Exhausting my muse

I'm tired. And edgy. And a little frustrated. I think it's from a lack of exercise - both literary and muscular. By all accounts, I had a nice weekend. I got a massage, a facial (my very first and now my favorite thing EVER!) and a haircut. (though I did spend a giant portion of the time feeling guilty for abandoning the little one) I did a little shopping - bought a couple of new books and a new bathing suit for the monkey - so adorable!

Even so, I'm cranky. I've been a little sleep deprived lately so writing something other than complete gibberish has been difficult. Even reading takes two tons of effort. I woke up this morning at 5am ready to hit the gym - yay me! 30 seconds after I opened my eyes the kid did too. No yay, baby :o( Suffice it to say I did NOT go to the gym, nor did I participate in any of my billion at-home-workout videos. *sigh*

I've noticed my muse is more inspiring (and I am a MUCH nicer person) when I can find the time to work-out. She's more beat than I am. The Lady and I definitely need some quality time together.

To plot, or not to plot

So I've been reading a lot about story construction. It appears to me that either you plot out your novel, or you don't. Some authors just start writing and see where the story takes them and others tightly structure every major twist and turn. So now I ask you: What works best for you? Do you plot, or not? Do you keep tabs on your story in your head or do you draft an outline?

Ready, Set, Go!

I'm a starter. I start work-out programs and craft projects and books that are quasi-interesting. Unfortunately, I'm pretty sure I don't qualify as a finisher - as evidenced by the semi-finished bar-b-q grill cover sitting on my back patio, the P-90X workout program that never progressed past four weeks and the stack of half-read novels by my bed (although, I did finish my daughter's Halloween costume last year so I'm not a complete slacker). So you'll understand why, when I declared I was going to write a novel, the world raised a skeptical brow. However, this is more than just a fleeting obsession. This is me.

Thank you for joining me as I embark on this fantastically terrifying journey. Please feel free to comment and share your tips for maintaining some level of sanity throughout the writing process. I'm going to need every ounce of it!