Today is the last day for NaNoWriMo and I can count myself a winner. It’s a thrilling feeling, as I had paused my writing for longer than I expected. I’m also excited about feeling fulfilled like I do when I write a good story.

I have to admit that I’m not thrilled with “ Christmas in London”, my NaNo novel. I guess it will take a lot of rewrites. I know stories have lives of it’s own, but this one really went left from what I had planned.

Today I also started my writing course. It will take me about a year to complete. This is something that I’ve been wanting to do for a long time, but never thought I could. In a leap of faith and a friend who found the course, I’m really excited to be able to improve the talents that God gave me.

My first class is on short stories, which is ironically how I started my public writing career. I published the short story “The Janitor” as part of an anthology. The story of a troubled man seeking answers, stops at a local church. There he meets the church’s janitor who has some very wise words for him.

My favorite short story, which I’ve only publish within a writer’s website it’s “ Waffles and Coffee”. This is the story of a Christian family that loses perspective of life and each other because they’re lost in their routines and ministry commitments. They learn that the simple things in life can mean more than grand gestures. They also learned that those small gestures are what keep relationships healthy.

As part of my course I’m reading “ Schaum’s Quick Guide to Writing Great Short Stories” by Margaret Lucke. The first few pages were things that I already knew, but as I keep reading I’m getting more intrigued about the content. It’s going to be a good ride.

Share with me what new journey  you are about to embark, even if you have not made any steps towards it. Remember, everything starts with an idea.  (Yes, I got that from the book !)

Before I go, Happy Anniversary to The Rising Muse. On and off we’ve been at this for 8 years and God willing many more ahead.

 

Until next time,

Be blessed.

Naty