"Writing is physical work. It's sweaty work. You just can't will yourself to become a good writer. You really have to work at it" -- Will Haygood

That is what I have concluded during my short time blogging and trying to write. It is hard work. And I shouldn't try to lessen the fact that it is hard. Not everyone can write well. Maybe I'm not one of those who can write well, maybe I am. I don't know. But, honestly, I'm not ready to quit trying to be a good writer. Writing for me is not something I have to do (well, except for class) but something I do because I enjoy it. Lately, I have been ignoring my love and completely focusing on how hard it has been. I have decided that is definitely the wrong way to think of writing. In reality, nothing worth doing is done easily. School is hard, life is hard, love is hard. But if we awknowledged that fact and simply gave up, we would be nothing--there would be no reason to live or do anything. So why should I give up writing just because I'm struggling? I'm definitely not going to stop. Honestly, I don't think I actually would be able to quit. I am an addict when it comes to writing. I would be tearing myself up inside without a way to release my creativity. I couldn't stop writing if I wanted to and I most definitely don't want to quit. My question, possibly my last, is how much do you love to write? Without it, would you be able to live? If the answer is no--don't give up no matter how hard it may be. If your answer is yes, find something you are passionate about, something you wouldn't be able to live without and work on that with all your might no matter how hard it may be sometimes.

"Writing is easy: All you do is sit staring at a blank sheet of paper until drops of blood form on your forehead." Gene Fowler

Is anyone else getting tired of school yet? I am so frustrated and TIRED!!! I think all of that is affecting my writing. I can't come up with any ideas and no matter how hard I try, nothing is written easily. I'm not one to believe in inspiration, but right now, I could definitely use some inspiration. Creatively, I think I am tapped out. I can barely write my assignments and now, I am having a hard time wanting to write anything else--even for fun. Usually, it is fairly easy for me to write. Once I have an idea, it usually takes me no time to write. Lately, though, it hasn't been working. I am finally understanding how hard it is to write, and more specifically, to write well. My question: how do you write quickly and well at the same time? And, when you only have time to write quickly, how do you turn in work that's not your best without feeling horrible?

"You can't wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club" -- Jack London

After my last post and some great comments (thanks Taylor, Laura and Shahnaz) I realized I was a bit hard on myself and writing in general. Since my last post I have done a lot of writing but most have been for classes. Lately I have had trouble coming up with ideas for stories or I'll establish an idea and that's all I'll have--an idea, nothing else. I think part of this has to do with the fact that all of my writing has been for class and nothing that I have really wanted to write about. And then--once I finish writing for school, I'm completely worn out and can't seem to find time to write anything else. My question today, to anyone who might be listening, is how do you balance what you have to write and what you want to write? Is it possible to combine the two and if so---how? Any suggestions would be graciously accepted!....and if any one wants to do any of my homework....

I am a galley slave to pen and ink....

....well, maybe not really. And I think that is my problem. At least when it comes to school work. Write something stupid that I alone will read--sure, no problem, that will keep my occupied all day. Write something I will be graded on or that will be read aloud in class.....that's a completely different story. Since this is my first post ever, I guess I should explain a little more about why I am starting this blog. Truth be told--it's an assignment for my most favorite class ever (are you reading this Dr. Bowie?) But, I also think this blog is going to be helpful with the rest of my classes--most specifically with my Introduction to Creative Writing Fiction class, which, by the way, is going to be the absolute death of me. I have a setting-to-character opening due in two days....I cannot write it. No matter how hard or how often I try. It sucks. I've always considered myself a writer, but I think I am beginning to find out how inadequate I actually am at fiction-writing. Which, once again, sucks. How am I supposed to write a story opening that a room full of writers won't tear apart? Because, I truly think what keeps me from writing this setting-to-character assignment is my fear. The same fear that sneaks up on me any time a piece of my writing is to be read (yes, even now, I'm more worried about what my readers--if there ever are any readers--are going to think than I am about what I'm actually writing). How do I get over the one thing that is truly inabling me from writing my best? Any suggestions?......Anyone?......Bueller?.....I think it's time to catch up on some sleep.