Determined to Write

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About seven years ago a good friend invited me to attend the California Writers’ Club, Tri-valley branch. I attended the meetings once a month and heard published authors speak about how to build a story. Sometimes the enormity of what I wanted to do overwhelmed me. However, I joined a short story critique group and to my dismay realized I had much to learn. Determined, I continued.

Approximately six years ago, I learned about NaNoWriMo  – National Novel Writers’ Month, held in November every year. Suddenly, I felt inspired to write the challenge of a 50,000 word novel in one month. If you’re a writer, you know that’s a daunting task. I thought of a vague storyline, but something was missing.

In a dream my mother said, “You need a plot.” My mother had died in mid-October and this message seemed surreal. She didn’t know I wanted to write a novel. I traveled to our vacation home on the coast and started the journey on November 1st.  With my hands poised on the keys of my laptop I was ready to start. What to say? A few words came, and then more. As I wrote, inspiration struck me and the plot came to mind.

About mid-way through the writing of the novel, my laptop died. Frantic, I called my husband. I thought he might know how to revive my computer or at least advise me to get a new one. I couldn’t reach him. I left a voicemail message and waited a while. Time passed and I decided to take the plunge.  I drove to the nearest COSTCO about eighty miles away and purchased another laptop.

After I returned, I realized I didn’t have a copy of what I wrote previously. However, I had emailed one copy to my husband, and he sent that back to me. I also learned a lesson – have a back-up plan.

When I didn’t know what to write next, I paced the floor or looked out the window at the ocean or took a walk. I’d return to my computer and continue. Even though we observed the Thanksgiving holiday, I finished the first draft of my novel. I uploaded it to the NaNoWriMo site two days ahead of time and received my certificate. Excitement filled me. I decided to call myself a writer.

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6 thoughts on “Determined to Write

  1. Deanna Fields

    I love reading your blogs. Ive been trying to find myself again here lately and feel inspired by your blog. I used to always write, for school. Church. Or just in my journals.. I know I need to get back to it. I have so many jumbled thoughts going through my confused mind. I know that writing those things out will help me give everything new meaning. Thank you for your inspiration. 🙂

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  2. Elaine Schmitz

    Bravo neva! Great first post. I never heard this version of your story. It is inspiring. Can’t wait to read more of your words.

    Reply
  3. Lani Longshore

    Listening to the voice that propels you into the future you want is the bravest thing anyone can do – mazel tov!

    Reply

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