What Writer's Block Looks Like...

Seriously

I'm elated. Tonight I actually got to work on my book. It's been months--with everything that has been going on--since I've been able to do any writing. I reviewed chapter 1-7, made a character map, and finished a somewhat-workable 1st draft outline for chapters 8-17. I didn't think I had 17 chapters in me! I think the flow is pretty nice and will easily shift into a 2nd book. Yea me!

I've been telling myself the past few weeks, "Friday is my night to write." I give all the other nights to family, lesson planning, etc. But I need one night (at least) to focus on this if I want to do anything with it. I've been so drained by the extra time I'm putting into my job that it's just been impossible to do any writing. I'm angry about that. Why does the job have to be so time consuming and mind sucking? Don't get me wrong--I love my job. However, I want to HAVE A LIFE to some degree. If you ever think teachers have a "cake walk" of a job, I'll give you the finger...

Busy, busy, busy...

It seems like the head-spinning times never end. This week I go back to work--where did summer go? I've started writing again SLOOOOOOWLY. Hey, what can I say? I have three kids, an active life, and plenty on my plate. It'll get done. Right now my goal is to get back into my routine as school starts and to (hopefully) finish the first book by Christmas. Fitting it all in is always the challenge--but I typically get it all done. I'm looking forward to meeting my next group of students and in making it a spectacular year for them. I'm also looking forward to my oldest child starting Kindergarten--what an exciting journey for him to begin!

On a side note, we asked our oldest son if he would like to play a sport at school. His reply, "Yea, I'd like to play Rock, Paper, Scissors." He still disagrees with us that it's not a competitive team sport...

Reviewing the Old

I started rereading what I had wrote last year...7 decent chapters. Now, how do I get the rest out of my head. And to boot, NOW I have another story in my head. Cripes. Dexter (the dog) and I are currently rereading chapter 5-7 while watching Weeds. I think I need character descriptions and a family tree next. That will be my next step for this book. I'll write some notes on the other idea and set it aside for now unless it starts burning holes in my brain.

On a side note, I ran 5k today...it was great. I'm really starting to loooooove running.

Fresh Start

Today I deleted every old post from my blog. Why? I want to stop dwelling on what I haven't done and stop making excuses for not doing. Today I will do. I start by reviewing the seven chapters to my book that I wrote last year before I became pregnant. My brain is fresh and ready to go so I need to read what I have and decide if my initial game plan is good or if I need to modify. Many ideas have been popping up during my morning runs...I'm excited to dive in.

33

Yesterday I turned 33. It was a good birthday, but I'll have to say the past year has been a complete whirlwind. I've been so caught up in my job, my children, my marriage, and just trying to get things done that I've had little time to focus on being creative. Recently I started running again and I've really enjoyed how it's helped me think deeply. Ideas for writing have been swirling in my head. This week I get back into my writing. This week I will also be changing a lot of this blog. I hope you enjoy the ride...