I think I figured out my problem. I’ve been trying way too hard to force words to come. So, I hereby give myself permission to write crap. Even though the saying goes, “You can’t polish a turd.” I think in this business you can. Nice analogy, I know.

In other news, taking GMa to her hair appointment today. She lost her taxi card or so she says. Today is also the anniversary of my Pap’s death. I don’t want to dwell on that and I know that’s all she’s going to talk about today. So, the sooner I get this over with, the better. I can’t believe he’s been gone for two years. Wow.

Anyhow…I’m off to write. 200 words is again the goal. I’m hoping to surpass that.

I’m going to admit something today, because admitting it is half the battle, right?

I haven’t written in so long. It’s embarrassing. I mean, this is what I want to do, right? I can’t make money or sell more books if I’m not writing.

No more excuses. I used to write into the wee hours of the night when the kids were little. I’d write to the blaring sound of the television, to the kids playing video games. I’d even write and chat with a small group of friends on a good day. I could multi-task. What happened?

Fear? Probably. I’m still waiting for someone to tell me that I suck. Stupid, I know. No one ever said that writer’s weren’t neurotic on some level.

Perfection? Okay, so I’ll never be perfect. Ever. It’s just not in my make-up. But I think I’m trying too hard to make the rough draft into the final draft. Ain’t happening.

I forgot how to escape real life. I had three people that I loved and adored die in three years. I’d get over one and lose another one and then I had to take care of my Grandma because I felt it was the right thing to do. I’m reclaiming my life. One day at a time. So why not reclaim my writing one word at a time?

I’m going to give it an honest effort today, no matter how intimidating the blinking cursor is. My motto for this week is one word at a time on the page. As long as I write 100 words each day, I’ll be happy. It’s time. Hopefully in a couple of months I can join the rest of my nail-chewing friends who are waiting to hear on submissions.

What about you? How do you get out of your slump? Any slump. You don’t have to be a writer.

My house is naked. Okay, so it feels naked without the Christmas decorations. Am I the only one who hates that? I miss the twinkling lights.

It’s been crappy for a couple of days now. Rain-sleet-rain and now snow. The snow I don’t mind as much, but it was still a stay in your bed kind of day. Plus, I think I screwed up this morning. I let Odee out the front door this morning instead of his usual out the back. I started the car, so he knew I was leaving to take Jaden to the bus stop. Usually he’ll go back into his bed in our room. This morning, he hid under the table between our couch and chair. When I went to get him out to put him in the kennel he growled at me and tried to nip. He went behind the couch, I went back there and the same thing. Usually, he lets me pick him up no problem. The more he did this, the angrier I got. I finally got him out by showing him his leash. I can’t leave him roam the house for the fifteen minutes max I’m gone because he chews on the trim. I’ve left him leashed in his bed, but he’s torn the covers, comforter off the bed and one day even deficated in our room. He got his nose smacked this morning, better than me getting bit. He’s snarled and growled at the boys when they’ve tried to pick him up. I love him, but not going to put up with that. I don’t want the kids getting bit.

So, yeah, not a good start to my day. How about yours?