I promised myself I would write an essay each week for a whole year on the writing process. I’m extremely happy that I’ve met my goal. For a writer to meet a goal, whatever it happens to be (an essay or story in one week, a novel in one year, a journal entry every other day, a poem in one day), is important for his or her self-esteem and confidence. In other words, meeting a goal or a deadline does wonders for a writer’s soul.

If you’ve kept up with my weekly entries, there were days I didn’t know what I was going to write. I overcame that obstacle by saying to myself, “If I wrote an essay last week, I can do the same this week.” Having a deadline to meet has really been a lifesaver for me.  A deadline (lifeline) makes one focus like a laser on the job at hand.

I have finished reading the galley proofs of my two novels Highway Sailor and A Class of Leaders. There are still two more steps to go in the self-publishing process: the printing and selling of each book. Wish me luck.

It is my intention to continue writing short stories, novels and essays on a variety of subjects. I might write about my past, about football, baseball, water aerobics, my travels with my wife Joan or more about the writing process.

My stepson Sol Sender was right about attracting people to my website if I wrote a piece each week about writing. Ever since I started this project, not only have I received close to 400 comments, but many people have ordered my books. It’s amazing how the Internet works.

So, to all you writers out there, may you write loosely, freely and swiftly with a deadline/lifeline in mind. And don’t forget to revise until you’re satisfied with what you’ve written. Happy writing to each and every one of you!

In “Week 8 – Why I Write” I wrote down 16 reasons why I write. I’m adding ten more to this week’s entry. You might find a few that are similar from what I wrote back then, but that’s OK, we human beings are always repeating ourselves in one way or another.

I write to be serious, playful and insightful.

I write to be a historian of my time and place.

I write for future generations to read my words.

I write to present a new and different perspective on things.

I write to find out what’s inside my mind.

I write to ponder the past and foresee the future.

I write to keep my mind active.

I write to inspire and influence others.

I write to tell a damn good story.

I write because I want to, need to and have to.