I think another question is "Why?" Why do dreams change? Do they change because they are squashed? Do they change because we change and realize the dream simply holds no fascination? I know that I have dreamed of writing a successful novel for at least 15 years, but have never had the opportunity to really have a go at it. In the meantime, the novel of my dreams has changed somewhat, though it bears a recognizable resemblance to the original, I think. I've actually had time to try my hand at short fiction. I've received a small share of rejection slips, enough to stop the submissions for a time, but not enough to kill the dream. I'm curious, dialyn, as to why writing the 2.5 novels did not satisfy your need for expression. Did you find you didn't actually enjoy expressing yourself? Were you frustrated that you couldn't express yourself the way you wanted to? Did others not appreciate your expression as much as you thought they would? I personally have too many dreams and interests to be able to work on all of them now. I'd probably need a few lifetimes to accomplish them. But I keep dreaming, and will work on a dream as opportunities present themselves. Joe