Sometimes writing comes quickly, even easier, and other times, nope, nada. I suspect this happens to most writers. I've learned not to stress over mental blocks; shift gears, and then return after a break. I find I write in my mind when I'm doing other things.
The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer. I gifted this book to several people and read it twice. After my dad passed away, I was looking for "something" and tripped on this book, quite by accident - or not? It isn't about life after death, it's more about understanding the human condition and letting go. I guess it was number 1 on the New York Bestseller list for a reason.
I still prefer reading physical books, but I have to admit that the affordability and convenience aspect of e-reading is incredibly appealing. I wonder what the 'next level' of reading will be in 100 years from now? Maybe body chips loaded with books so we can read without devices, lol.
I remember the first time I was asked in grade school what I wanted to be when I grew up - I answered a Writer. The next time I was asked, I said a lawyer; the next time, I wanted to be a Psychologist. So the first answer I remember was, in fact, a Writer. Did I see it as a full-time career? Idealistic me probably did.
Since I write a lot of riddles for my books and the website, I find some riddles come with little effort, while other times, I can spend several hours trying to complete one! I've written over 1000 riddles, so it's getting better, faster.
In regards to publishing, I would tell my younger self to start sooner. I started writing at 8 years old but didn't go through the publishing learning curve until I was 59. I would encourage young me to follow my dreams sooner, and I would tell myself to stop trying to fix people. I would insist that I trust my instincts and tell me to do for myself what I do for others; to remember me. Live, love, laugh, and learn, as they say, but to include me in those things. Self-love isn't being selfish.
