Changes? Shocking.

Another new year, another new project started? Nope, not this time! I can officially state to the delight of my awaiting fans, I've been sticking with the project I started a few months ago and am now about a quarter finished, despite taking a three week break from writing over the holidays. This is pretty unprecedented for me considering that on all other novel projects I have started I've sabotaged myself and subjected the material to rewrites that killed it before it even really began.

I have a whole different feeling about this one though and that's entirely a good thing. I can see the plot through to the end and feel good about it without trying to force new ideas in there.

Breath held, I'll get this finished before the world goes up in December. Cause even if it never sees the light of day beyond my own computer, it'll still be something I finished.

Also: registered for Book Country... let's see how that does for me, shall we?

For now, I am concentrating on getting this story out of my head so these characters can flourish.

Daily writing goal: 1000 words minimum
Current project: Young Adult Fantasy
Current total: 10,682

Is it a chapter or a prologue?

Well, I've been writing more recently. In truth, there's not really much to show, considering that I've now got an entire six or so pages complete of the rough draft but for me that's an accomplishment and I'm rather proud of it. Actually putting the beginning of the story on paper rather in real story form rather than a mesh of notes & thoughts I gather and connect in my head.

My next move will be to continue writing. I've been doubting myself and my ability to tell this story for a while now and while I'm not completely over my hesitations and fears, I have to at least attempt this project. I've been working on this one story for nearly six years now. Sure, the plotlines have changed over the years and it now only vaugely resembles what it started out to be but I think it's better now, which is the key point in my opinion.

I need to concentrate on what I know and not what I imagine.

I know that when I did a writing workshop at Norwescon a few years ago and submitted my ideas and the first chapter of my book, they loved it. There were, of course, some changes that needed to be made but nothing massive. Which by massive I mean 'this story has already been told' or 'you have the writing ability of a mongoose'. I highly doubt that a group of four published authors and agents would read my work, one out of fifty or more that they dealt with that weekend, and all collectively decided to blow smoke up my arse. Which is what I had convinced myself of.

I know that when I share my stories, they are generally accepted and the people who read them always want to hear more.

I know that my writing ability does not suck completely, I am apparently reknowned in the world of online RPGs (the writing sites, not FPS sites) and have been accepted before for writing projects I've done.

I know that I can accomplish my goal of completing my book. After that it's kind of out of my hands but all I can do is try. The worst that can happen is I can be rejected over and over again and since it's not public recorrd, if I really wanted to I could pretend it never happened.

I know that I can do my research and be educated on the world of publishing, agents and whatnot but that does not make me a pro.

I know I still have a lot to learn and a long way to go.

I know that if I make it, it will a lifelong dream coming true. And if I don't at least try, I will be hurting no one but myself. And I know I deserve it.

So now, I'll imagine myself as a published author. And do my damnedest to help that come try.