I've always been impressed with authors and their abilities to get ideas down on paper with such skill that pictures are painted so clearly and vividly in the minds of the reader. Since I was in middle school, I have attempted to put words to paper, but like so many, I have never felt that it was good enough, clever enough or innovative enough. This page will follow my bucket list item of publishing my own book. So, stick around because it's probably going to be a bumpy, long road trip.

My Writing Journey

NaNoWriMo 2024 WILL BE My Year!

Ok, so I fully admit that I have neglected my WIP. It's not that I don't love it and that I'm not wanting to write it. I think a lot of it comes from how intimidating the process is, and with the busy life excuse, it's just something I've let myself get away from. But, I'm hoping that I will be able to focus a little more this year and get back to it.

My biggest struggle coming back after a long break is not knowing how to get to where I want to the plot to go and the characters to be who they are in my head. I will focus on the idea of writing the book that I would want to read. If I focus on that then it's really all I can ask for.

** Check out my previous posts below**

Current WIP Word Count

Archived Posts

Writing Journey Part 1: The Beginning

Writing Journey Part 2: Story Ideas from the Early Years

Writing Journey Part 3: Digging into Three Decades of Drafts

Writing Journey Part 4: Where Am I Now?

Writing Journey Part 5: It's Time to Get Writing

Writing Journey Part 6: NoNoWriMo Planning

Motivation and Inspiration

The day after Hell Bent was released on January 10, I had the opportunity to go to a Book Tour/Signing event with Leigh Bardugo. Now, I'm a pretty quiet person; I don't like to make a presence or a sound. I am a people watcher. That's just my nature. I love watching and listening and learning from those around me.

As an aspiring author, I truly feel it is important to listen to what others in the trenches have learned through their journeys which will by nature be full of obstacles and challenges. This is part of why I love having guest authors on our Podcast! Listening to others who are so passionate about their craft is motivating and inspiring when it is so easy to get caught up in life and the daily grind...well, at least it is for me.

Leigh Bardugo was so genuine and passionate. She was funny and honest. She is who she is and the sarcasm and wit is always appealing to me. That's speaking my language. She dropped little hints and shared her journey, so I thank her for that. And, she said some-thing that really stuck with me about beginning the path to becoming a published author:

"Make art when no one cares."

Apparently Writing a Book is Ridiculously Simple

10 Ridiculously Simple Steps to Writing a Book

The issue must be me then, because I don't find it that easy. I totally get that it has to be a priority if it's ever going to get done, but Jeff Goins just make it sound so easy.

With that said, there is a lot in this article that I can relate to. At some point, I will have to literally just sit down and write. Just stinks that my day job is so all consuming. (Yep, just another excuse!)

Click here to read the article.

Books to Read Before College....Hmmm, Thoughts?

I've been to college. I even graduated with a 4.0 from graduate school with a master's degree in Educational Leadership. Yet, I still find myself looking at these lists and wondering.... what the heck, really? I understand that the more you read the better you become as a writer, so maybe that's my problem. I'm reading the wrong things!

I pulled up these two lists. Both claim to be lists for books that MUST be read before college. I looked at the lists and counted how many of the books I have read between my birth and today! I'm not sure if my college academic advisor will now revoke my degree.... What do you think?

Goodreads top 100 books to read before college. (I have read 27!)

College Board's 101 books to read before college. (I have read 23!)

(College Board is the organization behind AP - Advanced Placement and the SAT tests)

The photo gallery shows some of the ones that I have actually read. Some of them I even taught to my high school English students. One of my favorites is Lord of the Flies! I did focus more on the classics.