Toward a Dream Fulfilled

I've always wanted to write a book but never thought I could. The very idea was too intimidating. With no idea of how to start, I never did.

I started blogging on a whim in September of 2008. I'd never knowingly read a blog and couldn't see why anyone would want to. Funny how things change.

Blogging gave me something to do that wasn't watching television, playing video games or staring at Facebook. Along with gardening and parts of my work, writing for the blog is an all-consuming, totally engrossing activity. I lose all track of time.

The peripherals are fun, too. Keeping up with the daily statistics, building a following, and taking advantage of all the cool blog gadgets adds another dimension. Even without pursuing the advertising potential there's just no end of things to obsess about.

When I started The Adventures of Tico & Toodles, lots of fans said I should write books for children--an idea I'd never considered. Writing a book went from an impossible idea to something do-able. I wrote a dozen in a matter of weeks.

From the start it didn't feel right. The idea of a book tour terrified me. As you know, my best stuff is at least a little naughty. I decided writing for children really wasn't my forte.

I returned to the blogs. Coming up with something interesting to write about every few days was sometimes a challenge. It was also great practice.

Along the way I tried to write about a lot of different things. Politics and religion are too polarizing and controversial. My recollections of people, places and events from the past have always been very well-received.

I started telling the stories from my early 20s. It started innocently enough with the car. I never set out to write a series. It just happened.

You loved the stories. I loved writing them and had no trouble cranking out a new one every day. In fact, I could crank out two or three a day. The more I wrote, the more I remembered.

You've convinced me. I'm going to write a book. I'm not saying the blogs are dead, but the frequency of posts is certain to decline as I get more and more involved with the book.

I'm starting with all the posts from this blog. I'll add stuff from the journals I've kept for the last 30 years. Whether through payola or royalties, I'm going to be rich!

Thanks for your support and for all the feedback. You can be sure I'll keep you posted on my journey to become a published author. I need you to buy the book!