I’ve decided that my new motto is Start Where You Are. It’s also the title of a book that I have not read. Maybe someday I’ll read the book, but for now I’m simply using the title as my mantra.

The one project that I’ve been wanting to work on keeps getting back burnered. Sometimes due to other work, but mostly because I’m afraid to start. I’m afraid to start because I’m afraid to finish and find out that it’s no good. I’m afraid to start because I’m afraid to get to the point where the project is done, and then I must start with the whole submission process that will undoubtedly entail numerous rejections before I land a “yes”. I’m afraid to start because I’m afraid to find out that fiction is not my bag.

But, today, I started. And it feels good. And my kids are totally into the whole idea and are surprising me with their thought process and knowledge of storytelling. Brad has offered to create and map the locations in my story for me so that I don’t make errors and change the scene halfway through. Both boys are tossing out character and place names for me. They are sharing their ideas about what would make it a good story. And they are even pointing out flaws in my story (darned kids!).

So, what is this project? It’s an early/transitional reader for boys. Not that I’m sexist - my kids read pretty much anything, and lots of books that many would consider too girly - but I think visually, something more boyish would be very appealing to young boys learning to read. Next time you’re at your local bookstore, check out this category. It’s a very girly category.

Wish me luck. My goal is to crank out a chapter a day.