Travel Writer

So I'm traveling for work this week and writing is still a huge goal for me to reach. I signed up for an accountability challenge. Specific word counts have to be reached each day and tallies posted. This is wonderful for the ADHD child in me.

So far so good. But today's word count goal may be out of reach. I have meetings from 7:30 am until 10 pm! And I got up at 4 am to write. I'm dead in the water but I've layed the skeletal famework for a scene this morning.

Tired...

Apologies

For some reason, I feel the need to constantly have my characters apologizing for what they do/say. I don't think I'm writing in my own personal behavior.. or am I?

Perhaps I'm writing my own deep-seated behaviors but it makes for boring characters. I've gotta make them rude and proud of it!

A Natural Inclination for the Absurd

Okay, I'll admit it. There are some days that I'd almost rather do anything than write. And for me, TV is the natural extension for a procrastinator like myself.

Who can resist a show that's titles: "The 650 Pound Virgin." Who??? Not a procrastinating writer!

Luckily for me, my husband is aware of my goals and he deleted that particular show from the DVR. I know he really wanted to clear space for his programs but... I'm lucky.

I need an accountability partner because I'm facing some tough, self-imposed deadlines. I can't slack off now!

Sixteen Minutes

So it's my birthday in sixteen minutes and I am giving myself a gift this year. What is it, you ask?

Time.

I have taken the day off from my Day Job and I'm staying up all night (or as late as these old tired bones will last) and I'm working on my WIP. For once, my family is asleep before me. No one needs to attention or for me to come look at something cool on the Internet... it's just me.

And I love it.

I'm starting to have fun with my WIP. And more than that, I have another story trying to dig its way out of my brain so I have to finish this one and move on.

Oh, to be writer. Well, a full-time, well-paid writer... one day. ;)

Does anyone else get scared?

So I'm writing away. I have a decent idea of where the story is going. I'm about halfway through the story arc for my characters and I realized... I'm scared.

What if I can't pull this off? What if I leave my characters stuck with these huge ass problems? What if I let them down and can't get them to a resolution?

I'm at that point in the story where the ship is going to have to turn and... oh, crap. I'm at the helm. Who put me in charge???

Where ya been?

I've been off doing a lot of writing, taking advantage of more resources, getting to know other aspiring writers. I've been taking classes and workshops and this crazy conglomeration of approaches has really been working for me.

Ok ~ I gotta go finish my word count for the day.

Yes We Are

One topic that hasn't been talked to death in the election aftermath is our new first lady. Particularly, that this lovely, intelligent, educated woman is the new face of beauty, grace and welcome to the world. And she's black.

I was so touched to see Michelle and the two young girls on stage with the new President-elect. I was overcome by the fact that we now have this new image of womanhood and motherhood to look up to as a role model where previously, all such role models in the upper echelons of power have been white.

Now black women young and old can look at the first couple and see themselves in this woman. They can see themselves achieving educational and career goals. After all, Michelle is herself a lawyer. They can see themselves as proud mothers and wives and they can see themselves as beautiful and glamorous!

Yes We Are!

We women of color have had so very few images like this to cherish. I look forward to seeing this family grow. I look forward to seeing what a positive impact this new role model will have for young girls and women across the country.