Why I do this

Frances asked me recently why I do this? Why do spend time away from RL for the research, writing, editing, posting, etc. Why? I promised her a full explanation but not until I finish the story. I wish to keep certain information private for now.

Now that I am posting the story I have discovered another reason to write--the readers who support and encourage me. I do not wish to let them down. I love to read all the comments (I never thought originally I would be so easily touched by them, but I am) and feel comforted when the regular posters still comment. I have discovered a world of wonderful women (and at least one man - Kent has posted 3 times!) that take the time to share their thoughts.

This morning I was planning on posting about clearing one's mind to push on with a chapter. I will save that for another day because this morning I read my latest comment at AHA. Lise wrote a beautiful comment explaining her lack of posts. Well, Lise, it is OK. Just knowing that you are reading the story and you find it worthwhile is enough. It is more than enough.

For a time, I obsessed over the number of comments and the view count. Not at first but as the chapters went up I found I anxiously awaited my readers...approval. I wanted to be thought of as a good writer. I admit I only thought of myself. Ok, so every now and then everyone thinks only of themselves. I am no different.

But now, it is not so important. I had a wonderful conversation over view counts and was reminded why I wanted to write this story in the first place. Once I placed that reason in the forefront the view counts and comments are certainly well appreciated but it is not the reason for my writing. This is not to say I do not still anxiously wait for comments and kind words of praise and encouragement and even the ones that show they are clearly upset with the direction of the story. I love my comments and find they do help me week to week keep up with my schedule. The combination of my purpose for writing and the wonderful experience with posting is all I need to continue. One day after the epilogue has been posted I will share my purpose.

well, off to prepare today's post. And egad, I must clean house and Heather understands why it helps my writing. Sadly, Steph did not heehaw over Chapter 23. Well, I still have two more beta's to go. I still find it funny. We will see what the readers think.

Today is Canasta Hand and Foot day. Ok, this is how it is in full retirement. Cards, alchohol, concerts, plays, shopping, eating out, eating at the club, get-togethers and volunteering. That is my life now. I can sleep as late as I want. there is water aeorbics (Except the pool is undergoing some kind of repair and won't be re-opened until Friday) and a wellness center (fancy phrase for gym); golf (which I hate), tennis (which I hate), hiking (which I hate) gardening (which I hate with a capital H), quilting (which yes you know) and a host of other activities which I ignore. I don't know why I moved here at all. Perhaps, the cool temperatures in the summer and the mild winters (but I am in Florida in the winter) is why.

Canasta hand and foot is a simple game. It does not tax the brains at all. I can even think about my stories while playing and never miss a play. So today I will post and run off to Canasta hand and foot and pray I will not be partnered with Carlton. Ok he wins alot and he is actually old (as opposed to me at 57) but he is slow as the latest version of Office booting up.

I hope everyone appreciates Caroline once they read chapter 21. I tried to give a reason for her actions. I do believe everyone is a product of genes and environment. It is the combination which makes us so unique. No two people can own those two objects. Not even twin sisters.

Speaking of sisters, I am like Georgiana. I, too, wished I had a sister. Only three brothers (and believe me none as wonderful as Darcy). I did not even have a daughter - two sons.

Well, I am off to add those tags to my chapter 20. and how do you make those accent marks in html? hmmmm.