With some people in my life, I've spoken at length about my writing dreams. But what many people don't know is that I'm haunted by them. I think it's actually quite common, to be haunted by your unachieved dreams. However, that's not all I'm haunted by. I'm haunted by story ideas, characters who beg to be written, and feelings that need to be given a home on paper. These ghosts are incessant. They are always behind me, tapping me on the shoulder. When I turn around, they're waiting for me. Silently waiting. Watching me. Making me remember that they're there and they will not be ignored.

But as friend and fellow blogger, Amanda Creasey from Mind the Dog Writing Blog, told me earlier this week, "There are worse things to be haunted by."

And she's right.

I'm not bothered one bit by the hauntings. I'm only bothered that I haven't figured out to make it come to life, how to bring my dreams to reality. So, this weekend, Amanda and I both agreed to write a post about our writing dreams. So, make sure to check her blog and read her post.

Just because I enjoy writing doesn't mean it's easy. And many times, it's not even enjoyable. In fact, it can be downright painful. But you know what's more painful? Not writing.

I participate in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) every year. Those 30 days are difficult. Beyond difficult, actually. I still work my two jobs and then somehow find time to write a novel. And when I'm ripping my hair out to meet word counts and to fit everything in or even if I'm trying to figure out what my character wants to do next, my husband has asked why I keep writing if I hate it, if it's hard.

I don't hate writing, but it is hard. I write because it's my soul's calling, if you will. My soul needs it. The only way I can explain it is that I feel I'm meant to write, and only then can I find peace...until the hauntings start again.

But you know what? I wouldn't have it any other way. Writing on my own terms brings me fulfillment, peace, and joy. It gives me a place that I feel I belong. It gives me some of the missing puzzle pieces inside me. It helps me better understand myself, my experiences, and the world and people around me. It makes me more human.

But the only way for me to achieve those writing goals and bring my writing dreams to life is to just go for it. I have to make sure I make progress and push myself. Otherwise, I'm just going to get stuck where I am, being haunted forever by the what-ifs and what-might-have-beens.

What are your writing goals? Have unachieved dreams or characters haunted you?

For writers, books are oxygen. At least they are for me. There's so much I can learn from other writers, and I'd be foolish not to try to learn everything I can about the art of writing. But collecting books can be expensive. Fortunately, I've found ways to build an awesome collection without breaking the bank.


1. Scour Second-Hand Stores/Garage Sales/Estate Sales

This is probably a given, but I've found some of the most beautiful books at these places. While they're not free, you can get a killer deal. And the fun of it is that you never know what you'll discover. There's something special about that.

2. Goodreads Free Books

Did you know that you can enter to win free books (many times they're advanced reading copies) from Goodreads? It's fantastic. I've received close to ten free books this way. Sometimes they're not great, but then there are other times that you find a new favorite. If you ask me, that's well worth it. Plus, hello, it's free.

3. LibraryThing Free Books

LibraryThing has a similar free book program to Goodreads's program. You can enter to win free books. You just have to scroll through the options and pick the ones you'd love to read and review.

4. Review Exchanges on Author Sites

Some authors offer free books to help spread the word about their published works. Just recently, I came across an offer, and I took it. I just needed to read and review an author's newly published book. I had only a few days to do it, but I can't say no to a free book.  I barely made the deadline, and a free book of my choice is coming my way soon.

Start following new authors, and be on the lookout for opportunities of your own.

5. Attending Workshops or Conferences

Attending writing workshops or conferences can earn you a free book, too. Last year, I attended a writing workshop, and after the class, the author gave a free book to each attendee. All she wanted in exchange was an honest review.

6. Free Gift for Webinar Attendance

I signed up for and attended a free writing-related webinar, and the first 100 people got a free book mailed to them, the book covering the topic of the webinar. It wasn't the reason I signed up for the webinar, but it was a nice bonus.

7. Public Library Book Sales

I saved the best for last. This is my FAVORITE way to build my book collection. It's not free, but it's so cheap that it might as well be. I wait all year for this. While you can generally always go to the for-sale section of your library and buy throughout the year, the big book sales will blow your mind.

And this year, I get to go to two! I went just a few days ago, and I bought six books for 3 1/2 dollars. For real. It's pure gold.

How have you built your own book collection without breaking the bank?