Write, Type, Scribble or Text - Just Do It!

I aways hear creative folks say to keep a pad near your bed for ideas. I've tried this technique a few times but when I wake up during the night and have an idea, writing it down is not my first thought. Can I hold it is my first. (I drink a lot of fluids during the day) My next...how long will it take me to go back to sleep.

I don't keep what you might call a typical journal. I've tried that routine a few times and it just doesn't do it for me. I have writing pads and pieces of papers where I've written down my thoughts over the years. I've even taken note of what my writer-friends use to keep ideas in front of them. Some use those huge calendar/blotters on their desk. Others have little post-its all around their computer and walls. Some keep journals and neat pads and for the techie, it's an ipod or ipad with perfect bullet points.

The problem with my note taking is remembering where I've put them after I've written them down. Weeks, months or even a few years later I'll come across something I've written down and then I say for the umpteenth time, I need to get better at keeping my thoughts organized.

Because I have a day job, I can't afford to be loose with my written thoughts and ideas. More importantly, if I want to become a successful writer, I need to build on these ideas.

I'm sure I'm not the only writer that picks up a book, sees a new television series or hears of a new movie coming out and say, "Damn, I had the same idea. If only..." If only is for losers and I ain't no loser. Or am I...

After You've Done All You Can - Part II

Some days. No, let me rephrase that. Daily, I think of writing. And what I think about the most is when I'll be able to write full-time and when I'll be able to make a living as a story-teller. Often, it's bits of new ideas that float around in my head duking it out with each other with the winner hoping to make their debut onto paper.

Unfortunately, these ideas disappear with the beginning of another busy day at work. And I keep telling myself (justifying) that it's OK not to write daily. That even though I daily pray for a career of writing and don't write, God will see my heart and bless me.

But then I get real. God can only help those who help themselves and right now I am not writing so why would He help me?

There was a time when I would stay up til two or three in the morning just writing. Now, I make excuses; I work long hours, I'm exhausted when I get home. I turn on the TV because it relaxes me.

But then I hear about the tons of successful writers who speak about getting up at dawn to write for at least an hour or two which only depresses me more because though these ideas taunt me in the early hours, I just want to go back to sleep.

Lack of motivation could be one of the reasons. After finishing my novel, I felt drained. Not by the writing itself but the next step. The hours it takes to research agents and publishing companies and the many rules dictated by those companies. The drafting of query letters followed by mailing those letters. Then, the constant silence of waiting followed by the stream of rejections. This brings me to the brink of believing I've done all I can. But I know that's not true.

So I begin a list of what to do:

• Do another search for agents and publishers
• Look into attending a writing conference
• Ways to improve my query letter
• Ways to improve my book
• Research and enter writing contest
• Network with other writers

It's important to be your own voice, cheerleader, and ass kicker to motivate getting back on track.

In part III, I'll tell you how I decided not to just make a list, but to complete everything on that list.

Here's to making lists!

SB