I Write and I consider myself a writer; but apparently publishers do not consider one a writer unless one has been published.  This is very much like trying to get a job with no job experience.  So, I have been published.  My writing has even been in print for pay via the local newspaper.  Yet the agents and publishers are looking for, “established writers.” Last fall I followed my heart.  I self-published, in galley or draft form, a children’s book I began working on 10 years ago.  I sent copies to my mentors, close friends, and key family members.  The response was over-whelming!  My daughter and my husband loved the book; and I even sold two additional copies!  I have moved closer to yet another item on my “Ten Things I Want to Do Before I Die” list. Although, The Pancake Cat, is chock full true experiences and cultural fact; writing books for children was never my goal.  My aim is to write relational fiction for adults; good, interesting, page-turning, novels where the reader can get inside the character’s head, heart, and culture, and experience personal epiphany through the life of the fictional character. My conviction is that well written fiction is much more life changing than non-fiction or how to books.   The August issue of “O” magazine carried a most inspirational feature on writers and writing. I have followed the advice of Walter Mosley in his article, “This Year You Write Your Novel.” I have begun a daily practice of rising early and going straight to my computer, rereading and hammering out a chapter or two on my current work in progress, “The Bed; or, Things an Anthology of my Life. At my current pace, I just might finish in two years!