Write Your Books

Word Count is 475. Red stands for 2017 self. Blue represents 2016 self.

“I am so glad 2016 is over with! The first few months were great, but the rest of the year really sucked!”

“Yeah, but what now? You’re still in the fight of your life for your family and you haven’t published anything yet.”

“What do you mean?! I’ve written several new poems, reinstated my WDC account, entered 3 contests, started working on a new book, reconnected with old friends – and my case plan for getting the kids back is done with exception to my car. That should be done the first week of February. I’ve gotten a lot done!”

“Yeah, you’ve done okay. But what have you done for you – something that you want to do, but don’t have to do? What’s your bucket list?”

“Bucket list? You’re kidding, right? I don’t have one. I do what needs to be done, do a few things I enjoy and let God take care of the rest.”

“Well, do something about it. Pick one thing you would love to do but haven’t been able to. Find a way to do just that one thing this year. And make it something that is feasible. Having a baby when your husband isn’t here is not a possibility, so scratch that. But make it something you really want to do.”

“Like what? All I want is to concentrate on writing, my family, and my faith in God. What else is there?”

“Maybe that’s something you need to figure out. Come up with something.”

“I’ve always wanted to take a road trip to somewhere it takes more than an hour or two to drive to.”

“Like where?”

“I don’t know. I’d like to go see Elevation Worship. Or go to Redemption Church. Both are in South Carolina, I think. It would have to be an overnight trip. And it’s going to cost a lot for gas, food and lodging.”

“But with good planning, you can do it. As far as food, get a cooler, some stuff for sandwiches, sodas, bottled water, you know. As far as lodging, a cheap motel will run you about $60 a night. Gas shouldn’t run more than $100. The biggest issue you are going to have is whether or not you will have a reliable car to get there.”

“Well, the issue with the car rules that out. If I have to rent one, I’m looking at another $150-200. But there is one really doable thing I would love to do.”

“And what would that be?”

“Finish my fantasy novel.”

“Then do it. You already have the first draft done, so how hard can it be?”

“Good. It’s a deal, then. And I’m going to try to finish my poetry anthologies and a book of sermons. That’s my bucket list for this year.”

“Then what are you waiting for? Go get it done!”

“On my way.”