Maybe this is working . . .

I think I'm making pretty decent progress on the first draft of The Sorcerer's Daughter. I'm much happier with what I have so far, as opposed to what I had on my previous couple of attempts at a novel.

I think there are a couple of reasons for this. One is my new focus on eating healthier and taking my exercise routine a bit more seriously. I honestly think this has helped me to maintain my focus when I sit down to write.

Another thing is my decision to learn how to draw. I got a couple of books with drawing lessons and I started one of them today--I drew a simple, three dimensional sphere that I'm absurdly proud of. And an apple that is, well, okay.

I mention the drawing in the context about my writing simply because I do think it helps. It's like working out---you don't work the same muscles over and over again. You have to hit each muscle group while allowing the others to rest.

That's kind of what I think I'm doing with the drawing--I'm using a part of my mind that hasn't been getting much work, waking it up, helping it to get stronger and provide more input into my creative process.

I'm not under any illusions about my skill as an artist. I doubt I'll ever be able to call myself a professional. That's not really the point. It's a way to focus my mind on something, concentrate on a task that is fun to me. When I return to the writing I feel more energized and creative. ready to rock, as it were.

I also think I've found a tone for this thing I'm comfortable with. That was an issue with my previous efforts--it just didn't sound like me when I re-read it. This one does sound like me--it flows a lot more naturally, more realistically. So far it's hitting all the right notes.

Anyways, what I'm saying is, so far, so good. Fingers crossed I can keep it up!