Writing on the Wall

Why do I write? Because not writing isn't an option. I've tried so I can honestly say that I know this to be true. I went four years not writing and what resulted was constant inattention to real life.

I'd phase out in a conversation because a "what if" scenario reared it's head. (Say Suzie-Q told me there was an accident on the bridge to work. I'd be thinking about the secret top agent who'd shot the driver in order to steal government secrets and how the news would cover it up tonight as a traffic incident.) I'd forget names in an introduction within seconds. I'd drive to and from work and not remember the drive because I was day dreaming through a complicated plot or problem. I had several near accidents while driving.

But the most disturbing had to be the smudging of the line between reality and fiction.

What do I mean by this. Well, I got to the point where the people in my head had become so real to me that I would share anecdotes about them to my true life friends then belatedly realize what I was doing. At that point, I dusted off my hands and started typing. Cause buddies, that's messed up.

Keeping motivated isn't generally a problem with a plot which has you in its thrall. I've had a little trouble with a book on deadline because the clock is ticking instead of the creative urge. I prefer letting the characters take over. Let's face it. They don't take over every single day. But on deadline, you have to push them.

Sure you wind up with bad spots, but you delete those and rework on the days where they do come out to play. Honestly, I find that pushing them makes my characters speak up. ("Hey, I'd never do something that stupid.") Then the plot takes off.

Basically though, motivation is about finding the flow. Ever notice that writing isn't a chore when it moves freely? Then the words can't pour out of you fast enough! But hit a dry moment and the chasm between here and the end is immense. At those times you discipline yourself to take hold of the situation and just write.

For the most part, it works. I've had some stuff released now. Not like Anny, Cindy, Rita, or James, but stuff. I've had one mediocre review and the rest were great. I have a few ratings on Fictionwise I'm not thrilled about, but you can't please everyone. It doesn't matter. Ultimately whether you write or not is in your blood.

If you can't NOT write then a review is merely a temporary stone on your path to the next book.

Sure we want everyone to love us. But realistically that ain't gonna happen. Do you love your work? Then that's all that matters. You'll find your niche. You fans will find you and as long as you keep typing and staying sane, who the heck cares?