03 Aug I'VE LOST MY MOJO!

I will spare you the details, but suffice it to say, when I look back on this summer years from now, it will not be filled with fond memories. Aside from the flood and a myriad of other issues, a book deal recently fell through. A contracts written, marketing begun, ALMOST signed book deal for my co-author and me. It was to be an updated re-release of one of our books.

I am far from a Pollyanna, and I do my share of whining and complaining, but stamping my feet and crying “poor me” will not bring about the miraculous repair of my house or another publisher beating down our doors. Trust me, if it would help, I’d do it. But complaining is off the table.

I’d like to say I am jumping back into the writing and submission game, but it’s more like wading into the muck and mire of publishing. But before the publishing (be it traditional or indie), must come the writing. I am desperately trying to write something of quality every day, but to quote Austin Powers, “I’ve lost my mojo.” It’s not that I’m not trying. I’m actually taking a few writing classes now. I get ideas in the middle of the night, but when daylight comes, I look at my computer, sigh, and walk away. It’s time to get back on track, so I started with goals.

I have three major goals right now.

1. Find another publisher who will love a re-envisioning of an older book as much as we do.
2. Finish a picture book manuscript for a class.
3. Complete and revise a middle grade short story to send to a magazine.

I have complete control over numbers two and three, but for some reason, what once came easily and comfortably is difficult and uncomfortable right now. But as Anne Lamott says, “It’s good to do uncomfortable things. It’s weight training for life.” So maybe flexing my muscles both metaphorically and literally will help. I know that mojo can’t be that far away, and with all that weight training, perhaps I can grab it.

So fellow writers and fellow human beings, weigh in and let me know how you move on when your mojo is elusive. Maybe by the time you do, I will have found mine again.