A new phase

A few weeks ago I turned 30. Extended family all wanted to know how I would celebrate.  They all expected to be invited to a big bash, as I'm the youngest in my family. But nope. I didn't go the big party route. Instead, I opted for a quiet day spent with my closest family.

Turning 30 meant that I was in a new phase of my life. That I had to start appreciating every moment more and that I had to stop people pleasing. I had to start doing things for me. And . . . that is exactly what I did. With the help of my siblings, I finally got some new ink.

My new piece of art

Definitely my idea of starting the year off with a bang. I wanted to get a second tattoo for so long. To top things off, me and my two sisters are going off for a girls-only holiday next week. I know it's going to be fun.

How did, or would you celebrate a big birthday?

Dropping labels and ouchies!

Hey friends! How are you doing? I'm good.

Last week I had to go for more blood tests, with regards to my autoimmune disease. It wasn't too bad. But now I have an ugly ouchie on my arm. It looks way worse than it feels:)

Ouchie on my arm

I'm starting the new year off on a very serious note. Last week I decided to no longer put labels on myself. I love being a writer, but I want to be more than just that. I want to have fun this year. Just because I might take up more hobbies and try and do more, doesn't mean that I don't take my writing seriously. I love writing. But I also like taking photos, doing crafts and who knows, maybe there are other things I want to do as well. 

Why am I getting so serious? Because writing is no longer just for fun, or a hobby. I now look at it as my job. As my profession and I really want to succeed at being a full-time writer. So, now I have to do something fun to provide balance, hence the above mentioned fun things:)

So, that is it from me. How are you doing?

Doubt is ever lurking (IWSG)

Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a great break and that all is well. Thank you so much to Alex and his awesome co-hosts!

It is a new year and I would like to say that I have shed every one of my nasty little insecurities. Unfortunately, I must confess that I still have a ton of doubts and fears. The difference today is that they no longer keep me from writing or taking action with regards to my creativity. But, there is one thing I truly fear. That my first book was a fluke and that I don’t have what it takes to write another, or make writing a full-time job. Even though I tell myself that every time I finish a sentence on my current project, that I’m proving my own fear wrong. That doesn’t stop me from doubting myself. All I can do is keep hammering away and keep on writing.

How are you doing today?

The Insecure Writers Support Group was created by the talented Mr. Alex J. Cavanaugh so that writers can share their insecurities and/or encourage others who need support with their own. You can visit Alex Here, or if you want to join us in discussing our insecurities on the first Wednesday of each month, you are welcome to join by going Here.

Winding down for the year

The time has come for me to say Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all my online friends. It has truly been a pleasure hanging out with you. Thank you so much for all the love and support I've gotten this year. You make me feel very happy and blessed.

Please be safe during the holidays and celebrations. If you drive, do so carefully, as others can be crappy drivers this time of year. Wishing you and your families many blessings.

Drastic measures

I have been stuck with book 2 for ages now. I've read many of my fellow bloggers say that book 2 can be the hardest book to write and I had disagreed then, but I agree now. Fresh ideas were simply eluding me.

So, I did the only thing I could do. I started over. Yes. I tossed my rewrites aside this weekend and decided to do the crazy thing and start the story over . . . from scratch. Since doing that, I've been spoiled for choice with possible story ideas. Granted, the story is going in a completely different direction than my original outline. But I think this might be for the best. Who knows, maybe some scenes from the original might just be salvageable.

The winner is in!

The winner of my first (on the blog) giveaway is Alex J. Cavanaugh! Congratulations, Alex! Whoop, Whoop. I will email you shortly.

Don't be afraid (IWSG)

Thank you so much to Alex, his co-hosts and the entire IWSG team for having made 2015 such a great year. You guys are amazing. 

Today I'm not going to share my insecurities, even though I have plenty. Instead, I want to encourage everyone to embrace who they are, as a person and writer. Don't be like me, afraid of everything. Be proud to be a writer. Be proud to be yourself. Just when I think I'm comfortable being myself, someone mentions something I don't want to hear and my confidence as a person and writer goes crashing down. Please, don't let others change who you are. Be you. Unafraid and unashamed.

The Insecure Writers Support Group was created by the talented Mr. Alex J. Cavanaugh so that writers can share their insecurities and/or encourage others who need support with their own. You can visit Alex Here, or if you want to join us in discussing our insecurities on the first Wednesday of each month, you are welcome to join by going Here.