Writer

 So what have I been doing lately?

Writing a novel. 

Back in the spring a friend from high school asked me to join her writer’s group. At the time I was reading a book entitled, What to do With the Rest of Your Life. What were the chances at that exact moment that I would get a text out of the blue from her?  Considering the serendipity of the moment I couldn’t turn her down. 

I had already written a children’s chapter book back in 2019. It had metaphorically sat on the shelf for all these years. I thought the story had promise, but quickly learned how to make it even better. 

I brought a chapter for critique each week. I was amazed at how much I was learning. My usual hesitancy for criticism was no longer standing in the way. I wanted to be a better writer, and the group members guided me along the way. 

I knew after finishing the last chapter of Abby and the Bearded Dragon I needed to consider my next book. I had already accumulated several possibilities over the years. 

I found that I was good at starting a story, but not so much at developing and ending one. After discussing a few options one of my ideas sounded interesting to the group. 

It was then that I began writing an adult novel that was based on a true event in Texas history. I had first considered the possibility almost ten years ago, but I really didn't know how to develop the plot. 

After joining this group I’ve learned so much and am continuing to grow each week. What I especially love about being a part of this writing group is the accountability it brings me. 

I’ve established a weekly writing routine, and am focusing on a chapter a week. I’ve been amazed at how the ideas have just flown one after another.

I keep notes on my phone and any time inspiration hits I jot it down. Since my novel is based on a historical time period I am taking advantage of the wonders of the internet and AI to check my facts. 

I have reflected on the idea that if I had started this story ten years ago I would have spent hours in the library poring over books looking for one thing at a time. Having access to information at my fingertips has allowed me to stay motivated. 

I’ve recently added Grammarly to the mix which is helping me address my grammatical errors, which is my weakness. I minored in history, not English, so I’m pretty clueless about correct comma usage. 

This is an exciting season in my life, and each week I look forward to bringing my writing forward for critique. The group has steered me in the right direction as I work to improve my writing. 

Wish me luck, and hopefully some day my novel will be published and available to those who are interested in reading it.