Shadow Of A Doubt

Every writer gets to a place in their story where they question the value of their words. Is the story good? Will it engage the reader? Are my characters deep enough? Is there enough action to move the story forward?

This is the writer’s stress. The self-doubt that always creeps in. I picture it as a little shadow person, crawling toward the Muse, who is laboring away in an act of devotion.

The Muse bows at the keyboard, pouring soul and spirit into the words on the screen. The shadow creeps closer, its hands outstretched, clawing fingers ready to strangle. Its mission is to kill the muse. Its name is Doubt.

On a Roll

Not that kind of roll. I’m on Day 12 of NaNoWriMo and have written 18,790 words. That’s better than I’ve done in the last several tries, and I am actually excited about this story. Considering the fact that I just sat down and started typing without any plan or focus, or even the glimmer of…

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Exploring the Story

Writing, for me, is often like an archaeological dig. I start out delving into what I think will be, and find new discoveries along the way that change my whole perspective, teach me about the people involved, and rewrite the world’s history. I enjoy getting to know my world and its characters as much as I enjoy letting them tell me where they want to go, and how they want to get there.

Here We Go Again

Yet, my own daydream is to someday be the reclusive writer who does nothing but write, publishes enough to really earn a decent living at it, and doesn’t have to do book signings or give interviews or deal with the ups and downs of the human race on a daily basis. I would live surrounded by nature, with only my beloved immediate family close by. I’d have my dog, and my cat, and a guppy or two(hundred), and Starlings around me for conversation during my long days tapping at the keyboard and creating magic.

The Long Road of Lyme

Chronic Lyme Disease affects far more people than mainstream medicine recognize. I appear to be starting down that long road.

The End of an Era

My most dear and precious boy left this physical world on Wednesday, February 3rd, after defying the veterinarians’ predicted odds for seven months. He grew suddenly weak, so tired, and could no longer keep his amazing spirit inside his frail and failing body. We set him free to return to his first beloved human, Lin.A friend on Facebook mentioned, in response to my announcement, that it was the end of an era.