Writing Again

I'm really going to attempt to keep up with this blogging business. I need to write regularly so that I can hopefully keep this awful writer's block at bay.

Since I resigned from my job in July, we have been surviving on a single income. Hubby makes fairly decent money, and we live comfortably (for the most part), but I still feel odd asking him for money when I need something because I've been supporting myself financially since I was 16.

In January, I was having dinner with my friend Shannon Morton, and she was telling me about this marvelous author she'd been stalking (Shan's words, not mine). That's how I was introduced to Amber Lynn Natusch. Over the past several months, Amber has published a few more books, and Skyped with our book club after each one. Both ladies are fantastic authors, and they have a YA novel coming soon (click on Shannon's name for more details). Amber is also releasing the next novel in her Caged series in the next week or so. Amber and Shannon made me realize that I could write that elusive complete novel, and maybe even make  a little extra income in doing so.

I've been writing various and sundry things since I was very young. In fact, I still have my half of a manuscript that a friend and I wrote when I was 10. The story was about two sisters who get shipped off to a boy's choir/school because of a misunderstanding by a distant relative. My problem is that I have NEVER, not once, finished anything longer than a short story (excepting those long papers I had to write for school). I have written enough poetry to fill a short anthology; I have written and posted a few short pieces of Jane Austen fanfiction. I have not ever completed a novel or long fanfiction story that I've begun.

Theoretically, I now have time. Somewhere between cooking every meal, laundry, cleaning and repairing a 90 year old house, homework, PTA, and keeping my teething 5 month old entertained, I am going to actually finish a novel. I have finally managed to figure out how to nurse BabyA and type at the same time! (Thanks to Jessica over at The Leaky Boob for her inspiring Facebook and Instagram photos).

I was a little hesitant to share my novel aspirations with my husband. He is many things, but sensitive is not one of them, and I am very insecure about sharing my work. Shannon was the first person I told, followed by my younger sister (she is 15 and has the making of a great writer herself). At best, I expected Hubby to be condescending and sarcastic. At worst, I thought he may actually be upset that I was spending time writing when I could be cooking or cleaning. Sometimes, I forget that my husband is not my father. He was (for him) very enthusiastic, and helpful. Unfortunately, his work schedule prevents him from being helpful by way of occupying the children so I can write, but I am glad for his support in whatever form it takes.

Now, I just need to apply myself. I know I can write a novel. I've read enough awful cheap and free Kindle books to know that there are people out there, making money, who wouldn't have passed my freshman English class (I'm talking high school, here, people). I've also learned that the Indie author community is very supportive and helpful. It's all very inspiring and encouraging. I just need to learn to translate that inspiration and encouragement into words on the page.

Wish me luck!