My New Year

For me, the new year begins today - the first day of spring - not on the first day of January. Days like today, when I feel the sun on my face, make me feel alive. I have made it through the cold winter - again. Already I have the soft purple crocus peeking through the leaves that I didn't get to last fall. These small dots of color down my sidewalk energize me, and make me smile. I let out a sigh of relief that the coldest months have passed and although it will snow again it will be much more tolerable. The edges of the grass is green, the maple tree is already showing buds. I chat with like-minded friends about our gardens and what we might try this year. I'm ready, Mother Nature - bring it on!

Blossoming

Here it is, the 6th day of April, and I'm blossoming, just like the tulips peeking up from the earth. It's the sun that pulls me from my winter's hibernation, and gets me back on track. The months since the last of the leaves had fallen from the maple tree in our yard have been harsh. I am a soul of the earth, but apparently fickle one; I loathe ice and snow but fully welcome the even smallest hints of spring. I should live in a tropical climate, rather than the Rocky Mountain region.
But, back to blossoming: I have been making small steps toward being the writer that I am meant to be. The hardest thing is to say it out loud: "Hi, I'm Peggy, and I'm a writer". Sounds like I'm completing the twelve steps - but then again, I guess I am.
1. Admit who you are, really. I'M A WRITER!
2. Make writing a habit - do it every day.
3. Eliminate distractions and don't procrastinate.
4. Commit to your craft: it's part of you.
5. Read how-to's on writing to get a feel for your personal style and needs.
6. Enlist the help of your family - this isn't a hobby, and you need time and support to develop it.
7. Get some good tools: if you need a laptop, get one. Choose a cheap notbook, or the leather bound one - just get one that is welcoming to get those words on paper.
8. Observe the world - everything you see, hear, feel, etc. can be used in your material.
9. Make notes, and keep them organized.
10. Look to the future: what is your goal? If you want to be a freelance writer, or novelist, or whatever, make plans to get yourself there.
11. Learn the lingo, and understand how things work, like submissions, query letters, book contracts. Do the research for yourself.
12. As soon as you have finished one story, article, essay, etc. START ANOTHER! Writing begets writing!
Time's a waistin' - I'm off to get started!