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 69: Making an Outline.
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 69: Making an Outline
I spent the morning outlining. The progress of the next eight chapters is now down on paper. Will I stick to the outline? I don’t think so, but at least I know the direction Amazing Buchanan and the Beast is heading. The thing is, I am a panster who dreads making outlines. I am discovering that with this series, an outline is handy to keep me heading in the right direction. The confusing thing centers around me tackling a different style. I normally write in a humorous country voice. The books I’ve done before were done in the third person, but I switched to the first person with different points of view. The idea that I might suck at this has recently occurred to me.
The book I am currently reading right now and Entry 69: Making an Outline
I am coming to the final pages of Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina. Levin seems to be fighting boredom while they stay in Moscow during Kitty’s confinement. He resolves his issues with Vronsky and becomes infatuated with Anna. Even the birth of his first child can’t bring him out of his feeling of dread. Anna and Vronsky’s relationship seem to be falling apart. I know this story has a very sad ending for Anna. I’ve thought I should stop reading it, but I can’t. I am not a quitter.
What I’m listening to right now and Entry 69: Making an Outline
I listened to Jack Johnson’s on and on this morning because I was in a smooth guitar mood.
The thing I am most thankful for at this moment.
I am thankful I went to my writing group. The time I spent there was a little odd. Most of the people who usually attend were missing. A new woman showed up. I think she will be a great addition to our group.
This old lady says,
Sometimes things don’t go as planned, but it is always a good idea to make the best of every situation. It is always exciting to meet new people.
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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