Inspiration

Last December, when my cousin and I officially agreed to write a novel in a year (sealing it in gum of the Trident variety), we set out to do exactly that. But, in April, when I started this blog, I wanted to accomplish something else too.

Every time I watch Julie & Julia (a film about a woman who blogged about cooking ALL of Julia Child's famous recipes in 365 days) I get inspired. To write. It's strange because, aside from blogging, the movie is more about cooking than writing. But, despite that, I find myself on my computer working on my book every time, after watching Julie & Julia.

With this blog, I wanted to inspire others to win at something big and wild and crazy too. Every week at church, someone asks me how my book is going. The stylists at my salon frequently press me, "Are you done yet?"

The excitement is growing as the deadline approaches. People like to see other people win. Because, I think, it proves to them that they can succeed too. It's the reason we watch American Idol or cheer for our favorite sports team. Success inspires.

Another of my writing cousins recently wrote a blog post that almost brought tears to my eyes. He said, "I just feel the flame of inspiration beginning to flicker in my soul, sparking up from the coals of my creative spirit's dormant fire. I have two awesome cousins to thank for this rekindling."

Even if no one ever reads my novel (which I hope they will!), I will be content knowing that it inspired one fellow writer...

I have 18 days left. People are counting on me to finish this race.