Michele: Ha! I laughed out loud when I read this question. I guess most would consider what I do and how I do it boring, grueling, and insane. I love every second of it. But life on an Amish farm is pretty chaotic. You never know what’s going to happen next! So, sometimes I am pulled away from writing in spurts and then I come back to finish up, or work on, whatever I was doing when I got called away.

Michele: But, seriously, I may write 14 or 15 hours (almost) straight some days and only really write 2-3 hours the next day. Now, while I may not be actually “writing” all day on that day where I only get 2-3 hours of writing done, I do send out queries, do marketing/networking, and maybe take that extra time to research or even study something I’ve been wanting to know more about—whether for myself, or someone else.

Michele: I’ve mentioned before that I’m a spiritual person. My faith truly has been my inspiration and motivation. Feedback from editors, clients, and readers not only brings a smile to my face, it puts a pep in my step. Seeing my work published only inspires and motivates me more as well. And I’ve also found that my recent endeavor of practicing yoga several mornings a week has truly enhanced my life in all areas—including my writing and blogging. I’ve found I’m flooded with ideas, inspiration, motivation, and can’t even write fast enough!

Michele: I have struggled with writing many times. Sometimes this is because I’m writing about a topic that’s very emotional and really cuts deeply into my soul. Other times it’s because I have a lot going on in my life and I fear writing taking up too much of my time. And then there’s always the fear we’re all plagued with: Am I really good enough? Am I worthy to write this? Couldn’t someone else do this story/article/blog post/book/poem more justice? The answer to that question, by the way, is no, they cannot. Only you can share your heart and experience on any given topic. Only you can think the way you think, share perspective someone else may not consider. Yes, there are a LOT of writers, and yes, there’ll always be writers who are technically (in other people’s eyes) better than we are. Should we hide in the corner and feel sorry for ourselves? No. Should we avoid writing what’s burning in the deepest depths of our soul because someone else might have a degree that we don’t, or might be published all over when we haven’t? No. We have to face our fears. We have to face the page. We have to just write. Really.

Michele: When I’m truly blocked and panicked, I will start writing anything—including a grocery list. Once my mindwheel starts turning and those words start flowing, I’m home free. And then there’s the fact that I’m afraid NOT to write. Writing is like breathing for me. It’s who I am. It’s what makes me thrive.

Michele: I write (almost) every day. There have been times, though, that I’ve gone weeks without writing one single word—especially if there’s a combination of very stressful events happening in my life. Other times, it’s right the opposite: I write more to take my mind off those stressful events. But, for the most part, I do write every single day. And I’ve learned to kind of “go with the flow” where writing is concerned. If I force the words, they’re not nearly as “Michele like”. Does that make sense? In other words, I CAN force the words, but I don’t feel like I’ve done my best; I don’t feel like my voice is really shining through as beautifully as it does when I’m truly inspired.

Michele: And, no, I don’t set a word count anymore. When I write freely, I accomplish much more than if I tell myself I have to write 5,000 words (or whatever).

Michele: I feel WRA readers should know that just because they don’t have a fancy degree or any formal training doesn’t mean they can’t see their dreams come true. Maybe they’ve even forgotten what their dreams once were. Rekindle the passion that you used to feel when you were a child, when you dreamed of being a firefighter, a nurse, or even the leader of your country. Dig deep into your heart and soul and find the daydreaming child who used to stare out the classroom window, fantasizing about stepping through that glass into another dimension—just like on TV! Allow yourself to become alive again, if you aren’t already, and dream the impossible.

Michele: I would say that just because you’re at a certain place in your life where things seem impossible, to keep believing. I’m a firm believer in the old saying: Where there’s a will, there’s a way. My grandmother, and my parents, instilled that in me. I also believe as long as we have breath in our body, there is hope. Our dreams don’t die until we do. So, keep dreaming, keep believing, and don’t give up—ever!

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