On Writing ...

I am a writer.  I love to write, and if I may say so - I'm pretty good at it.

The problem is I can't get started. I have plenty of ideas, but for some reason - the muse doesn't settle long enough for me to put pen to paper. Pretty silly, huh? Thinking I need some mythical outside stimulus to get started. But in a way, it's true. I need inspiration. I need a reason. I need a safe, comfortable place to write.

Rants. Boy, do I have a plethora of rants. Everything from lousy waitresses to the bum that asks if I have an "extra" cigarette. (I've been smoking off and on for forty years - and I have never opened a pack of cigarettes that had an extra one inside) But, everyone does rants. However, I can be funny - and cynical - and thought provoking.

Pets. I've had some pretty cool pets in my life. But, the internet is full of cute pictures and stories of pets. Are my stories cuter? Or more inspirational?

Kids. I raised my son by myself, with help from my parents. There are a lot of single Moms out there - what makes my story special?

Astronomy. I love the stars, I love the night sky - but, I'm no PhD, so what can I add to a field full of writers much more qualified than I?

Pool - Billiards. I used to be a good player, not great - but I shot a good stick. Now, the nerve damage in my neck has made that nothing more than a memory. It was special to my son, Woody, and I. Maybe that's my angle. I called it our father/son time. My time at the table may be a memory - but, his has just began. As his "backer" I go every night and watch him practice for hours on end. He qualified for the National 8 Ball Championships in Las Vegas in August. My goal is to get him ready. Is this a story worth writing? I think so, but when it comes to my boy - I'll be the first to admit, I'm very partial.

Ad Infinitum. There are other things I could write about - TV/Movie reviews, restaurant reviews, the severely screwed up medical system (and how I'm paying for that now), or ... Friends. Life. Death. Politics. News. History ... ugh, I get a headache thinking about it.

So, this is the beginning. I may not write every day, I may write 10 times a day. But, I am going to start right here. Putting real words on virtual paper. Maybe, over time, my story will emerge. You are more than welcome to join me, and even more welcome to comment. In fact, I beg you to visit. I would love input, constructive criticism, or perhaps just an occasional "I enjoyed that" or "good job."