We face many obstacles when we set goals for ourselves. The passage takes us into storms, rough seas, and demon doubt sends messages, advocating we abort the mission. Stepping into the wilderness demands courage and confronting the unknown. The enormity of the task can make succeeding feel impossible.

Forward progress requires trust and the ability to put one foot in front of the other. We advance step by step, meeting each obstacle as we encounter them. We solve the first problem and move to the next. The succession of dilemmas continues in a steady stream. They are the test, the price of admission. If our desire is strong enough, no danger can keep us from following the path and attaining our goal.

What perceived dangers are keeping you ashore?

_________________________________________

Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

November 1st signals the kickoff of National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) or NaNo for short. Once more, authors and wannabes sign up, pledging to write 50,000 words. I succumbed to temptation, selected a story idea, wrote an outline, and committed to completing 1,667 words every day. Then I changed my mind. Not on competing, but on how to win.

I discovered Reverse NaNo. This format front-loads the word count, taking advantage of the excitement that accompanies the start of any new project. Day One requires a word count of 3,346 with falling requirements on successive days. By November 15, the halfway point, I have fewer than the prescribed daily minimum to add. On the final day, I need a single word to reach the goal.

I am very excited about this approach and eager to try it. I am looking forward to this because, in previous years, life drama intervened, with random days where I couldn’t complete the target. Making up a missed day was difficult. With successive fewer words, staying even does not feel as daunting. I’m planning a good night’s sleep before I am off to the races.

Are you taking part in NaNo?

_________________________________________

Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

For years, I associated ‘The Wizard of Oz’ with Halloween. The movie scared the bejesus out of me. I was probably too young. I have vivid memories of sneaking into the hallway and watching where my parents couldn’t see me. It was not my wisest decision. I paid the price, suffering nightmares of flying monkeys and the wicked witch chasing me along a yellow brick road. Even today, I avoid following Dorothy as she finds her way home.

Reading or viewing scary stories, horror tales, thrillers, and cozy mysteries are low on my priority list. Like a skeleton, I skip them because I don’t have the guts. They freak me out and I feel unsettled for days afterward. Studies say people who dislike scary movies never developed a deep association between fear and fun. Well, duh.

Maybe it is the reason behind my love-hate relationship with Halloween. Trick-or-treating for candy was entertaining, but hiding under my covers, and jumping at the slightest noise convinced there is an intruder in the house was not enjoyable. Then there are those cute kids in costumes.

How will you celebrate Halloween?

_________________________________________

Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

Each morning a zombie rises, moaning and groaning it stumbles downstairs. The zombie staggers to the coffeepot. Water splashes, coffee grounds litter the kitchen like confetti on New Year’s Eve. It grumbles and waits, then fills a cup with wake-up juice.  A sip of the black witch’s brew and the transformation begins. My eyelids separate, the world comes into focus and I see my goals on the horizon.

I consider my options. I could swim, build a boat, rent a wave runner, find a ferry, or buy a ticket on a private jet. The exact method is whichever one moves me forward, advancing me closer to my goal. I know I must act because I am not content to stand on the shore and dream.

How will you cross the sea?

_________________________________________

Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer