A Little MS with a Little MSW

I have a novel inside me. I believe we all do. I don’t have a library’s worth of novels, like Stephen King or James Patterson, but I am pretty sure I have at least one. I would love to write a book before I die, but my creativity rarely finds its way onto the page. I’ve only ever finished one journal from cover to cover, despite my having purchased more than a few throughout my lifetime. I used to utilize the Notes section of Facebook, when that was a thing, to chronicle little bite-sized pieces of my life for my “friends” to read.

If I could go back, one thing I would definitely change would be to force myself to write on a consistent basis. I would have taken more creative writing classes, or minored in it, as my advisor suggested. I used to regale my daughters with outlandish stories almost every night at bedtime. Oh how I wish I could go back and document those, so I could relish them now, as I do their childhood photos and videos. I know, I know – “coulda, woulda, shoulda” doesn’t get anyone anywhere. This blog is my attempt to do more of what I wish my younger self had done.

My perpetual writer’s block annoys me, as does the length of time it takes me to complete any literary escapade. I often enjoy hearing about the sources of inspiration for famous authors because I totally missed the boat on that. I love the beach, but The Novel Within does not rush onto the page like the tide to the shore whenever I plant my butt in the sand. I wish it did. I also don’t get those authors who sequester themselves in a room and write for 8-10 hours a day. ADHD called and said that ain’t happenin’.

Will I, then, remain the author that never was because The Novel Within is no match for the dynamic duo of Writer’s Block and Zero Inspiration? Will this blog be my saving grace? Will The Author Within arise from the ashes and articulate my lived experiences with a reckless abandon that entertains the masses?

I don’t know. But here’s to all the journals I didn’t finish, classes I didn’t take, and novels I haven’t written. The best is yet to come…