Continuing the agony

So, is writing a story supposed to be as agonizing as it is for me? Am I alone on this one? Does anybody else experience this? I'm not talking about writer's block - I'm talking about the simple, lazy at my core, I'd-rather-listen-to-music-on-Pandora-than-write-this-story type of agony. When I actually muster the discipline to sit down and begin to write, the lines flow and the story develops rather quickly. Some are amazed that I pen as quickly as I do. I, on the other hand, am constantly wondering if it's any good, no matter how fast or how slow I write!

Yesterday was a day of some discipline, so I have uploaded a few more pages to the story. Check it out here: Samuel's Umbrella. Please let me know what you think - and if you think there is any hope. Please, be brutally honest. I'm not interested in wasting my time on something that I'm ultimately not any good at. If there are seeds of potential, then let me know that too.

OK, writing this blog has given me some renewed discipline - I'm off to write a little more!! Wish me luck!

Welcome to BookSprouting!

We are happy to announce the launch of BookSprouting.com! BookSprouting is a community dedicated to the positive development of children’s literature where members can share their stories and receive feedback so that their work can develop and grow. Our main goal is to make positive additions to the world of children’s books and we think the community at large has the talent and vision to make that happen. Let us help you on your way to getting published!

In our goal to advance the quality of children’s books, BookSprouting is looking for the next great author! The daunting task of getting a work published often stops a writer in their tracks, letting their terrific idea for a story fall to the wayside. To help prevent this from happening, BookSprouting will be hosting contests in hopes of helping a writer get closer to their dream.

Each competition invites members to submit their best story where it will then be up to the BookSprouting community to vote and decide on their favorite. Our first competition will take place as soon as BookSprouting reaches 3000 members. As the numbers approach that mark, we will post the rules and regulations regarding that competition. The prizes for our first contest will be $1000, an iPod nano, 4 tickets to Disneyland, and a chance to become published!