In my post last week, I spoke of my intention to camp and work on the final edits on my work in progress. I’m delighted to report that, while I did not reach the finished goal I had set, I actually did work on the manuscript, and worked well. I edited what I intended, as well as saw and edited some pages that I had not before seen that needed it. I enjoyed being absorbed in the process. I learned this trip that when I go camping alone, I will write. And I am reminded once again of the power of setting an intention. I set myself up to write, and so I did.

Now, there is the idea, put forth by John Steinbeck, among others, that intention is not enough. As they say, the road to hell is paved… But perhaps a key is to state your intention to others. That certainly must be a first step in the right direction. I have joined a group of writers who share their editing goals and progress each day, and pray for one another. I find this public sharing helping me greatly.