Entry 44: Life in Fly-Over Country

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 44: Life in Fly-Over Country.

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 44: Life in Fly Over Country

I’ve been thinking about what life in fly-over country means a lot lately. Things are different here. We are accustomed to living with limited possibilities. Our vote doesn’t count for much unless some candidate wants to use us for his evil purposes. We get categorized as rednecks, right-wing radicals, and local yokels. Some might have been naïve enough to walk into the capitol building, but most never showed up to play the game. I don’t know if the State of the Union I didn’t bother watching or the presidential election coming up in two years got me thinking about this subject.

I did manage to get some writing done this morning. The outline I made has helped me tremendously. This version will be longer than the original I wrote for NaNoWriMo. There are many more layers to the characters than when I first wrote them. I will be lucky to keep the word count under one hundred thousand. The rewrite will make Amazing acceptance of the beast much more believable.

The book I am currently reading right now and Entry 44: Life in Fly Over Country

I am coming to the end of Alexander McCall Smith’s The Careful Use of Compliments. I didn’t get much reading done and thought I would finish the book by now. Isabel finds a creative way to circumvent the plans of Lettuce and Dove. I know they will always be a thorn in her side, but they are neutralized for now. She is also solving the identity of the picture painter she is interested in purchasing. I will finish reading the book this evening., and plan to start Anna Karenina soon. It won’t be my first time reading the Tolstoy classic.

What I’m listening to right now Entry 44: Life In Fly Over Country

I put Gillen Welch on the stereo this morning and listened to Hell Among the Yearlings while I wrote this morning. My musical taste always veers in the direction of roots music. 

The thing I am most thankful for at this moment.

I am so thankful it is warm enough outside to work with the front door open. There isn’t even a cold wind blowing around outside. I haven’t had this pleasure since last fall. The sun is pouring into the room, making it pleasant to sit at my computer and work.

This old lady says

Nothing is as pleasant as a sunshine day with pleasant temperatures to cure a person of the winter blues. Spring might be coming early, but I won’t allow myself to be fooled. The snow could fall again next week., but I will take the warmth 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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