Water Lilies

It’s time to leave the stormy month of April behind and move into the warmth of May. That also means I will experiment with one or more poetic styles that begin with the letter E. I did some research and decided that Echo Poems might be fun to write. They seem so simple that I am sure they will be challenging to write. The pattern used in creating this verse is a type of call and response. It is fun to read them out loud. I call this poem Water Lilies.

Creating an Echo Poem and Water Lilies

The simple rule for creating an Echo Poem is for the writer to repeat each line’s end syllable(s).

  1. The repeated syllable(s) must have its own line.
  2. These poems are short and to the point.
  3. There are no meter or rhyming rules.
  4. Repetition can take many creative forms.

I am excited about playing with this style of poetry. I worry that the repetition used to create this style might be boring. The only thing left for me to do is pick a theme and start writing. May could be a long month.

Water Lilies

Monet’s water lily
Silly
Flower without soil
Boil
Yellow flowers in the sun
None
Will ever take root
Cute
Delicate blooming petals
Settles
Along the waters edge
Dredge
Hope in the mire
Desire

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!

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Entry 150: The Flaw of Tenacity

I’ve never been good at 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 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 this post Entry 150: The Flaw of Tenacity.

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 150: The Flaw of Tenacity

Okay, so I have a dilemma. My biggest flaw centers around how I will hold on to something I’ve committed to long after it is wise to do so. 

Tenacity and honoring a commitment are generally great habits to hold onto. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting a different result. I enjoy editing, but I don’t know if the process is bringing me any closer to publication. I know I am making the book stronger. The story gets better every day. I also realize I am not a second younger. My age might finally catch up with me.

I thought when I started this journal, it would push me down the road on my journey to publication. It only seems to have slowed me down to a crawl. Maybe it wasn’t a good idea to record my daily struggle with the written word. I’ve committed to doing this for a year. That means I will hang onto the project with a tenacious spirit because that is how I am made.

The book I am currently reading right now and Entry 150: The Flaw of Tenacity

I have reached the final pages of Elizabeth Lyon’s Manuscript Makeover. The short section on marketing begins with a chapter on grammar. Punctuation and spelling are the part of writing I struggle with the most. I am so much better than I was when I first started. Lyon is right when she points out that bad grammar points to someone being unprofessional.

What I’m listening to right now and Entry 150: The Flaw of Tenacity

I selected Ten Years After’s A Space in Time to listen to this morning. Rooster Considers this to be one of the best albums ever created. There are days when i agree.

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!

Water Lilies
The pattern used in creating this verse is a type of call …
Shades of Green
The pattern used in creating this verse is a type of call …
Entry 149: Moving Over the Same Material
Therefore, I plan to keep a journal in 2023 to document my …
 Park Sounds
The pattern used in creating this verse is a type of call …

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Shades of Green

It’s time to leave the stormy month of April behind and move into the warmth of May. That also means I will experiment with one or more poetic styles that begin with the letter E. I did some research and decided that Echo Poems might be fun to write. They seem so simple that I am sure they will be challenging to write. The pattern used in creating this verse is a type of call and response. It is fun to read them out loud. I call this poem Shades of Green.

Creating an Echo Poem and Shades of Green

The simple rule for creating an Echo Poem is for the writer to repeat each line’s end syllable(s).

  1. The repeated syllable(s) must have its own line.
  2. These poems are short and to the point.
  3. There are no meter or rhyming rules.
  4. Repetition can take many creative forms.

I am excited about playing with this style of poetry. I worry that the repetition used to create this style might be boring. The only thing left for me to do is pick a theme and start writing. May could be a long month.

Shades of Green

Everywhere I see green
Green
Covering naked trees
See
Leaves swaying in the breeze
Ease
Of winter blues
New
Life sprouting on bare branches
Glances
Toward the distant shade
Fade 
In colors of shades of green
seen

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!

Water Lilies
The pattern used in creating this verse is a type of call …
Entry 150: The Flaw of Tenacity
my journey in the written word. Therefore, I plan to keep a …
Entry 149: Moving Over the Same Material
Therefore, I plan to keep a journal in 2023 to document my …
 Park Sounds
The pattern used in creating this verse is a type of call …

2 thoughts on “Shades of Green”

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Entry 149: Moving Over the Same Material

I’ve never been good at 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 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 this post Entry 149: Moving Over the Same Material.

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 149: Moving Over the Same Material

I need a vacation. The practice of going over and over the same portion of a manuscript can feel so redundant. It almost makes you think you are living out a scene of the Bill Murray movie Groundhog Day. Speaking of groundhogs, we saw a big one in the backyard last night. I think he is Old Grandaddy or one of his progeny. Rooster and the neighbor spent an entire summer trying to catch the critter, but I digress. I managed to move through chapters 19-22 of Amazing Buchanan and the Beast. The editing spilled over into the afternoon. I am lagging in my blogging. Time is draining as fast as sand in the hourglass. I have thought about another category I might attempt. I plan to call it Life Lessons. I’ve lived long enough to have learned a few of them.

The book I am reading and Entry 149: Moving Over the Same Material

I am almost through with Elizabeth Lyon’s Manuscript Makeover. The section I am reading now is about character development. She talks about beginnings, endings, and everything in between. There are certain outward traits you should know about your characters. These things are as important as ‘holes in the soul.’

What I’m listening to right now and Entry 149: Moving Over the Same Material

Joe Cocker Mad Dogs & Englishmen I one of my favorite sounds to listen to on a moody morning. This music is from a US tour Joe Cocker did in 1970. It was one of my favorites in high school. This massive band created some great music.

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!

Water Lilies
The pattern used in creating this verse is a type of call …
Entry 150: The Flaw of Tenacity
my journey in the written word. Therefore, I plan to keep a …
Shades of Green
The pattern used in creating this verse is a type of call …
 Park Sounds
The pattern used in creating this verse is a type of call …

4 thoughts on “Entry 149: Moving Over the Same Material”

  1. Yes, theoretically time should move as fast as the sand in the hour glass, as you said, but I feel that time is flying by and disappearing…

    Reply

  2. When my oldest daughter was about 6, she was playing outside the window with her step sister as I washed the dishes. There was a ground hog they were petting. We lived in town and I was worried about rabies, I remember calling them for ice cream at 9 a.m so they wouldn’t be alarmed. They came in and I had them wash their hands. I called animal control to take care of the ground hog.

    Reply

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 Park Sounds

It’s time to leave the stormy month of April behind and move into the warmth of May. That also means I will experiment with one or more poetic styles that begin with the letter E. I did some research and decided that Echo Poems might be fun to write. They seem so simple that I am sure they will be challenging to write. The pattern used in creating this verse is a type of call and response. It is fun to read them out loud. I call this poem Park Sounds.

Creating an Echo Poem and Park Sounds

The simple rule for creating an Echo Poem is for the writer to repeat each line’s end syllable(s).

  1. The repeated syllable(s) must have its own line.
  2. These poems are short and to the point.
  3. There are no meter or rhyming rules.
  4. Repetition can take many creative forms.

I am excited about playing with this style of poetry. I worry that the repetition used to create this style might be boring. The only thing left for me to do is pick a theme and start writing. May could be a long month.

 Park Sounds

 Slides and swings
Sing
Ducks float on the stream
Beam
Of sunlight from the sky
Why
Do the geese come
Come
Back every year
Ear
Blocking out the sound
Found
In the Park
Bark
Dogs on a leash
Leash
To keep them out of the road
Toad
Crocking from the brush
Rush to the playground
Wound
Tight with laughter
After
The swings and slide
Glide

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!

Water Lilies
The pattern used in creating this verse is a type of call …
Entry 150: The Flaw of Tenacity
my journey in the written word. Therefore, I plan to keep a …
Shades of Green
The pattern used in creating this verse is a type of call …
Entry 149: Moving Over the Same Material
Therefore, I plan to keep a journal in 2023 to document my …

Leave a Reply

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Entry 148: Dream of Perfection

I’ve never been good at 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 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 this post Entry 148: Dream of Perfection.

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 148: Dream of Perfection

I started with chapter 17 of Amazing Buchanan and the Beast and moved through chapter 21. Every time I read a chapter, I see something that needs to change. I do the modification, thinking I’m done until I read it again and see more changes that need to be made. I am chasing the unobtainable dream of perfection. There is a point where I need to stop and realize it doesn’t exist.

Tomorrow, I plan to start with chapter 19 and move on through 22. I started with 22 this morning but realized I needed to change the time sequence. I separate scenes 21 and 22 by two weeks. That is the wrong approach. I am discovering all the action needs to be moved forward to keep up the momentum of this story. This rougarou is on a tight timetable. He turns into a half-man, half-wolf beast on his 30th birthday. Will Chandler can no longer take human form after that time. The action must move frantically to intensify the need to break the pace—his feeling for Amazing Buchanan up the stakes.

The book I am currently reading right now and Entry 148: Dream of Perfection

I am reading Elizabeth Lyon’s Manuscript Makeover. The section on character strengths and flaws is so interesting. She talks about the concept she calls ‘hole in the soul’ and how it relates to the seven virtues and vices. A character can spend their life trying to fill a void left in childhood. Maybe it’s not a childhood trauma but an event of a challenge that sends your character on his quest to overcome the odds. I find the information in this book very helpful.

What I’m listening to right now and Entry 148: Dream of Perfection

I put John Mayer’s Continuum on this morning. This morning, a touch of romantic anxiety hit the right spot, and nobody does that better than Mayer.

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!

2 thoughts on “Entry 148: Dream of Perfection”

  1. Great post! I appreciate your honesty about the challenges of journaling and the importance of editing in the writing process. It’s inspiring that you’re continuing on your writing journey and documenting your progress. Keep up the great work!
    founder of balance thy life https://balancethylife.com

    Reply

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Posting

It’s time to leave the stormy month of April behind and move into the warmth of May. That also means I will experiment with one or more poetic styles that begin with the letter E. I did some research and decided that Echo Poems might be fun to write. They seem so simple that I am sure they will be challenging to write. The pattern used in creating this verse is a type of call and response. It is fun to read them out loud. I call this poem Posting.

Creating an Echo Poem and Posting

The simple rule for creating an Echo Poem for the writer to repeat each line’s end syllable(s).

  1. The repeated syllable(s) must have its own line.
  2. These poems are short and to the point.
  3. There are no meter or rhyming rules.
  4. Repetition can take many creative forms.

I am excited about playing with this style of poetry. I worry that the repetition used to create this style might be boring. The only thing left for me to do is pick a theme and start writing. May could be a long month.

Posting

I’ve got to post
Post
The stuff I’ve written.
Bitten
By the writer bug
Hug 
My words on the page
Age 
With a little dignity
See
These scribblings for what they are
Star
Shine in a brilliant sea
Free

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!

Water Lilies
The pattern used in creating this verse is a type of call …
Entry 150: The Flaw of Tenacity
my journey in the written word. Therefore, I plan to keep a …
Shades of Green
The pattern used in creating this verse is a type of call …
Entry 149: Moving Over the Same Material
Therefore, I plan to keep a journal in 2023 to document my …

One thought on “Posting”

  1. What
    did you say
    Phat
    Do you mean when you say
    That
    you intend to say
    At
    what point
    Did I miss it
    What
    is going on here

    Reply

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Entry 147: Twists and Turns

I’ve never been good at 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 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 this post Entry 147: Twists and Turns.

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 147: Twists and Turns

While editing my morning pages, I discovered the perfect spot to do a little foreshadowing that hints that an unknown person is pushing Melvin Samples. I didn’t know this twist would take place when I did my rewrite. A writer should never pass up a chance to give the reader a hint that things might not be the way they seem. I am going over and over the text, removing the stuff that isn’t important and adding what needs to be included. I am having fun playing with these chapters that I am editing now.

Echo and Epitaph poems seem to go back and forth in my mind this month. My excuse for not sitting down and writing in the afternoon is still a bad case of spring fever. I can’t blame Word Daddy for not showing up if I’m missing in action. Sitting at a desk is hard when the sun is shining, and the world screams at you to come outside and play.

The book I am currently reading right now and Entry 147: Twists and Turns

Manuscript Makeover by Elizabeth Lyon is lying on my desk. This book is so helpful during the editing process. I am in the point-of-view section right now. The stories I write are done mostly in a limited─Multiple Viewpoints. I like approaching each chapter like a short story. The characters spend time in other chapters and are important parts of the book. They are the people who are focused on achieving the same goal. An example is that all of the characters in Amazing Buchanan and the Beast want to find a way to break Will’s rougarou curse, except for Amazing. She happens to be a key piece to the puzzle that ends the spell.

What I’m listening to right now and Entry 147: Twists and Turns

The same blues station Rooster listens to plays in the background. I think this station is addictive.

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!

Water Lilies
The pattern used in creating this verse is a type of call …
Entry 150: The Flaw of Tenacity
my journey in the written word. Therefore, I plan to keep a …
Shades of Green
The pattern used in creating this verse is a type of call …
Entry 149: Moving Over the Same Material
Therefore, I plan to keep a journal in 2023 to document my …

2 thoughts on “Entry 147: Twists and Turns”

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Right Style

It’s time to leave the stormy month of April behind and move into the warmth of May. That also means I will experiment with one or more poetic styles that begin with the letter E. I did some research and decided that Echo Poems might be fun to write. They seem so simple that I am sure they will be challenging to write. The pattern used in creating this verse is a type of call and response. It is fun to read them out loud. I call this poem Right Style.

Creating an Echo Poem and Right Style

The simple rule for creating an Echo Poem for the writer to repeat each line’s end syllable(s).

  1. The repeated syllable(s) must have its own line.
  2. These poems are short and to the point.
  3. There are no meter or rhyming rules.
  4. Repetition can take many creative forms.

I am excited about playing with this style of poetry. I worry that the repetition used to create this style might be boring. The only thing left for me to do is pick a theme and start writing. May could be a long month.

Right Style

Unless you have a Ph.D.
See
They won’t see you
True
You can hang your hat on a star
Far
Off in the universe
Verse
Write in the right style
Smile
Because they won’t care
Air
For brains
Drains
Creativity from your bones
moans

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!

Water Lilies
The pattern used in creating this verse is a type of call …
Entry 150: The Flaw of Tenacity
my journey in the written word. Therefore, I plan to keep a …
Shades of Green
The pattern used in creating this verse is a type of call …
Entry 149: Moving Over the Same Material
Therefore, I plan to keep a journal in 2023 to document my …

4 thoughts on “Right Style”

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Entry 146: Another Day in Editing Land

I’ve never been good at 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 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 this post Entry 146: Another Day in Editing Land.

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 146: Another Day in Editing Land

The morning pages for Amazing Buchanan and the Beast went well. This book is my first attempt at writing a novel from a first-person point of view. A different person tells each of the chapters. They are almost like short stories revolving around the same plot. I use the people who work for the family in some of these chapters because they have a unique perspective. Sometimes employees are more realistic about the events unfolding than those in charge. It also helps me develop these strong characters. I may be going about this wrong, but I am having fun writing this. Chad Wallace is playing an even bigger role during this edit. In the first go-round, Will’s brother Oliver played the role of confidant. I decided I didn’t like the guy.

The book I am currently reading right now and Entry 146: Another Day in Editing Land

The book I’m still reading is Elizabeth Lyon’s Manuscript Makeover. I’ve started on the section about character development. I think it will be helpful to read her advice on the point of view,

What I’m listening to right now and Entry 146: Another Day in Editing Land

Rooster is still listening to the same blues station he played yesterday. I am too lazy to select something that reflects my mood.

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!

Water Lilies
The pattern used in creating this verse is a type of call …
Entry 150: The Flaw of Tenacity
my journey in the written word. Therefore, I plan to keep a …
Shades of Green
The pattern used in creating this verse is a type of call …
Entry 149: Moving Over the Same Material
Therefore, I plan to keep a journal in 2023 to document my …

Leave a Reply

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