January Letter from the Editor

If you’re a writer, and I suspect you are if you’re reading this blog, you’re probably a fan of quotes. I love quotes. Quotes give me "aha" moments and quotes make me think. Or in some cases they make me laugh.  For example, take this one from Nia Vardalos. “My New Year’s resolution usually starts with the desire to lose between 10 and 3,000 pounds.”

Uh-oh, if you’re a writer, you’re probably aware of foreshadowing, and you know where my letter is going. It's January, and this is the month that is all about resolutions and fresh starts. It’s our chance to throw any 2015 failures and disappointments out the window and hang pretty new draperies for 2016 to light the way for success.

Seriously, on December 31, I brought in the New Year staying up past one in the morning writing. It was like turning the page on a calendar revved some part of my muse, which tapped me on the shoulder, saying, “Hey there, slacker. Get to work.”

We work in Pikes Peak Writers. It’s part of who we are as an organization. Are you aware that in four months all this snow will be melted and we’ll be walking in the doors of the Marriott to attend the Pikes Peak Writers Conference? 

Worried you can’t afford it? Check out the website Go Here and Dare to Dream. Early registration pays off.  We also have payment plans. Or if you’re particularly needy, but a driven writer and PPW member, you have until January 15, 2016 to apply for a scholarship.  Go Here Check out J.T. Evan’s Ask the Prez on this very issue. 

We’ll focus extensively on time management this month, but we also have some very special articles in the cue. Sweet Success Coordinator Kathie Scrimgeour submits her very first article on Writing from the Peak. Hint: You do not want to miss it.  

Writing Coach Deb McLeod is back on the first Wednesday of the month with her expertise, along with a challenge about rejection from J.T. Evans. Later in the month, Karen Albright Lin writes about characters. Also, this month and every month, we celebrate our members Sweet Successes. Are you a member of Pikes Peak Writers and have good news to share? We want to know all about it.

Go ahead and make those resolutions and set those goals. They're good for you. But really, 3,000 pounds? Lose that much weight, you’ll have to jump around in the shower to get wet!

Happy New Year 2016!

About the author: Donnell Ann Bell is the managing editor for Writing from the Peak and the coordinator for the monthly Open Critique held on the first Wednesday of every month. She is a best selling romantic suspense and mystery author. To learn more about her books, find her at www.donnellannbell.com