2012 is upon us, a new year, a chance to begin again with a clean slate. Somehow when January arrives everyone has the burning urge to make changes, everything from health to finances, and I am part of the everyone. I prefer to look at these changes as goals rather than resolutions. Unfortunately that takes the pressure off. If I am being real about my "goals," it gives me a way out. The time has come, I don't want a way out. Do or die. I have found that if I make a list of things I wish to accomplish I have a much better shot and getting at least some of them done. The commitment on paper, it binds us somehow. However, for the last handful of years I have set out to complete my novel, and before I knew it the year was up and once again "complete novel" arrived on my goal list for the following year. Why does this cycle keep repeating? It isn't because I don't know where to go with the story, or that I'm too busy, or I'm uninspired... it is because I am not showing up. If you don't show up every day and put the time in it isn't going to happen. I refuse to cheat myself or anyone this year. This year's goal list will be honoured like my marriage certificate, both pieces of paper symbolic of commitment. I am putting a little ADDED pressure on myself committing to everyone reading this in cyber-space. I have an Author's page on Amazon.com and on there is reads "novel to be released 2013." Show up. Make it happen. I am a person of my word and I am giving you my word. I encourage all of you to make that list yourself, and if you feel brave enough comment on here with something you want to make part of 2012. Let's show up and make it happen.
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I received my first royalty cheque (that's check for the Americans!) I was met with a mixture of emotion: a) delight and b) disappointment. Initially I thought it was for "my" first quarter (June - August) but in fact because the book was released June 15th it fell into the previous period (April - June), so the cheque was only for 2 weeks. The disappointment turned into relief, but the reality is poetry royalties are pretty small. The great thing about that is, I didn't do it for the money. We all have a destiny. We all hope to leave our mark on the world. Some people do that as volunteers, philanthropists, doctors, researchers, parents - everyone has a calling. I realize mine is writing. It doesn't matter if it is poetry, fiction, non-fiction, I must write. Writing is as essential to me as breathing, I must do it to live. My words are meant to reach inside of you and make a connection. When you "feel" something from my words, I've done what I born to do. When you "feel" it means your heart understands. I have this whole week to "write!" I look forward to making more connections, the only kind that matter - heart to heart!
Another rainy Saturday in JULY... although I long for warm summer nights laughing with friends OUTSIDE, today's conditions were optimal for brainstorming. If the rain won't go away - you may as well work with it! After brunch at my favourite local pub( the Jolly Coachman) and book shopping at Tomes & Tales (favourite book store conveniently located across the street from favourite pub), my life coach settled in with me at Chez Fowler. I read her a few chapters and vented the frustration of feeling so close to a finished project, and yet so far... Did I lose you at life coach? It is an affectionate title for a dear friend who has the ability to light a fire under me when things need to get moving. As per usual, she delivered. I'm officially back to working on my novel. I'm feeling fired up - or maybe that Sue lighting a match on my behind!
I welcome you to Life Lyrics. It is a sampling of the many experiences and people that have touched my life. My father named me Melody likely hoping that I would follow in his footsteps and become a musician. However, fate delivered a different outcome, and alas my pen is my instrument. Enjoy the music.
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