Entry 31: Kick Things Old School

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 31: Kick Things Old School.

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 31: Kick Things Old School

I spent a constructive morning writing. Chapters 16 and 17 of Amazing Buchanan and the Beast took up most of my time. I am satisfied with the way the story now unfolds. The one concern is whether I have done enough worldbuilding to draw the reader into the story. I will look for that when I go back and do the editing. The rewrite draws out the personality of the characters. The big surprise for me is that Chad Wallace, the head of Chandler Enterprise security, plays a bigger role in this version. He is now closer to the family. Plus, he’s made a promise that will be hard for him to keep. This agreement makes him vested in wanting the curse to end.

I plan to spend the afternoon writing acrostic poems. I need several more of them before the month ends. Word Daddy has disappeared to parts unknown. There are times when he is a fickle and stubborn muse. Sometimes I think he is working for someone else. If you’ve seen him, send him on back around here. I could use the inspiration. I suspect he’s intimidated by the idea of writing a love story. He’s more into the comedic aspect of the old lady bounty-hunting thing. I told him that he needed to take on the new challenges of the muse profession. He told me I needed to mind my own business. And so here we are kicking things old school. I’ve even pulled out an old dictionary with small print for inspiration.

The book I am currently reading right now and entry 31: Kick Things Old School

I am still reading Alexander McCall Smith’s The Novel Habits of Happiness, but I am not far enough into the book to be drawn into the story. I did enjoy Isabel’s impression of Las Vegas as being fake and a gaudy attraction that drew people to the desert for enjoyment. She described it as a less-than-worthy spot on the American landscape, and I agree with her. Rooster and I visited there, and I wasn’t impressed.

What I’m listening to right now and entry 31: Kick Things Old School

I decided to kick things old school today and listen to The Best of Buffalo Springfield Retrospective. This band was popular back in the late 60s. The members included Steven Still and Neil Young. I loved their sound back in the day and have many memories attached to some of these tunes.

The thing I am most thankful for at this moment.

It is cold outside. I am not kidding. I am so thankful that I have a house to live in and can still afford to pay the heating bill. Some people don’t have those things in our city. I am so grateful that I have a warm place to stay.

This old lady says

Turn up the heat. January has never been my favorite month of the year. I know I have to go outside later, but I’ll stay here in the warmth and kick things old school for now.

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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