Yesterday I gave up on my writing because it's too hard to get published. Today I worked on it anyway and got excited all over again. Even if it's never read by anyone damn it's good!

For me writing is like how I sketch, say, a horse. I erase everything that isn't a horse until it is. I'm trying to write everything that is a really great book and editing out everything that isn't.

Was all set to do some writing. Spent 4 hours playing around, mostly on Amazon, and bought 3 things I really don't need. Maybe will get something done tomorrow if I don't see shiny things.

Feeling stupid. Spent 2 days trying to find out my Microsoft Password. Almost lost my email account in process! Finally saw that it is under login in live in my saved passwords & I'd not known they were the same thing! Yikes. Wish someone had told me that!

Trouble setting up new phone/laptop issues/occasional tv issues....Technology is going to do me in. Sleeping with covers over my head is only place I feel safe and at peace.

One short, piece of cake, Epilogue to write and I will be ready for editing phase. I finished my novel today! Too bad I quit drinking. Guess I'll celebrate with vitamin water and a big smile. (oh...then there's the whole query process. Maybe I'll reconsider that drink)

About 100 pages to edit (and proofread at the same time--at least I do) and then I'll do it all over again. And again? Getting there, though!

Just fixed a confusing 'gap' in my novel while editing and it turned everything on its ear in an amazing way! Tied the whole thing up in a perfect bow and I'm in love with what I've done!

Today I am officially a published author. My life long dream has come to fruition. Thank you to all who have helped make this become a reality for me. ✨

Trying to find that happy medium for submission queries between well-written necessary info & bare bones construction is hard. If I don't stop slash & burn editing, my query will soon be: Please look at this unique compilation of words. Thank you. Call me. 🤪

Does my first submission rejection hurt my soul? No. (Well... a little) Will I keep trying? Yes. Do I believe in my book? YES!

Just spent hours rewriting a Synopsis so it will actually be a Synopsis--not something more like a book jacket blurb. One more example of why I should actually look things up and stop merely assuming I know what I'm doing. 😏

Step 1. Set alarm to get up early and hit 'SEND' on query in Draft. Step 2. Fret over every line. Step 3. Go ahead and push 'SEND.' (Repeat step 2.)

Just spent time fixing major mistake in final copy file while doing 'extra editing'. Thank goodness I looked! ADVICE: 🤪Never do what I did and just assume it's all ready to go if get a request to send whole manuscript.

House sitting dog & cats for a few days in the house I used to live in 25 years ago with my EX--across the country from where I now actually live. Talk about bizzzz---RRR!!! (Looking out the kitchen window while washing dishes where I always did feels like I'm in a time warp! 🤪

SUNRISE OVER OPHELIA. Made the flight out of Baltimore Sept. 4th over the storm. Had a great visit with family & home safe now a month later. Back to sending out queries when I get fully back to earth!

I learned the hard way not to walk on a muddy boat ramp the other day. No one else around and almost landed in swift river--and I can't swim. It was funny after I finally made it to dry ground & wish someone had recorded it for America's Funniest Home Videos!

Just plucked a completed manuscript from the back burner and sent out a refreshed query. Procrastination period hopefully ended and sleeves rolled up again!

News article asking me if one million dollars is enough to last through my retirement is like asking me if the five hundred gallons of gas in my car's tank will last the next twenty years.