Starting over - changing course

A writer friend of mine said something to me yesterday that was very helpful - until you submit your work, everything is a draft and therefore changeable.

I am working on a new story while waiting to hear back on another that I submitted a few weeks ago to my edotir. . Two scary places for a writer, and I am doing them simultaneously. I am not good at waiting. And being at the beginning of a project can be a challenge.

I didnt have the right opening line, wasnt sure where I was going. Each day I stared at the screen making changes that weren't helping. As of last night I was ready to junk the whole think. Bye-bye retelling of the Cinderella story. It was getting too hard.

And then my friend made that comment and reminded me that I could, if I stil liked my idea, just start over. It was a daunting thought, but I was going to get rid of what I had anyway, so truly, I had nothing to loose. I made a commitment that I would be online at the same time he was (6:30 am this morning! goodness!) and I would start from the top with a goal of writing 2,000 words.

So I was.

And I did.

And now, instead of having over 3,500 words I hated... I have about 2,000 that I like and a place to go next with my hero and heroine.

I realized, the truth is, with a lot of what we do, we can change course and correct if we have the courage to do it. I read once that an airplane is off course more than 50% of the time it is flying, but as long as it lands where it is supposed to, who cares. As long as the story is good when it's finally submitted, it doesnt matter how many times I've had to write and/or change it. I just need to courage to keep going forward and trust my idea, my goal.

I hope that this week you will trust in your goals and find the people you need to support you if you need to make a course correction. It's worth it.

Warmly,
Rowan

The lusty month of May

That lovely month when everyone throws self control away.

The kids are blowing dandelion seeds. The snowblower has been exchanged for the lawnmower. And the last opened ski slope closed last week in Maine. Spring has come to New England. The boys come home from school and rush back outside. Dinner is lighter fare. Heck, everything is lighter and I am feeling more productive as I come out of that end of winter hibernation feeling.

I'm not a hot weather person (I can always put *on* more clothes - can't always take enough off), but there's something about the rejeneration of spring that I can't help but enjoy. I can walk by the river at night. Play baseball in the back with my sons. Get rid of the bulky coats. Buy more varieties of fruit. Soon it will be time for the first barbeque.

And there is something about feeling the sun on my skin that always does give me that lusty feeling. I've had two new big ideas for stories this past week, which is making it hard to keep my head focused on my current work in progress - a sexy Cinderella retelling. Aah... those sexy thoughts. For a writer, it's like chocolate - oh so so sweet.

I hope you're enjoying spring whereever you are. And were you humming along at the beginning of the blog? Do you know where those words/lyrics come from? Post your answer and the first one to get it right wins a deck of Ellora's Cave silver series playing cards where ROLL PLAY is the Queen of Hearts.

Happy May,
Rowan

Where have all the Muses gone?

Have you been checking up on us? Looking for a post my your favorite muse each day? Well, we took a little break from our topics to... write! Yes, good reader, the Muses have been working on creating some wonderful new stories for you.

Dawn is cooking up a new historical romance that is sure to please.

Steph is playing in her incredible fairie realm and expanding that world.

Cathy is romping in the the world fairy tales and updating one for you.

Rowan is traveling off world with the heroine of her newest fantasy.

And Mari and AnneMarie... well, you will just have to wait and see what these talented ladies are inspired to create for you.

So we'll be back soon. The good news?
Now you have time to catch up on reading some of our books!

May you find inspiration for all you love today,
Rowan