Entry 9: My Writer’s Group

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 9: My Writer’s Group. 

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

The project I am working on while creating entry 9: My Writer’s Group

It took me several years to work up enough nerve to join my writer’s group. I’ve never been good at sharing. I know this elusive collection of writers was meeting at the local library. The first exposure I had was while attending a NaNoWriMo Write-In. This writer’s group morphed from that collection of people, but I didn’t join. I had three reasons. Firstly, I had another commitment on the night when they were meeting. Secondly, I feared having my work critiqued by people I didn’t know well. Thirdly, I worried I didn’t know enough about writing to give an honest critique of the stuff they write. Two years ago, I worked up the nerve to walk into the room, and I am glad I did.

I spent the morning reviewing my writer’s group notes on the chapter of Saving the Henhouse submitted. Their suggestions were more than helpful. I went to work editing the chapter. The piece of writing is much stronger than it was before. I ignored some of the suggestions because  I am the writer when all is said and done. The most valuable lesson I’ve learned from this group is the value of putting yourself and your writing out there. I discovered that none of these people bite. They often pick up on something I didn’t see, even after all the rewriting and editing I’ve done.

Sometimes, I still walk into the room with fear and trepidation. By the end of the session, I am renewed and ready to jump back into the fray. A writer can’t pay money for an experience like that.

The book I am currently reading while writing entry 9: My Writer’s Group

I am in between books right now. It will probably be a couple of days before I decide which way my reading life will go. I guess you could call this a reading vacation.

What I’m listening to today while writing entry 9: My Writer’s Group

Today I selected Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 and Schubert’s Symphony No 8 for my listening pleasure.

The thing I am most thankful for at this moment.

I am grateful to have this morning to relax, edit, and listen to music. Life has been hectic since the holidays. A slow morning is one of the biggest bonuses of being retired. Rooster is working at his desk, and I am at my desk across from his. We never seem to be bothered by each other’s presence. I think that is because we have been together for so long. It would be distracting if he wasn’t sitting there.

This old lady says

I hope you have enjoyed reading this entry and find it encouraging in some small way. I think these posts will change in form and content over the next year. I’ve already decided to exclude the index cards in the blue box. I hope you all have a wonderful day. Find something to be thankful for at this moment. An exercise in gratefulness is good for the soul. If you don’t have a writer’s group, finding one might be a good idea. They can be encouraging and helpful in spotting places in your writing that could be improved.

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.

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