I Signed up for Round 1 of #Row80

I’ll be posting more on this later, but I’m just making my intentions known to the universe that I will be doing Row 80, A Round of Words in 80 days.

This is my first time doing Row 80, but some of my other buddies have given me a little push in their direction, so I’m going to go for it.  I’ve been told that this a supportive group and I’m looking forward to that as well.  If all goes according to plan, I should be able to FINALLY finish up the ending of Book 1 of my WIP during this first round.  I think I’m ready for this.  I hope so.  I’m dragging my feet for a reason, so that worries me a little, but I’ve had SOOO much encouragement from the wonderful people in my life, especially as of recent.

It’s really scary to let go of something you’ve spent YEARS working on.  I’ve been playing at this since at least 2008.  That’s a long time for one book!  I’ve rewritten the silly thing three times.  It was originally THAT bad!  It took me this long to remember what it was like to write again, to find my voice and my style as an adult.  Before this, I hadn’t done ANY serious writing since childhood.  Somewhere during those awkward years between junior high and high school, my creativity had gotten squashed!  I don’t blame anyone.  I could have easily done my own thing, but I didn’t.  I’m glad to be writing again.  🙂

I’m not sorry I’ve waited this long to release my first book.  Maybe a “real” writer would feel differently, but I’m an adult.  I’m not in junior high anymore.  My entire world doesn’t hinge on whether or not I ever publish ANYTHING.  I have a job.  I have coworkers who are caring and are like family to me.  I have an amazing family and many beautiful friends.  I may not have much if you looked at my life from a monetary point of view, but I’m very wealthy in the family and friends department.  I have been blessed to overflowing!

Publishing my first book is something I want to do for me.  It isn’t about wanting fame or fortune.  I have NEVER expected either.  I have a better chance of winning the lottery, and I only play about once or twice a year!  LOL   But Lord knows, I’ve heard some horror stories!  The writing world can be a catty place, from what I’ve seen and read.  I don’t know why this is.  If you enjoy a great meal, you compliment the cook.  If you also are a great cook, a delicious meal is even MORE meaningful because you understand what was involved in the process.  It doesn’t always seem to work this way for writers.  They cut each other down and try to tear each other apart!  Why?  I have NO idea!!!   It’s very upsetting to me.  I try to avoid this nonsense whenever I can.  I want to encourage EVERYONE in my life to be the best that they can be.

My views on writing and life in general, are tainted by my own life experiences, as are everyone’s.  In my life, I have been blessed with diversity.  I work in a town that’s on the edge of Detroit, Michigan.  It’s WONDERFUL in its diversity.  Everyday, I meet people who are not like me.  I meet people who originally came  from every country you can imagine.  Everyday I’m reminded that although we are all different, we are also so much the same!  It makes me feel connected to the world around me.  I have friends who were originally from Iraq, Iran, Armenia, and France.  I live less than an hour away from Canada, so I have Canadian friends too.  We’re not talking about Facebook friends here, though I have those as well.  These are people who I know on a day-to-day basis.  These are people who give me a hug when I need one and have sat down and shared a meal with me!  I know people from almost every religion.  I have gay friends, straight friends, and in between.  Guess what?  It’s OK to be different from each other.  It’s OK to have differing views.  I like learning about how other people live.  I enjoy learning about the customs and traditions of others.  Diversity is a marvelous gift!  I wouldn’t want to live in a place where everything and everyone was the same.  Why can’t this be true for writers as well?  We’re all different, but we have much MORE in common that not.

Ah well!  I’m being ranting Juli again!  🙂

I wish everyone a safe and beautiful new year!  I thank everyone who’s encouraged me with their friendship, love, and support.  It’s easy to find fault, but kind words and actions are precious.  I thank everyone for their gentle nudges to get me going in the direction of my dreams.  I am a better person because of the people who have been brought into my life.

Thank You!

Juli