I feel a change coming

Since I did not write on Tuesday I set up a writing date with my writing buddy Kate. We met at the Villa at 10:00. Unfortunetly I brought my frustrated writer self with me. I can always figure out other peoples problems and help them see what is wrong and what they need to do so why can't I do that for myself. OK I thought I will try and pretend I am helping someone else. What questions would I ask this imaginary person. After some thought I came up with a series of questions. This was my list.

* Why do you want to write?
* What are your themes?
* What Is compelling to you about each story that you are considering?
* What would make your main character more interesting?
* What is it about the plot that is compelling to you?
* Why do you feel you need to write this story?
* Name ten ideas that you think are interesting to write about?
- Would these ideas work better as a short story or a novel?
* If you never finished either of these stories can you let go of the ideas and
move on to something else ?
* What is it that is really frustrating you?
* If you came up with a plan and a schedule would that work? Would you be willing
to follow a schedule?
* Would stepping away from the novel and writing a short story help you focus on
technique better?
* Would hiring a personal coach be the motivation you need?

Now several things resulted from this. I have been toying with the coach idea but really couldn't afford it before. I have some funds from my income tax return that I could devote to this. The only thing holding me back really is fear. So I proceeded to look at some of my favorite coaches sites and make a decision. I decided to do a free session with Jamie Ridler. I got to know her a little better when I did the 12 secrets book club and I seem to resonate with her. So I have scheduled an introductory session with her and then we'll decide if we are a good match. If so I will do a month of coaching and see where we go from there. After I made the decision I knew it was right, I had tears of joy as evidence. It was as though something was released from me. I see good things happening because of this decision

I continued on and started answering some of my own questions and came up with 2 short story ideas that I am excited about. So I think this asking your own questions of yourself can be a profound and motivating exercise. If you find you are stuck you might like to try this yourself.