Whose turn is it to sing next?

On this particular afternoon, the train was a little lighter than usual. There was enough room for everyone to sit down, the weather was nice, and all the passengers seemed to be calm and relaxed.

​Maybe that's why the woman broke into song. I'm not sure what the tune was, and her voice was actually pleasant, so it didn't seem like anyone cared that she was singing. She sang a couple of songs until a few stops later got off the train -- still singing.

​A new group got onto the train, and once we started moving again, a man began singing. Just like the lady before him, no one seemed to mind, and he sang until the next stop when he got off.

​When the train started again, we all looked around at each other, wondering if someone else was going to sing. Fortunately, or unfortunately, no one did, and the singing marathon ended.

I have a bizarre question for you. It's one of those random thoughts that sometimes pops into my head, and usually, I keep them to myself. This time I've decided to share.

Do you think our pets understand our intentions?

For example, when I step on my cat's tail accidentally and then hug her and say I'm sorry, does she understand that my hurting her was an accident? Or does she think I'm a "Sour Patch Kid" -- first I'm sour, then I'm sweet?

I think she knows I love her, and she loves me back. Otherwise, we wouldn't watch so many reality TV shows together with her cuddled in my lap. (Though not technically a reality TV show, she particularly likes Brain Games.)

But does she understand the concept of doing something intentionally vs. accidentally? (Additionally, does she understand that if she continues to lie in front of the fridge when people are making supper that she will continue to get stepped on?)

I guess I'll never know the answer to this question or so many other that my pets have inspired throughout the years. So instead of pondering this, I'll snuggle up to my chubby little kitty and turn on a good show. My question now is do we want to watch dancing, singing, special effects make-up or romance?

My second piece of advice to aspiring writers is know why you write.

Is writing fun for you? Do you see it as a way to make money? Are you hoping for fame and fortune? Do you have a message to share? Or maybe all of the above!

Writing that story you've had swirling in your brain is only the first of many decisions you'll need to make, and in order to make those decisions, you need to understand exactly what you want. Also, understand that what you want today may evolve into other goals as you experience the publishing world or as life changes.

For me, writing is fun, and I see story ideas everywhere I go. I mostly write for my own pleasure and because I enjoy the process of writing. I also love when a reader tells me that I surprised her with a plot twist or had her cheering on a couple to their HEA (happily ever after).

My first decision after completing my manuscript was to publish or not publish.

I decided to publish my stories because I wondered if I could, and when Wished came out and sold its first copy to a stranger (not my family or friends buying copies because they love me), I got addicted to sharing my stories with the world.

My original goal was simply to put out my stories and see what happened. To find out if I could be a "real" author. I've accomplished that goal, and I'm ready for the next one.

My new goal is to market my books and grow my reader-base. Which is one reason why you're reading this weekly blog.

All of my goals prompt decisions I have to make. Writing that great story is just the beginning.

In following Write Advice posts, I'll discuss:

• Different avenues to publish
• Social media
• Cover art
• Money

But before we discuss all of that, figure out what you want. Knowing your goals will help you make the "write" decisions for your stories!

Life is a never-ending journey of self-discovery, and sometimes the things we learn about ourselves can truly surprise us.

​I'm a planner. I love to plan so much that I even plan to plan (only half-joking here!) I love checklists and Excel spreadsheets and Gantt charts. I'm not too keen on surprises!

​So, it makes perfect sense that I plan out my stories, or as some of my writing colleagues call it - I am a Plotter. A person who plans out the details of the plot, who knows what is happening in each chapter and can, if so desired, write out of order.

​I never understood how someone could be a Pantser. In other words, someone who "writes by the seat of her pants" with no idea where the story is going or what's going to happen.

​I completed my first manuscript in full Plotter fashion and was rather happy with the way it turned out. However, something was missing, and I couldn't put my finger on exactly what.

Then I began Wished and got writer's block. I knew what I wanted to happen. I just didn't know how to get there.

​Someone recommended I free write - just write whatever came into my mind knowing that it would probably be chopped out in the editing process. That's when I learned - SURPRISE - I'm a Pantser. When I write in order and let the plot and characters take me wherever my mind wanders, sometimes I surprise myself. In Wished, Honey's love interest didn't even exist in the original concept for the book. Jackson was supposed to need a tutor until my mind determined he was Valedictorian. In Just Another Stupid Boy, Paige wasn't supposed to be such a weirdo, but I love her unconventional take on life.

​As a hard-core planner, it was a little difficult to accept that I'm not a plotter, that when I plan out every aspect of my writing I lose a little bit of the spark in my stories. Now, however, I embrace it and can't wait to see what twists and turns each new story takes.

​If only I could apply that same patience to the real world....

​Oh well, back to my To Do lists and Excel spreadsheets.