Entry 87: Finding a New Character

I’ve never been good about keeping a journal. It all boils down to consistency. There are days when I skip making an entry. Life can crowd out the time I need to write down my thoughts about a day’s events. I’ve also been reluctant to pose as an expert on the writing process. If I knew anything of value about writing, my work would already be in print. I went out on a skinny limb of a tall in 2022 when I shared my 365 days of thankfulness. The exercise forced me to put myself out there with my soft belly exposed. Thank you for joining me on my journey in the written word. Therefore, I plan to keep a journal in 2023 to document my progress. I will call Entry 87: Finding a New Character.

Note: I consider editing an important part of the writing process. Editing is where all the artistry happens.

My morning writing before I started Entry 87: Finding a New Character

I don’t know why I create outlines because I never stick to them. The writing of the two chapters of Amazing Buchanan and The Beast doesn’t jive with the outline. I even introduced a new character. She is a folklorist and a professor and has expert knowledge about how to break the curse. Quotes from her book will be in the front of various sections in the finished book. This idea will require me to create a magic system concerning the Rougarou and curses. It should be a fun exercise.

The book I am currently reading right now and Entry 87: Finding a New Character

I finished reading “Pretty Mouth and Green My Eyes” from Nine Stories by J.D. Salinger. This story focuses on deceit and deception. Three people attend a party in New York City: Lee’s phone rings later that night, and Arthur is on the other end of the line. He is looking for his wife, Joanie. He asks Lee for advice. There is a girl with Lee. Salinger never says, but parts of the story indicate the woman is Arthur’s missing wife. Things get complicated when Arthur asks if he can come over and talk to Lee at his apartment.

To complicate matters, both men work for the same law firm. Arthur has lost a big case concerning bed bugs. He explains that “pretty mouth and green my eyes” came from a line in a poem he gave to Joanie, who has blue eyes. I wondered if Salinger suggested a hint of jealousy here, like Arthur knew the truth. He calls lee back with a lie, saying his wife came home and everything was all right. Lee knows he’s lying.

What I’m listening to right now and

Rooster and I watched several documentaries last night. One involved Chuck Leavell, who started his career playing with the Allman Brothers Band. He went on to play keyboards with the Rolling Stones and other bands. We also watched part of another one about the early days of the Allman Brothers. I started my morning listening to Live at the Fillmore East.

The thing I am most thankful for at this moment.

I am thankful I didn’t have anywhere I needed to be on this cold day. I could stay warm inside as the snow fell. It feels colder now that we have had a month of warm weather. We woke up to a thick covering of snow on the ground. I shouldn’t complain. We were lucky this year.

This old lady says

Complaining about the weather is the biggest Hoosier spectator sport. We complain even after we’ve had it good for months. I think it is human nature to gripe.

Who is Molly Shea?

Molly Shea is an accomplished fictional short story writer from Indiana who writes short stories and novels about a fictional town called Tecumseh.  To read more of her short stories and adventures, click here.

Be sure to follow Molly on Twitter!

Born Without Rhythm
All the lines in the first paragraph are repeated at the ends …
Entry 86: It Doesn’t Work That Way For Me
My journey in the written word. Therefore, I plan to keep a …
Morning Pages
All the lines in the first paragraph are repeated at the ends …
Entry 85: A Glimpse into a Writer’s Mind
My journey in the written word. Therefore, I plan to keep a …

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Born Without Rhythm

Udit Bhatia invented cascade poetry in 2007. This relatively new style of poetry got its name because it should flow down the page in a waterfall effect. The poem’s structure is simple and relies on the refrain to create the cascading rhythm. The magic of these poems centers around the refrain. The unmetered poems vary in theme depending on the poet’s desire. The only rule used when writing a cascade is that all the lines in the first paragraph are repeated at the ends of every stanza that follows. I will call this cascade poem Born Without Rhythm.

Structure of a cascade poem and Born Without Rhythm

The lines are represented as ABC.

  1. The first line ends with line A.
  2. The second line ends with Line B.
  3. The third line ends with line C.

I had written this form of poetry before and had fun with it. I plan to start the month of March using this style. The length of the stanza can vary. There is no rule about sticking to three lines. The thing to remember is that the longer the stanza, the more complicated the poem.

Born Without Rhythm

I would give anything for a little musical ability
To play cool jazz like Coltrane
A blues guitar like B.B. King
Sing notes like Etta James
Finger the piano like Mozart
Sadly, I was born without any rhythm.

To my soul, it is a major disability
I watch people shutter in pain.
Every time I try to pluck a string.
I don’t even attempt to sing
Because they might attempt an assassination
I would give anything for a little musical ability

I’ve tried many times in vain
All of that practicing gets to me
I could never achieve a melodious sound
And people didn’t want me around
Blowing on an old clarinet, I found
In a trash can in a dark alleyway, trying
To play cool jazz like Coltrane

Next, I attempted to pluck a string
My small hands tried to tune
The guitar I was given with the busted front
It was hard to hold for a little runt
I knew I wouldn’t ever hold
A blues guitar like B.B. King

I scrolled through so many famous names
Of women who could sing with voices like angels
My biggest problem was I was never able
For my stupid voice to remain on key
It refused to behave itself and
 Sing notes like Etta James

I fear I lost favor with the muse of musical art
Every time my fingers touched a piano
I couldn’t control the direction they decided to go
They had a mind of their own
And now that I’ve grown, I can never
Finger the piano like Mozart

I think it is more or less a given
Musical ability escaped me
Even though I want to break free
And create a sound so unique
Nobody would guess I was a musical freak.
Sadly, I was born without any rhythm

Who is Molly Shea?

Molly Shea is an accomplished fictional short story writer from Indiana who writes short stories and novels about a fictional town called Tecumseh.  To read more of her short stories and adventures, click here.

Be sure to follow Molly on Twitter!

Entry 87: Finding a New Character
My journey in the written word. Therefore, I plan to keep a …
Entry 86: It Doesn’t Work That Way For Me
My journey in the written word. Therefore, I plan to keep a …
Morning Pages
All the lines in the first paragraph are repeated at the ends …
Entry 85: A Glimpse into a Writer’s Mind
My journey in the written word. Therefore, I plan to keep a …

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Entry 86: It Doesn’t Work That Way For Me

I’ve never been good about keeping a journal. It all boils down to consistency. There are days when I skip making an entry. Life can crowd out the time I need to write down my thoughts about a day’s events. I’ve also been reluctant to pose as an expert on the writing process. If I knew anything of value about writing, my work would already be in print. I went out on a skinny limb of a tall in 2022 when I shared my 365 days of thankfulness. The exercise forced me to put myself out there with my soft belly exposed. Thank you for joining me on my journey in the written word. Therefore, I plan to keep a journal in 2023 to document my progress. I will call Entry 86: It Doesn’t Work That Way For Me.

Note: I consider editing an important part of the writing process. Editing is where all the artistry happens.

My morning writing before I started Entry 86: It Doesn’t Work That Way For Me

I started on the unexpected chapter I added to Amazing Buchanan and the Beast. There might be some overlap from the previous chapter, so I am unsure I will keep all of it intact. I like the idea of adding a make-believe expert before some of the chapters, at least. That might be possible after researching a few facts that won’t make me sound like an idiot. I’d never heard of rougarou before I wrote this story fo NaNoWriMo. The only reason I came up with this explanation for why the character turns into a beast every night happened when I researched odd myths about Louisiana. I knew that most of the story would occur at an old plantation house outside of New Orleans.

I still have nothing where the poetry is concerned. It might be necessary to step away from it for a while. A person can’t force creativity. When I am writing prose, I can write my way through the block. The best thing to do is sit at the computer and write. Poetry doesn’t work the same way for me.

The book I am currently reading right now and Entry 86: It Doesn’t Work That Way For Me

I am still working my way through Nine Stories by J.D. Salinger. The feature story of the day is “For Esme ─ with Love and Squalor.” This short story starts with a wedding invitation for a young girl the writer met during the war. They are in a tea room, and he tells her he was a writer before the war. She asks him to write her a story filled with love and squalor. The story’s second half refers to the soldier as X. He has suffered a nervous breakdown during the war. He receives a letter from Esmealong with her father’s watch. It was cracked during transit. The soldier goes to sleep, indicating he is on the path to healing.

What I’m listening to right now and Entry 86: It Doesn’t Work That Way For Me

I put Jimmy Thackery and Tab Benoit’s Whiskey Store Live on the stereo today because I must get into Cajun grove to write about the bayou. The main reason I started keeping track of the music I listen to while I write to see if it influences the quality of the words I type. The arts seem to all have a connection on a deep level in the human soul.

The thing I am most thankful for at this moment.

I am so thankful for my oldest daughter. She is one of those people whom you can count on to always be there for you.

This old lady says

It is important to appreciate the people in your life. You should never take anyone for granted. We don’t come into this world with a guarantee about how long a person can stay. There is one thing for certain. We will all leave eventually.

Who is Molly Shea?

Molly Shea is an accomplished fictional short story writer from Indiana who writes short stories and novels about a fictional town called Tecumseh.  To read more of her short stories and adventures, click here.

Be sure to follow Molly on Twitter!

Entry 87: Finding a New Character
My journey in the written word. Therefore, I plan to keep a …
Born Without Rhythm
All the lines in the first paragraph are repeated at the ends …
Morning Pages
All the lines in the first paragraph are repeated at the ends …
Entry 85: A Glimpse into a Writer’s Mind
My journey in the written word. Therefore, I plan to keep a …

2 thoughts on “Entry 86: It Doesn’t Work That Way For Me

  1. “get into Cajun grove to write about the bayou”. Wow, that’s fascinating. I had never seen a bayou before I visited Florida. It is such a distinct picture of tree and water, which I had not expected before. I heard that J.D. Salinger wrote very interesting short stories, but I’ve never read them. And I may want to read them since you mentioned them.

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Morning Pages

Udit Bhatia invented cascade poetry in 2007. This relatively new style of poetry got its name because it should flow down the page in a waterfall effect. The poem’s structure is simple and relies on the refrain to create the cascading rhythm. The magic of these poems centers around the refrain. The unmetered poems vary in theme depending on the poet’s desire. The only rule used when writing a cascade is that all the lines in the first paragraph are repeated at the ends of every stanza that follows. I will call this cascade poem Morning Pages.

Structure of a cascade poem and Morning Pages

The lines are represented as ABC.

  1. The first line ends with line A.
  2. The second line ends with Line B.
  3. The third line ends with line C.

I had written this form of poetry before and had fun with it. I plan to start the month of March using this style. The length of the stanza can vary. There is no rule about sticking to three lines. The thing to remember is that the longer the stanza, the more complicated the poem.

Morning Pages

And so we meet again
In the quiet before my morning pages
Before the rest of the world begins
Between a dream and sleep

This writer will never win
Without the words on the page
Word Daddy has gone away
And so we met again

This is not something I can ignore
My restless mind will never sleep
Away all the words that creep
In the quiet before my morning pages.

I might collect a great number of sins 
Wrestling with a plot twist in the dark
Searching for the secret spark
Before the rest of the world begins

The characters always seem to seep,
Into my brain without remorse
Impossible to chart a course 
Between a dream and sleep


Who is Molly Shea?

Molly Shea is an accomplished fictional short story writer from Indiana who writes short stories and novels about a fictional town called Tecumseh.  To read more of her short stories and adventures, click here.

Be sure to follow Molly on Twitter!

Entry 87: Finding a New Character
My journey in the written word. Therefore, I plan to keep a …
Born Without Rhythm
All the lines in the first paragraph are repeated at the ends …
Entry 86: It Doesn’t Work That Way For Me
My journey in the written word. Therefore, I plan to keep a …
Entry 85: A Glimpse into a Writer’s Mind
My journey in the written word. Therefore, I plan to keep a …

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Entry 85: A Glimpse into a Writer’s Mind

I’ve never been good about keeping a journal. It all boils down to consistency. There are days when I skip making an entry. Life can crowd out the time I need to write down my thoughts about a day’s events. I’ve also been reluctant to pose as an expert on the writing process. If I knew anything of value about writing, my work would already be in print. I went out on a skinny limb of a tall in 2022 when I shared my 365 days of thankfulness. The exercise forced me to put myself out there with my soft belly exposed. Thank you for joining me on my journey in the written word. Therefore, I plan to keep a journal in 2023 to document my progress. I will call Entry 85: A Glimpse into a Writer’s Mind.

Note: I consider editing an important part of the writing process. Editing is where all the artistry happens.

My morning writing before I started Entry 85: A Glimpse into a Writer’s Mind

I finished the Amazing Buchanan and The Beast chapter I didn’t get to yesterday and am close to the end. A few more things need to happen to find a way to cancel out the curse. Will can’t live his life as a Rougarou if he and Amazing find their happy ending. I am thinking about creating a folklorist who has all the answers. Quotes beginning each chapter from a book she wrote about the rougarou can establish her identity as an expert on the Louisiana werewolf. Her appearance at the end of the book won’t be a complete surprise if I introduce her in this way, and it will give the reader who isn’t familiar with this mythical creature some idea about the Rougarou. I am still giving this some thought.

Okay, I haven’t written a Cascade poem in two days because I have been too busy to try. Maybe I can focus on it this afternoon.

The book I am currently reading right now and Entry 85: A Glimpse into a Writer’s Mind

I read the fifth story in Salinger’s Nine Stories by J.D. Salinger this morning. I found “Down at the Dinghy” interesting. The story begins with two employees of the Tannenbaum household worried about what the boy Lionel might tell his mother. Boo Boo is one of the members of the Glass family grown into adulthood with a child of her own. Lionel has a bad habit of running away whenever someone says something that hurts his feelings.

Boo Boo goes down to the dinghy, where he hides to uncover why he ran away. He finally admits it was because Sandra called his father a kike, which he interprets as a kite. This story takes place around Word War II. It reflects the prejudices and class consciousness of the time. Sadly, antisemitism still exists today.

What I’m listening to right now and Entry 85: A Glimpse into a Writer’s Mind

I listened to Led Zeppelin’s Latter Days this morning. The second half of their greatest hits CD always brings back good memories. These songs became a big part of my teenage life.

The thing I am most thankful for at this moment.

I am thankful for this slow morning when my morning pages can come alive. Because I find the ending section of a story difficult to write, there are times when I drag my feet. I must say goodbye to the characters I have worked hard to create, but I plan to jump into the editing process when I finish the rewrite of Amazing Buchanan and the Beast. This idea makes finishing easier.

This old lady says

Only a writer can understand what it means to live inside the heads of one of your characters for the duration of a book. The general public has no concept about crawling into the minds of fictional human beings. It is almost like living the lives of a handful of people while you navigate your daily business. So if you see your writer friend staring into space, don’t disturb her. She might be working on a tricky piece of dialogue or a delicate plot point.

Who is Molly Shea?

Molly Shea is an accomplished fictional short story writer from Indiana who writes short stories and novels about a fictional town called Tecumseh.  To read more of her short stories and adventures, click here.

Be sure to follow Molly on Twitter!

Entry 87: Finding a New Character
My journey in the written word. Therefore, I plan to keep a …
Born Without Rhythm
All the lines in the first paragraph are repeated at the ends …
Entry 86: It Doesn’t Work That Way For Me
My journey in the written word. Therefore, I plan to keep a …
Morning Pages
All the lines in the first paragraph are repeated at the ends …

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Common Cold

Udit Bhatia invented cascade poetry in 2007. This relatively new style of poetry got its name because it should flow down the page in a waterfall effect. The poem’s structure is simple and relies on the refrain to create the cascading rhythm. The magic of these poems centers around the refrain. The unmetered poems vary in theme depending on the poet’s desire. The only rule used when writing a cascade is that all the lines in the first paragraph are repeated at the ends of every stanza that follows. I will call this cascade poem Common Cold.

Structure of a cascade poem and Common Cold

The lines are represented as ABC.

  1. The first line ends with line A.
  2. The second line ends with Line B.
  3. The third line ends with line C.

I had written this form of poetry before and had fun with it. I plan to start the month of March using this style. The length of the stanza can vary. There is no rule about sticking to three lines. The thing to remember is that the longer the stanza, the more complicated the poem.

Common Cold

We are all familiar with the Common Cold
We’ve all met this fellow a time or two.
He’s not a deadly, pandemic type of disease.
As far as illness goes, he’s an underachiever.

He struts into a room pretentious and bold,
Bring with him some dapper sinus congestion.
 And a touch of snobbish indigestion
We are all familiar with the Common Cold.

He’s a pretender, from my point of view.
With few credentials to mention
He’s been around so long he’s earned a pension.
We’ve all met this fellow a time or two.

He’s made you cough, and he’s made you sneeze
Behind your eyes you feel some tension
The scope of this guy is beyond comprehension.
He’s not a deadly, pandemic type of disease.

This time around he’s made me a believer
He can walk into a room full of pretention
And infect a victim for his haughty collection
As far as illness goes, he’s an underachiever.


Who is Molly Shea?

Molly Shea is an accomplished fictional short story writer from Indiana who writes short stories and novels about a fictional town called Tecumseh.  To read more of her short stories and adventures, click here.

Be sure to follow Molly on Twitter!

Entry 87: Finding a New Character
My journey in the written word. Therefore, I plan to keep a …
Born Without Rhythm
All the lines in the first paragraph are repeated at the ends …
Entry 86: It Doesn’t Work That Way For Me
My journey in the written word. Therefore, I plan to keep a …
Morning Pages
All the lines in the first paragraph are repeated at the ends …

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Entry 84: Life Got in The Way

I’ve never been good about keeping a journal. It all boils down to consistency. There are days when I skip making an entry. Life can crowd out the time I need to write down my thoughts about a day’s events. I’ve also been reluctant to pose as an expert on the writing process. If I knew anything of value about writing, my work would already be in print. I went out on a skinny limb of a tall in 2022 when I shared my 365 days of thankfulness. The exercise forced me to put myself out there with my soft belly exposed. Thank you for joining me on my journey in the written word. Therefore, I plan to keep a journal in 2023 to document my progress. I will call entry 84: Life Got in The Way.

Note: I consider editing an important part of the writing process. Editing is where all the artistry happens.

My morning writing before I started entry 84: Life Got in The Way

I didn’t get to my morning pages today. Life got in the way. I needed to take a trip to the doctor’s office for bloodwork. Rooster offered to take me to breakfast, and I couldn’t say no. When we returned home, Rooster had to wage his monthly war with the electric company. They changed their system and didn’t send us a bill. The electric company has managed to screw it up for the past six months. My husband tries to explain that we are old. If we don’t get the bill, we might forget to make payment. They can continue their current process if they promise not to cut the lights if we forget to pay.

When this was all said and done, I was in no mood to write. I posted the blog post I had written instead.

The book I am currently reading right now and Entry 84: Life Got in The Way

I read the Fourth story in the book Nine Stories By J.D. Salinger today. The Laughing Men revolves around a boy’s club Salinger belonged to as a kid. The leader told them an exciting story about a bandit that operated on the Paris-Chinese border. This tall tell had the kids captivated. The atmosphere changed when the Chef started picking up a young woman named Mary Hudson. She joined the baseball games until she showed up at the ballpark crying one day. Everything changed after that. I’m enjoying these short stories, even though I read them long ago in the distant past.

What I’m listening to right now and Entry 84: Life Got in The Way

I decided I would rock out with Heart Greatest Hits today. These ladies proved rock-n-roll wasn’t just for men. They had the perfect combination of sounds to make us all rock.

The thing I am most thankful for at this moment.

I am thankful my husband stays on top of the utility bills. If he didn’t, we’d be sitting in the dark with an extra month’s charge for our cell phone coverage.

This old lady says

If it seems like the utility companies are out to rip you off right now, it’s not your imagination because they are. I remember when You could trust institutions like the local utility companies, the railroads, medical facilities, and the government. It doesn’t work that way anymore. Something has changed. I’m unsure what it is, but I don’t like it. I’ll probably be put in some social media jail for speaking my mind. Oh, well, it wouldn’t be the first time I got into trouble for speaking my mind, and it won’t be the last.

Who is Molly Shea?

Molly Shea is an accomplished fictional short story writer from Indiana who writes short stories and novels about a fictional town called Tecumseh.  To read more of her short stories and adventures, click here.

Be sure to follow Molly on Twitter!

Entry 87: Finding a New Character
My journey in the written word. Therefore, I plan to keep a …
Born Without Rhythm
All the lines in the first paragraph are repeated at the ends …
Entry 86: It Doesn’t Work That Way For Me
My journey in the written word. Therefore, I plan to keep a …
Morning Pages
All the lines in the first paragraph are repeated at the ends …

8 thoughts on “Entry 84: Life Got in The Way

  1. I get it about the utility bills. I heard something on npr about the tipping point of unexplained extra fees that people are willing to pay without taking the time to call and question or dispute them. the amount was $2.99. it can be for any obscure fee such as ‘local processing fee’ etc. most people won’t take the time to call about it unless it is $3.00 or more, because it’s too much time and hassle to do so. as a result ,the companies make millions more in added ‘fees’ without having to do anything.

  2. I like Heart. I’m sorry about the lack of clairty regarding billing for utilities. I’m supposed to be on a budget plan but keep getting notices that the montly amount has exceeded the scheduled (budget) amount. But of course the fee is higher, since the company raised everyone’s rates forty percent.

  3. My electric bill is finally down to under $100 a month, consistently. We’ve had the wood stove since 2018 (no AC), but the electric bill stayed around $150 a month until just recently. After a year or so, they should’ve realized we’re not using as much electricity, and the bill should’ve reflected it.

    It’s all so very frustrating.

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Butterscotch Pudding

Udit Bhatia invented cascade poetry in 2007. This relatively new style of poetry got its name because it should flow down the page in a waterfall effect. The poem’s structure is simple and relies on the refrain to create the cascading rhythm. The magic of these poems centers around the refrain. The unmetered poems vary in theme depending on the poet’s desire. The only rule used when writing a cascade is that all the lines in the first paragraph are repeated at the ends of every stanza that follows. I will call this cascade poem Butterscotch Pudding.

Structure of a cascade poem and Butterscotch Pudding

The lines are represented as ABC.

  1. The first line ends with line A.
  2. The second line ends with Line B.
  3. The third line ends with line C.

I had written this form of poetry before and had fun with it. I plan to start the month of March using this style. The length of the stanza can vary. There is no rule about sticking to three lines. The thing to remember is that the longer the stanza, the more complicated the poem.

Butterscotch Pudding

It doesn’t look like much. 
When you first put in the powder
And the milk is in the bowl
Mix it for a while at high speed, 
 Until we have butterscotch pudding.

You have to have that special touch
And combine it with a pinch of faith
Deep down in the pit of your soul
Because when you take the first glance
It doesn’t look like much

Why don’t you shout a little louder,
So they can hear you in the next room?
You know it’s going to turn out right
There’s going to be a spoon fight
When you first put in the powder.

Everyone has to play the right role
Because that’s what we always do
Someone should probably fetch the broom
Things tend to get messy around here
And the milk is in the bowl

There is a difference between greed and need
I wish someone would turn on the light
Someone wants more than his share
Passions are running high in this room
Mix it for a while at high speed.

I don’t see any reason for shoving and pushing
There’s always enough to go around
I don’t consider it very fair
When it’s me doing all the fancy mixing
Until we have butterscotch pudding.


Who is Molly Shea?

Molly Shea is an accomplished fictional short story writer from Indiana who writes short stories and novels about a fictional town called Tecumseh.  To read more of her short stories and adventures, click here.

Be sure to follow Molly on Twitter!

Entry 87: Finding a New Character
My journey in the written word. Therefore, I plan to keep a …
Born Without Rhythm
All the lines in the first paragraph are repeated at the ends …
Entry 86: It Doesn’t Work That Way For Me
My journey in the written word. Therefore, I plan to keep a …
Morning Pages
All the lines in the first paragraph are repeated at the ends …

4 thoughts on “Butterscotch Pudding

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Entry 83: Never Give up And Never Surrender

I’ve never been good about keeping a journal. It all boils down to consistency. There are days when I skip making an entry. Life can crowd out the time I need to write down my thoughts about a day’s events. I’ve also been reluctant to pose as an expert on the writing process. If I knew anything of value about writing, my work would already be in print. I went out on a skinny limb of a tall in 2022 when I shared my 365 days of thankfulness. The exercise forced me to put myself out there with my soft belly exposed. Thank you for joining me on my journey in the written word. Therefore, I plan to keep a journal in 2023 to document my progress. I will call Entry 83: Never Give up And Never Surrender.

Note: I consider editing an important part of the writing process. Editing is where all the artistry happens.

My morning writing before I started Entry 83: Never Give up And Never Surrender

I struggled through writing a chapter of Amazing Buchanan and the Beast this morning. It took a while to switch voices. This chapter was told in the first person from Chad Wallace’s point of view. I had to switch to a more professional voice. I don’t think I will stick to the outline I made yesterday. An additional chapter needs to be added to enhance the plot. Will arranges for a sting operation on Harold Percival to persuade him to sell his stock and resign from the board of directors of Chandler Enterprises.

I have an idea for another Cascade Poem I will work on this afternoon.

The book I am currently reading right now and Entry 83: Never Give up And Never Surrender

I read the Salinger short story Just Before The War With The Eskimos. Nobody goes to war with the Eskimos, so the title is slightly deceptive. I enjoyed the story. It focuses on two young prep school girls. Gennie is frustrated because she always has to pay for the cab ride home. They go to Selena’s house for money, where Gennie is waiting for Selena to get her some money. She meets Selena’s older brother, who is 4F from the army because of a heart condition. I’ve heard Salinger meant for him to be a Christ figure, but maybe all Salinger meant for him to be a guy with a heart condition. Gennie does make a transition by the end of the story.

What I’m listening to right now and Entry 83: Never Give up And Never Surrender

I listened to the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, The Commitments. This movie focused on a fictional Irish rhythm and blues band that fell apart when they were on the verge of success. Rooster and I enjoyed this movie, so we bought the soundtrack.

The thing I am most thankful for at this moment.

I am thankful I am perfecting a sugarless chocolate chip cookie recipe I am currently experimenting with to achieve a moister cookie. I added another egg and melted the chocolate chips in the microwave until they were softer but not a chocolate goo. The cookies I pulled out of the oven tasted fantastic.

This old lady says

Sometimes you need to break that third egg to reach perfection. Sometimes making a great discovery or achieving something extraordinary amounts to persistence. You must take one more step in the right direction to get where you should be. Never give up. Never surrender,

Who is Molly Shea?

Molly Shea is an accomplished fictional short story writer from Indiana who writes short stories and novels about a fictional town called Tecumseh.  To read more of her short stories and adventures, click here.

Be sure to follow Molly on Twitter!

Entry 87: Finding a New Character
My journey in the written word. Therefore, I plan to keep a …
Born Without Rhythm
All the lines in the first paragraph are repeated at the ends …
Entry 86: It Doesn’t Work That Way For Me
My journey in the written word. Therefore, I plan to keep a …
Morning Pages
All the lines in the first paragraph are repeated at the ends …

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Considering

Udit Bhatia invented cascade poetry in 2007. This relatively new style of poetry got its name because it should flow down the page in a waterfall effect. The poem’s structure is simple and relies on the refrain to create the cascading rhythm. The magic of these poems centers around the refrain. The unmetered poems vary in theme depending on the poet’s desire. The only rule used when writing a cascade is that all the lines in the first paragraph are repeated at the ends of every stanza that follows. I will call this cascade poem Considering.

Structure of a cascade poem and Considering

The lines are represented as ABC.

  1. The first line ends with line A.
  2. The second line ends with Line B.
  3. The third line ends with line C.

I had written this form of poetry before and had fun with it. I plan to start the month of March using this style. The length of the stanza can vary. There is no rule about sticking to three lines. The thing to remember is that the longer the stanza, the more complicated the poem.

Considering 

If I had a magical crystal ball 
And could travel back to my past.
What would I eliminate or change?
What would I leave the same?

Would I be tempted at all
To complicate my fate?
Would I delete a moment,
If I had a magical crystal ball?

Some events were made to last.
Some could possibly be rearranged.
With a wand made of wishes 
And could travel back to my past.

Would you think it strange
If I put my eraser away
When you think about it
What would I eliminate or change?

I might be a little to blame 
When it comes to creative thinking
And I brush the idea aside without blinking.
What would I leave the same?



Who is Molly Shea?

Molly Shea is an accomplished fictional short story writer from Indiana who writes short stories and novels about a fictional town called Tecumseh.  To read more of her short stories and adventures, click here.

Be sure to follow Molly on Twitter!

Entry 87: Finding a New Character
My journey in the written word. Therefore, I plan to keep a …
Born Without Rhythm
All the lines in the first paragraph are repeated at the ends …
Entry 86: It Doesn’t Work That Way For Me
My journey in the written word. Therefore, I plan to keep a …
Morning Pages
All the lines in the first paragraph are repeated at the ends …

5 thoughts on “Considering

  1. I certainly have put a lot of thought into this question myself lately! The conclusion I came to is that in order to change the past I would have to change myself to have been a different person. A different person would have made different mistakes ~ but mistakes nonetheless. At least mine were never intended to make anyone else feel bad. When I look around at my fellow human beings, I’ll take mine and be grateful for them.

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