This saying really speaks to me. How about you?

Reaching a goal always feels good… It means that I did it! I accomplished what I set out to do. Ah…

But often, I forget to be proud as I complete the steps that will eventually take me to the end zone. And there are usually many, many of them, little tiny accomplishments that slowly and steadily add up. Why not celebrate those, too?

Remember those gold stars your teacher gave out for completing a task? Your parents probably used a similar goal chart, or maybe you use one with your kids. Each star is something to celebrate, and a full chart earns a a coveted trinket or treat .

To that end, I have created my own adult “gold star” box. Mine relates to writing, of course. At the beginning of each new project, I set a daily writing goal. Every day, I record the number of pages written, and I pay myself. Not much– $.25 per page written–but it adds up. The money goes into a box. As time goes on, I exchange the coinage for bills and the small bills for larger ones. When I finish the project and send it off, I get to spend the money on anything I want.

It’s fun and it works! Feel free to “steal” the idea and give it a try.

Until Wednesday, and wishing you pride in your accomplishments,

Ann

As my vacation draws to a close, I am ready to go home. To paraphrase my mom, “If you’re ready to go home, the vacation has worked its magic.” This one has! From the go-go of The Big Apple to the laid-back, lovely beach at Siesta Key, it’s been a terrific vacation.

Now, I’m looking forward to getting home. Yeah, that means opening the mail, paying bills, grocery shopping, doing laundry and all the other stuff that makes up my daily life. But I don’t mind. Most important of all, I’m eager to sit down in my office, fire up the desk top and write!

Okay, but on this last day in Paradise, I’m gonna play. In the Gulf. I’d best get to it.

Until Wednesday, and wishing you a rejuvenating vacation in the near future,

Ann

I am vacationing on Siesta Key, FL, and so enjoying myself. As always, the weather in May is perfect! Wonderful for early morning beach walks. As the tide comes in or flows out, sandpipers run across the wet sand in search of breakfast. Sometimes they move in groups. Other times, they work alone. Which got me to thinking about  writing. More specifically, writers.

What’s she talking about? you’re probably wondering.

Writing is a solitary business. (But never lonely!) We writers spend long hours, sitting in our offices, breathing life into the stories in our heads. This is often a daunting task, but very rewarding. Especially when we hear from readers. 🙂

But sometimes, we need to get out, hang with our peeps and talk shop. It’s always great to share stuff about our own writing and the business of writing, a reminder that we are not alone, that there are others out there, doing what we do for similar reasons.

Time to get back to the ocean now.

Until Wednesday, and wishing you some serious fun with your peeps,

Ann