Writer’s Cramp

I feel like I have been away from my blog for so long. I have been working on my young adult novel. Trying to find the voice of my main character I am finding myself full of self doubt. I constantly question myself and my abilities as a writer. Sure my family and friends are going to say they like my work, but what about the real world. Reading up on how to be a successful writer and learning from other writers I have learned a few things.

1. 
   
   I am not alone in my struggle. Writers go through the constant battle with wither their inner self telling them they are no good. I have to listen to my positive self and move forward.
   
   
2. 
   
   Life can be lonely as a writer. I have to put myself into seclusion and find quiet. I work alone in my writing nook, instead of going to an office like other grownups. Embrace my solitude, choose when I want to be with other grownups. I have joined Meet-Up so I can network with other writers and I make time once a week to have lunch with an old friend from work.
   
   
3. 
   
   Just write – it doesn't have to be good the first try, just write.
   
   
4. Read – read – read and read.

The picture above is a sunset off of the Northern California coast - a small part of my solitude.

Edit and Re-edit.

The deadline for my first short story submission has passed, and now I am anxiously awaiting the out come of the results. For my writer's ego I hope that I at least score an honorable mention. It's my first attempt, but, I put so much effort and heart into that one short story -- I almost feel as if I sent off one of my children in a manila envelope. I promised myself I would not check my e-mail everyday and hope to see the e-mail address from the contest site. I would just pretend I have not entered a contest and am waiting for a slap on the back - letting me know I have done a good job. This said and done, I am working on my second story!

I have found a new method for editing. I would read my story over and over, make so many corrections to the first few paragraphs, and then maybe by the end of the story not be so focused, that I didn't catch phrases and grammar that I should change. So, I start at the end of my story and work my way back. This method seems to get my creative juices flowing -- I noticed this way I look at each sentence on it's own merit, each thought seems to be separate and complete -- voila -- I have a short story.

Editing my novel seems like such a big project, I am almost putting it off. I have some time coming up free of distraction (no computer games, no books, no family) I plan to work as hard as I can on the novel and complete it.