Over the past few days, a couple of friends (Larry and Katrina) gave me their thoughts on my query letter. I took their suggestions to heart, made a few changes and sent the letter with the first page of my book to one of the agents on my list. Hitting that send key after I had structured the e-mail was a scary moment for me. I read in a blog by one of the many writers I follow that fear can be devastating to a writer and now I know what he meant. For some writers, the fear may come before they actually start a book, for others finishing what they’ve started and others still it’s putting it out there to be read and critiqued. I made it through all those stages without that gut wrenching feeling until that evening (Friday) when I sat with the mouse hovering over the send button. Fear can freeze you; I have no doubt of that. You have to find a way to move beyond it. From somewhere deep in my mind, a small voice said to me, “what have you got to lose?”
“Nothing!” was my answer. At that moment I realized I would not let my writing be defined by any number of rejections. I am a writer and what I do now is WRITE! I am based enough in reality to know that I am no literary master but I do think I can but words together well and tell a story. The more I do that, the better I will get. I am especially thankful that I have a group of very supportive friends. Some who write and some who might be considered professional readers. I respect all their opinions and insight. I hope the circle of people I create as a writer will grow and with that my skill as a writer. So for those of you who read my musings, whatever your goals, don’t let fear stop you from anything.
I met Kathy at the Patio on Thursday morning for coffee. We had a long rambling discussion about writing, health issues, 
travel plans and her divorce proceedings. They are things that always come up during our fairly regular weekly meetings. She’ll be heading back to the states soon to take care of some medical issues and get some financial stuff in order. Her big news was having finally received her Rentista Visa so she can stay in Peru after the divorce is finalized. The next day I met Larry. Our discussion revolved around books we have been reading, the writing we have or haven’t done, world problems (especially the Sol to Dollar exchange rate) and the stuff going on with Larry’s family. Today (Sunday), I met Lourdes and Tim for breakfast at Café Zeta. We had a good visit. They greatly admired my new dental work and we talked about Tim’s search for a steady job here in Peru and stuff going on with Lourdes’ family. It was another good morning. On the way back to San Borja I got to see part of the Dakar Rally pass down Javier Prado, a street only two blocks from my apartment. There were thousands and thousands of people lining the streets watching, it was quite exciting.
I went to the movies with Steve and Antonio again this week. We saw the new Sherlock Holmes movie. Lots of action, great acting, cool special effects; all in all it was a very good movie. I give it 4 ½ Llamas on my rating scale and recommend you see it. I think this one rates a special trip to the theater to see it on the big screen. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did.
Final note – my dentist has fixed the drill so I go back on Monday to start the final phase. I’m hoping it will all be done in a week. Till next time, have a great week and enjoy life. It’s far too short.