Where Do I Turn Now?

Have you ever had explicit directions and still managed to get lost. On the seat next to you are printouts from Mapquest, Google Map, and a globe so huge, it's blocking your side-view mirror. And just to be sure, your car comes equipped with the latest navigational system.

I know I have the tools to make it as a successful writer. I've always been an avid reader so I understand the principals of starting a novel... 'read and study the genre you're interested in writing.

When I was in school and was majoring in Screenwriting, I took creative writing classes, worked on outlines and character descriptions. I wrote short stories and poetry; all in preparation for that day when I would actually sit down and type that last sentence... The End.

When my novel was done, I made sure I was prepared before I mailed out any query letters. First I draft and redraft and wrote and rewrote. Next I edited and edited and then re-edited.

I brought the latest Writer's Market Guide then went online and checked out agency's websites on submission guidelines. I visited writer's groups, gave chapters to friends to read. Recently I even spent hundreds of dollars on a writer's conference.

But for the life of me, I feel more stagnant than ever. I feel like those little whined-up dolls that just go around and around in circles or the ones that you push to go straight and when they hit a wall, their little feet just keep on moving while their bodies go nowhere.

I'm at a point where I want to just toss everything and move to Montana. Why Montana? because when my friends and family try to look for me, I know it will be the last place they would think of. They know I hate the cold.

Today I feel like I am at the end of my rope. On Sunday's I'm already hyperventilating just thinking about another week at a job that is beating the life out of me and where the only thing I can do is think about what I want to write or do about writing. I'm zapped by the end of the day.

And by the end of the week, I don't want to look at a computer or think about anything else until the next Monday.

But damn if I'm going to keep complaining and complaining about not having enough time to do what I need to do.

I got to get out. So I'm coming up with a plan. A plan that will get me to writing at least a couple days a week. A plan that will get me blogging at least once every other week. A plan that will get me to send out a query letter or look up some information on an agency or publishing company. And a plan to redraft my book again so I can move it along to an editor who will help me get to the next avenue.

Simply put... the plan is to move my butt into a position where I am doing something every week to reach that goal.

After all, if I can find the energy to complain about my circumstances, I can find the energy to do what needs to be done.

I can keep traveling down the same rocky road and keep triping over those same stupid rocks or I can move them out of my way. The most important thing to remember is that I can't move those rocks all at once but I can sure move them one day at a time.

If you decide to use my method, remember to lift with your legs.