To Be a Published Author, You actually Have to Write Something

I have stories in my head.  Some are mysteries with mayhem and murder, and secrets and lies behind every corner. A few have drama and emotional suspense. Some are silly and funny, at least in my head, and if any of them just get down on paper, I know others would like to read them.  My recent, though it is past two months now, job change has given me back hours of time for family, friends, and the opportunity for personal pursuits. A long held dream, as probably shared by many others, is to write a book and actually have it published and available for readership. In my head I have entire plots and sub plots swirling, a couple from beginning to end.  Not a single word is down on paper. I'm not pretending I have mad writing skills, but who has read the mildly entertaining book, or a series of books, and then thought, "hm, I could tell my story just as well."

Maybe I could, or maybe I couldn't but unless I actually try, I'll never know. So today, May 3, 2015, I am putting a personal challenge down here in this blog. I am committing to getting at least one complete story, never mind if it is long enough for a complete book, out of my head and onto a screen by September 3 of this same year.  At that time, DD#1 has offered to give it a good first edit and review, but only if I am then willing to go the next step and extend, rewrite, and polish, and then submit for publication. That timeline is December 1.  I will keep you all posted on my efforts, in my attempt to keep myself honest. Who else out there has put their long held dream into action, after stalling for so long?  What words of advise do you give me?

In that vein of wanting to encourage others in their creative pursuits, I'm highlighting a couple blogs to wrap up the weekend.  First, keeping us all inspired by giving us an update to her retirement and savings goals, Slugmama has shared her net worth as of May. Scroll around some back posts and see how she does the savings magic. Jane has posted some cute photo's of her kitten at Crab apple Landing.  Horrible cat allergies keeps this feline lover from being able to share my home with one, so her pictures were a welcome treat. To round out my links, Lorraine at  CLAMCO knows a thing or ten about maximizing yard saling.  I hope your week gets off to a great start.