I went through the same phases, albeit differently. After writing my nightmare 186,000 word ‘novel’ I thought I was brilliant until reality set in. I began writing flash fiction to hone my skills with prose. Being forced to tell a whole story in 500, 300 or a 100 words really makes you get down to brass tacks. It will sure cure you of over-writing and I was terminal in that respect. Lots of padding and no story. Wonderful to know you’ve enjoyed the blogs. I put a lot of work into them so it always feels good knowing they are helping others.

CONGRATULATIONS!!! Great to see you again. I’ve missed you guys terribly (((HUGS)))

So, commitment. Yeah. A good thing.

Thanks, Kristen!

Mine (for ONE book) has been a 9 year Hell Week of pummeling by the riducule of family (who never bothered to buy the book, whatever), a zillion+ rejections, rewrites, edits, more rewrites, revelling in my mud, cold chow, forgotten meals (like, for everyone), and shock when it was accepted. I had to go over that contract with a fine toothed comb. Figured it was a total scam.

Granted, like my Army kid, I no longer have been as disciplined being completely engrossed in any/everything else because the rewrite is well, Hell. We both have become flabby again because disciple lemme repeat is Hell.

Yes, I’m working on that commitment thing myself. I’m pretty good at showing up when I’ve promised to do so, whether it be a meeting or finishing editing that legal brief for a friend in time for the deadline.

But I’m at a point where I will soon have to fish or cut bait. At year’s end, my regular-job contract is unlikely to be renewed, so it’s time now to get my employment affairs in order, to launch what I’ve been doing on the side into a full-fledged business to support me and my husband in our retirement. Exciting but scary. Scary but exciting. Enter the continuing education courses to build my resume!

This article is a keeper! Thanks for writing it.

Awww, thanks for sharing your story and for the lovely comment. Wonderful to meet you!