Almost Spring

It is supposed to be in the 60s this weekend and I intend to soak up a little sunshine in hopes that my soul will be refreshed. This has been the longest winter I can remember - not just the weather but the cloud of darkness hovering over me.

But it's almost over and I'm writing again. The new book is coming along nicely, with the help of my Writer's Group buddy, Sandy Ardoin (www.sandraardoin.com). She is such a talented writer!

I've made improvements on the ROV website that I hope you will check out. My goal is to keep it fresh and updated regularly. It's no fun to visit a site and find it exactly as you left it (months ago)!

Take care and look for more posts soon!
Phyllis

Back in Business

I am happy to say I'm writing again. It feels wonderful to be back in my book and I've even made updates to my website (yay!). Check out the New Book tab on www.realmofvail.com and let me know what you think.

My writer's group buddy, Sandy www.sandraardoin.com and I have been meeting regularly. That helped me want to write again.

Her website is beautiful and since she put my link up I've gotten several hits from that. I hope she is getting as many from her link on my site.

Dad

Well, two days after I wrote the last post my Dad's cancer took a serious turn for the worse. His doctor said it was time to call in Hospice. I don't think I've written a lick since then. Not only have I not had more than a spare minute here or there, which is fine, but when I have had an opportunity to write, I felt too guilty.

I just can't indulge in something I find so pleasant as writing when my Dad is dying, you know? The funny thing is that he wouldn't grudge me that joy. It's just me an my conscience.

Soon, yes, soon I will be writing again. Either this will all be over or I'll work it out before then. In the meantime, I'm praying that my Dad will be comfortable, happy and know that he is loved.

To say that it's difficult to find time to write is a gross understatement. Usually, I write for 20 minutes or so at lunch about once a week. I get more accomplished in that 20 minutes than you might think and have fun reading it over when I get home. But it's not getting this new book finished anytime soon.

Years ago I got up early to write but now I have an hour commute to work and really don't care much for the thought of getting up at 4:00 AM.Lately I'm longing for a simpler life of retirement. Ah, I can idealize anything! Long, peaceful days of writing, taking care of a small garden, spending time with my family, my sweet dog and the horse I promise myself to have before I am older than dirt. Then I could have all the time in the world to write. Sure...

The reality is that I am pretty tired when I get home and I'm not making the time to write that I should. My family and faith are my priorities and I truly love that part of my life so I don't want to infringe upon that.

What's the answer? I'm promising myself to do something about it. I'm putting this in writing, out there in the land of Internet so that I'll have to do it - I will allocate 3 days a week to write any amount, either at lunch or in the evening. There!So, how about you? What are your strategies on being a disciplined writer? It helps me to know there are others like me out there!

ROV Writer's Blog

Coming soon. Brand new blog from the www.realmofvail.com Viking romance book site.

Check in to see what's new beginning Oct. 1, 2009.