48 stories totaling just shy of 40,000 words

[Tobin S.]

They need to be revised and I think I could expand on most of them. They are all first drafts.

I've been kicking this around for a little while now. It's just a matter of taking the time and being willing to put in the work. If I worked on the stories every day, I could probably have a manuscript together in a couple of months.

I need discipline. Somebody give me discipline!

[WillParkinson]

1. This is a bad place to ask for discipline...

I'm thinking whips, chains and spanking offers are in your future.

[Tobin S.]

2. I can do that, too

:P

[nolabear]

3. Find someone to be your writing partner.

I've got a friend I meet with weekly, and we talk about what progress we've made during the week, read each other's work and brainstorm on what works for us and what we're reaching for, and have a pinkie swear to give ten dollars to the GOP on any week that we don't write or edit. So far no contributions.

You know all the rest--like sleep hygiene, having writing hygiene is a good idea. Have a place where you write, do everything you can to make it condusive and pleasant, comfy chair, music if you enjoy it, a good cup of coffee or whatever (not alcohol), and things around you that inspire you and remind you that you are a writer.

You have to be your most faithful supporter and caregiver, and then find others who believe that writing is the best, most important and one of the most arduous things you can do.

That's what I believe. Hang in there!

[some guy]

4. alrighty then

:spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank:

discipline!

I've read some of the stories from the road that you've posted here, and been entertained by them.

Good luck with the book. :bounce:

:hi:

[Brickbat]

5. You write here, right? Do you copy them and then put them into a word document?

Start there. Do a little bit each day. Dedicate 10 minutes or 200 words to writing or revising.

I'm a full-time freelance editor. If you have questions about making your writing better, PM me and let me know.