Let go of the Fear and Just Do It!

Over the last few months, I've started venturing out of my little comfort zone, to realize that my writing isn't as bad as I always told myself.

Sure, I need some fine tuning...but overall, the articles I've written for the Alpine Sun haven't needed massive edits, or even any edits, to be "printer ready", and I'm working on an article on spec for a magazine. Just have to get some GOOD pictures for this one. Magazines are so picky about that.

I do believe that everyone has at least one good story in them, whether it's a book, an article or short story. It's in there, just let go and do it.

One thing that really did help me was a copy of the AP Stylebook. It's not infallible, and it's not what you'd use for most books, but it will make you pay closer attention to how you structure your writing. Seeing as I write mostly for community newspapers, it was the perfect gift for me.

Now, I don't bring in a lot of money yet, but that is the goal. The small checks I get every month make the exercise at least pay for some of my time! Maybe one day I can quit my job and write full time...