Positive Be Positive

The view from my desk

Writing a first novel is a scary process for me. I have had articles published, poetry printed and short stories read by many, but this is a first for me.

Yesterday's disaster is behind me, and the reorganising of my notes made me realise I have a project larger than life on my hands.

I have said the words "I am writing a novel", I have the books and research papers. My desk is in a inspirational position looking at the Troodos Mountains, here in Cyprus. I sit in front of a sunlit window and ...lose courage!

Today I doubted my ability. Why?
I think it is because I have followed the advice of published, seasoned authors. They suggest we should read, read , read. Now don't get me wrong, I am a reader, if it is written, I will read it.

My problem is that what I have read is good, brilliant and impressive work. I now realise I have to work extra hard to get on the bottom rung of the novel world, not that I thought I would be famous or a best seller, but I hadn't really stopped to think what writing a novel would mean to me or how it would begin to change my life.

I am at the stage where I continue or give up and do the gardening instead.

I am a great one for turning a negative into a positive, but even I couldn't do that today. Then I watched a little bird building a nest in the tree opposite. It dropped the straw it had in its mouth, it swooped down and picked it up, dropped it and went through the whole process again. Determined, it got that piece of straw into the nest, I was humbled by the efforts of one small bird and decided I must stop wallowing and be positive.

A stroll around the village on May day bank holiday, watching others relaxing in the sun soon stimulated my brain.

Back at my desk I remembered the quote by Bhudda :"He is able who thinks he is able."

Tap, tap, tap...new chapter...I Am Able.