"Where Is My Mind?"

            Lately, a few people either asked me why do I write, or encourage me to share about my experiences as a writer. So, while cranking this fitting song, I begin to think about when I really put pen to paper, and what kept me wordsmithing till I wrote two full novels. I also begin to think about my future, and where I hope all this typing will take me one day. So, with fair warning, you're about to explore the mind of a crazy man: me.

            As I look back at childhood, I guess I was doomed to put my overactive imagination onto paper. Even as young boy, I would create worlds in my head. I always pictured myself as someone else living in different places. I remember drawing out crude settings onto paper, and picturing myself as one of the characters.

            As time went on, I quit daydreaming as much. I tried to write a fantasy story back in the early 90's, but got discouraged by my siblings. I told my ideas, and they criticized every single one. I realize that siblings will do it, but for some reason, I quit daydreaming, and stopped trying to write.

            I didn't get back into writing seriously till about 2006, or maybe 2007.  I dabbled in poetry a lot during high school, but no stories of any kind unless it was for class. I started a few novel ideas, but never got further than a few pages. I couldn't break that first chapter barrier, and caved-in. So, I stuck to poetry since they aren't as challenge as weaving a reality across 75,000+ words

My first novel (shameless plug link) got started out of boredom. I was sitting at my PC cranking Yellowcard's "Ocean Avenue", and began to write about how eerily silent the neighborhood was considering I was living in South Florida.

            Those first few pages that night finally got me past the chapter 1 barrier a few weeks later, but if I ever posted them, it would be a totally different novel. I learned so much about writing editing that first chapter like ten times. The biggest thing was censoring all the vulgar language. Also, I originally made the main character a giant of a man, which really wouldn't fit the theme the next few chapters began guiding the story.

            As I finished chapter 3, life got so hectic, it was hard to focus on anything with the story. To make matters worse, my childhood imagination started coming back. I began writing so many different novels at once that I was losing focus. I couldn't stay on course to finish one novel. The more chaotic life was getting, the more I lost track of all thoughts.

            The fall of 2008, I ended up leaving South Florida for good. I settled in Ocala, and knocked out the rough of my first novel. In less than two years, I went from chapter 4 to the very last sentence. It seems moving away from the hustle and bustle of a major metropolitan area to a small city allowed me to focus more. I even rewrote the first four chapters a bit to make the plot flow way better. I also finally figured out that I could make the commitment to write a full novel if in the right environment.

            Now, fast forward to today. I'm happy that got one novel on Amazon, and another one in the editing phase. However, I'm back in a major slump. I finished the second novel rough draft back in February, and I'm barely through chapter 1 of the third one. It seems major changes in work and life makes me lose that childhood imagination, and replace it with the bitter adult pill known as stress. The good news is the spark is coming back. I hope to finish two chapters by October.

            I'm going to end this with a few tips I've learned over my years of writing. Here they are in no particular order:

1) If you're having issues focusing, disconnect from the internet. I've wasted hours on Youtube instead of writing.

2) If this is your first attempt at crafting at a novel, I say finish the rough first before worrying about covers, agents, publishers, etc, etc. The more things you stress over before even putting words into the file mean you'll never finish the story.

3) I've been tinkering with PC's for 20 years now, and this is the honest truth: It's imagination that makes one a writer, not the technology they own. As long as it can open and modify Word files, you got enough technology. In fact, here are my guidelines about writing technology.

4) Music is the one thing I can't live without when typing. I always find it best to find a CD or song that fits the mood and theme.

5) Spellchecker is not a true editor.  Hire one if you really serious about getting your novel printed.

6) Pencil and paper are still the best way to hash out roughs. I wrote pages on paper when I was struggling at the keyboard.

7) Social Media, as I've learned, is a great way to meet more authors. Most of my Twitter account is fellow writers.

8) Do not spam over social media. Yes, we're proud you finished a novel, but no, we don't need to see the link every five minutes.

9) Write sober. I refused to get in the mindset I can only write when I'm under the influence.

10) Overall, the main thing is to never lose the enjoyment of creating your own universe to share with other people.

Until next time, keep on writing.