Work in Progress

I don't speak much of my WIP, because there's really nothing to say.  The truth is it's taken me a few years to write it.  I started my novel three times now, without finishing the previous one.  I dare say, I am a little embarrassed to confess this to you pros.  It's okay, though.  I rather be embarrassed and get help than not get it at all.

I always thought it was crazy to even think I could actually write a book, let alone get published.  But whenever I've performed spoken word, many tend to ask if I'm a published author.  Which got me thinking that I really must have what it takes, or else they wouldn't be asking.  Then again, it is poetry and not a novel.

Regardless, I decided to give the novel a shot, because I couldn't stop thinking about it.  The second time around I felt I was actually getting somewhere, until my laptop was stolen and I hadn't backed up most of my work.  That's the day I cried for an hour, got angry at myself and the thief, tried to remember what I had written, but nothing... I couldn't get it back.  So I stopped working on the scraps of a book I thought was lost forever.  A year later, I met all of you.

God has a funny way of sending you little messages ... and you, my dear friends, are one of them.  I don't feel alone anymore. I've been writing the third version of the same book I started years ago.  This time I'll make sure to finish it, I promise.  NaNo was tempting, but my pace as you can see is much slower.  I didn't dare join this year like many of you dare-devils did.  I couldn't handle the pressure.  I'll still run the race just a different one.

With that said, I wanted to thank you all for being my informants, my teachers, my mentors, my motivational coaches, but most of all for being my inspiration.  I've taken your advice, rearranged priorities, and have diligently dived into this book.  I've even added a WIP meter to help me stay focused. 

Now that I put it all out there, I'm seeking help.  I'd appreciate any tips that are useful.  Keep in mind, I know nothing, except for the helpful things I've learned through your posts.
Thanks in advance.



*photo by flickr