We learn more from our failures than our successes I suppose. Personally I have alot of stuff that sucks but it's a nice teacher to what doesn't so I keep it handy. Understanding that I'm not involved in writing as an occupation as you are. I don't realize the scope of what you feel or the pressures it creates. Like the blog? there is alot of errors in spelling and punctuation but It interferes with my thought stream if I stop to check. I was thinking to do it on a word processor first to correct it then publish it, As it stands now, I get online and write and publish from that. I'm more into concept and getting it down. Once I get that down correctly, there is always room for corrections later. Hope you enjoyed it but also hoped I didn't get counted off for the errors too much. take care and don't let that great huge sucking sound bother you, As I see it, something either sucks or blows so where does the positive fit in here. you figure they would be opposites but not with the english language LOL. A journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step. enjoy the journey for what it is.

Chalk me up for another "me, too". As I work on The Quill, I sometimes wonder, "Does this suck as badly as I think it sucks, or do I just need to stop and get something to eat?"

Luckily for me, those who read it think it's pretty good, or will be after a polish, so the level of suckage isn't quite as severe as I usually suspect, though sometimes (admittedly) it is. It's a wonder I get anything written at all, given how aware I am of the potential for extreme suckitude in my work.

There are all these lovely cliches, right? "Writing is like driving on a foggy night -- you can only see a foot or two in front of you with the headlights -- but you can still make the whole journey that way!" "Just do a sentence at a time." Or the Anne Lammot classic: "Just write it bird by bird."

But telling yourself that it will get done if you follow the steps and let it suck and write it bit by bit is one thing . . . doing it and believing that it will turn out alright is another!

And Merrill -- yes I've been enjoying your blog. . . I keep meaning to write a comment up there, and I will soon.

I definitely agree that you need all the bad writing in order to learn to do things better. . .

--Karen

Hi Karen,
It been really hectic during the move and finally able to post to you. Glad you are enjoying the blog and I understand if you can't post right away. From your last few entries, it sounds like you have a lot on your plate as well. I am content just to hear from you once in a while. By the way, Happy Holidays from me to you. Take care and don't get too cold. I heard the Winter has a little more a bite this year than previous years. Nice to hear from you again.

Merrill