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Important number for me.  I have 11k words done on the novel (OK to be fair - it's probably approaching somewhere near twice that if you count the fragmented chapter pieces - and then there are all the research notes...) and I have about the same on the short story that has morphed into a novelette.  Magic number...

Anyway, I spend most my free times these days working on my writing in some form or another.  I have two amazing writing groups I am a member of, one which I have been a part of for over a year now and the other that I actually lead (I know scary huh?) that came my way via the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (which BTW if you write or illustrate for kids - the use of "kids" encompassing Picture Book all the way up to Young Adult - is a fantastic group to join).  Three times a month I am in critique groups pouring over the words I have vomited forth to agonize over each and every one of them.  I love these groups because they are brutally honest while still being nurturing and keep me on the track of "Getting It Done".  If all goes well, I hope to start looking for representation this summer.

Exciting stuff eh?

I'm in a pretty good place these days.  I've learned a lot - maybe it was the whole turning 40's thing (OK now on the brink of 50) - but I've decided it's OK to fail at things as long as you don't give up.  Matter of fact I highly recommend failing at things because it is the only way you ever learn.  I used to avoid things I might fail at because I am - or rather was - a terrible loser.  Failing/losing is tough and scary and makes you doubt yourself as a creative person, but it makes us stronger and better in the long run.  Give yourself permission to fail and you will be surprised at how mush you actually succeed - I promise.

I wanted to write a novel and I'm doing it.  It may not be as fast as I wanted, It may not live up to all my hopes and dreams for it, but it will be done.  I will always to be able to say I succeeded at writing a novel - despite of and assisted by the failures along the way.

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