How do you know it's time to stop?

I've been struggling this year to come up with something...anything. Each time I think I might be able to sit down and write, I can't seem to keep my own attention long enough to get anything done. I have no idea what's wrong with me, but is this a sign that I just need to stop writing?

Of course my heart screams at the thought, but what else am I to do? I know I'm not a great writer. Good writer, maybe. Perhaps I am just at a turning point with this whole endeavor. Maybe the spark has left me for the time being. Whatever it is, I just want it to go away and let me dive back into my fantasies and whimsical worlds that exist inside my head. 

I don't think this is writer's block. If it were truly writer's block, I wouldn't have any ideas swirling inside my mind; waiting to be released. No, this is something else. The last book I wrote was good. I don't mean good by only my own thoughts, I mean good from those who've read it and flooded my inbox with "OMG" emails and "I want more!!" comments. I have inevitably set myself up for failure!

How can I make the next book better than the last? How can I keep the story going for two more novels, knowing exactly how I want it to end, and not have the books drag on forever and hold absolutely zero interest from my readers? How?!

I am stuck...plain and simple. I have no good answers for these questions. Instead, I've been staring at the same boring words I've written for a story that is supposed to be exciting and suspenseful. Love, war, betrayal, redemption and duty molded together and topped with a pretty little bow. How the hell am I supposed to make it all happen and not feel like every word is complete and utter crap-ola?

Any suggestions?


xoxoxo
Lisa

Questions they always ask...

So I've been thinking a lot lately about how fans approach authors (something of which I am guilty) and how it sometimes seems cliche. I don't mean that they aren't truly fans or don't appreciate the work of said author, but I always see the same questions:

How can I get started writing? 
How do I get published?
What do you recommend for someone starting out writing?

These are all very good questions, but I find myself answering them in a way I believe anyone should answer:

You just start. If it's something calling to you, just sit down and do it. 
There are so many places online to publish, but don't fall for sites asking you to pay.
Again, just do it. If you're passionate about it, you will find it comes easy.

I don't know if I'm just lacking inspiration from outside influences or if I truly don't understand how there are people who don't know the answers. I suppose, for those who are very new, they are searching for some advice to see if they are on the right path. I can understand that, but I also grew up with the mindset that I could do anything I put my mind to, no matter what it is. Although something may seem impossible, I am the only one who can conquer those fears and accomplish my goals. 

Maybe that's what writing has done for me- allowed me to actually be myself and that "better person" I aimed for. Nothing I write is perfect, nor will it ever be, and I honestly would rather it not. I want my true inner voice to come through, even if I've spelled something wrong or used a word in the wrong context. I'm human and I make mistakes and I'm alright with that.

Bottom line- writing is something that comes from within. No one else can tell you how to write or even how you should write. What pours onto the paper (or screen) is what is inside your head and you should be proud of it and its imperfections. Not sure how to get started? Just write something down. It doesn't matter what it is, just write it down. Even if it's a mess of jumbled words, do it. Eventually, you'll get used to writing things down that pop into your head and it will be easier to do and more words (and even sentences!) will follow. Don't be afraid to experiment and do what feels comfortable to you. 

Writing evolves, just as you and I do. No two people I've encountered write in the same voice and you shouldn't want to either. Let your writing speak to who you are and what that inner voice tells you to say. The only recommendation I've ever known any writer to give to one who aspires to write is simply DO IT.

Good luck and may the force be with you! (Nerd, I know)


xoxoxoxo
Lisa

What exactly is inspiration?

I've been asking myself that very question for weeks while I've been stewing in my real life day-to-day. It seems the smallest interruption can completely derail any previous motivation due to a lack of inspiration. Wow, that was a mouthful. Anyway, that should tell you where I've been the last few weeks. As of my last blog, I've gotten a bit more done, but nowhere near what I should.

So, back to my question: what exactly is inspiration? Is it something found in books, magazines, tv, movies, real life or something that exists entirely on its own? Can I set out on a journey to find it, or does it exist in everything? Is there a small being, much like a muse or a faerie, that exists on a plane interlacing with our own, whose job it is to plant the seeds of inspiration? Or is it just a word we use to describe an overactive imagination?

I don't often struggle for inspiration, but lately I find myself circling a very dangerous drain. My creative side is dying to write, sing, dance, or otherwise express itself while my "real" side is dying to do nothing at all. I guess we see which one is winning, don't we?

So what are your thoughts? How do you see inspiration? And again....

What exactly is inspiration?


xoxoxoxo

Well Crap!

There I went, talking about being back and all that and I haven't posted a blog in about a month. What the hell is wrong with me? *Sigh* It's true that I took a bit of a hiatus while recovering from the holidays and just an overall burnout from running around like a crazy person. I suppose we all need some times to recuperate every now and again. 

So, as a means of getting back into the swing of things I have been slowly working on a few things here and there. Mostly, I've been searching for the right inspiration. I've never really had a problem with that before, but lately it's been a bit of a struggle. I don't know why, really, but I don't like it! Perhaps life is catching up with me, which is entirely possible, but I sincerely hope I'm just being lazy. I know that sounds silly, but for a single mom who works full time and goes to school, my days are pretty full already. 

I obviously missed my deadline for Soul Covenant. Completely and utterly my fault. I'm hoping to grasp onto that again and finish it up very soon. I still plan on releasing Fiery Secrets this summer so I need to get my butt in gear. With any luck, I might end up with another novella and the last book of the series to be released before the end of 2013. Looking at it now, I'm starting to freak a little! But where there's a will, there's a way, right?

That being said, I need to go to bed before work becomes a chore tomorrow. I hope everyone is having a bangin' start to 2013 and wish me luck in the search for mine! Love you all and I will definitely post again soon! 

xoxoxo