The Not So Great American Novel

Very few people in my life know that my ultimate dream (aside from running away with "Greg Sanders" from CSI and living a nerdy life in Las Vegas) is to write/publish a novel. I have been reading books since the age of four and have been writing stories, poems, etc. since I was in 3rd grade. I am the ultimate Grammar Geek and love, love, love "Eats Shoots & Leaves." If you have not read this book, please do.

Anyway, I have been "writing" novels in my head for years - while taking a shower, driving to and from work, eating breakfast by myself. I have started a book - there's my big secret. Well, my husband knows, and only one person reads this, so it isn't much of a secret.

My problem is that I have the whole story in my head. I have characters. I compose dialogue while I brush my teeth and fold laundry. I have a tentative title (which I will not reveal at this point). I have even gone as far as writing notes, but I have yet to sit down and write. I find all kinds of excuses - too tired, too much laundry/cleaning, working on other projects, etc. Knowing and understanding my passion for writing, my father gave me a book about the actual act of writing and how we can overcome our mental obstacles. I have learned that I have a fear of rejection. I have a horrible case of perfectionism. The thought that runs through my head regularly is, "Who the hell am I to write a novel?" The best thing I have learned from this book is this:

I have the right to write!

So I will...