THE PROCESS - PUSHING FORWARD

         I have learned that writing takes a great deal of patience. Not only am I creating a story, but also more importantly I am working at refining the craft of storytelling. Some writers say they have been working on a single novel for several years and I wonder to myself why it might take that long to write one book. I reduced it down to simple math. The average page, with line spacing of 1.5 holds approximately 300-350 words, with a font size of 12.

          If I write one page a day, for 365 days, I will have written 109,500-127,750 words. The first novel I wrote, totaled 74,000 words, and was 200 pages. The next 76,000 words, and was 207 pages, and the third, in the first draft, is 84,700 words and 241 pages.

          I know that quantity does not make a writer, but with practice, comes quality. All writers have a story about their first book. The important element for me is to keep going forward. It is important every day that I write. If I stop writing, then that would be giving up on me, and too many times in my life, that choice has been far too easy.

          I have also found when writing, background music helps to create a mood. Writing is an art, one that only improves with practice. The final draft on the first novel is almost complete. However, as my partner has explained, this is only one part of a long voyage.

          Recently, I read: Trust the timing of your life. Stay patient, stay calm, stay determined, stay focused, and most of all trust your journey.