posted December 30, 2003 01:03 PM         

All my paper writings and journals in a suitcase by the front door, with a long sharp knife, my back-up cd's of the writing already on my computer, my wallet, my cell phone, water, and my dog's leash in case we need to leave dodge.

(post traumatic syndrome seriously activated in code orange - no joke)...

posted December 30, 2003 02:23 PM         

I'm writing my first real book too. Mine is fiction to protect the innocent. What's your's if you care to share?

.gloria

posted December 30, 2003 05:47 PM         

Heres hoping you all have a wonder new years, and a great new year.

posted December 30, 2003 06:20 PM         

If they`ve been indulging in too many spirits, they`re already in p.j.`s and they just stay here for the night. Usually we have a crowd at bedtime

Happy 2004 May all our dreams be realized

juniperb

posted December 30, 2003 07:49 PM         

.gloria..."fiction to protect the innocent?" Intriguing, care to explain that a little bit? My novel is nothing so noble It's "chick lit," sexy sassy, stuff like that.

posted December 31, 2003 12:23 AM         

I say fiction to protect the innocent because I don't believe in experiencing things just for the sake of gaining new material to write about.

So this makes for a great deal of depth and passion in my life, but no one will get ratted out, so to speak.

Do you belong to a good writers' forum? I'm in need of a little more support. My yuppy family is all corporate and I don't get iota of encouragement. And I'm so particular about who reads my stuff. I think I just have a few objective analysis type topics I want to pull out.

Thanks for sharing,

.gloria

posted December 31, 2003 07:35 PM         

And nah, I don't belong to any writer's groups. I guess I'm just too independent for that. Which isn't to say I won't accept help! I met not long ago with a local author who has written 25 books and been a best-seller within her genre, and she gave me some great suggestions on improving my first draft.

But the 4 a.m. mornings are a little rough...

posted December 31, 2003 07:55 PM         

But DO TELL... what is your novel about more or less? Is this your first serious novel?

The best book I've read, (twice and going on three) is Bird By Bird, by Anne Lamott. I've known about it for a while now.

I'm VERY independant too. Getting my first book published is my whole life's dream since I was 7 years old. Every time I walk into a book store or library, I SEE MY BOOK there, like a very strong vision. I just see it there.

I have some journalism experience, and do quite well with the writing. Have read a lot on getting published, etc. The good old Writers' Market books... and Strunk and White...

But I'm going to look for a forum or someone to just exchange a few brief ideas with. I'm really and truly very much alone, writing is my only true connection to the world, and I'm the type who needs a little nudge, but it ain't in the pudding.

Would you like to buddy up with me?

My ideas are flying through me 24/7. I was born to do this. I write everything down immediately. Have a notebook and pen in the truck, by my computer, by my bed, in the kitchen, in my school bag... it's my life.

The part I'm getting stuck on is two-fold right now:

1. I don't want to be famous AT ALL. But I'm getting stage fright.

2. For a few months now, the compulsion is to come up with starting sentences or scenes. When I try to go with it, I can't make it continue. I've got lot's of fragments, albeit FANTASTIC in their own right.

Anyways, I'm babbling.

Thanks again for sharing.

.gloria