Push It

All experiences of life seems to prove that the impediments thrown in the way of the human advancement may for the most part be overcome by steady good conduct, honest zeal, activity, perseverance and above all, by a determined resolution to surmount. - Samuel Smiles

Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something, and that this thing, at whatever cost, must be attained. - Marie Curie

I liked both quotes so much, I couldn't use just one. Aren't they great?

The past few days have been tough, writing-wise. I vaguely remember this same thing happening following NaNo 2005, like I'd written my annual allotment of words and had no more until January 1st.

I'm trying to push through it.

I want to be on the side which proclaims that I am not at the whim of the muse, but that I am her boss. I think there are times when inspiration is stronger than other times, but I believe that - when push comes to shove - I can always write. It's just a matter of pushing through all the crap first.

I typically find that if I just start writing, eventually the right words come. I may have to write 1,000 words of absolute crap first, but if I just keep moving forward, magic happens.

I think my biggest problem now is focus. I have short stories in progress, I have three novels with completed first drafts, I have two other novels either started or in the brainstorming phase and several other shorts that are completed and just need polishing.

I need to take them one at a time and finish one before moving on to the other.

Wow. You know... that's pretty good advice. Maybe I'll take it!

Do you ever have that problem? So much to write, so little time? What do you do?