Thoughts on writing

So, at the moment I am working on my second book and a screenplay that I am co writing with my husband.

I was looking a a screenwriting book and found a great quote about writing:

"Discipline is what separates a writer from someone who likes to write."

That is SO true. Having one book under my belt, and taking some time away from writing recently, I can honestly say that the majority of effort that comes with writing a book is actually sitting down and getting it done. Never mind the stress of wondering if what you are writing is crap, the hardest part is actually finishing. It's really, really hard to sit down in front of a computer when all you want to do is go sit with your kids or lounge on the couch and watch a movie. You may have to give up some sleep on the weekends or hole up in your office or the library or Barnes and Noble and write, when you would rather socialize.

But you know what? When that book comes out and someone you love looks at you with wonder because they can find something with your name in the bookstore, it's totally worth it. My moment came shortly after my book came out and my son told his teachers that his mom was an author. He was so proud of me that it made my entire lifetime.

Now, even a year later, he is still asking to use bookmarks with my book on them so he can show them off. The moral of the story is this - if you want to be a writer, you need to write. Turn off the TV, don't surf the net, don't answer your phone. Just write. Eventually you will have pages, then chapters, and then, at some magical point you will have a book. It may not be good (yet), but you can still say you did it. And that makes it all worth it.