NaNoWriMo Starts Now!

Yes, you can write a novel in 30 days! Throw out your internal editor and commit to putting 1,667 words on paper between now and November 30, 2012. Your very rough first draft could lead to the next big thing in publishing--or at least enable you to check another item off your bucket list. Either way, it will be a great challenge with even greater rewards!

For more details on how to get started, visit NaNoWriMo.org. Children may participate in the Young Writers Program at ywp.NaNoWriMo.org. My daughter, Halima, has been a winner for the last two years and self-published her second novel!

I am using this month to finish three projects, so I will see you all at the finish line!

Keep your pen to the paper! Remember, inspiration is everywhere...

Stop Hiding Already!

It is possible to have many interests, pursue them all, and be great at each of them. Sometimes simultaneously. But, it takes focus, hard work, and courage. We live in a world that teaches us to be a society of "one-trick Nellies", when in fact we are citizens of the universe. The universe is a vastly unlimited realm of possibility. Our accomplishments are only limited by our fears and what we think about ourselves.

Declare who and what you are. Stand in it and apologize for none of it. I am certain that my gifts are from Allah (God) himself, and I would not have them if His intent was that I not use them. My mission in life is to demonstrate my gratitude by being a vessel. I am constantly seeking ways to do better, live better, and help as many people as I can along the way. I encourage you to embrace your bold, bad selves and consider that knowing one thing, doing one job, and being a single-minded robot just isn't enough. The world would be better off if you were unchained in it. The universe has already called you. To whom will you answer?

Keep your pen to the paper! Remember, inspiration is everywhere...