm glad to have the blogging buddies that I do. You each have blessed my life. I wish I could take the time to thank you all individually, but really, that would take a long time.

Watch for occasional updates from me. Maybe in a month or so when morning sickness starts to slow down and energy starts to come back, I'll have more time to say something. Love you all. Have a great weekend.

Change

Well, life is strange sometimes. I hadn't anticipated this moment coming so soon, but it has. It's been an eventful couple of weeks... okay. Several months, really. And it's all taking it's toll on me right now. We found out a few weeks ago that we're pregnant. We're expecting our third baby sometime in December. It's pretty monumental and life altering and just ... I don't know how to describe it.

Pregnancy hits me pretty hard, at least at first. Morning sick and I are friends all day long. And with a three year old and an 18 month old, it's pretty exhausting. I've tried to keep up with writing and blogging and all the stuff that comes with it, but I just don't have the energy to devote to it right now.  It makes me kind of sad, but I've decided to take a break for a while. I'll still fit in writing time when I can, but I really don't have any idea how often that will be. I don't want to put any unrealistic expectations on myself. I want to cherish this time with my kids and getting ready for a new one.

It's funny. I'm sitting here crying about it, but I'm really happy. It's exciting. I just never expected to have such mixed emotions about taking a break. Blame it on the hormones, I guess. So, I'll see you when I see you. Stop by every once in a while. I'm sure that I won't be able to just back out completely. And I will be coming back as soon as I feel more balanced and energized.

Thanks, every one, for being part of my life. I hope you stick around. I like you!