Tuesday, February 17, 2009

My two main goals

My major goal in life is to raise great kids and make my husband’s life a happy one. So far, so good on those two, I think. Just staying at home and homeschooling the kids fulfils most of these goals. Our kids are allowed to grow and learn in the ways that best suit them, good homemade food is always available and as a group of people we have strong bonds to each other because we are so physically close day in and day out. My husband has no worries about the kids or the house while he is away, because he knows I’m on top of everything here. Now if only I could get the house to clean itself…

My next goal in life is to write and publish science fiction novels. This one is much harder for me. I spent my college years studying science and even though I wanted to be a writer since 10th grade I always “knew” I couldn’t be one. I’ve spent decades living into that reality.

It’s been 5 years since I said “ENOUGH!” to that thought and I’m on my third novel. The first two are bad. Very bad. So bad they’d make your eyes bleed if you read them. This third one has some serious promise and I’m about 70 percent done with it. I’m stuck on the ending though. The motivations I gave my two bad guys seem rather flimsy right now and I’m trying to come up with something better. I hate it when a writer changes the motivations of a character to suit the story (I’m looking at YOU, Phillip Pullman) because suddenly things aren’t working out in the story. I won’t have that in my novel. So I’m stuck, but thinking.

I’ve got about a month of writing left to finish my first draft. After that I’ll let it sit for a couple of months while I work on writing short stories. You would think a person who has written 2 ½ novels could manage a short story with her eyes blindfolded, but not me. I tend to read and write in long, sweeping arcs of time – give me a 5 book series and I’m in Heaven. 10 pages seems way too small to write a complete story. I’m working on it though.

29 comments:

isolada. by design said...

Thank you SO much for sharing your writing story. It's important for those of us looking to live our dreams rather then continue to believe what we can and can't realistically do for social opinion.

I totally hear you about a short story being harder to write then a novel! But, a little devoted time & practice, you'll do it, for sure!

Sarah said...

I think you've got a good strategy going. Sometimes you just need to let things percolate. When you aren't consciously trying to "solve" the character, your subconscious will still be working on the problem -- and I'm sure one day soon the answer will just pop into your head.

Anonymous said...

I truly envy you for being able to do this. I think being able to write really well is a pretty rare talent.

Cinnamonamon said...

Love to hear about you writing. It was a dream of mine in school, as well. Perhaps I'll get back to it someday, as well!

JacqRedwine said...

You are an amazing woman! I have 2 kids and had every intention of homeschooling them, until my oldest turned 4 and decided that she didn't want me teaching her anything. So she goes to public school and I do my best to supplement her education... as much as she will tolerate.

Good luck on your writing. I've always wanted to write but have a difficult time working through the block in my brain. I am awed by your spirit!

Jacqredwine
swap-bot

Anonymous said...

Thank you for posting on my matchbox. And for reminding me about something that has become a rather common thing for me these days.
You reminded me that it's just time to DO and to stop worrying.
This is for you:
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Anonymous said...

Alrighty...I'm a little slow on the uptake. I just realized you're one of my blogs on the "Gain More Exposure to your Blog Swap" too!
Well, I still think it's awesome how you've are tackling your dreams of becoming a writer. It's given me a kick in the complacency to get my stories underway.
I've blogrolled you on my Pursehappygal blog, and linked your writing post to an entry (that was me under Patricia,the previous comment,sorry).
I love this!
Patricia :aka pursehappygal

Le Butterfly said...

Wish you the best on achieving your goals.
Visiting from Swap-bot.

Anonymous said...

Hello! I am visiting from Swap Bot! I love your blog...how grateful you must be to be able to stay home with your children!

Best of luck on your novel and short story endeavors! I have the same goal - to write a historical fiction novel. :)

Jackie said...

It is not easy being a homeschool mum, don't fret! you did a good job, may your goal comes true.

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