Hello, Readers!

Well, ain’t that something?! I didn’t intend to plan a term paper as my last post. I wasn’t even thinking about it. It just seemed a good way to organize my thoughts on life in general. I suppose that is why it’s a common writing standard, right? You know… reasons.

But aside from that, life is funny, and it’s clearly taking impacts on how Graham and I approach our writing and everything associated with it. Our blog posts are no different. And whatever works for us, works for us… I suppose.

I guess until it doesn’t. It’s hard for me to write about motivation right now, because (like Graham) I’ve been struggling as well. I’ve opened the manuscript for Book 3 several times and stared blankly, looking for an entrance into our world. But what it comes down to isn’t “motivation,” it’s inspiration. And like Graham, I remind myself that we are ahead of our writing schedule and still on track for everything else. We just need to put in a bit of sweat equity and kick start the process. And I believe it.

You see, this isn’t the first time this has happened to us. When we started Manticore’s Shadow, it happened in starts and stops. We would hit dry spells. And that’s what I need to work on to become “more” of a writer. To work even when not inspired. And as an amateur, I will admit… I struggle. But struggles are expected and nothing is easy. But we will get there.

When Graham and I started this journey, we had a long talk about what “success” meant. I wanted to keep my eyes on an obtainable goal. A horizon that set limits on my stress and mental issues. I’ve long suffered from Imposter’s Syndrome and wanted to ensure that I made myself the priority in this process. But this was also what gave me the source of my personal motivation. I knew what my “success” was.

All I wanted was to complete our story, print a copy of it, and place it on my shelf. Goal accomplished. But also, I figured that with ease, we could self publish our books. Even if they never sold, and no one read them, I could say, “Look at that book. I was a part of that.”

And I realized… that was enough. You see, many people claim “I could write a book…” and then it’s always followed by “if I had time” or “if I wanted to” or something similar. But none of those people had ever done it. And I had the opportunity to do this. Graham and I could say, “I wrote a book.” And no add -ons.

When my family went to Washington DC, I stopped in front of the Library of Congress. I had my wife take a picture of me standing in front of it. I keep this picture at hand when I struggle. Because, in my mind, once we have published and received our copyrights, I can revisit this with my son and say, “Your dad has a book in there. Graham and I made that happen! Anything is possible.”

This is what drives me. I am Motivated by selfish pride. I am Inspired by the world that we’ve built (and just got to find the door back in). And I’m willing to Perspire to make it happen.

If anything beyond the above happens.. be it book tours, conventions, speaking engagements, etc… those would be icing on the cake. But in my mind… I still have only the one dream. Any reader that joins us is welcome company.

Now, Graham will do his thing and poke at me about sharing a photo of myself…. (which is not an easy decision, but I’m being brave here). And I’ll enjoy his tale with you all.

Until then. Be Kind.

Clevenger