Approaching a new year creates the same effect experienced during similar gaps in life. For example, the time between elementary school, high school and college. The void  after school and first job. The terrifying chasm between single life and matrimony. You get the picture. My belief is that after conquering one mountain, you stare across a valley at your next objective and wonder what obstacles lie ahead. Think positive and you'll see riches, think negative and you'll face defeat. We all fear the unknown until we face it and realize all it takes is one confident step forward. I learned from my father to never look back and look forward to better times. I always envision a mountain full of opportunities, and with 365 brand new days how can a person lose. And don't forget the bag full of experience you'll be carrying, valuables collected over the years, I know I will. To believe is a wonderful thing and if nothing comes of it, so what, at least I tried and savored the moment. Like all writers I experienced moments of chucking everything in the waste basket but something inside of me always lifted my spirits. An often published author suggested to never tell anyone what you're writing. The innuendoes from family and so called friends will weigh heavy on you. When someone asks what I'm writing, I simply say "Nothing that'll interest you" and change the subject. Writers are not necessarily competing against each other, it only seems that way.

Success in 2008 to all writers aspiring to be the best they can be.