When it rains, it pours. I've been swamped lately--though I'm not going to complain about it! I'm finishing up a book editing project, helping my younger brother with half a dozen college papers he's put off until the last minute, working on this website's writing classes, and writing poems last minute for the Poem-A-Day challenge, which thankfully ends today. And I keep glancing out the window at the weeds that are gaining a foothold in my garden plot. . .

But life is good!

The problem with me is that I need to be a better manager of my time. As a writer, I can't expect life to slow down long enough for me to leisurely sit down and pen my latest novel. No, I need to become a world class juggler, take hold of whatever project I have in my hand at the moment and make the most of it. . . Not there yet, but I hope to make some progress.

By the way, today is our last day to enter the Novel Beginnings 1st Chapter Contest, so hurry and send off those entries--postmarked today or email before midnight. It's also your "last chance" to get in on our Last Chance Edit special, which ends today.

So seize the moment and make the most of it. That's what we writers do!

As you probably noticed, the deadline for the Novel Beginnings 1st Chapter Contest is just around the corner. So my question for you is, have you been noveling?

In the heart of many writers there burns a desire to write the Great American Novel. (Or, if you're tuning in from Canada, Great Britian, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, or any other English-speaking nation I failed to mention, the Great Novel of your country.)

No matter the circumstance, one thing is certain, if you never start, you'll never see your dream come to pass. If the dream of writing a novel burns inside you, begin writing today. Don't worry that it's not perfect. Give yourself permission to follow your heart. Write the first draft as it comes to you. You can always go back later and revise. For now, just write.

Just write.

Fellow writers, you are invited to the Adrian S. Potter Poetry Workshop over at the Scribes' Tribe Scribblings blog. (Scribes' Tribe is my Thursday night critique group.) We're hosting this event with guest blogger Adrian S. Potter, poet and writer. Over the next couple of weeks, he'll be blogging on the topics of  Poem-making--the Process, How Poetry Influences Prose--and Vice Versa, and Spreading the Word--Getting Your Work Out There Through Publishing and Readings.

Adrian will also be answering your poetry or prose questions, along with critiquing several of the posted poems. . . Oh, I forgot to mention that part. You're invited to post your poems for a possible chance to have Adrian critique them. And, to sweeten the pot, anyone who posts a comment, question, or poem will be eligible to win fabulous prizes, including copies of the Cuivre River Anthologies--Volumes II &III, and copies of Adrian’s chapbooks.

So even if you think you don't write poetry, you don't want to miss this very special event!   

A writer friend sent me the neatest link yesterday, and like a good little blogger, I wanted to share it with you, my writing compadres. If you love writing poetry and want to devote the next 30 days to a most excellent writing adventure, visit Poetic Asides with Robert Lee Brewer and take the Poem-A-Day challenge. The way it works is, each day he'll provide a new prompt for writing a poem. After composing said poem, you, the poet, are invited to post your poem in the comments section on the blogsite. Or, if you're like me and don't want to post your poems, just write the poem each day for your future collection. It's a great way to celebrate National Poetry Month--which is April. Plus think of all the poems you'll bring into this world. The world could really use more poetry.