I have dared to quit my job.

I have dared to start a career as a writer.

I have dared to write a novel.

I have dared to post on my blog every day for a year.

I have dared to, out loud, call myself a writer.

Nothing is as scary thus far as beginning to write another novel.

Well, I’m delaying.  My project for this month -I’m using Camp Nanowrimo to keep me accountable –  is to is to complete a short story collection.  That’s not the same as another novel.  Well, when I finish the short stories then I have to face down the new novel.  My first novel, Dissonance, which still is in need of a final polish – is a novel I’m very proud of.  I’m terrified thinking I can’t do it again.  Mostly that I can come up with a decent idea.

So I start this month setting the goal to write 50,000 words worth of short stories, having to come up with ten or so different ideas, instead of one.  Writing a million short stories is way less intimating than writing one novel.

I’m not speaking about quality here.  Writing a short story well has a magic to it.  That, I’m not sure is easier.  But I’m in getting it done mode.  Getting the first novel really done.  getting a short story collection done.  Getting a second novel done.  That’s how I have to do it.  Thank god I’m in love with the process because if I worried about the first daft being, well, anything, I’s freeze in fear.

Blogging update:  Day three woohoo!

Camp Nanowrimo update:  3,922  (the first short story and a part of another!)

Dissonance update:  need 6,121 more words and a final edit.