Martin's Mad Minutes

False Starts

2009-02-22T13:45:00.000-08:00

Ok...it's way past time to begin Book 4 in my JMP History Mystery Detective Agency for kids. Every year for the past three, I sat down in January and knocked out a great book. Just like that!

As a new writer, I have heard lots about the dreaded "Writer's Block." Oh no, not me, I chortled to myself. I know what I want to say, and I sit down and say it. The characters kick in and take over; before I know it, the end of another great Jinx and Max book magically appears. So what's different this year? What's the matter this time that I've had all these false starts with nothing to show for it?

Maybe I shouldn't be so hard on myself. After all, I have been researching my topic throughout the fall and winter. I've gathered some good resources. I get all excited, then loose it because I fail to start the first chapter. But it looks so overwhelming from this end of the project.

I slow my racing thoughts and remember starting the research for the last book, Pirate Problems. I felt the same way. I couldn't possibly speak like a pirate and sound like I knew what I was talking about when the whole book was based on a nautical theme. I couldn't do one more book. I'm not good enough...I'm not really a writer. Whine, whine, whine. Then came a point when I kicked my self into action- the day that I cranked out the first chapter. And it was ok again.

Won't someone please kick me in the pants and tell me to stop whining? Tell me, "Just do it, Whiner!"

Help!

Getting the Hang of It!

2009-02-18T21:56:00.000-08:00

Here we go...I'm jumping head first into this blogging world. (Said I'd NEVER do this...) It's been an exciting time this past five years- a time of stepping out of my comfort zone and putting myself out there at the mercy of readers, writers, editors and publishing companies. The Writer Wannabee has become a real Writer; a Published Author.

My first two books for PreTeen+ kids were released this past August by Windstorm Creative: Lost and Found Colony and Conestoga Courage. The third book in the series, Pirate Problems will be released sometime this Spring '09.

As a kid, I lost myself in mystery adventures every waking moment, so I knew I had to write them for kids. I wanted kids to experience that magic of getting lost in a good

'read.' There's nothing like it. Well, that wish got boxed and shoved to a back shelf during a thirty year teaching career. I loved teaching; I don't regret that career at all. It deepened my love for kids and literature and taught me confidence.

But now I've rediscovered what it's like to have a drive and a passion for a job. A new career. I have experienced a new kind of magic- getting lost in a good 'write.' There's nothing like that, either.

I've experienced what it's like to have the characters in a story take on a life separate from what I thought they were going to be, to take over the story and tell me what to write. I know what it's like to not want to stop for the day; to have that feeling of butterflies in my stomach wondering what the characters are going to do in the morning when I go back to the laptop. Sorta spooky, it is. And very cool.

So now, my wonderful web designer, David, has hooked me up with this ability to 'blog.' He assures me that every good web site should have a blog. So I shall blog my little heart out. I seem to have the ability to be a very blathery blogger. And I hope someone besides my supportive sister will read my blog. I welcome your comments. Be kind- I'm a new blogger! Peace!

Finally Online!!!

2009-02-18T13:20:00.000-08:00