Welcome!

Some days writing is a passion for me.  The words are flowing, the idea is there, and I am pleased with what I put on the page.  Other days it is a grind, or it doesn't get done at all.  Perhaps because I am tired, or the idea isn't there, or I allow other things to get in the way.  A good book ususally fits that category!

But reading other people's writing is only part of what makes a good writer.  The other part is to WRITE.  When I was a teenager, my middle school was clearing out the periodicals room (remember actual magazines?) and I took a stack of "Writers".  I read through them, tore out what I wanted to keep, filed them away.  Over the years -- many long years, now -- those filed papers have gotten shuffled, lost, and tossed.  But I still remember one adage: "Writers write, that is all."

My "first" novel has been in the research/write/rewrite stage for nearly a decade now.  My wonderful friend and encourager, a true Barnabas, is going to get tired of encouraging me eventually.  I really have to get on the stick!

My second historical novel is in the research stage.  Perhaps over the summer I can do much of that, talking to the local historical society and whatnot.  The problem is, this story isn't alive for me yet.  The reason I have trouble with editing the first novel is because the characters are so real -- the story is so true -- how do I change it?  It is almost as if they have given me the story, their story, and who am I to say their word choice is confusing or dull? 

Of course, that's just an excuse! :)

I have one story flowing well right now, and I am writing it in long-hand.  I actually prefer that.  I can write, scribble, doodle when a word escapes me, cross out what I don't like, and still read what I crossed out if I decide I like that better.  I often do.  It is a period piece but not historical -- the history is there only as a backdrop, and I make no claims to authenticity.  But the characters are real, and that seems to be what drives me.

Please feel free to leave comments.  But don't be nasty or I will have to block you!