Entry 49: Restless While Writing

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 49: Restless While Writing.

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 49: Restless While Writing.

I didn’t get much written, and what I did write wasn’t good. The mood I’m trying to capture seems elusive. I think I find the words, but when I type them, they don’t seem to be the ones I need. Words can be so fickle at times. Where is Word Daddy when I need Him? Oh, that’s right, he’s on vacation. I could use his help right about now.

I need a vacation. What I need is a switch of scenery where I can recharge my creative batteries. Rooster and I need to talk about taking a little trip. A mini vacation is what the doctor orders. I have the prescription right here in my desk drawer.

The book I am currently reading right now and Entry 49: Restless While Writing

Events are starting to heat up in Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina. Anna arrives in Moscow. She’s spent the entire trip from Petersburg traveling with Vronsky’s mother. There is an accident at the station where a man is run over by a train overshadowing what Anna perceives as a bad omen. She manages to reconcile her brother and his wife, Molly. Kitty sees Anna and Vronsky later at a ball and senses something is between them. Tolstoy sets the drama up in a beautiful way. It is clear Anna loves the son she left behind in Petersburg. Vronsky is a selfish man who would take advantage of a situation if there was something he wanted to grasp.

What I’m listening to right now and Entry 49: Restless While Writing

I was restless when I put Janis Joplin’s Super Hits on the stereo this morning. A large poster of Joplin hung on my bedroom wall throughout high school. For most of my teen years I felt uncomfortable in my own skin, so I wrote sad poetry and had a longing to be someone else. I am in that sort of mood this morning. I could cry, baby, if I wanted to sing along with Janis’ powerful voice.

The thing I am most thankful for at this moment.

The day is young. I am thankful for the time I have to change this restless feeling. The switch can be flipped and I don’t plan to end the day the way I started it. It might be necessary move away from my laptop and do something more productive. I am thankful I can make that choice because I don’t have any deadlines except the ones I impose on myself.

This old lady says

It’s time for me to flip the switch. It’s always a good idea to step back from a thing when you feel unproductive. This old lady needs to get away for a while to put things in perspective.

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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