When Waiting Drives You to Punch Someone

"Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known."
Carl Sagan

Hello family:

I'm sure I've told you that I am currently querying for agents for my novel that I've slaved over for years, and I am finally able to let go (Back in the Game, Part Deux). Again, it's an amazing to be able to say out loud that I've written a novel, and I think it's sooooooo good that I should be represented in selling it to publishers. As I said, it's a fantastic, brilliant feeling.

But... the thing is...

THE WAITING SUCKS!

My inclination is if it's within my power to do something about it, I'm going to do it. And if it's not within my control, then I figure out a way to get it within my control. Yes, I am one of those people. One of those people who must have a finger on just about every detail that there can be. I already feel sorry for my poor boyfriend when we do get married (can you say Bridezilla?)

Anywho, I like to be able to push and prod when I need to, to make sure things get done. And with this, I CAN'T. I just have to wait. And if you are anything like me, you fight the impatience beast inside of you all the time. Like a perpetual boxing match with no end.

I'm the guy in the middle by the way.

I just want to knock this out of the park and move to the next step - whether it be getting representation or just moving on to another piece. But I can't - I have to wait until it's ready. How many things, in your life, are completely out of your control? Like you can't move forward until this particular thing or issue is dealt with?

Most of the time, perhaps you can. I literally have to tell myself every day many other things need my attention. Such as

1. Work. You know the thing that pays the bills every day. Until I get that check in the mail, gotta make sure that paycheck this is maintained.

2. My relationships. Family and loved ones are apparently dying for my affection since I have been engrossed in getting my book ready. Maybe I could remind them what I look like....

3. Read. I know I need to keep up with the trends - especially those that are making their way through the publishing world. So I'm trying to stay on top of top-selling books in the fantasy/science fiction genre.

4. Writing. Most important thing - if I want to make a career of this, I probably should have some other material to fall back on. For instance, The Want is the first of a series. But I don't know whether it's going to be successful. So I've been playing around with a new novel idea. Might as well get cracking on that one.

These are only four examples, but it's what I have to do to make the wait easier. It's not easy - again waiting absolutely sucks. But it's a part of life and it is what it is. Now and then, I find myself staring at the inbox, willing a new email to come. Then I remember it's only been so long so there's no point in being sour about it. Just let it happen - it will happen in its own time.

BUT! When I do get control again....

Back in the Game (Part Deux)

You know, it has been a REALLY long time since I've been on here. Like ridiculously long. And I could give excuses like the demanding legal job, losing that job to getting another demanding job to general life stuff...but who wants to hear about that?

That's old and boring. So we won't go down that route. 

Let talk about what's new! A couple of things. It's only taken me about 4 years, but I've taken my novel, polished as best as I could and finally sent it out to agents.

First let me say, the book has gone over a serious makeover. No longer called The Balancer but The Want. More unexplained phenomena with earthquakes, tsunamis, and even people. I've ripped apart twice, had editors look it it, rip it apart a third time and I've come to the nitpick stage. They usually say if you are there, it probably no more you can do with it.  

Even with the nerve-wracking fear of rejections, there is a particular beauty and sense of accomplishment to seek to sell your work. To say that I've written a novel and I'm sending it out for representation. I actually said it out loud at work. You may think that's not a big deal to say but when it's been my little secret for years...that's massive. 

(You might be saying, we've know that you write for years. Yeah you might but they don't!)

So there's that little diddy. 

And with every sense of accomplishment, it starts the clock over for the next project. And I've been waiting for a year to start working on it. Yes, I could have started the moment I was hit with the idea but I wanted to let go of The Want (not entirely but close to 80%). That way I know I could give the 2nd one the attention it deserves. 

Guys, I'm excited for this one. 

This one, tentatively called Harry and Me, includes all the elements I love in a book but also time travel. Partly inspired by the ever so wonderful Doctor Who (can't pick between 10 or 11). It's a three part series and will be in the new adult genre. Even now, as I think about it, I get a bit giddy. My characters are awesome! #ButReally

And always, my characters will feature characters of color. Not to get on my soapbox but I do believe that I want to help foster a literary world where it will become normal to see other people of color on the covers of novels. 

And all the more props to me when I can say to my little girl or boy, "That's my mummy's book." 

So that's going on with me. There are other side projects I've also abandoned that will be picking back up. Third Times a Charm, I am talking about you! (I'm coming home)

There is this sense within that I am actually coming home. Back to my corner, with my laptop and my little table, exploring my dreams in written form. I didn't realize it had been calling back until right about now. 

It feels like my mother is calling for me. 

Coming, mom!

Plan B! Reevaluating your Goals!

Hey fam, 

So the Indiegogo campaign is over. 

Unfortunately we didn't make our goal. Heck to be honest we didn't even make 10%. 

Whenever you don't make a certain threshold or goal you have to go back and reevaluate your choices. Was it my novel idea itself? Did I not explain in it a more engaging way? Or maybe the chapter I put up to entice people actually turned them away?

Fam, I went through every possible scenarios. But one conclusion came increasing clear. EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON. I'm a firm believer that this process for me wasn't supposed to work. If it was suppose to, it would've. But!! It doesn't mean the overall plan to become a writer is in the trash. It just means we have to go another way about it. 

Ever have something happen to you where it reaffirms you commitment to your dream but you think you have better way to go about it (or don't trust what happened) and you go a different route? That's exactly what happened to me. I had attended a conference and made a couple of pitches to agents who were genuinely interested in reading. But in the fear of rejection (also because of the genre I'm in) I thought it would be best if I didn't go traditional. At least I knew I could publish myself. So I tried to raise money. Didn't happen. TWICE. 

You don't need a third time to tell you the first way was the way to go. Especially after all the effort, money and energy I put into making this campaign work. 

So where does that leave me? Back to the traditional. With a new novel. I've decided to put "The Balancer" on Wattpad and start on another one of my ideas. This way I can still get the exposure for my work and work on something that can have a fighting chance in this massive book market. Some of you might think don't write to simply appease the market. I'd like to think I'm not. I'm still getting my voice out there. With an idea that I genuinely like that just happens to fit in a hybrid genre (dytopian/fantasy). 

The major lesson in all this is just because one door isn't open doesn't mean others won't. Possibly before you started to learn more about the roadblocks in your way you had a simple idea. Return to the simple idea and make it happen. Listening to naysayers may educate you but possibly cripple you. KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE PRIZE. Preserve and it will happen!

So you can check out the Balancer on Wattpad. I'll be putting up the link once I make a couple of changes to the teaser chapter I put up. But you can see the new cover I created. 

Again fam, never give up and surrender. Reevaluating your choices is never a bad thing as long as you make a decision to keep moving and evolving. And if you are out there and you need motivation, let me know. Right behind being a lawyer and writer is a cheerleader! Motivation and inspiration are my pom-poms! 😜

Until next time (more than likely tomorrow)!

Something Wicked This Way Comes

It's not everyday that fantastic things happen that renews your invigoration for life. Or where a series of events breathes life back into the things that you hold dear. My friends, many great things have happened over the past couple of weeks that have lit a fire underneath my butt to fully seize my dreams of becoming a writer.

I believe that things happen for a reason. You can call it a divine plan or something written in the stars but there is some sort of master chain of events.

When Your Dream Sends You Over the Proverbial Cliff

Family:

Have you ever had something sit, like literally sit on your heart, and you can't be divested from it? Not necessarily eating away at but just sitting there? Almost niggling away, reminding you of it?

I've been thinking about it hard. About my last conference with Muse 2012 (see When Your "Aha!" Becomes "Oh No" to "Hmm Ok"). Words are still ringing: I have an issue with the market - that it may not sell as well as I would like. That an agent or a publisher would be reluctant to pick it up and invest in it. And it is amazing that out of all the feedback one would get about how great your work is that the more disheartening one would stick the most.

It could be enough to send you back to hide with your dreams and bury them.

It could. As for me, I refuse to hide. I've worked too hard. So I jumping over the cliff!

When Your "Aha!" Becomes "Oh No" to "Hmm Ok"

Just this past weekend, I attended the Muse Boston Writing Conference and it was a great experience. I got to sit down with teachers, writers, agents, columnists, etc. The works to say the least. But...I should have known that congregating with such people would have worked my mind grapes to another level. So much that I have begun to question the novel that I had finished back in February.

DUN DUN DUN

Having an Arranged Marriage...with Your Work

Imagine this:

From a young age, you have always known that you were set to be with someone called "Dream Work." You knew that you wanted to be with Dream Work because you had been told that it was perfect for you. And so as you go through life, you continue to grow but begin to forget that you are betrothed to Dream Work. That you will marry Dream Work and be happy. However, life gets in the way, priorities changes and as you age and mature, you begin to think that Dream Work wouldn't work anymore. Sure it was something you had been told that you were perfect for it, but who really wants to be set for life before you could make a decision? You are a different person, you won't be dictated to!

However, fate will set in and there is a chance meeting - you actually meet Dream Work.

When It's Ok to "Two-Time" on Your Work

Several weeks ago, I wrote about the Dangers of Two-Timing Yourself. I had to laugh at myself because it was just so…ridiculous but true at the same time. I am going to take a different position, to play devil’s avocado (yes I know its advocate). This won't be a really meaty piece but something I am doing that I wanted to share with you. 

Picture this: have you ever seen those mothers who are just WAY in love with the children?

When Its Time to Get Away from Yourself

Ever been so in your head that just being there make you dizzy? You have so many things you need to do, you want to do that you end doing nothing because you don't know where to turn? Or when there are so many things happening in your life that you want to tear your hair out and hand it to the next person that comes up to you...in their face?

Yes, I was there. Which is why I have been MIA for the past three weeks. Fam, I had to get away from myself. You are probably asking how the hell do you get away from yourself?

The Dangers of Two-Timing....Myself

Imagine this scene:

I say softly, "Wow, you are so exciting! I would really like to spend some time with you, New Idea."

"Hey! What are you doing! We're not finished yet!" First Idea screams, stomping its foot.

I do a double take, realizing what it looks like. "No, wait! I can explain. I can handle both!"

"Look, its either me or New Idea. You can't have both!"

It is a danger I think all artistic people face – one day you’re working on a project when a new exciting idea comes along, with its new dips and turns and drama. Your mind starts cranking, making you want to start working on it immediately. The siren call of New Idea – its allure into a new unknown, a new spot of pleasure that only you can fully explore. A world that you have yet to discover and tell the world about.

But then there is First Idea that you fell in love with that you have been working months on tirelessly.

Do You Choose the Smoothest Course?

I am an avid fan of Disney movies and enjoy bringing them to real life situations (see And It Starts....You Think You Know a Guy...) Today's focus is Pocahontas. You remember that particular scene where she is in her canoe and has to decide what path to take? "Should I choose the smoothest course, steady as the beating drum?" There are two choices: choose the steady path or choose this winding and rocky path.

And as the movie continues we know she chooses the rocky path to John Smith, finding love to John getting shot to being sent away. Ok, yeah we know. Epic but slightly tragic ending.

But what if she had chosen the steady path?

I Wanna Go Up the Stairs!

Ever worked at something so hard, like sweat dripping down your face, teeth-gritting determined? And you keep pushing towards the finish line that when you finally do, it takes you by surprise? Even though it’s what you been what you’ve been working towards after so long?

My readers, as of Sunday February 19 at 9:45pm EST, I finished the first draft of my first novel. I crossed my (first) finish line.

EEEEEEKKKKK! (enter humongo grin here)

At first I didn’t know what exactly to feel. At first it was a definitely sigh of relief. Popped open a bottle of moscato and went to town! But as the elation passes, I began to think….Ok what is next?

And here is where I think many people begin to falter. Picture this: you are a toddler and you desperately want to climb to the top of the stairs. And that first step is so huge and you put so much time, effort and energy into getting up on the first step that when you do, you are elated beyond measure. You giggle, you clap your hands, you drool from excitement.

But then you look up and you see the other nine steps that you have to conquer. And it seems much higher than you remembered when you were at the bottom of the stairs! People say taking the first step is the hardest. I think continuing to keep going up the next several steps is even harder. Because it’s keeping the momentum, not letting the daunting task before you push back into stepping back down.

While I have finished the first massive step of completing my first draft comes the daunting task of going through the skeleton, putting meat and girth on, taking out the fat and keeping it lean. I would not be truthful if I said that I wasn’t sure of my abilities.

BUT….(there is always a but!)

I see my toy at the top of the stairs. It is my prized toy that I enjoy and love and desperately want. More than these inky stairs can keep me from it. And even though there are challenges on the way (losing my balance, getting distracted, seeing a so-so toy at the bottom I could have played with), I want my favorite toy.

I want my name on the New York Bestsellers List. It is mine for the taking. And take it I shall do!

In every adventure, we are all like a toddler, taking first steps to some unknown territory. And we are scared, elated, petrified, excited and downright crazy. But think about how you’ll feel when you look back to the many steps that you have taken! How you’ll gurgle with delight at your accomplishment and how you can’t wait to hear that shout of praise from Mommy or some big person  that says “wow, look at what you did!”

I for one can’t wait to see how far I can step up. One thing is for sure, my aim is the top of the stairs.

Friday Music: Someone Like You

"Someone Like You" is my favorite Adele song by far. Mainly because it really epitomizes what I was discussing on Monday. You can go through the worst break up of your life or the most crushing thing to your spirit AND still you can come through it with someone or something better. Here's my favorite part of the lyrics:


Nothing compares
No worries or cares
Regrets and mistakes
They are memories made.
Who would have known how bittersweet this would taste?

Never mind, I'll find someone like you
I wish nothing but the best for you
Don't forget me, I beg
I remember you said,
"Sometimes it lasts in love but sometimes it hurts instead.

MOST of the time, it is much much much better than the last.

Isn't it funny how we think we know what we want and but when we get it, it's not at all what we expected? And when its gone, something we NEVER even thought of comes along and absolutely blows your mind?

Oh the drama of real life...its just as good as the drama we write about!

Anyway enjoy the song...play it in the background and think of a time where you thought you were down and out of the count, but through inner strength and help you were able to rise up from the ashes. Maybe its a story you could share that could help someone else. Or just write about it like I do :)

Also I'd be remiss if I didn't pay some tribute to Whitney Houston, a singer who made me want to sing since I was 7 years old. Eternally free from her shackles, may you rest in peace Whitney...

You Got Moves Like Adele, No Joke!

With the recent shock wave reverberating with the death of Whitney Houston (not ready to talk about it), it was a breath of fresh air to see Adele win a rocking 6 Grammys last night. Such a talent was able to really shine through, all because of a “rubbish” relationship that left her for dead. Not physically, but it rocked her enough that friends and family prodded her to pick up the pieces of her heart. 

In her adversity and pain, she put it all out on paper. Everything. Every emotion, every pit of anger, resentment, depression, and sadness. But the last song on her 21 album, Someone Like You, is my personal favorite because it is evidence of her realization that she can do better. That she is using her angst brought on by her ex-boyfriend for her benefit. To show him and the world – I am better than this. I am Adele, doggone it and I am so over you.

Don’t you think the ex-boyfriend is piss mad somewhere? :) Stupid wanker...(hehehe wanker..)

But I think it’s a lesson that we can all learn from. We all fall. We are human. To err is to be human. But it is in the face of adversity and how you deal with it that defines you. For Adele, to overcome her pain she wrote songs. It was her release. And it is possible that the pain wasn’t immediately gone. But it was process.  But the theme of the 21 album was I am better than this.

Trust me, family. I am not sitting from a lofty high chair looking down and just giving running commentary about things. I have enough scrapped knees, bruises and knocks to the head to show you how human I am. But this is me dealing with adversity.

For me, writing has been an immense release. When I was going through a particular hard struggle of trying to figure out I was doing with my life, writing became my anchor. My escapism and my coping mechanism. I write about characters that have great struggles and need to find their way. And what is great about it is that they eventually find what they are looking for!  And I thank God every day for giving me something that can show me that no matter what happens, things will get better!

And even though I am now in a pretty good period in my life, I still hold on my struggles and writing and appreciate it all the more. Because I hope one day that my writing, my stories will be an escape for someone else who just needs a break from their lives.

Whatever you chose to do or have, it is important to remember to it should uplift you, not destroy you. If your anchor has the potential to bring you to another devastating situation, it is not an anchor. You are still floating towards the proverbial black hole. Find something rooted within yourself that can allow you to stand when the garbage is being chucked at you. But you do have moves like Adele J. Everyone does.

Friday's Music: I'm Great, Wanna Fight About It?

In the spirit of my last blog entry about Haterade Drinkers (if you missed that, check it out here), I been playing some great "I'm Great, Wanna Fight About It?" music. You know, "Eye of the Tiger," "We Will Rock You," "I've Got the Power," and others. Just songs that remind you that you are fantastic, marvelous and just plain a fighter (or scrapper, you pick! If you want a good list you can check out this site. They got some good ones!).

But then one that I gets me so amped(!) is Nicki Minaj's "Moment 4 Life."

Her lyrics pretty much sums up what I'm feeling or least what I will be feeling once I get this novel and/or series published. Remember speak your goals into existence! Don't let anyone or anything including yourself bring you  down from what excites you the most. Sometimes we are our worst critic and you need to beef yourserlf up with good energy and people around you will lift you up. You have a glorious purpose in life - find it and own it. And if something makes you delirious happy, excited and all about ready to jump for joy, you don't need to ask yourself "What am I supposed to do?" You are already found it. 

The question you should be asking yourself is "Am I ready to go for it? No matter what the cost?"

And your answer of course will be a resounding YES! :) If you ever need a pep-talk or just something uplifting to get you out of your funk, email me at kjcristina711 at gmail dot com. Sometimes you need that - a cheerleader in your corner!

Ok, Ok. Enough of this - let's pump the jam up!

And some more for your viewing pleasure.... Eye of the Tiger! I always get ready to fight and throw some punches at any "anti-MEs!" (Blame Rocky for that one)

Until next time! Stay pumped!

Wed's Prompt: Take It to the Floor, Fool!

Here's something to get the ol' imagination running this morning!


After getting into an argument with another patron at a local bar, the person challenges you to a fight out back. Because you’ve never been in a fight before (and don’t want this to be your first time), you come up with a more creative way to settle your dispute.


First thought I had....break dance!

If you could do this, wouldn't you be able to say....And what, punk? Say something!


What would be your way to get out of a fight?

A Letter to my "Haterade Drinkers"

Have you ever had someone be so constantly negative in your life? They are what I like to call "Haterade Drinker."  What is Haterade? It's something that they are drinking that causes them to burp up unnecessary and destructive things.

I mean things could be going so well for you and you could be on top of the world, but a “Haterade Drinker” will come out of the blue and take the wind out of sails? It is especially difficult if you are close to the alleged "Haterade Drinker"  - you have enough curses to say to them that it would make a sailor blush. But out of respect, you don’t. You swallow your anger and you try to keep it moving.

WELL NO MORE. Everyone has ONE “Haterade Drinker” in their life. And it is time to take a stand and say what is on your mind. And it's time to stop wasting energy on them!

To all my fellow writers, authors, wordsmith, whatever…I am sure you have come across this at least at one point in your writing profession. And if you are like me where you have a day job but turn to writing, I’m sure you have had someone say something negative about you seeking something outside of your job.

I have thought of a solution for all of you! I have penned a nice little letter to those “Haterade Drinkers.” Feel free to use it as you like and adapt to your situation. Here we go. (ahem ahem)

Dear Haterade Drinker(s):

I hope this letter find you well. Because I am about to bring you down a notch. I may not know you personally. Or maybe I do. It is hard to tell nowadays with your unsavory comments. And it’s very clear that you know nothing about me. Your constant tearing down and lashing words to my desired profession is not needed or wanted. If you did know me, you would understand that this makes me happy. Even if I may groan and whine about it, it is a joy to me. Just as it appears to be a joy for you to have vicious and disgusting words of degradation drip out of your mouth like a slobbering mangy dog.

So here’s what we are going to do. I am tired of your mouth and since I can’t put a muzzle on you like I would like, we are going to meet in the middle. You are going to keep your low self-esteem comments that you clearly are projecting on me to yourself and I will a) not beat your face in (a clear and current frontrunner); b) not slap a restraining order on you; and c) continue to treat you like a human being that I can tolerate.

Now if we are friends, I value our friendship enough to write this letter to you. If I didn’t, I would have said the hell with you, would’ve have told you to kick rocks and said peace out. But again, the threats to wring your neck are not meant to be hurtful (emotionally) but it’s because I care. So again, let us meet in the middle and I promise I won’t create a character in my next book (yes, there will be another book) where they uncannily look like you and die a vicious death.

I hope I have brought enough thought nuggets for you to munch on. If you have any constructive things to say, I am all ears. But until then, SHUT IT DOWN. I have things to do!

All the best,

(your name)

I hope that this helps you in some way or another. Or if you just get a kick out of it, that’s great too! But let me know, especially to my fellow writers, do you have a “haterade drinker” in your midst? How do you deal with them?

‘Til next time!

Friday's Music: Beautiful and Eternal Soundtrack!

So with any imaginative design or idea, you wonder what it would look like in real life. It's not any different with a novel. The real life would be a movie :). Trust me, I've had a full-on list of who I would list as my leading man and lady (that's for another day). BUT, with any movie, the soundtrack is crucial as well. Which brings me to today's music - I've picked two because I can't really decide which one I like better. I could save one for next week...but I'm impatient....So enjoy two!


1) Chris Brown's Beautiful People - I chose this because I see this in one of two ways. There is a particular scene that I have my leading man and lady go out into Boston's nightlife. For some reason I see this playing in the background during some dialogue. The second being at the end of the movie, where the story is coming to an end (or is it? MWHAHA) and it kinda fades out on this happy optimistic note.

2) William Joseph's Within - Now this pick is a little outside of what you would know (but if you do know it, 50 billion brownie points for you!). Your soundtrack has to be able to convey a mood. A emotion to going along with the drama and action that is being expounded. I picked this song because it conveys a sense of mischief but intrigue. Whimsical yet strong. It has a waltz-like tone to it but the percussion underneath it gives it a modern flair. I see this happening during a reactionary moment for my leading lady. Where she finally realizes something and just guns it! An awakening that is deep, scary and fulfilling at once.

Sorry, this post came out a bit longer than originally planned. But just as words can be a doorway to expression, music follows the same and familiar path. Listen to them and tell me what you think of my choices! Atypical? Strange?

What would your own personal soundtrack sound like?

7 YESes was the Name of Game; Free Giveaway too!

I've returned from the ever wonderful Writer's Digest Conference  2012. All fantastic thought but first what's the magic number?

You know why? I had 7 agents say that they are interested in seeing my work. Seven is absolutely my favorite number (the fact that I was born in the 7th month has no...ok it has some bearing on it. But not all!)

Ok, let me back up. Kris, how was the conference?

It was fabulous! Met some amazing authors like myself, trying to breaking into the business, writing as if it was the only thing keeping them sane in this crazy place called life. It was so refreshing to find others who thought books, fiction was one of the greatest gifts God could ever give us. Within hours of meeting each other, we were helping each other out, perfecting our pitchs to agents.

The speakers were fantastic - two absolutely favorites Donald Maass and Chris Baty (founder of NaNoWriMo). Maass knows exactly how to bring out the best of ideas out of you. After literally 20 minutes, I thought of a brand new hook and twist for my novel (working on furiously now). I have been told Maass is a big deal....well he kinda is. 

Baty was just a great speaker - no need for lofty, I know better attitude. Just in-your-face, I've been there, I am there, gun it type of attitude. I loved it and I can't wait to read his up and coming projects!

Ok back to the agents. Yes, 7 agents have expressed interest in reading my materials. I won't discuss who they are but I just giddy that my idea is sell-able. Now I just need to finish, edit, pass it to my review group, edit again, edit a third time and then possibly send it in by ...oh let's say first week of April? That sounds about right. 

If you have been keeping up with me, you must be thinking, um...NaNoWriMo kicked your butt. What makes you think you can do all that? WHY???

I  tell you why...because I am completely invigorated. Because I literally cannot stop daydreaming about my book. Because I have people on my ass looking for work if it is not delivered on time. I always seem to do better when people are expecting something from me. 

TWO THOUGHTS - 

1. If you ever have a chance to go to any writing conference (especially with Writer's Digest) do it!

2. Find people like you who will keep you focus and offer you help. Their help will be instrumental in your success. As much as we like to think we can do everything on our own, it makes it a much better experience with others beside you!

FREE GIVEAWAY

I mentioned that Donald Maass is absolutely a God-send to anyone trying to write. Well as an author of many books helping the wayward author, his absolute best is The Breakout Novelist. 

All four of his pivotal books in one. FIRST PERSON to leave a comment I will send them a copy free of charge.

Ok...back to work!! :)

xoxo

NaNoWriMo: Post Week 1; Writer's Conference

So...

Yea... This is what I should be feeling, exhausted but invigorated. Heavy but light. Drained but completed. All those opposite words. The reality of it....not so much.

Couple of things I have figured out this past week.

I have a lot of ideas, but not enough time to put them down on paper. My supposed schedule went out the window with work, family and other stuff came into play. Out of the 10K words I should have down on paper, I only have a little more than half.

Unacceptable.

So Week 2 is all about tweaking what needs to be tweaked, running away from all other things and locking myself in some Panera Bread somewhere and getting work done.

Hopefully I will have redeemed myself this week - cross my fingers.

In other news, I have decided to attend my first Writer's Conference (the crowd cheers).

I'll be attending the Writer's Digest Conference in January in NYC. Really excited about the networking that will be taking place, learning more about the craft and getting some pointers from agents and publishers attending.

But before I can really use it to its full potential, this bloody manuscript needs to get done!!

Sigh...Ok..I'm going.

Words of encouragement are always welcome. I've told my other readers that it gives me the mojo to keep going!