I’ve planned to write a novel for the last 21 years, but have regularly procrastinated my way out of it. I majored in English during my first college go-round. I started out in a creative writing track, but switched to literature due to a lack of confidence and discipline to write anything more than my assigned papers and my honors thesis.
In my career I’ve identified myself as a writer first and as my job title or function second. Even when working as a systems engineer and computer programmer, I would introduce myself to people saying, “I work for [insert company name here]…but I have an English degree!”
I have always put my work and other aspects of my personal life before my writing, but blogging, and the feedback and support I’ve received from the blogging community, has helped me break through the inertia of my life and really look forward to writing every day.
I can no longer wait for the perfect time to write my novel. The perfect time never exists. New deadlines and appointments appear every day, and I will no longer use them as excuses for not writing.
I choose when and where to write. I choose when and where not to write. The unwritten novel is a culmination of my choices not to write over the last 21 years.
I CAN write a novel, and so can you. Anyone can if they choose to make the time and put in the effort.
I’m going to write mine in October.
When will you write yours?
About Brad
Writer. Father. Social Media Maven. Outdoor enthusiast. Lover of life and seeker of truth. Also VP - Strategy for
Any day now
The idea morphs; right now it’s to be titled “Alone.” I create chapters as I walk with Puppy along the Atlantic Ocean. I now have a printer, so I have one less excuse. As you may ave experienced, this novel will incorporate not only other fiction books I’ve considered but also what was to have been my major academic research book, an explanation of how changes in the public fabric in the US led to the mess we are in today.
It’s wonderful to see former students continue to write. So few people in the US can read well enough today to comprehend anything deep, writers will become increasingly restricted if they want readership among the general public. So NOW is the time to go for it, right?
I couldn’t agree more!!! Thanks so much for the words of encouragement.
Brad- when I read the last part my heart skipped a beat. What?! write a book? ME? I think it’s so funny how you admitted that whatever your role that you still clung to your English degree side- when I meet people I say that I’m a project manager at CB but a BLOGGER.
I’ve not even thought of writing a book and the challenge excites me. I can’t wait to hear more about your new journey, thanks for inspiring!
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Bring on the kickball, Brad!
I wrote one about 5 years ago. Along with about 20-30,000 words on about five more over the years. The one I actually completed was 65,000 words of beautiful, well crafted prose…at least that’s what my mom said when she read it. Needless to say it was never published.
However, I go back to it from time to time and the lesson I take away is how much better I’ve gotten since then. I should probably pick it back up and do it again. I seem to have ideas for one almost every day. But what I never stopped doing was writing those ideas down somewhere and storing them away for when I’m going to pick it back up and do it again.
I think you’ve hit on the key. Never stop. Not everything we write will be golden, but there will be gems hidden among all the other content.
Soon…. I hope. The more I think about those I can “bless” with the ability to save money, no matter your income status, the more inspired I become. Stay Tuned
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Love that…can’t wait to read it!