You wouldn’t know it by standing over my shoulder any time but I am trying to write a book. It’s not easy. I already have the general idea for the story, the characters, and even the time to work on it. The problem is converting what made a good short story into a long story. I am a great short story or article writer. I’m not so successful at going the distance though.

I’ve read various good ideas for getting past this. Basically, they suggest making a plan, an outline, storyboard, whatever you choose to call it. Then filling in the spaces between. Someone else who knows me suggested I just think of it as a lot of short stories that fit together. This almost works for me. It would work I’m sure if I just settled down and did it. I wander off or go blank each time I’m here, ready to start.

Kind of sad considering I spent a few years writing a column, website and newsletter as a resource to other writers. Shouldn’t I have all the answers and be a perfect illustration of just what a writer can do when they do it all right? Guess not. I’m going to have to let myself be imperfect and go from there. Kind of nice to admit you’re flawed, much less pressure. Yet I still need to get to work on writing that book. Maybe I will do my own personal NaNoWriMo, or something along those lines.

Tags: writing, book, author, story, writer