Under Constant Revision

Isn't this the truth? With whatever you do, if something doesn't work you revise. Many years ago, I decided to travel on this path to publication. I had written for many years, but never thought to get serious. At the time, writing was lots of words on paper that created something that was a story. At least in my head. When I read it now, those words need a ton of work.

Over the years, manuscripts were written and finished, then rewritten, revised and finished. It doesn't end there. It goes on and on, a constant circle. Really, I'm still revising manuscripts I wrote eight years ago. Writing is just like life. We grow and change then revise who we are, hopefully becoming a better human. It's not an easy feat. There are pains and aches through any process. I try to keep this in mind, because just existing is not an option. Living life is. Experiencing things are. Enjoying loved ones is.

This is where I am. I'm trying to not only write and revise a manuscript to hopefully (fingers crossed) get published one day (the near future would be ideal), but to also revise me as a mom, wife, friend, sister, daughter to those around me. Finding time and energy is what is hard. And, trust me, there is no special magic that will make it all flow in the easiest way possible. If there was--I would have it. It would be very awesome. The only magic I know of is tea and chocolate, which doesn't help my waistline. The thing is unless we try different things we will never know if they will work or if what we are doing is helping us grow.

Mistakes are the things that are hard to swallow. I'm a perfectionist, so mistakes are usually like a jab in my stomach. No one likes to make mistakes, but they are the only way we will know how to fix a problem in the first place. Really, it's true. We may have a fit after we make one, but in the end you learn something.

So, if you are stuck in the rut of--why am I doing this? Why do I keep going back and changing rearranging then doing it all over again? Think of yourself. Your life. You didn't get this far by staying the same.

What keeps you going when revising?

Have a great day!

Life can be crazy

So, life is crazy. It happens. There have been times that I've been asked on how do I keep it straight. There is no real answer to this. For me, it is just getting through what needs to be done. Between home obligations, kids schedules, volunteer stuff, and just plain surviving, it's hard to take time for you. Writing sometimes seems like a distant friend you want to get in touch with.

Through the years, I've tried many different things to get back on track. I would get frustrated when I didn't get done what I wanted to do, especially on the writing front (who doesn't get upset at that?). Writing is a process and sometimes rituals have to happen to get into the mood. It isn't easy especially when you like routine like myself. Sometimes it is hard for me to change gears, which can make my insides tighten and my eyes squint. My frustration level can rise well over 1,000.

The one thing I realized is you have to be flexible. Put forth your focus on what is needed right now then check and see where things can fit in. Now, I'm not a full time writer/author at this time so things could change if that ever happened, but I have to keep in mind what needs to be done now. I do make time for writing. Sure a room needs to be dusted or some laundry needs to be folded, but this scene isn't going to write itself so why not take some time to do it. Even a 1/2 hour. I sometimes write or work through tough spots while I'm waiting for the kids at their rock music lessons. It is loud, and sometimes I do bring my headphones, but I try to fill that time being productive the best way I can. It's a juggling act that is constantly changing.

We all know writing and publishing is a roller coaster, but we keep at it. Persistence. The thing is you don't want to miss life either. Plan out your day the best you can and be flexible if it doesn't all go your way. Chocolate always helps too!

How do you handle change?

Have a great day!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! The new year means reflection to me. Since September is more reflecting on goals, the new year is more of reflecting on me. My inner stuff. What makes me . . . me. I got into more of a slump at the end of the year with writing. Inspiration was lost and no writing was happening. Querying will do that, but I also had a hard time focusing on my characters. In fact, a new story surfaced, but my drive wasn't there. 

So, what am I doing to change it? Well, the manuscript that will have me forever stuck is still sitting, waiting for me to continue. Until the scene I need works it's way out of my brain, I'm going back to a very old manuscript that no one wants. I figure it will be a good exercise to work on something. And maybe it will allow new motivation to leak in. 

I'm actually plotting the new idea. Plotting before writing is foreign to me. It's uncomfortable, but I think for this story it is needed. The MC is a little shy, so I need to push her along. 

I'm also realizing where I fit. I'm beginning to think that my manuscripts may not be great material for the big houses. It's not that I've given up, it's just reality is slapping me in the face. I've been pushing for an agent for years with multiple manuscripts. I'm getting the hint that my stories are not for the big leagues. I'm regrouping and refocusing on where I should be in the publishing world. It's not easy, but I need to face reality. I've been writing forever, but focusing on writing to be published for nine years. There comes a point when you need to take a hint and refocus on where your material belongs. That's been the hardest lesson so far. 

I hope to blog more this year. I think it helps my brain. I've been a little hidden just because I'm trying to find my place again. I thought I knew, but I was mistaken. 

Anyway, what are your goals for you? Any news?

Have a great day!