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 83: Never Give up And Never Surrender.
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 83: Never Give up And Never Surrender
I struggled through writing a chapter of Amazing Buchanan and the Beast this morning. It took a while to switch voices. This chapter was told in the first person from Chad Wallace’s point of view. I had to switch to a more professional voice. I don’t think I will stick to the outline I made yesterday. An additional chapter needs to be added to enhance the plot. Will arranges for a sting operation on Harold Percival to persuade him to sell his stock and resign from the board of directors of Chandler Enterprises.
I have an idea for another Cascade Poem I will work on this afternoon.
The book I am currently reading right now and Entry 83: Never Give up And Never Surrender
I read the Salinger short story Just Before The War With The Eskimos. Nobody goes to war with the Eskimos, so the title is slightly deceptive. I enjoyed the story. It focuses on two young prep school girls. Gennie is frustrated because she always has to pay for the cab ride home. They go to Selena’s house for money, where Gennie is waiting for Selena to get her some money. She meets Selena’s older brother, who is 4F from the army because of a heart condition. I’ve heard Salinger meant for him to be a Christ figure, but maybe all Salinger meant for him to be a guy with a heart condition. Gennie does make a transition by the end of the story.
What I’m listening to right now and Entry 83: Never Give up And Never Surrender
I listened to the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, The Commitments. This movie focused on a fictional Irish rhythm and blues band that fell apart when they were on the verge of success. Rooster and I enjoyed this movie, so we bought the soundtrack.
The thing I am most thankful for at this moment.
I am thankful I am perfecting a sugarless chocolate chip cookie recipe I am currently experimenting with to achieve a moister cookie. I added another egg and melted the chocolate chips in the microwave until they were softer but not a chocolate goo. The cookies I pulled out of the oven tasted fantastic.
This old lady says
Sometimes you need to break that third egg to reach perfection. Sometimes making a great discovery or achieving something extraordinary amounts to persistence. You must take one more step in the right direction to get where you should be. Never give up. Never surrender,
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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