Entry 78: Walking Away the Blues

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 78: Walking Away the Blues.

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 78: Walking Away the Blues

I finished chapter 45 and started chapter 46 this morning, and I am almost to the end of Amazing Buchanan and the Beast. Melvin Samples must be dealt with, and the problems at Chandler Enterprises need solved. The curse must be broken so Amazing and Will can live happily ever after. About ten thousand more words should do the trick. My NaNoWriMo book in November will be the third book in this series. I should have books one and two in good shape if I keep moving at this pace.

I’m getting bogged down when it comes to writing poetry these days. A few ideas are circling in my head, but I still need to write them. Rooster says I must slow down and take things easy because creativity can’t be forced. I have to agree, especially with a muse that has gone MIA. Word Daddy is such a worthless diva.

The book I am currently reading right now and Entry 78: Walking Away the Blues

I am still reading J.D. Salinger’s Franny and Zooey. Zooey is questioning Franny about her “Jesus prayer.” He thinks she has wrong motives for trying it and takes other people’s faults too personally. There is also the question of the place she chose to have her breakdown. Her behavior is bothering their parents, and the location is too comfortable. I will finish reading this book tomorrow, but I plan to pick up another Salinger book. Nine Stories by J.D. Salinger is next on my list.

What I’m listening to right now and Entry 78: Walking Away the Blues

I listened to Nanci Griffin’s From a Distance: The Very Best of Nanci Griffith today. I was so sad when I heard she died last year. She is my favorite folk singer.

The thing I am most thankful for at this moment.

I am thankful I spent time walking at the gym today because getting lost in my head for an hour without any interruptions helps with the creative process. It is easy to shut out all the distracting voices when I put my earbuds on and walk. Nobody tries to interrupt my thoughts. You would believe the number of issues I work out while I walk.

This old lady says

Walking can be one of the best daily activities a writer participates in to relax the mind. It draws you away from the desk and gives a person a different reference point. People sometimes try to talk to me when I walk. I point at my ears and show them my earbuds; they generally move on.

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.

Be sure to follow Molly on Twitter!