I seem to go through phases where I am super-productive, and then fall victim to one, if not all of these things. Other than a few sporadic editing sessions and some frenzied writing by the seat of my pants (which is something I never do), I'm still in that rut.

But the good news is I have finally gotten to the point where I am sick of the rut and ready to kick some butt!
So, I am doing what I often hear is what NOT to do. I'm going to toot my own horn! I'm jumping on my own bandwagon. In fact, I'll jump into the driver's seat and DRIVE the damned bandwagon if I have to!

I know I can get wordy when I write. But that just means I sometimes get lost in what I'm writing and can't help but yammer on about it until my pen runs dry. And while I love getting the words down, what I love even more is polishing and rearranging and adding layers of tone and suspense and skin-twinging, spine-tingling creepiness.

I don't have a million stories published. But I have 1 (with a 2nd & 3rd on the way), along with what seems like a billion ideas and snippets and works in various stages of progress that will some day see the light of day. I have written just over 90,000 words on my first novel (editing is another story…), 25,000 words scribbled on a short story collection, and when I see all of these stories lined up – finished or near-completed – I realize that half the fun of writing is in the journey, not the destination. But I still won't quit taking steps to get there, either.

I realize that I have an amazing group of writer-friends who constantly amaze me with their talent and their support. Even if they don't realize it, their constant efforts towards their own goals keeps me on my toes and inspires me to keep evolving and growing.

I realize that I am good enough whether I have a good writing day or not; that I don't need to compare my success to the success of others; that I am on my own track and as long as I keep striving for what I want, I RULE!

So, there. Incredibly self-indulgent blog post over. We all need a little pep talk now and then. What's yours?

[NWC]