Truth is, I'm happy when I'm writing. All is right with the world. I'm doing what I should be doing.

I always wondered. I mean, you'd think I'd know, right? But I have a tendency to get myself into complications and the more I try to work my way out of the complications, the less fun it is. I'll try to fix something and make it worse, or...even if I make it better, I don't like the story anymore.

Even in this latter career of writing I've managed to do that to myself.

But I really like writing that first draft, I like living in the story for awhile. I like the dream state. The ideas, the flow.

So I'm sort of making a pact with myself to keep the enjoyable parts as much as I can, and jettison the unenjoyable parts whenever possible.

What that means is--sticking to the original storyline, trying a little harder to get it right the first time, and if the story goes off course, just move on to the next story. Trust my subconscious though to come up with the right answers.

Rewrite once--fix it that once, but keep the freshness. Then move on.

I've been asked if I would be satisfied only writing and not having anyone read me. I wasn't entirely sure of the answer. I mean, I want people to read me and like me.

But...I think the answer is a firm, yes. I would be satisfied with only writing.