All the best blogging advice says that you should never, ever acknowledge that you haven’t written in a long time. Apparently there’s no need to say anything, just get on with it.

To that I say, “Kerflewey!”

Here’s the deal:  I haven’t written here for a long time. I feel bad about that because I really like writing and interacting here.

I haven’t been writing here because I’ve been writing a lot privately. I’ve been working on a novel, writing short stories, doing copywriting for my husband’s new business.

But here, on this blog, I felt I was in the midst of yet another change in direction. I felt that I had nothing to say, yet.

You see, I found that once I started really writing (which is different than anything I’ve ever done before) it’s like a switch that I can’t quite turn off. The ideas keep coming, and they have to go somewhere, so it’s onto the page.

There’s nothing really interesting or glamorous about this writing. It’s me, sitting in a chair with a big yellow legal pad every day, and writing until my hand hurts so much I can’t go on. It’s what seems like a thousand little journals around the house, in the car, and in my purse where I scribble when something occurs to me.

I hope you can understand, there really isn’t a blog post in that. Maybe there’s a therapy session, but not a post.

I do want to share, though, now.

Not only am I writing, but I think I’ve gotten to the point where I’m writing with a purpose. I’m starting to consider dipping my toe into the wider world, sometime soon, and seeing what happens. I’m feeling like I might be able to handle a rejection, and I’m sure there will be many.

That whole feeling of being ready to engage the world seems like something I want to share with you.

I also want to let you know why I’ve decided not to share my creative writing here, as I thought I might.

You see, awhile ago I read On Writing by Stephen King, which is wonderful. Funny, great advice, from the heart. Helpful.

One of the things he talked about was writing first drafts with the door closed, and I had to think about that.

Hard.

As a person who’s been blogging for years, much of my writing has been completely with the door open — accessible, transparent.

The idea of writing something that is only for my eyes, putting it aside for six weeks, editing a handful of times and then sharing it with someone — it’s a completely different process.

Yet, as I try to find my voice as a writer, it’s something I’m giving a try. It gives me more freedom, more courage.

I wanted to let you know about that. There is a lot going onto those yellow legal pads, but it is still private.

I’ll keep you posted. And I’m re-starting the newsletter, because I miss it, too. (You can sign up here.)

So that’s what’s up with me. Meanwhile, I’d love to hear from you and what you’re up to.

Hope all is well in your world, and that you get lots and lots of candy for Halloween.

Be sure to brush…