Get ready . . . your inbox and social media streams are about to be inundated with New Year’s Writing Inspiration posts very soon.

I decided to do my own weird rendition first. I mean, after all, it’s been a year.

A reader sent me this – perfect

Here’s what happened so far:

• After my publisher decided they don’t want more books from me, I decided I’m going to self-pub my romance from here on. New series in the works…stay tuned.
• Instead, I’m focusing on selling in Women’s Fiction to New York. I’ve written what I think is an amazing book. The editors loved the story and my secondary character – but hated the main character.
• So I wrote a proposal for another Women’s Fiction . . . not ready for submission, but someday…
• I sent a WF I started a looong time ago to an editor who wanted something from me. He loved it, but wanted the beginning that I sent to be the end. Of a story I didn’t want to write. Sigh. I’m not giving up on that one, but set it aside for now.
• And went back to the first story, stripped out the main character they hated (and I loved) and put in a new one. Is it better? Who the hell knows at this point?

So yeah, it’s been a year. Hope yours has been more productive and successful.

I’m not quitting, but I will admit to bouts of writer neurosis. Several times this year, I’ve gone back to find inspiration to keep going. When I get frustrated, let-down and my low battery light is flashing, I turn to my touchstone for inspiration.

Yeah, like you didn’t know I was weird?

That, my friends is dinosaur poop. How do I know? The guy at the swap meet where I bought it, told me so.

Why on earth do I turn to that?

1. Reminds me that whatever I’m worried about now won’t matter in 200 million years.
2. It’s a sign; you never know what is going to stand the test of time – I could get famous posthumously. Not my first choice maybe, but it beats obscurity. I mean if dino poop makes the cut…
3. It reminds me not to write shit.

Hey, who am I to argue with what works?

Best to you and yours in 2021.

Do you have a touchstone on your desk? What is it? If not, where do you turn for inspiration when you need it?