What the move means for the writer in me

Picture provided by Geoffap @ Mourge File

So by now you all know we are free of the military, and Hubz has an amazing dream job he never thought he would ever get to have in the Dallas/ Fort Worth area (only 3 hours from home from family!), but what does this mean for me and my writing?

Well, first let's take a moment to see where I am in my writing adventure.

When I first started writing, I had no clue what I was doing. I was a bookworm with a story, and though I churned that story out, I had a long way to go on the road to becoming a writer. I devoured writing books, suggested blog posts, and latched on to other writer all in hopes of learning. My book has been shredded by my loving but brutally honest Critique Group. These ladies have become some of my closest friends because not only have they seen into me, but they were willing to nurture me. For that, I could never repay them.

Then a few months ago I won a free edit of my manuscript by K.M. Weiland. I'm still in shock! Another chance to learn from one of the Internets greats!

But then life took a huge dooky in my lap, and with the stress and worry, writing slipped from my daily routine.

Life is getting better though. I'm not stressing on making that meager paycheck stretch, not worrying over what bills can get paid and which will just have to wait. I'm slowly pulling back into writing. Getting blog posts up, studying, reading, and when I can, I write.

I know I'm a long way from being where I planned to be, getting back up to where I was before the crap hit the fan, but with our new future, I'm seeing all the possibilities opening up to me. I'm making new plans, that can be started as soon as we settle.

I'm close to being done with my Final Edits, and am nearly halfway done with the first draft of another book. Publishing is on the horizon! I have been working a few years towards that goal, and not just by writing. I am getting out there, getting known, building a readership, building a platform, and learning the ways of self-publishing. I'm working towards a career! Something I can be proud of!

Can you think of a better area to start this adventure than the Dallas/ Fort worth area? Such a vast area with so much potential. Even Kim Harrison toured there! All I can think is somehow, we managed to get on the road we were always meant to travel!

I am free to create, to take on this mission with no guilt. I have always had the support of my hubz, but I couldn't help but worry over how we would budget. That worry is gone!

I want to thank the man who thought to bring us down, because without him, my husband wouldn't have his dream job, and I wouldn't be this much closer to my dream. Karma dude... It doesn't lie.

I have been blessed over and over again on this writing adventure, from good friends and critique partners, to a position as a writing mentor, to having an edit I wasn't able to afford being given to me, to the support of my family, and I want thank you all. You are the reason I keep going, keep dreaming, and keep writing.

Happy thoughts people!

Don't forget to sign up for my mailing list in the side bar. Once I get 50 addresses on my list, I will do an amazon gift card giveaway!

On My Own

Whoa! Where have the past two months gone?!?

Time is flying by now, and I'm sure you can all guess why. I'm on a *dun dun dunnnnn* deadline.

I have about two months to get this house ready to sell/rent (paint, new floors, ect.), find a new home in the Dallas area (preferably outside city limits), and pack all our stuff, all while taking on all the family duties all by my lonesome. 

Hubz is off making money to support the family at his fancy, wonderful, big paying, new job and wont get to come home for a visit for a few weeks. No big for us since we have already tackled deployments and all, but still... I miss big people talk.

On the writing side of things, I'm currently reading a book by John Truby called The Anatomy of Story. I was told by my best bud and crit partner extraordinar, Marisa Hopkins, that the homework sections will help outline a novel in a whole new way that you hear angels sing when your done! So of course, I have to study it. It's pretty intense!

I also started an art journal where I plan to add something new at least once a week. It gives me a chance to unwind and express myself, and my feelings. So far it has turned out to be quite therapeutic, and even the kids enjoy art time. We pull out the water colors and pencils, and just spend an hour a day playing.

My reading list is getting rather crowded as I try to finish book three of the Game of thrones, and the newly released Kim Harrison book Undead Pool, with Patricia Briggs and her newest Mercy Thompson book following close on their heals. All great authors, and great (often huge) books. If only I didn't have all these real life things going on!

 
With all that's going on I've had to drop a massive amount of TV time (not sorry I did), and cancel my FFXI account until I have time to play. I'm already going through withdraws, but it's amazing how much more you get done when the TV isn't on. I'm filling that time with art, studying, singing with the kids, playing outside with the kids, and getting stuff done! My new motto lately is "Quit slackin and make it happen."

And that is just what I'm gonna do!

Oh! And one more thing, I'm trying to build an email list for future news updates, giveaways, and leading up to when I finally get my book edited and published. If you would, please check the side bar -> 

and sign up. Once I reach 50 addresses on my list I will do a giveaway!