I've been writing...

I've spent the last several days writing. I've always wanted to write, but when I start I don't get very far. I think the problem is that I have been trying to force myself to write the kind romantic chick-type books that I like to read. The simple fact is, I suck at that kind of writing. I don't have much real life experience in that department. (That sounds really weird considering I've been married twice!)

This time, I am not forcing anything. I've been writing about my Dad. I started planning to write an entry here about him on Thursday. Thursday marked six years ago that I brought Dad home from the hospital for the last time. He died at home five days later. The plan was to write something about that time. One entry for Thursday, and another on Tuesday. When I started writing, it just kept flowing. Before I knew it, I had eight pages. Tonight, I took the kids to archery practice, and while they were shooting I started writing about Dad again. This time, looking back at my childhood. In just under an hour and a half I cranked out another five pages.

My plan now is to go back and do little bits and pieces here and there. Chapters that discuss things I have learned about my Dad since he died. Chapters that discuss stories he used to tell. Chapters that reflect how others felt about Dad. I also want to include a chapter about the advice I received from the hospice nurses and others, and advice I would like to pass on to others who find themselves facing the impending death of a loved one.

 I sent the first eight pages I wrote to a friend to have him take a look and see if there was anything there. I have refused to look back at those eight pages until I hear his thoughts. I'm getting excited though. It's going to take a lot of work, and I may never find anyone who wants to publish it, but I am going to write a book about my Dad. Maybe I'll even invest my own money one day to publish it myself. I just have to make the money first.

It does feel good to be really writing again though.