Vision...

One of the things CJ mentioned to us during our first class at Pen to Press was vision.  Meaning, our vision for our story. 

And while in New Orleans, I learned I'd lost my vision.  I'd been writing my novel to meet other people's expectations.  For example, I'd been trying to pass it off as a cozy mystery even though deep inside I knew better, because that's what a writer friend/mentor of mine expected me to write.

Then, I let others decide it was a romantic suspense.  People who had never read a single page were telling me what kind of book I was writing.  How silly is that?

Because of this lost vision, I missed a wonderful opportunity to pitch  my novel properly.  And while all isn't lost since this person and I connected on another project idea, an opportunity was wasted. 

So, today I want each of y'all to ponder your vision.  For your story, your novel, your writing career.  Don't let the expectations of those around you cause you to lose your vision.  If you discover you've strayed a bit, then get back on the path that leads to your vision.