I'm sitting in front of my computer right now, and for all the world, I want to run away. Why? Don't I love to write? Don't I want to finish my novel? The answers are yes. But, I still want to run away.

What motivates us to run away from things? Usually, it's fear. So, what is it that scares me? Not writing well... Not having anything to say... I don't think those are my problems. I can save the "writing well" for the revision process. No pressure. Write badly--it's all good. And, I do have plenty to say. The thoughts sometimes trickle out like a dripping faucet, but they usually come when they are called.

So, why is writing so hard... for me, anyway? Laziness. Procrastination. Writing takes effort. Surfing the Internet and reading message boards is fun. Writing is work. Talking on the phone is fun. I think I'd even prefer to do laundry right now than open up my word processor and write. And I have the nerve to call myself a professional. Ha!

No calling in sick. No hanging out at the coffee machine. I have to sit down and write.