Passion.. Frustration.. Pain.. You have to experience to write it.

For anyone who writes.. you must have another outlet. Your entire existence cannot be about writing and nothing else.  If you don't experience life through another outlet.. then upon what do you draw for your characters?

For some it's their family.. for others a hobby.. some take work home with them.  For others it's a mix of things.

Boise State's incredible
Fiesta Bowl Victory
For me.. It's pretty much 2 things.  My family and College Football.

I grew up just about an hour's drive from Boise Idaho, and I remember watching Boise State sports on TV with my Dad from a very young age.  When I finished my LDS Mission and was ready to get serious about school, I moved to Boise with a family member and attended Boise State.

2 Degrees later, (BA Spanish, BS Political Science), I knew 2 things.. I wanted to go to Law School, and I was a Bronco fan for life.

So much of a fan was I that during Law School at Boise State's biggest rival, (University of Idaho).. I started a fan web site that morphed into a recruiting/fan site that is still going strong, now nearly 10 years later.  (http://www.broncocountry.com).  I'm proud to say it's the preeminent Boise State fan and information website on the internet.  :)

My family will always be my #1 passion.. I have 5 kids that I love beyond all measure, and an incredible wife that I don't deserve most days, but who I chased just long enough to have her relent.  But.. my passion for Boise State football is right behind my family in fervor.

Michigan State beat Boise State 17-13
So.. when my team loses, I feel it.. and last night we lost.  (And yes.. when you're a fan who is invested in your team.. it IS a 'we' thing.) 

It was frustrating to watch us struggle. It was disappointing to watch my guys fall short of their goal.. I not only saw their pain, but I felt it as well.  Boise State has had such a charmed decade of Football.. I could never have foreseen what was coming for the Broncos when I started my website back in 2002.. I just wanted to get free recruiting information.  lol  (Totally true.)

However, disappointment, frustration, pain.. they're all emotions that our characters need to feel. Who is going to care about a Character that never faces challenges?  Why write about someone who has a great day?  What story is that?

I want to read about things I can relate to, even in a Fantasy book.. show me struggle, self-doubt, failure, disappointment.. things that I have felt and that I can relate to.  Show me resolve, inner strength.. show me admirable qualities that I want to recognize in myself.. or that I want to adopt.  Show me tenacity and determination to overcome even in the face of insurmountable odds.

Relate to me.  Entertain me.  Inspire me.  Leave me wanting to know more...

Make me a fan.. like my Broncos do every time they play.



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