Finding My Rhythm

I'm having a difficult time finding my rhythm. Holidays, my birthday, service people in my home, silly bits that need researching, various levels of anxiety . . .

None of which are very professional. None of which count for a hill of beans as far as excuses go.

I'm so, so, so close to putting the final touches on this last-before-last final draft. I have the next idea kicking and ready to get started. It's not fear of letting go. Whatever It is doesn't matter.

There is no good reason for this enormous wall that has mysteriously been erected in front of me.

My rhythm is on stall.

So tomorrow I will begin with a single note. A single beat in 4/4 time because that's the easiest. I will allow myself to fumble and stumble and be off-key.

I'll focus on the process of creation and pan the creation of the process.

CR: The Linda Fairstein. Hoping the last bit will match the first and redeem the middle.

It's all better with friends.

On Becoming a Pro

Yesterday I felt like a professional writer.

Not because the writing flowed. Not because I received a check in the mail. Not because my critique partners were left in puddles of awe over my writing.

Yesterday I felt like a professional writer because I worked on my rewrites.

I was tired and I worked on my rewrites.

If I could take naps (oh, I wish I could take naps) I would not have taken one. I would've worked.

Because I'm learning how to be a professional writer.

I write when I'm inspired, and I see to it that I'm inspired at nine o'clock every morning.

~PETER DE VRIES

CR: Prime Time by Hank Phillippi Ryan.

It's all better with friends.