Over the last twenty years or so, I have started multiple stories. Some of the writings were started during NaNoWriMo and others were inked as I had the time and inspiration. Most of the adventures were never finished. Either the time dwindled or the inspiration was influenced toward another direction. The reality is, I didn't make the time to do the writing. Other things in life would come up, and I would make every excuse not to write.
I wish the decision was a forced one because it would make it easier to continue justifying the outcome. As I look back on all of the times I started a sentence and got distracted mid thought, the choice was always mine. I would get irritated when my days off were spent cutting the grass, painting a deck, or doing more work for my day job.

I made the excuse rather than making the commitment. It seemed easier. It seemed right. It seemed that I would never write the words I had seen as I let my imagination wander.

We started Story Institute where we published authors who were old friends and others who became friends. I even illustrated a series of children books from an author from Canada and the story based in Florida. The intention was to help me get back into writing myself and not give up on the stories that arose. We visited some good beaches and integrated photos with characters. However, my own words didn't quite make their way to the top and my focus remained on the excuse.
The site and business took various forms over the years. We tried different paths for publication, including obtaining the rights to a family-focused, local magazine in Central Florida. The magazine didn't last as the efforts were large, the external support was low, and many advertisers were not willing to contribute to the new venture. This was tough since the revenue we projected was based on advertisements. Oh, well, lessons learned.
After I was able to step away from a job that influenced where my time and creativity went, the stories started to return. I felt more energy and focus on where I wanted each set of characters and each plot line to head. It hit me that the excuses I was making may have seemed good at the time, but the adventures could be better if I made the commitment to my own writing path.
After completing our business taxes, we decided to shut down the business side of Story Institute. While the site remains up and we may contribute to it every once in a while, the focus has shifted to this site. I'll try to share the struggles in writing and how I get through them. My hope is to share these stories through these posts and possibly through another podcast and short videos.

The first commitment will be writing the first book in A Curious Morrow trilogy. There great thing is there are at least twelve new stories that continue to bounce around in my own little world. So, if you can, please join me, stop by frequently, and provide some thoughts…who knows, you may even influence a page, chapter, or character.