December 4, 2017: What a totally turmoil-filled week I’ve had. I enjoyed a lot of firsts: first time I held my book, my first surprise kick-off party from my co-workers, and my first and second book signings scheduled. As I travel down the writer’s path, I need to remind myself: a writer writes. I need to make sure not to become so consumed in the hoopla that I neglect the reason for the hoopla. I have several manuscripts in various stages, but unless I go back to Writing 101 (BIC-butt in chair), those stories will stagnate. So, with all the prep this weekend that goes along with the remodel of a bathroom, finishing the Christmas decorations, and schedules that demand my attention, I promise myself to squeeze in some quality writing time. Goal for Saturday: finish the revision of BLOOD MOON and begin the rewrite of ON A SCALE OF ONE TO TEN--my next target for publication. Goals are important--without them, I drift along, unfocused and worn out from the many things that cloud my mind. Focus is key to becoming a published author--that and stamina…because we all know, without those two things, writing careers would fall by the wayside. I remarked last night that over the last ten years in which I knuckled down and became serious about writing, along with the time and effort spent proofing and rewriting, sprinkled with the hundreds of rejections…the two contracts I’ve received to date just do not equal the effort. Factor in the sheer joy of becoming a published author and holding your first book in your hands, the reward is ginormous (a word taken directly from my first book).  Advice to struggling writers: plan, perseverance, and patience