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 55: Back to Work.
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 55: Back to Work
I returned to work this morning on the rewrite of chapter 34 of Amazing Buchanan and the Beast. I am glad I stopped to do the outline, but I have already taken a new direction. It always does when I go with the flow of the story. It seemed so much better to have the hostile conversation between Will and his mother happen in the library instead of at the table. Privacy was important for both of them to speak their minds. Vivian Chandler is a very hard woman. The conversation reveals that she is still in contact with Ivy, who is responsible for the curse.
When I say I returned to work, I’m not claiming that I get paid to write, but I consider it my form of employment now that I’ve retired. Money is not the object of the game. I may never make a penny as a writer, but I am committed to becoming the best I can be. That’s why I spent hours every day at my computer. I have a pretty regular writing schedule. Nothing will get done if I don’t show up to write. I rarely get stuck because I always have a story rambling around in my head.
The book I am currently reading right now and Entry 55: Back to Work
I am getting so much out of Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina this time around the story. Kitty makes a new friend at the spa recovering from her broken heart. Varenka is a self-sacrificing person who Kitty tries to immolate. Her health is recovered, and they are in the process of returning home. Levin is still living in the country. Dolly has taken up residence near where he lives at her husband’s direction to save money. Oblonsky is living the life of a bachelor. He enjoys his freedom. It takes Dolly some time to get used to life in the country.
What I’m listening to right now and Entry 55: Back to Work
I am listening to Mumford & Sons Babel today because I have enjoyed their music for years. I like the mixture of the folksy bluegrass sound blended with contemporary music.
The thing I am most thankful for at this moment.
I am thankful to be back at my computer playing with words today. It is always a good time when I have a long period to play with words and develop my story.
This old lady says
Take advantage of the day. You never know how many you will be blessed with during your life.
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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sounds like a good day –
Thank you. It was a wonderful day.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts!!.. glad you are back to writing, but don’t forget to live life and have something to write about… 🙂
I usually let my fingers do the walking and my heart do the talking and when it has nothing to say, the fingers are quiet.. and anytime I try to force myself to write, the words of Rose Milligan come to mind… 🙂
Dust if you must, but wouldn’t it be better
to paint a picture, or write a letter,
bake a cake, or plant a seed.
Ponder the difference between want and need.
Dust if you must, but there is not much time,
with rivers to swim and mountains to climb!
Music to hear, and books to read,
friends to cherish and life to lead.
Dust if you must, but the world’s out there
with the sun in your eyes, the wind in your hair,
a flutter of snow, a shower of rain,
this day will not come round again.
Dust if you must, but bear in mind,
old age will come and it’s not kind.
And when you go, and go you must,
you, yourself, will make more dust!
(Rose Milligan)
Hope all is well in your part of the universe and until we meet again..
May your day be touched
by a bit of Irish luck,
Brightened by a song
in your heart,
And warmed by the smiles
of people you love.
(Irish Saying)
Thank you.