Getting Focused for 2014

After a busy past few weeks, I'll be turning my attention on my next writing project. I have several ideas floating  around in my head so I'll have to decide which direction to take in 2014.

My last two novels were for young adults -- "Shooting Star" and "The Bully List." In between I wrote "Laments: Short Stories."

And before that I wrote a murder mystery, "A Confidential Man," and before that a contemporary mainstream, "Foolish Is The Heart."

I've had folks ask me when I'm going to write another mainstream novel. And the same for a mystery. I've enjoyed writing both as well as the young-adult novels and short stories. I've always wanted to write a play but that will probably come about in a few more years.

Of course, I could multi-task and work on all three at the same time. I know some authors who have worked on several books at the same time and didn't miss a beat. I'm not sure I could do that at this point.

The main problem I see is that I'm still working fulltime so that takes a big chunk out of my writing time. And I do like to do other things while I'm on this earth, such as travel, read, hike, be with friends, and family time, and not necessarily in that order. I firmly believe writers must have some balance in their lives.

After I think through all the possibilities, I'll let you know which direction I have taken in the new year.

Until the next time...

Life Happens

While I believe it’s important for a writer to write every day, there are times when it’s good to take a break.

Writers need to prioritize and not let writing intrude on other matters in life. Don’t misunderstand me, I think a writer should try to set aside some time to write every day, but there are events in life that should take precedence such as important family events, personal commitments to others, and unforeseen emergencies.  

So don’t feel guilty if you don’t put pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard, on those days. Life happens.  And from those life events, you’ll have memories to mine for your writing endeavors.

Conversely, I believe it can be more harmful to be so obsessed about writing as to get so caught up in the process of producing words that a writer will intentionally miss or purposely ignore other activities that make up life. Once something happens, it's gone. Forever.

Life enriches our writing when we experience the degrees of joy and sadness, and everything else we encounter along our daily journey.

Until the next time…