Sometimes, during difficult times, it's a challenge to be focused. There are so many other things to look after and do, it can be difficult to find time for one's passion. It's been a struggle for me as of late. It hasn't been a lack of motivation nor inspiration. Just finding the right time to devote to that which I love. And, unfortunately, time isn't something that we can get back. But, I remain hopeful. There is much to do, but if I keep pushing and stay prayerful, things will open up and I will be able to forge forward.

Raising Expectations

For me, it's very important to keep raising the bar. I have no desire to maintain the status quo. The only way to get better, the only way to keep striving, the only to push myself beyond my current limits is to raise my expectations and to never settle. There is so much that I want to accomplish and it is not possible for it to get done on it's own. I need to do it, it must come from me. And I wouldn't want it any other way.

Progress

Progress is all about consistency and effort. It doesn't mean that you will always accomplish what you set out to do. It may even mean changing direction or taking a step back. But, with consistency and effort every step you take, every move you make, every word you write, note you sing or stroke you paint will bring you closer to your goal--then end product. No matter how small, every little bit counts and is considered progress. Stay safe.

I have been asked to describe what the "writing process" is like. And while I could probably write a dissertation about what the writing process is like for me, I won't go that far5 because I have come to understand that the writing process is different and unique for every individual. Some writers come up with titles when they come up with ideas. Other writers almost never come up with titles and need assistance in finding one. Some writers write free hand from beginning to end, others may need a typewriter, while others may use a Dictaphone for their assistants to type. Some writers write the ending first and then work backwards from there. Through my metamorphosis, I've been through the gamut. I started by writing long-hand, graduated to an old Brother typewriter and eventually moved to a desktop. I wrote about a third of "Mine!" on a laptop but I much more prefer a desktop. I'm at home at a desktop. Like many writers, I attach titles to my stories upon conception. Sometimes they change but that is rare. I also come up with a fairly complete synopsis that I jot down on my list of ideas. That way I can always conceptualize the entire story from beginning to end--almost at a moment's notice. I've been blessed with the ability to "know" my stories. It's as if I 'forsee' them and then I simply document what I'm "seeing". While I have an overall idea what each of my stories entail, when I actually begin the writing process, I make notes and descriptions of all the major characters and then I write an outline with each point representing a chapter. As I write the story, I make sure that I stay very closely to the outline, covering only the points that I have detailed so I don't get ahead of myself which I have occasion to do. As for everything else in each chapter, especially character development and the introduction of new and secondary characters, that happens naturally as the story begins to define its own identity. It's a very fluid process. Sometimes it takes correction, sometimes things change direction--and that's all right as long as the bullet points for each chapter are fulfilled. It's what makes the process magical.

Prayerfully, everyone is being careful and safe during these interesting yet trying times. Unfortunately, I have lost people very dear to me as a result of this virus and have yet others even closer who are affected. I'm earnest in trying to make the best out of this challenging situation. I am not writing as much as I'd like, working from home appears to be more exhausting than when I went into the office and the field. But, it is important that I keep my focus and still try to be productive when I can. For example, my new website is now live, AUTHORSEROBINSON.COM. I'm hoping everyone gets a chance to stop by and see what's happening over there. It provides quick links to my published works and a little bit of insight into me. We don't know how much longer this crisis will last, but please be comforted in knowing that this, too, shall pass. We simply must be diligent in dong our parts. Stay safe, be careful, take care of one another.

This current crisis is unprecedented in the modern era. It is imperative that we are all careful. There are many who have died from this virus and even more that have been afflicted. I have personally lost two people in the last week who were very dear to me. I implore everyone to take heed to all of the precautions and protect yourselves and your families. The danger is real. Stay inside. Stay safe. Read a good book!

PLEASE VOTE FOR ME AT https://taleflick.com/pages/discovery

Good morning, good afternoon and good evening, As you may be aware, I am an author, predominantly of suspense thrillers, psychological thrillers and horror stories. I am currently published with 1 novel and a collection of short stories to my credit. I have also written two more novels and am currently work on a selection of novellas-all scheduled to be published this year. My debut novel “MINE!” published in 2004 has received excellent reviews and is currently available in all formats and can be ordered at most establishments. It is also enrolled in a movie database called TaleFlick, which seeks to turn stories into movies. Of the thousands of stories submitted to TaleFlick, I have just been notified that my novel “MINE!” has been selected to enter a contest to be optioned. I am requesting that everyone please take a moment to go to https://taleflick.com/pages/discovery and vote for “MINE!” The contest runs from Wednesday, 2/26/2020 at 7:00 am Eastern 10:00 am pacific through Friday, 2/28/2020 1:00 pm Eastern and 4:00 Pacific. Those who have read my work know how visual it is and most believe that this story should translate to film well. Please take a moment to vote. You may only vote once but every vote counts and I would be forever in your debt. Thank you for your time.

On my Grind!!!

Trying to be very productive this year. I don't want to jinx myself, I don't want to put my cart before my horses, but there is much that I hope to accomplish this year. GOD Willing it will be in HIS plans that will allow me to get all of these things done. Pray for me.

Short stories fever....

The first volume of Glints of Fascination has been released to a little fanfare. There have been a few people who have expressed eagerness for my next work and have welcomed this collection of my earliest short stories with anticipation. It's taken entirely too long to pull it together. It took a long time to find some of these and unfortunately, it appears that some of my work may be lost forever, but I am grateful for what I was able to find. For everyone who chooses to escape for while, these stories are for you. Please pick up a copy and enjoy. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0838PCCDF/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i1

There is always something to do!!!!

No matter how down I get, how distracted I become, how discouraged I may feel. Coming into the office, even if it's not to write, I can always find something to do that is productive. Something that will pass the time and keep me on track. No matter how little I do, every little bit gets me closer to my goal. And there is ALWAYS something to do!!!

Keep it Pushing.....

There will be challenges. There will be obstacles. There will be naysayers and saboteurs. There will be those who don't believe. There will be those who actively seek your failure. There will be those who will never support you, no matter what you say or do. But, don't be discouraged. Don't let up or get down. Believe in yourself and let everything else fall into place. Keep on pushing.

It's an Endless Pursuit...

In putting "Glints of Fascination, Vol I" together, a collection of my earliest short stories, I was able to learn a few things about myself and my work. First of all, I could easily follow my progression as a writer. Not only in content and character development but in writing style and merely writing competency, if you would. It was revealing to read some of my earliest work. Yes, those stories still have a certain charm, which is why I decided on the project--that along with a little pressure from family and friends. But, it was revealing in illuminating how far I've come as a writer and, in some ways, an indication of how far I have yet to go. Honing one's talents and/or skills is a endless pursuit. While you can master your craft, there is always room for improvement, there is always room for growth. There is always more to learn. I know that I am no where near where I want to be as a writer. I also understand that I may never get to where I believe I should be. But, as long as I keep pushing. As long as I can stay focused and persevere, I will keep striving toward that place I want to be. It's not the destination that's important, but the journey. And thus far, this has been one amazing ride.

'Tis a Blessing...

It is such a blessing to be able to do what I love on a daily basis. No, not every day is as productive as I would like. No, I am nowhere near where I'd like to be as an author. But, to be able to do what I love, day in and day out, is truly a blessing indeed. A good friend told me a long time ago, that so long as I can accomplish something on a daily basis, ANYTHING, on a daily basis--no matter how big or how small, I could consider it a productive day. I took that and applied it to not only my writing but to all of my daily life. Every little bit that I do brings me closer to where I want to be. That in itself is empowering. Tread on friends!!!

Cross your fingers!!!

I don't want to get ahead of myself but I may, very well, have some very exciting news to announce within the next couple of weeks. Nothing earth shattering or monumental mind you, but exciting enough to merit mentioning. I should know with some certainty within the next couple of weeks and as such, I will keep you all posted!!!

It's a brand new decade, a brand new year!

I want to wish everyone peace, prosperity and productivity in 2020. The world is your oyster if you take the time to claim whatever it is that your heart desires. I sincerely expect to be very busy this year. There was a lot that took place in 2019, so I was unable to be as productive to be as truly hoped to be. I did manage to write two manuscripts and finally gather some of my shorts stories to create "Glints of Fascination". But, I was unable to get the novels published in 2019. However, excitedly, I expect 2020 to be a very productive year. I've these two novels already in the cue to be published, I'm working on a book of novellas and I finally hope to get started on the sequel to "MINE!" So, hang in there, more is coming! So much more to do! I sincerely hope that I can ask my friends to join me as I continue along this journey. There may be several unexpected stops along the way but the view should be wonderful.