If You Can Do It Better, Do It / Happenings In The Outhouse 27-May-2022

Critics.

People love to criticize the artistic works of others.

Love 'em or hate 'em, there have been critics for as long as humans have walked the Earth.  But some criticize far more than others.

I was listening to a podcast about the upcoming Lord of the Rings series coming to Amazon Prime later this year, and I was struck by how critical the folks were about the process and what story they were using to tell.  It reminded me of the criticism George R. R. Martin has received in regards to finishing his fantasy series A Song of Ice and Fire.

The same goes with other successful people, like Rowling and the new fantasy world she has created, and many others.

It drives me crazy when I hear about all the people speculating about this and that about a new series in the Marvel universe or Star Wars universe or whatever.

Me?  I just sit back and enjoy the show when it comes out.  No speculating.  Why?  It's a waste of my time.

I would rather spend my time creating my own worlds than speculating about others outside of my control.  Think about it for a moment.  Would you rather watch the movie unfold or actually be a part of it?

I go with the latter if my money is on the line.  I control my own creations.

Also, and here is the crux of what I'm getting at: if you think you can do better, then go ahead and do it.

Still Working / Happenings In The Outhouse 20-May-2022

Another short post today.

I'm in the middle of editing Sweet Dreams.  I'll share more of it in the upcoming weeks as the work comes to an end.

As far as what's next, I'm still pondering the next project.

Sweet Dreams Is Completed / Happenings In The Outhouse 13-May-2022

My current work-in-progress, a novel titled Sweet Dreams, is complete!

Wednesday, May 11, at 9:29pm, I wrote the final words to the first draft.  It is 566 pages long and is a staggering 115,962 words.

Over the next few weeks, I'll be putting the finishing touches, editing, and putting the cover together, and then it will be published in short time.

This novel had its genesis back in my college days, and was actually the second novel I had ever written.  I put it on the back burner while I wrote other novels and even edited it a number of times, before finally revising it close to 13 months ago, using the original draft as an outline for the current novel.

It turned out much better than I thought, and I hope you all love it too.  I will expand on what it's about in later posts.

Stay tuned . . .

The Long Road to Success / Happenings In The Outhouse 06-May-2022

The road to success is typically a long one, and is usually filled with many obstacles.  These obstacles, I believe, are designed to make us stronger.  If you are striving to a major life goal, your body and mind may be weary, but your spirit may be the only thing keeping you going.

Last summer I met someone who was working so hard toward a life goal, I can't help but admire and encourage her.

Today, my girlfriend Melissa (yes, she shares the same name as my late wife, which I can only fathom as being part of God's plan and impressive humor) graduates with her RN degree.  She has been an LPN for around 20 years, and even got her CNA when she was 16 years old.  She has been in the medical field for a very long time, in a variety of positions and specialties.  She started her drive toward her RN degree 5-6 years ago, taking classes here and there, before finally being accepted into the RN program.

Throughout all of these years, she has overcome a smattering of obstacles--none of which I will mention here but they would definitely rattle anyone's cage.  But not her!  I am utterly flabbergasted by her tenacious drive to succeed in becoming an RN.  Her next goal is to get her BSN degree, which is already in the works, starting this fall.

Her road to success is a long one, and I am so proud of all of her accomplishments.  I feel so blessed to be a part of her journey.

What are you doing to achieve your dreams?  What is your purpose in life, your burning desire?