Search This Blog

February 15, 2018

.@VickiBatman - What Makes me Stop Writing? #readromance #RomanceLivesForever #MFRWauthor



I remember the first time my brain didn’t want to write. I’d been working on my first romantic comedy mystery for a few months when Handsome was diagnosed with throat cancer. My whole world stopped. (FMI see Romance Lives Forever at: Romance Lives Forever .)
But how to keep the creativity going? I did develop a game plan—I took writing classes (didn’t comment much but worked on all lessons), played my favorite Word Search no Vowels, I critiqued with friends, journaled, attended my local romance writing chapter meetings. Most importantly, I set a deadline for after when his treatment would end and our lives would be back on track.
On the designated date, I booted up my computer and found my book. It had been haunting me, and when thoughts popped in my head, boom! I wrote them down and saved them. I had decided if I could only write twenty words, that was what I would do. I started with chapter one and worked. I was so nervous because I thought what if I can’t get back in my groove? The next day, I did better, and after that, better, till finally, my fingers were flying again.




Then ten years later, Handsome had to have a reconstructive plastic surgery (FMI: Romance Lives Forever ).
I had already been having trouble with my third book in the series; however, I had signed up to put a short story in an anthology. I worked and worked on it instead, and by the time we left the hospital, I’d submitted it.
Sometimes, fun doesn’t end. Now, Handsome is having another reconstructive plastic surgery. And you know what? I’m in the groove. I’ve been working on my third book and things are humming. Last year, I had mega trouble with this book, but I sat down in the fall and worked out the problem, and now, it feels good.
My lesson is persevere. I didn’t give up on me. I found a way to get me through the tough times.
So, here’s a tiny bit from Book 3 in the Hattie Cooks mystery series, Temporarily Out of Luck:
And I knew it took a great deal of courage to state what he’d just asked--to get lucky--although I knew he meant he really wanted us to explore the couple route. I knew from firsthand experience how much guts were required ‘cause several months back, I’d asked him to choose me.
         -That was after I’d been stabbed.
         -After I’d figured out he’d used me for information.
         -After we’d nearly had almost wild, almost sex.
         Sex would have been good. I set my finger to my lower lip, letting my mouth curve at the corners, remembering. Everybody knows sex is a good thing.
Find all my fun at: Author Central

16 comments:

Melissa Keir said...

I'm glad you kept at it. The one thing that leads to failure is giving up... everything else you can work through.

I'm sorry to hear about Handsome. I hope things go well and you are both finally done with this long rough road.

Pamela S Thibodeaux said...

Wow...great post! Very encouraging.
Good luck and God's blessings
PamT

Vicki Batman, sassy writer said...

Hi, Melissa! I'm workin it and really feel good this time. I also have the luxury and perspective to not stress over writing. I wouldn't be at my best anyway. Dr. just visited and we're doing great. Thank you, vb

Hi, Pam! Every now and then I hope I say something profound. lol Thanks for stopping by. vb

Debra H. Goldstein said...

Amazing how the brain (and those typing fingers) eventually find a way for expression even in the most difficult of times. Hopefully, Handsome and you will now be on the road to fun, happiness, health, and lots of writing.

Kathleen Baldwin said...

You are such a trooper. Admiration going out to you!
Big hugs
kat

Vicki Batman, sassy writer said...

Hi, Debra! thank you so much. He's getting there. Good healing does take time. I am mostly tired of being away from home; however, I know that will change. Hugs, vb

Hi, Kat! Everyone has difficult times. We see so many people who we believe are struggling more than we are. ox, vb

darlene deluca said...

Hey, Vicki, So glad you're able to get the juices going again, and that Handsome is doing better. Life does get in the way. Sometimes you need a time out. A brother-in-law was diagnosed with cancer last week, and that has distracted me. Yesterday was a complete bust. Once I heard of the school shooting in Florida, that's all I could think about. It's been hard to get going again today, but goals help. To make progress today, I had to focus on those and force myself to stay on task.
Hugs.
darlene

Vicki Batman, sassy writer said...

Hi, Darlene! I often think of you and your family. You are right--sometimes, it is hard to get going; so I turn to my comforts: reading and needlepoint. At some point, the book kicks in my head and my fingers begin to itch. I'm happy when something I've written is good, but I want nothing less than good. Take care of your BIL. As for Florida...I don't have any words to the heartache.

Joanne Guidoccio said...

Inspiring post! I'm keeping you and Handsome in my prayers.

Vicki Batman, sassy writer said...

HI, Joanne! I appreciate the prayers. He's improving every day.

Angela Adams said...

Thank you for the inspirational post. Sending warm and happy thoughts to you and Handsome.

Karilyn Bentley said...

I'm glad you kept at it! Keeping you and Handsome in my thoughts. Hugs!

Laura Strickland said...

This is such a great and relevant post! Usually in my life, adversity translates to angst which translates to great writing ability for me. The one time that didn't hold true was when my beloved dog, Mara died. I neither slept or wrote for weeks. Healing did eventually come and the door in my mind reopened. Hope Handsome is done with all his surgeries and life become smoother for you!

Vicki Batman, sassy writer said...

Hi, Angela! I appreciate the warm and happy thoughts. Hugs, vb

Hi, Karilyn! Thank you so much. Things will be better on Sunday. :)

Hi, Laura! I found journaling has helped bunches and if I am writing and need emotion, I can return to them and feel what I wrote and that translates to my work. I don't want flat work. I'm sorry about your dog and know those feelings too. I mourned the loss of my kitty, Scoo, who was 23 years old. I know what everyone is thinking besides that is old, that after some point, she would die and I knew that, but my heart grieved the day we let her go.

We have a mantra of no more surgeries. After ten in the last year and a half, no more would be most welcomed. Thank you so much for stopping by.

Mary Gillgannon said...

I'm sorry you've had such a rough year, Vicki. But good for you for working through it. Having your significant other have health issues can be almost as difficult as going through them yourself. Trying to write through those experiences can be tough. But it sounds like you've kept going. I think the journaling idea is a great one. A positive way to use the emotional experience in your work. Cheers and stay strong!

Taylor Bara said...

It didn't take too long to write a resume. But a good resume require a lot of effort! Look here https://resumecvwriter.com/blog/medical-assistant-resume for my experience!