I'm really not doing a good job of keeping this blog a regular thing, but I'll keep trying!
I like to read a lot of books about how to write, hoping they'll inspire me or give me the one secret that will write a novel for me. But then I remember that writing is not supposed to be done in a matter of seconds. Not good writing, anyways. Everything you've got is supposed to be invested in it, and to hell with other people. I try to take that attitude, but when I finish what I write, be it a blog post, journal entry or a song, lots of times I find myself second guessing it. The trick is to find out whether you're second guessing because you want people to like your hard work, which is actually quite good, or because you actually really suck. (How's that for a profound quote.)

The task of writing itself is so simple. Hold pencil in hand, apply pressure to paper, repeat. That fools me into thinking writing stories or articles is just as simple. But if I know anything, I know how to practice. This blog has been helping me practice, and I appreciate any feeback I get, good or bad. I'm sturdy like a lobster and can take anything you throw at me. (yes, I'm quoting "Lilo and Stitch!)

Now, for something that seems random but really isn't. My favorite author is Neil Gaiman and my favorite PBS kids show is "Arthur." If I ever become a category on Jeopardy, you will be glad to know this. And do you know what happened? A few months ago, Neil Gaiman made a guest appearance on "Arthur," in an episode called "Falafelosophy," and I was flipping out. Cartoon Neil was giving advice to the character Sue Ellen, who was trying to find her "Inner Neil" and write a graphic novel. I found it extremely funny and encouraging. So, watch it, enjoy, and hopefully, write.