I Write

So I have this book that I am writing. It's great. It's different. It's been in progress for a long time.

It took me months to tell anyone my ideas for fear of being criticized. Then I realized that's what books need. Writing needs a second, third, maybe hundredth pair of eyes to help perfect the ideas and writing within. 

So I've told my closest friends and family. They know I dream of writing. They were initially shocked at the notion given that I teach mathematics at a high school. I am a mystery, I guess. But I'm finally opening myself up to the idea of just sitting down and finishing it.

What is stopping me? My lack of time is certainly keeping me from picking it up. I think I'm more afraid that what I finish with is going to be much different than what I started with. I don't want my book to be like everyone else's. I want my book to be different. I want it to be unique. I want it to be successful all on its own and not because it's just like all the other books out there. 

I'm beginning to learn that a different end product wouldn't be the end of the world. Maybe, just maybe, it will be even better than what I thought. 

Another problem? I write it. I mean I literally hand write my book. It's in one of my favorite journals that is leather bound, making it look completely awesome. This makes the process much messier for editing and much longer in time. I will not change it though. I like it this way. I'm also on the last few pages of the journal and nowhere near the end. I think I need to write smaller. 

Are you a reader? Are you a writer? Do you fear the same things as me? What do you do to get in the writing mood? Mac or PC? Fountain Pen or pencil? Music or silence? How many times do you reread a passage before you are satisfied with it? Do you write in passages or from start to finish? Where do you get your ideas from? I'd love to hear from you :)