Time for Writing

This week, in a moment of frustration with not having enough time to write, I was kicking myself for not taking writing seriously earlier in life. I mean what did I do with all of my free time before I had kids? At the time I thought I was soooo busy, but I didn't know what busy was. I could have written a dozen novels with all of that time. So, why didn't I start?

It wasn't that I didn't have the interest. I showed an interest in writing starting in grade school.(My first novel, written in grade 5, was called Thirteen going on Thirty. Isn't that a movie title? I think someone owes me some royalties LOL). And even when I was in University and should have been reading about abnormal psychology I was making up characters and stories in my head. So why didn't I write them down? I think to seriously start a novel, there has to be a need within you. For me, that need was the need to feel smart again. I was on maternity leave with my first child, and after 6 months of being out of the workplace I called my husband at work and complained that I needed to feel smart again. I needed to use my brain for something other than changing diapers and amusing a baby. He suggested that since I always wanted to write a book that I should take a writing course. That suggestion changed my life (bless his heart). Since the first night of my Romance Writing course, I haven't lost the desire to finish my novel. Of course there have been times when life has interfered, but even when I didn't have the time to write, the desire still burned.

And now, as I'm nearing the completion of my first draft (after 4 years *gasp*), I've already got ideas swirling in my head for my next ms, but I resist the urge to start it. Even though the need driving the desire has changed (now not only do I want to become published so that I can write from home and not have to send my kids to daycare, but I also love to write--it's addictive!), the desire is still there burning just as intensely as when I wrote my first character sketch.

What was the need that drove you to start writing? What keeps you going?

Happy Tuesday!

I'm finally starting to make head way on my WIP again! Last night I was writing and was surprised when the dialogue between my H&h took a turn that I wasn't expecting. What started out as a friendly lunch turned into a deep and meaningful discussion about the death of the H's parents. It's so amazing when the characters take over and my fingers on the keyboard are merely the conduit for them to tell their stories. I guess that's a sign that I'm truly understanding my characters, their motivations, their emotions.


Could this mean that the end is near? Is it possible that I am actually going to be able to finish this story? God, I hope so. I'm so envious of the other writers who have actually finished and submitted their mss for consideration for publication. Even though I know that once I'm in their shoes and waiting to hear back from a publisher I'll be hugging the silver bucket with the best of them, but at least I'll be able to say that I did it. That I actually wrote a book.

I can't wait!!!

TV Romance

Alright, enough wallowing!

How many of you can't possibly write on a particular night because you can't miss your favourite show? I know that writing is more important than the boob tube, but there are just some shows that I can't do without. My new favourite is What About Brian.
I love the forbidden love thing going on between Marjorie and Brian. I can't help routing for them to get together. But then it wouldn't be much of a show if they got together right now, would it? As a writer I understand that. There has to be conflict. But as a viewer, I just want to see them happy.

They've got to string us along--at least for a couple of seasons--before that can happen. *Sigh*

Is there a romantic TV relationship that you're dying to see materialize???

I found out today that I didn't place in the Where the Magic Begins contest. Normally I don't get so upset about contests, but I was really hoping to final in this one. The final judge is the editor for the line I am targetting and it would be so great to get my ms in front of her. I guess now I'll have to settle for sending it in through the slush pile like everyone else :-(

On the positive side, I did get some useful comments from the contest judges. There were some trends in the comments (and some obscure comments too), which makes me realize that there are definitely some areas that I need to work on. Better to hear about it now than in a rejection letter later.

I Hate Colds!

Like so many households right now, our house has been overtaken by a yucky cold. My youngest was the first to get it (so sad when they feel yucky and can't even blow their nose), then I got a sore throat and my oldest got the stuffy nose. So far DH is the only one who isn't sick (knock on wood). Hopefully he's able to stay germ-free since someone has to take care of us.

I wish I had some energy to get writing, but I just don't.

This sucks!

But check out this game for a bit of distraction.

Some Fun Things for the Long Weekend

You Should Be a Romance Novelist

You see the world as it should be, and this goes double for all matters of the heart. You can find the romance in any situation, and you would make a talented romance story writer... And while you may be a traditional romantic, you're just as likely to be drawn to quirky or dark love stories. As long as it deals with infatuation, heartbreak, and soulmates - you could write it.

What Type of Writer Should You Be?

You Are a German Shepherd Puppy

Intelligent, quick witted, and a bit aggressive. You've got the jaw power to take a bite out of anyone you choose.

What Breed of Puppy Are You?

Your Hillbilly Name Is...

Penny Sue Duke

Hillbilly Name Generator

Your Celebrity Baby Name Is...

Sahara Amandine

What's" Your Celebrity Baby Name?

I've Been Tagged

My first time being tagged! Thanks Lainey.
Here I go...

#1 - One book that changed your life: I would have to say the first category romance that I ever read. Can't remember what that was (it was many, many years ago), but it I enjoyed it so much that I started thinking that I would like to write something like that. It would be many, many years before I actually tried though.
#2 - One book that you've read more than once: Writing Romance by Vanessa Grant. Very helpful.
#3 - One book you'd want on a desert island: Only one? I don't think I could choose. I'd like to have a whole box of romance.
#4 - One book that made you laugh: Do Me, Do My Roots by Eileen Rendahl. Has some dark points but definitely made me laugh too. A rare combination.
#5 - One book that made you cry: Fine Things by Danielle Steele. A teacher saying goodbye to her students because she knows that she's going to die--it had me bawling like a baby on a city bus when I was sixteen.
#6 - One book that you wish you had written: Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells. Loved the book and the movie.
#7 - One book that you wish had never been written: I can't say. Even if I don't enjoy a book, I can always learn something from it--even if it's what not to do.
#8 - One book you're currently reading: Lipstick Jungle by Candace Bushnell (author of Sex and the City). Three powerful fourty-something women in New York--I'm loving it!.
#9 - One book you've been meaning to read: The Divinci Code. Everyone has read it but me.
#10 - Tag Five People: (How about 3?) Patricia, Colleen, Elaine--it's your turn!

Happy Thanksgiving Weekend to all you Canadians!

Wedding Anniversary

My husband and I celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary last week. I can't believe that so much time has gone by. We are high school sweethearts (yes...some really do stick together), so we've been together for 19 years in total--basically we've spent our entire adult lives together. Even though things are a bit (a lot) different from our carefree high school years (two kids, a house, and car loans have a way of changing things), I can honestly say that we are still very much in love--a fact which definitely helps when writing romance.

Mind you, it's different from that rush of new love, which is all stomach flutters and sweaty palms. But I think it's better. It's knowing that you can count on someone to be there for you, someone who'll listen to you complain, someone who'll still find you sexy when you're wearing your most comfortable (read ugly) night gown.

I wouldn't change a thing.