IWSG post

My first post after who knows how long with the IWSG! Glad to be back.

What am I insecure about? Where do I start. . .

I think I struggle most with why am I wasting my time. I could say that regardless of if I ever get published, or let's be honest, even land an agent, I write just for me. But the truth is, I do want to be successful as a writer. I had no idea when I started a few years ago that it would be so difficult.

My husband is supportive, but I have children, a job, a home to maintain. How do I justify spending hours writing, reading, or critiquing when there is no guaranteed payoff. I really don't want fame, or even fortune (although I wouldn't mind a little money). I guess I just want validation. The right to say I'm a writer.

I've sent off a few short stories. Rejection. I've entered a few writing contests in the blogosphere. Not even an honorable mention. I've had a few writers critique my work. Nicely worded but god-awful. I've tried giving up, but here I am again because I have a story I have to tell.

Don't worry. I'm not depressed. I have an amazing life in every other aspect, but I just want to write too! I see others get agents, get published, win awards, and while I'm happy for them- I wish it could be me.

Sigh.

Well, I'm off to visit some others. Have a great month! See you then :)

Monday post

Drifting in and out of the writing world as I do, everyone else seems to be incredibly productive. And then there's me. I make all kinds of goals, and then I follow that up with all kinds of excuses. Part of the problem is I'm addicted to time wasters like surfing the internet or watching mindless TV. I sit down to rest and instead of having quiet time, I turn on the TV or grab my computer and before I know it, the evening is gone. ARGH! Why do I do that?

My latest writing goal was to write a page a day. That was a couple of weeks ago and I have 3 pages.

How does anyone stay focused?

Then it's also summer break and the kids are home. Is it wrong to count the days for them to go back to school? I love them and all- just maybe not 24/7!!
(As I'm writing this my 7 year old is sharing a cat book with me- on my bed, in my room, at 9:57 p.m.)

Me, "I think it's time for you to go to bed."

Her, "Never!"

That's what's happening here in the sunshine state- how 'bout you?

I'm back!

I tried to stay away, but I couldn't. The story I had to tell has been churning inside and yes! at long last I'm back to writing.

This last year has been a lot of changes, but I've settled into my new home and new state, and I'm ready to move forward. But really, I'm also eager to get back out there and find out what all of you are doing now. Please stop in and catch me up!

Brief summary of where I am- I've just started hitting the keyboard to put down the story that's been evolving in my head. I've pretty much ditched the entire first novel I wrote, but I kept the essence of the characters because I liked them. I moved away from my writers' group in South Carolina but after the summer I will try to find a local chapter. I'm looking forward to that because I'm near a big city again and there seems to be a lot of support.

I'm looking forward to getting back into the online writers community because even though it was at times painful, I learned so much from you!

Looking forward to reading your blogs again!

Rose