Journey to Publication - The Road So Far

"Hey, isn't this a writer's blog? Where are the links to the books he has written, hmmm?" you may ask yourself.

In answer, let me just say that I'm working on it. A lot.

I've written many stories, scribbled loads of ideas, and hiccup-started numerous novels. I've even made it to the end of a couple. I've taken breaks to focus on education and family, but book ideas have always kicked at my brain stem during those brief interludes. Problem is, I've never submitted any of my novel work for an agent to consider. Until now.

The urban fantasy novel I just completed clicks with me. I bled all over the pages to make it so. It also has the potential to extend its life beyond one novel.
So, again, I'm working on it.

I'm excited to hear back from the agent who requested my first three chapters and my ideas for books 2 and 3 in this series. For now, my hopes remain high.

Back to work on book 2.

Writing Pangs: Schedules

"I'm gonna do it."

No, you're not. The television beckons. Besides, it's HD.

"Okay. Real Housewives is over. Now, it's word slingin' time."

Wrong again, Writer. You've been neglecting your video games. That princess isn't in the business of saving herself. And don't fool yourself into thinking you're almost finished. She's in another castle.

"Done. She didn't even say thanks. Time to write."

Nope. Your son has a ball. Time to play.

"Finally. Kid is in bed, asleep. I think I'll head there myself. Tomorrow will be better."

Keep telling yourself that, Mr. Draft Jockey.

  

Maintaining a writing schedule isn't easy. It's frought with obstacles. Real Life comes rumbling in. It stomps on my writing and makes a litterbox of my notes and ideas, mocking me with its urgency to be addressed. When Big Resposibilities come calling, the ol' writing schedule is the first to get axed.

Because people are depending on me. Real Life needs me. I'm a grown-up, after all. Whether I like it or not, I've been drafted.

Unless I fight back.

Real Life has whipped me with its cat o' nine tails. It has pierced me with guilt. But I'm still writing.

How have I managed so far? I've made writing more important than my Dumb Time. Mindless television? Gone. Video games? Bye-bye. My son still gets playtime with Dad, though. It's about prioritization. It's about adjustment. I don't know exactly how other writers do it. I don't pretend to. I've read a bajillion books on writing over the years and no advice has given me that epiphanic episode of pure understanding.

I just sit down and face-off with a blank screen. I pray the words out. I will them to appear.

And then they do.

Usually.