blogging

So, in my blogging, I've tried to walk this line where I kept most of this about writing, or relate it to writing. Most of the time, this hasn't really been hard since writing is a passion for me. Sometimes though, it was a mood killer.

I tried to make the blog more and more about writing, trying to keep less of the personal end of things out etc. It wasn't working for me. I wrote this blog to help myself, and others, who are struggling as moms, wifes, and day jobbers, to also get time for themselves and their passions. Recently, someone (The great Kristen Lamb) pointed out that unless your trying to platform yourself as a writer who writes for writers, you'll be targeting the wrong people. And there goes the lightbulb.

I'm still going to write about writing. I mean, it's what's important, but I'm going to find me a hook...was thinking of doing a crochet/craft type hook (yes pun intended :D) but not sure I could write about it in a way that reflects how I write my stories. So while I search for that ever elusive hook, I'll keep on as I started--writing for those people out there struggling to find time for their passions. Writing is only the tip of the iceberg.

I think I've mentioned before, but years ago, as in 12 :) I was a realtor. Yep that was what I was doing when I married my husband. And now, my husband's aunt has offered me a job as her assistant. I may end up licensing all over again. Wouldn't that be an interesting circle. What's really funny is that I quit my Real estate job to work at doctor's office with this same aunt.

Life is funny sometimes... And, she initially hired me (yesterday) to mostly do work from home and part time it for her and by end of day I'd been told I may end up working for more peeps as an assistant. I may end up in the office more than one day a week. This fall promises to be busy. Unless I get rich overnight for some reason (like a hundred thousand people by my books in the next week:) and move away from the wapato school district, there is no way in hell that I'm putting my kids back in school. Even if we move away I might not. It was way too stressful (see earlier reasons why me finding a job is hard) and my Down Syndrome child is getting benefits from having the boys home and learning in front of him. My husband works 10+ hour shifts, one of them on Saturday, so I'd be able to work 2 days withought any problem with sitting and the schooling. More than that, there will be some serious thinking and planning on my part. My mother inlaw has college degree so could over see their daily work if I went in one more day and I could play catch up/check their work that night. My kids know, if they don't do the minimum work I want them to do, then they have school Saturday and Sunday. State wants minimum hours and I want minimum work/results. If they don't meet those criteria they know the consenquences.

How ironic is it that I find a job that will allow for me to work from home and work around the schedule and has potential for real money right after posting about how hard that would be and how unlikely I would be to find someone who would understand about my family's health issues (including my own) and where I can do most of the work from home? LOLOL Wish me luck at organizing everything. Thankfully, I just finished a rewrite, and have a cursory editing session after CP checks for grammar errors before sending it off to the editor who requested it. (keep your fingers crossed their as well!) That means I'm on a bit of inbetween time and can spend the next week on a major learning/refresher curve for Real Estate without losing any real momentum on my writing.

I've also sent out my fantasy story to two online publishing houses so I'm on a 3-4 month wait on that as well. Perfect time for me to start a new job and learn to work it into my writing routine.

Here I go. Embarking on THE DAY JOB again. :D Move 'em out!

Anniversary

My wedding anniversary is coming up on Saturday, and I've decided to do a sale :D I'm putting my erotica, Sex Rehearsal and Murder on sale for 50% off :D It's an auto generated coupon and the coupon code is CB98T It will expire on Sunday, July 31st. I have no idea what timezone so better not wait until last minute to do it lol

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/75106

Also, I've released a book, the romantic thriller Winds of Fire: Eagle Claw Series and the hero is based on my husband :D Thought it was apropo :D It does have a decided military bent to the whole premis. Anyway, celebrate 12 years of love and marriage with me by taking advantage of the sale and checking out Winds of Fire!

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/76698

And thanks to everyone who's already purchased or beta read for me!! You're all the greatest!

Explain

Some of you who follow me on twitter may have noticed that I've put out more buy from me type tweets. Well, that's because I now have two jobs (besides being a mother and wife, I mean) of being a writer and an artist. I'm not making a lot of money on my art, but the 10-20 dollars for my ACEOs and other small products have sure come in handy. So, it's a job. And besides the job, I have this dream of being a writer. A paid writer :) So, that's what I'm doing. I'm putting out a bunch of my books that I've been writing over the last few years (mostly the ones written/finished in the last year) some shorts and some full length and choosing the ones I want to go to agents/publishers. The "special" ones that I think will hit the mass market in a favorable way. Most of my other writing is niche writing, and those I will do ebook versions of so people within that niche can buy.

As for my art, I'm trying to get commissions and sale my artwork. I can't afford to go to work. That may sound funny but lets look at the costs...

1) I homeschool. Some might say, well you can put your kids back in school. I could, but let's look at the stats. Why did I start homeschool in the first place? My son was having asthma attacks 3-5 days a week, with his brother following a close second. He was also throwing up 3-5 days a week because he was so stressed out about school. He was 9 yo old at the time. If I'm working, I'd have to call in to work in order to stay home and give my son his treatments except on days my husband has off. How long would I keep my job?

2) I have a 2yo. So would need daycare. As most daycares won't take a kid and let you pay for only 3 days a week, I'd have to pay for five days a week. For children with no special needs daycare is 500+ a month. For special needs children, which my son is since he has Down Syndrome, that starts at 700+ a month.

3) We only have one vehicle. Add in the extra cost to gas for the extra trips and money given to others if they pick us up (we live five miles from nowhere. Seriously.) wear and tear on tires, etc.

4) extra clothes. The jobs I'm most qualified for and MIGHT pay me enough to cover the costs of 2&3 would require a whole new wardrobe as I have no clothes that would work. And once I have a wardrobe, there's the upkeep, nylons, shoes, dry cleaning, etc.

5) And my Down Syndrom son, who is high functioning, largely due to the fact that his family treats him as we would any other family member, would lose out. My homeschooling has helped him more than expected.

Even going to school, I've had to take these things into account. I have night class, with only one day class (one hour) and can get help for that hour. I'll be home for kids and still able to get husband from work. And my paint stained jeans are just fine for classes. But I had to choose my classes with all the aforementioned problems in mind. W/o financial aid to help with the gas, I couldn't do it. So, please forgive me if it seems like I'm spamming your timeline...I'm tyring not to! :D But also keep me in mind when looking to purchase artsy products!

PS blogger being a booger again to me. I cannot get it to work whenever I want it to!

Lots of stories

Funny, when I released my smut (I just love that word! Oh, and this one, smexy!) I figured on no sales for a week or so, especially since my CP and biggest fan was on an airplane the day I released it, but I've had a few sales already :D And, more peeps have shown an interest! I'm so excited! It's available through Amazon now, and yes, I did do the cover :) This is all good practice for the release of my romantic thriller next month, which I'm hoping to have good sales on! I love to write :D

I write in all different genres. I have so much writing I've done, and now that I've taken the plunge into self-pubbing, I have lots I'm going to put up for sale. With the shorts, the I'll probably have something new every month to six weeks, and I'm putting up free stuff on my website. And as you heard on prior blogs, I'm going to school, yada yada, so BUSY, BUSY! but fun busy :D

Also, looks like I might have small commission next month :D makes me double happy cuz I get to utilize an idea I've had floating in my head for a bit now :D She can pay the half down next month which I'll use to buy the particular canvases with. I'm so excited!

Don't forget about my art auction! Please...thanks! My email is posted on the blog site, but just in case, here's the one I check the most: leona.bushman@gmail.com

Have a great day and buy my books! and my friends' books :D

Art Auction

Okay, someone suggested something awhile ago, and I have no idea the proper way to go about it, but I'm going to try anyway. I'm going to auction off some of my artwork..There will be minimums, yada yada. I need to raise some money. We've promised the boys Harry Potter and now need to deliver :)

Here's the deal:

Three paintings, all with minimum amounts. One week to post amount you're willing to pay. This will be open auction in comments as well as silent through email due to blogger's BS re: comments. I will post the latest auction amount either in comments, blogger willing, or will edit the post to announce. Also, they all have a buy now price on Etsy, which is where I'll be linking for the pics. Please do not pay until auction is over, unless you go through Etsy and take the buy now price.

Auction item number one: Lily of the Green The pics are a littly fuzzy and I'm going to try to take better ones today, but you get the idea. FYI this piece was done with pallete knife. Starting price is $200 payable by paypal.

Item number two: Purple Vase This piece is custome framed. Also done with pallette knife. Minimum on this is $300 payable by paypal (due to the frame) and there is little to no medium used in the paints when I do it by pallete knife. Buy now price is $750 through Etsy.

Item number three: Free to Roam This is large painting, done with thick paints in some places and not others. This is a favorite of mine (as you'll see when you read the description.;) Starting price is $400 payable by paypal. The Buy Now price is $1250



NOTE: PLEASE DO NOT PAY UNTIL NOTIFIED YOU'VE WON OR BUYING DIRECT THROUGH ETSY! Paypal charges me a percentage of all incoming funds and you will only get back what Paypal actually delivers to me.

This is a non-refundable auction. All proceeds go to benefit my family. I made a comment about Harry Potter, but really, we need so much more or I wouldn't be doing this. Thanks for your support!

This auction goes from now until 3:00 until Tuesday, July 26th, PST. or whatever I'm at in WA state LOL Bids after that time will not be accepted. You may make an offer on any of my artwork available on Etsy as well. The items on this list are gauranteed to go at the minimum prices, the others are not, but I'm willing to negotiate it.

I did it

Well, I did it. I joined the smut club :D I've added a short story I'd written a while back to Smashwords called Sex Rehearsal and Murder and to Amazon, although the link isn't available there yet. We need the money and people have really enjoyed my erotic comedy on my website. So, I did some massive editing last night and voila, the short story is here :D

Please, if you like erotica, go buy it! Or wait for the Amazon link LOL I'll post when that one comes up. Yesterday was a good day for me. I've noticed that being registered for school has so upped my mood level from depressed to happy that I'm getting more done everywhere. I wrote, including the add-on to Sex Rehearsal and murder, over 3k words yesterday, and got lots of cleaning/organizing done. I have lots more to do as it's a never ending chore, but there it is.

Anyways, :D Happy days to me! So go, buy the book as an anniversary present to me (my 12 wedding anniversary is in 10 days!) Thanks for everyone who encouraged me to go for it!

Focus

I feel so much more focused today. Which is funny, because it's probably the day I'll spend the least amount of time writing this week :) I have to garden and make my boys some clothes. And do dishes. Suck. Anyway, we've all heard the I hate house work suck, so put the sound track here***and on with the show.

I'm going back to school. I'm registered, financial aid is ready, and I'm "this" close :P Can't wait! So now, I'm frantically trying to figure out what I need to get done before school starts, what needs to be done during school, working out schedule around the kid's school (Which will be easy. Nate has Mon-Tues off and one class is in the evening, and one class individual studies.) and all the rest that goes along with that.

I'm also trying to figure out how to get the canning done this year. Last year's supplier of good produce at good prices isn't doing so well this year, and I don't have as much money, food wise, this year :( Really kind of frustrated about the canning stuff. ARGH

ANYWAY, try to get off the lack of money subject and all related concepts, I'm writing for my website now. Almost done with first installment. Nearly at 49k with the paranormal rewrite :D my goal is minimum of 50k and I'm going to smoke that. Maybe not today cuz my writing time is almost up, but tomorrow then :) Look for Winds of Fire, a Military-offshoot Romantic Thriller coming in August through kindle and smashwords. It's starting to trickle back from Beta's now :) I'm also writing a novel, by Oct 1 (maybe since I still don't have the approval for synopsis yet) and continuing to write for Splintered Lands site.

So, I know that sounds like a lot of stuff, so how can I focus? Well, I have a direction, I have due dates, and I'm not feeling like my life is such a waste. I need to make money, so hopefully people will buy my Etsy stuff (speaking of which, have you seen the leather braided keychains I made? More to come!), and that need has weighed on me greatly. But now, I don't feel the same pressure about it. The need is as great or greater than it's been before (it's why I put a donate button on my site. Although how I'll feel if anyone actually does it, IDK) but I feel like there's hope. And hope is important. It's how I find my focus. If I have hope, than I can accomplish a lot of things. So here's to hope and focus. Getting it done!

I know, bad girl

Blogger is really chapping my hide, and no not in any fun way, either. So, I've put off blogging. I do have a couple of posts up at my website, http://www.leonajbushman.com/ for your reading enjoyment. However, that site is pretty much about writing. This, this is my story, my blog. I get open, personal, and down right ornery here :D

Today's post is an ornery one. It's about judgmental peeps who are mean. Now everyone's entitled to their opinions, but there's sharing and then there's SHARING. We live in a country that allows us to express ourselves. There are a few regulations...uh, certain types of "sharing and expressing" with minors is forbidden...things to protect the young and disabled...as it should be...But what if you just don't agree with people?

Let's take the hugely taboo subject of SEX. Let's face it, sex sells. We like to read about sex. And really, why not? If no one really talked about sex, how boring would most of our sex lives be?

So why attack someone for writing a book that involves sex by saying they were selling out?? Really? UGH. Attacking a fellow writer for something like that is annoying, frustrating and beyond all niceness. Why do people think it's okay to write about murder but not sex? REcently a teacher was hassled by someone in the community for writing books with sex in them. you know it wouldn't have happened if they'd written about a serial killer. Everyone knows that person isn't out killing a bunch of people for research, yet they assume the teacher was having sex with her students...and the book wasn't about sex with minors! For pete's sake, America. Wake up and smell the coffee.

Everyone has different tastes. Let's all live the way we're comfortable to live. Don't buy the book. The best way to protest. Don't live the lifstyle. And don't judge others who do or don't do things the way you think they should be done, ie. peole who live a "swinging" lifestyle, don't judge those who don't. Someone who deosn't want to live that way isn't necessarily a prude, bitch, or trying to make you unhappy. Everyone has different tastes, the same as reading and should be allowed to live that way same as you. It goes both ways.

okay, rant over for now.

:P

Blogger

Blogger hates me. That is all.

July's Featured Writers

At long last, the much anticipated July's featured writers! I know, a little late. I was totally disorganized this month. Then, doing THE DAY JOB series really took it out of me emotionally. But, I believe it was necessary.

Now, an introduction to the first one.

Wren Emerson and I have had a few chats via #pubwrite hashtag on twitter ;) She's fun and engaging and you'll really like her! Her blog is enticing and an honest look at what to expect as a self-published author.

Her official bio:

Wren Emerson was born on the mean streets of small town Kansas 30*mumble* years ago. She first put pen to paper at the tender age of 12 and wrote an epicly awful story. She then became publisher and editor in chief of a family newspaper which included articles written by indentured servants/siblings. It got rave reviews from all 8 members of her family.

Now in adulthood, Wren still enjoys bossing people around so she became overlord to a small army of minions; her true love, kids, a cat, and a dog. When she's not plotting to form a dictatorship she writes. When she's not writing, she plays video games, reads books, practices her iphoneography skills, and spends way too much time hanging out in #pubwrite on Twitter.

BLURB-

All she ever wanted was a chance to settle down in one place.

Thistle Nettlebottom knows her life isn't exactly normal. She travels the country with her secretive mother and bestselling author grandmother in a pink RV going from book signings to crazy research trips. She's never been to public school or had a boyfriend, but she can pick a lock and hotwire a car. One day the phone rings and they set a course to a tiny town that's not on any maps. Suddenly, Thistle finds her whole life changing.

She's finally found the home she's been searching for.

Thistle soon realizes that Desire isn't like other towns and she's not like other girls. The family she trusted has lied to her about everything her entire life and the things she doesn't know about herself could cost her everything. Her legacy as one of the most powerful witches the town has ever seen has made her enemies that have been waiting patiently for a chance to destroy her. Thistle needs to learn to use her powers to protect herself before they succeed.

Be careful what you wish for.

Thistle has a power unique even among the magic wielding witches of Desire. She can wish things into existence. At first she enjoys the freedom of having everything her heart desires, but she soon realizes that her power comes at a terrible price. She's losing her grip on her sanity at a time when she can't afford any weakness. Her enemies are closing in quickly, but she might not have the strength to save herself.

LINK - http://www.amazon.com/I-Wish-Witches-Desire-ebook/dp/B0050X8UJA/ref=pd_rhf_p_t_1

WEBSITE/BLOG - http://wrenemerson.wordpress.com/

TWITTER - @wrenem

Next up, we have Faith Mortimer who found me through another of our featured writers. She lives in an old stone-house in the foothills of the Troodos Mountains on Cyprus. A beautiful Mediterranean island and know as Aphrodite’s own.

Official bio; 

Faith Mortimer was born in Manchester and was educated in Singapore, Malaya and Hampshire, England. She qualified as a Registered nurse and after some years changed careers to oversee a number of travel and sport related companies.

She's happily married to Chris and together they have four children. Once the children began to attend University she decided to join them in reading for a Science degree. She obtained her Honours Science degree with The Open University in 2005 and the dedication and stamina needed to sit for a degree gave her the confidence to finish writing her first novel. She achieved this and January 2009 saw the publication of The Crossing. This novel is based on a true incident and she thoroughly enjoyed the six months or so research that went into the book and the later 18 months writing and editing.

The Crossing is available in paperback and Kindle format on Amazon.

In 2010 she finished writing my second novel; a murder mystery set in the Troodos mountains of Cyprus where she spends the majority of her time.

This 93,000 word novel was posted on the Harper Collins/Authonomy site and out of over 8000 books was chosen in November 2010 to be the Number 1 book! You can read the review here.

Harper Collins Review for The Assassin's Village

'The Assassin's Village' is a traditional murder mystery, set in Cyprus. It centres on the brutal murder of Mr Leslie, an expatriate whose Lothario ways, military past and cavalier demeanour have earned him no shortage of enemies among the villagers. It is a novel written very much in the style of Agatha Christie: a classic who-done-it, in a small, gossiping, rural village. The prose is brought up-to-date with the fairly explicit themes of sexual liberation and exploitation.

As a thrilling read, 'The Assassin's Village' certainly fits the bill. I flew through the first 19 chapters. The prose is easy to follow, and dramatic in duly regular intervals.

I was particularly engaged by the different perceptions of Mr Leslie. We are already interested in the character, knowing from the prologue that he is to be our victim, and the author cleverly throws our judgment of him with every new perspective. Particularly endearing is the relationship between Antigone and Mr Leslie. Indeed, the sequence of chapter seven, where Antigone watches her brother hunting, is by far the strongest in the novel so far. It illustrates all of the strengths of the writing, the prose is obviously impeccably researched, and brings in a political element that raises the caliber of the story; the setting is evocative; and the characterisation is strong and feels fresh...

...I should say that, I really like the way you subverted normal linear chronology to lay out the events. It is, clear that you are capable of presenting the clues very well, and I particularly liked the way you used Diana's sketching to map out the facts and unlock the possibilities.

From here I would consider the relevance of everything in the plot. There are many motifs centred on the play Macbeth - the suggestions of occult activities, the play being put on by the villagers, the quotes prefacing each chapter, the relationship between Antigone and Mr Leslie, and Mr Leslie's endearing side in general, the political history, and the parallels of Diana's writing to the unfolding of the broader plot are all strong - these are all interesting themes...

... overall, there is a lot to commend in this manuscript.

With such commendation, I can imagine that these books will be well worth your time J

 Books: The Crossing.

 A successful businessman, Richard William Barker has accomplished much in life. Together with his wife, Connie, he was about to embark on a long dreamed-of ocean sailing adventure. Little did he know that his dream was to become his nightmare. In The Crossing, the reader is taken on this action-packed, fateful voyage and then through a twist of fate transported back to the Second World War, where Richard's late father, Billy Barker, a naval rating assigned as crew on a Motor Torpedo Boat, is captured by the enemy during a daring action off the French coast. His story of survival and friendship against all odds contrasts with his own burgeoning love for a pretty English girl, and leads Richard to begin his own recovery and understand that life must go on. Based on a true incident, this powerful emotive tale of passion and love across two generations in the parallel settings of modern day action and the horrors of war makes an utterly compelling read with a refreshing and very different approach to subjects which are normally the preserve of male authors.

The Assassins’ Village ( A Diana Rivers Mystery):

 Bound and gagged, the shocked and terrified victim recognises his assailant. Days later, another body is discovered. How many assassins stalk the village? In a picturesque Cypriot village an expatriate theatrical group gather to discuss their next play; but when the curtain rises it'll be murder. A blackmailer stalks the cast - a group riven with jealousies, rivalry, sexual tension and illicit affairs. Unbeknown to each other they all attempt to find solutions to their problems. Some believe it lies in murder. Can they find the blackmailer? And can they find that all important 'little black book' - the chronicle of their misdeeds. When a body is discovered, Diana, author and amateur actor, turns detective to draw up a suspects list. After the police get involved one of the suspects is found hanged - another murder or the suicide of a guilty person? A visit to a villager's home uncovers an ancient assassin's killing device. Could this be the murder weapon? Is it possible that an assassin lives at the heart of this formerly peaceful and idyllic village? Love, hate, murder and high drama all feature in this classic historical detective story. With a long list of suspects, some dramatic twists and the odd red herring, the reader is left guessing until the final curtain.

The Bamboo Mirror: A short True Ghost Story. The Bamboo Mirror (a Diana Rivers mystery and true paranormal).

This short story is based on a true account of a paranormal experience she encountered when she was at boarding school in Singapore. All characters’ names are fictitious.

This story is 6400 words.

You can find her books on http://www.faithmortimerauthor.com/    (website)

http://amzn.to/f1kf3r  The Assassins’ Village Amazon.co.uk

http://amzn.to/eiTYgR  The Assassins’ Village Amazon.com

http://amzn.to/mH41d6    The Crossing Amazon.co.uk

http://amzn.to/g7TL00  The Crossing Amazon.com

The Bamboo Mirror is also available on Amazon, and all books are on Smashwords. The Crossing is also available in paperback and in about a week you will be able to buy a paperback version of The Assassins’ Village on Amazon.

If you would like to connect with her feel free to join her on Facebook 

https://www.facebook.com/FaithMortimer.Author

Twitter: @FaithMortimer

website: http://www.faithmortimerauthor.com/

*deleted text...link no good and some indication of problems and IDK enough to ascertain what is what. Apologies for any confusion. Thank you.*
 
AS you can see, there are many things for all types of reading among my featrued writers. Please choose one that fits your bill and support them! Thanks for reading along!
 
Leona the not book reviewing featured writer blog host :D Seems to be a little confusion about that...I do read books and tell everyone if I like them, and loudly, but do not do official reviews as that would take my fun away from reading ;) Also, my time is crazy so can't keep up a regular reading schedule.
 
But all y'all better find time to read something!! Catch you on the backside!
 

THE DAY JOB part 3

I gave you all the gist of my horrific experience with a day job that sucked the soul out of me. Since then, I've had a baby with Down Syndrome, and have gone through some pretty stressful stuff. But, I don't let it suck my soul out anymore. I'm learning to catch it when it starts happening and hold back the tide until I've turned it around. But that doesn't mean I don't struggle or have bad days. It means I don't give up.

The only hard and fast rule I have is this: NEVER GIVE UP.

Easy to say but what are some things to do? Not only for managing your time, but finding the emotional energy for writing? First of all, get it in your mind that you don't have to be the next Stephen King or Laurell K Hamilton to be a success. If you write books, you are a writer. I've written literally multiple posts on being a writer, mother, wife and one was dedicated specifically to the whole are you a writer question. In order for any of the other tricks writers have learned to work, you have to believe it yourself.

So what can you do to help you attain your goal of writing?

If there are others around to help with household chores, remember to delegate.  No matter what anyone tells you, having your teenager do dishes isn't child abuse. Having your spouse help isn't an imposition. Take turns. Cooking and the like should all be rotated. It may take a chart for your family to work out who needs to do what when. Plan your meals. For some of my OCD friends that means down to the last grain of salt, but I mean, do your shopping ahead of time. Get everything prepped. Have a day that's dedicated to prepping meals for the weak. (You're going to find out that the things I'm going to share with you sound similar to what I suggest for nano. That's cuz it's all about finding more time to do more lol)

Make your goals clear to your family. If your writing for stress relief, to eventually get published, for self-publishing, whatever, tell them it's important to you. Hopefully, they'll understand and be supportive. That's the best case scenario. Worst case scenario they resent "your little hobby" and moan and complain about how "they have to do everything around here" and you have to fight for your right to be a writer. A real pain in the tush, but there ya' go. It is what it is.

So, you've prepped your family, told yourself to shut up and write, now what?? You're exhausted, the ideas that were flowing through your head at work seem to have gone the way of Beta videos. A strong coherent thought that fizzled instead of taking hold like it should have.

Carry notebooks, tape recorders, or PDA, whatever you're comfortable with and will actually use. Get those ideas down! Also, write or read on breaks. Do something for your writing. Which brings up the next part.

Writing is more than putting words down on paper. Or on the screen. It's a full scopic of things to do from marketing/networking to research on top of the stringing words together part. So, when looking at your writing time, be sure to include those things. READ. A lot. Then read some more in whichever genre you're wishing to write in and intersperse that with books or magazines on the craft. Look at blogs, become a part of the community.

The writer's community is a huge one, and by and large a supportive one. There's always a few bad apples, or peeps who get their feelings hurt too easily, or are easy to take offense. Learn from it and continue on. The rest of us are humans wanting to support our fellow humans. You'll need that support when the going gets tough. It's not an extra thing to do, it's a necessity. When one of the writers I followed got divorced, I cried. Seriously. I hurt so much for her. Then another got the deal of the century from her first series, I cried happy tears, she so deserved it. Why? because these writers have been blogging and sharing themselves with us and connected to us in the outside world. We've all been at the beginning. A dream. A wish. A thought.

Even if it's only 10 min here and there, if you write on those breaks and just before you go to bed, pretty soon, you'll see a collection of words that add up to something. You may think it's a pile of dung. If it's your first book, there's a better than half a chance that's true, but you have to take the step. Learn from it, practice your craft. Soon, you will be better and what comes out of your mouth won't be "I wish I had time to write" it will be "I have to do my writing for the night." or "I'm writing in my spare time." or "I'm following my dreams."

Find a way to write. I waited way too long. During the time at work, if I'd taken more time to paint and write, the stress of it all would not have affected me as badly. I would have been happier, even with all the same stresses at home/work. I know. Writing and the writing community just pulled me through every parent's nightmare. My family that pulled together for me were important, but they were going through it as well. You will be amazed at the support you find.

So, we've got you thinking you have the right to write, your family, whether moaning & groaning or cheering used to the idea, and your cheer leading team of writers all there waving pom-poms. But you still have THE DAY JOB.

The soul sucking day job that makes your head hurt, your heart cry, and your soul wither. Seriously, if your job is like that, keep looking for a new one. Even if you're not a writer, no one can live with that for very long. But in the meantime, how do you get yourself to write? Keep a blog, a journal, a diary, what have you. This may sound silly, but think about it. Call it your warm up exercises. Call it whatever you wish, but pour that poison out of your soul. If you paint, paint it out. Do something that will take the poison and leech it out of your being. Get, It. Out.

Soon, the writing will flow easier. Like I said, you might think it's drivel. It might only be a few hundred words, but it's something. As you practice, you'll get faster, get more words out in same amount of time. When you get stuck, DO NOT SAY WRITER'S BLOCK, simply do research, edits or read and let your mind work on what's wrong. There are many things to look at, plot problems, characterizations, yada yada, but that's for another blog post. For now, do something related.

I promise you, that if you start with these few simple things, you'll feel better about yourself, your prospects, and you will start to want for more. That first taste will help you to find more times to write. To give up that favourite TV show for an extra half hour to write. It will happen if you want it to.

Follow me on twitter @L_Bushman I have a crazy sense of humor, am sometimes down about money, family life, and stress, and talk to people all the time lol Very rarely are people bored around me on twitter. They may be infuriated, shocked, appalled, laughing, snickering, loving, but rarely bored. Plus, I have a CP who is as irreverent as I am and I think people follow us just to see what's going to happen next. ;P

I have an abundant number of writers/agents/editors that I follow/RT to help you start your twitter journey if you haven't already. Now, let's take advantage of being in a free country and follow our dream!!

Happy Fourth of July!!!