Description and Theme describes the biggest problem my 'readers' complain about in my writing. I tend to tell the story instead of allowing my characters to show who they are.

I am right there with Marti..I love my story but I feel I am like a neglectful, even abusive parent to it. I don't let it have the time and attention it needs to grow and flourish. And I don't really know why though I think that my intense family life has alot to do with it...the personalities and demanding relationships blot up all my attention. All family members are away right now and I am alone except for dogs. I find I need (want) less sleep (procrastination is exhausting) and that I am eager to open my story and work. I need help with the subtle, psychological self-management side of the writing life. Is it about self-confidence/performance anxiety? Is it a feminist issue? Am I just weaker than I knew? Holly has a discernible vigor and rigor and energy. It is evident in all her posts. I need to develop that inner strength.

I'm another that needs to master 'show not tell', but I could make use of all modules.

I voted for Doing the Work but Writing as a Career is my second choice. They go hand in hand for me. Writing as a career would be about setting appropriate goals while doing the work would be about organising your life to meet those goals.

My advice to Dave (this is what I do because I feel the same way - I'm in lesson 3) I read the lessons again. I miss things the first time around. I do the exercise again because I understand it better. I move other things in my life (finish pending work) to make space for the writing. But what I don't want is the whole course in one go. I will just read everything in one go and get stuck again - I need the pacing.

My second choice is writing as a career. i feel that is really important.

I voted for Pacing and Plot. I know that no amount of "lecturing" will do anything until I plant my butt in the chair.

I need to develop the "high tension" parts of the story and learn to bridge them with a few breather sections without becoming too boring or repetitive.

Without eliminating the procrastination and excuses first, none of the other issues are relevant.

I chose Description And Characterization because how my character look is important to me, perhaps too important but I write fantasy so they are no ordinary Joe Blows whose stories I am telling.It was a close one with Doing the Work, I chose first without peeking, and i see most so far have gone for motivation, so maybe it will win.