Bathbuddys, I feel compelled to add to your post and say that it doesn't matter if you have 8 books or 3 books inside your head, they will remain there until you start. Staring doesn't mean that you put some sort of permanence on the action, but it does mean you ACTED, or took the first step. Just start. Don't EVEN think about editing or even deciding which book or story must be the one told.

Just start. The important thing is to begin. Some writers think if they actually start, then they can't walk away from it, leave it, or take a break from it. This isn't true. I can't tell you how many times I've started and stopped some projects. If I had a nickel for every time, I'd be driving a better car.

So don't be so hard on yourself. Writer's do that to themselves. Give yourself permission to start, but also give yourself permission to live, laugh, love, and do many things!

I'm thinking of you and your children and will be holding all of you close!