Author's Note: This first essay part was first published on my blog as a reflective look back at the year 2013. The sense of keep trying no matter what prevails through it. It still helps me keep going. I hope you enjoy it. 

December 2013

This has not been the year to hold back. “Why not” has been my favorite catch phrase as it propels me into the realms of Romance writing. Really. The sound of Romance novelist rings within me. I stopped thinking about it, and did something. Now, I’ve got the first novelette published, second in process and scheduled with my editor. Nothing like a deadline to motivate. Plus, my Time Travel romance is half done. It’s been a good year to live the dream.

But has it been a success? It depends on how you measure success. I’ve sold copies enough to buy a couple nice dinners. I’ve got my novelette listed on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, andKobo.  I’ve got a blog/website started, and I’m building an email list and fan base. I’ve found some great writing advice on Kboards.com. I took the step off the cliff. That is something. It could be everything. You have to try.

I still have my day job. I promise you. I’ve almost quit twice in the last four months. But writing has kept me going. It doesn’t pay for the mortgage, yet. But I keep hearing the phrase, backlist, write more. Really, no product, no sales. So, that’s my plan for 2014. Write more. I’ve got two more planned novelettes in the series, and then I’ll bundle them all together. It’s all about bundles. But I have to write them first. Plus, the Time Travel novel might take another year, just with finishing and editing.

Sometimes I wish I wrote faster. But, at least I write. I try. I keep writing, and look forward to next year, full of fans, sales, and more books. Nothing is stopping me but myself. It started with the jump off the cliff. I’m feel like I’ve hit the ground, running.

February 2015

Reflection: Most authors don't feel their succeeding. I've hear it at writing conferences. Once you get published, you push to get a writing award. You push to get a top seller. You push to get onto the Best Selling List. The failure bar keeps rising. I say, free yourself of that bar. Don't worry about if you are successful. The fact that you are writing already means you've won. Many people start stories, but will they finish them? Tell yourself, I will finish. Don't just say it, imagine it to be true. It will materialize. 

I have since finished the second novelette, and I'm revising the third. Soon, there will be a box set in the summer. I wouldn't have all of this if I hadn't tried in the first place.

So go now. Find a quiet spot and write something. Wattpad is amazing for this. I've been writing a new adult romance practicing using point of view narration. It's been amazing. I'm writing a story I didn't know was in me. Plus, I have all my other projects. Even more amazing, I wrote a fanfiction story. I wouldn't have tried it had I not seen the Wattpad contest for Valentine's Day.  

So, go out and find that success. It will come, but you have to write first.