You are so right. Now I just have to convince everyone else.

The most important thing is that you are honest with yourself about what your goals really are, and act accordingly. Writing is a great hobby; there's nothing wrong with being a hobbyist! But if you want more, you must put in more.

Thanks for giving it more play, Ella!

A wise older friend once told stressed-out me that while everything I had cooking was great, there are only so many burners on your stove. You have to rotate some things on and off. But the one pot that must always remain is the one in which you create your physical, emotional, and spiritual health—otherwise you have nothing to give your family. So if you need writing to feel whole, Sharla, it is a prerequisite to being a good mother, mate, and role model.

Oh Holly, I hear you! I worked on my first novel for eight years and then signed a contract for the second ten months later! On the literary end of the spectrum, no less. Then my due date was moved up ten days for titling purposes! Welcome to 17-hour days and tunnel vision. I was impeccable with my word, but learned a lesson: to preserve my eyesight, both literal and metaphoric, I need one year minimum to produce a book.