I know I have been vocal in my confusion and wishy-washy writing plans. Well, I’m going to continue to share my struggles. Many of you may have read Jody Hedlund’s post Friday, and I do believe I was the inspiration for the post. I could be wrong about that, but if it wasn’t me, then it might as well have been. I’ve jumped in too soon. I’ve let the internet and writer’s networking take over my time and energy. I’ve given in to the race for publication before I am ready, not being able to let go of my first manuscript, and not developing the skills needed to be successful.

You see, I am a young writer. I have completed one manuscript, and have written half of another. I never finished editing the first, because it was beyond my capabilities at the time. I have carried shame about that, especially since won first place in the TBL contest last year. I mean, what writer doesn’t edit? If I cannot make myself edit, how can I call myself a writer?

I started a new story and got half-way through it, but wasn’t loving the genre as much. Contemporary is easier  in some ways, but was harder for me to keep the tension up. So I decided to go back to historical and try that, all the while trying to keep up a blog, visit other people’s blogs, and read books. I remember how I could devour books in one sitting…for pleasure! I miss that.

I work a full time job and am a pastor’s wife, so my time is limited. I have spent so much time on blogs that it has sucked me dry writing-wise. I am struggling to do it all, and I am failing. I’ve been so bummed about all of it, that writing hasn’t even been fun! Imagine!

So, I am taking the pressure off. I am scaling way back. I will post on Mondays and I will post at The Writer’s Alley on every other Tuesday. I will also be pulling back on my blog reading. I am so sorry to everyone who I can’t get to, but at this time in my life, I need to feed my inner writer.

I need time. Time to be creative. Time to let the words flow. Time to learn to edit without pressure to be perfect. Time to become a real writer.

* Tomorrow at The Writer’s Alley, I am talking about the First Glance of Love. You know, the moment that a person sets eyes on their destined love. The heart pounding, breath-stealing glance. Stop by tomorrow for a look at two of my favorite First Glance scenes from Lynn Kurland and Jenny B Jones.