Entry 86: It Doesn’t Work That Way For Me

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 86: It Doesn’t Work That Way For Me.

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 86: It Doesn’t Work That Way For Me

I started on the unexpected chapter I added to Amazing Buchanan and the Beast. There might be some overlap from the previous chapter, so I am unsure I will keep all of it intact. I like the idea of adding a make-believe expert before some of the chapters, at least. That might be possible after researching a few facts that won’t make me sound like an idiot. I’d never heard of rougarou before I wrote this story fo NaNoWriMo. The only reason I came up with this explanation for why the character turns into a beast every night happened when I researched odd myths about Louisiana. I knew that most of the story would occur at an old plantation house outside of New Orleans.

I still have nothing where the poetry is concerned. It might be necessary to step away from it for a while. A person can’t force creativity. When I am writing prose, I can write my way through the block. The best thing to do is sit at the computer and write. Poetry doesn’t work the same way for me.

The book I am currently reading right now and Entry 86: It Doesn’t Work That Way For Me

I am still working my way through Nine Stories by J.D. Salinger. The feature story of the day is “For Esme ─ with Love and Squalor.” This short story starts with a wedding invitation for a young girl the writer met during the war. They are in a tea room, and he tells her he was a writer before the war. She asks him to write her a story filled with love and squalor. The story’s second half refers to the soldier as X. He has suffered a nervous breakdown during the war. He receives a letter from Esmealong with her father’s watch. It was cracked during transit. The soldier goes to sleep, indicating he is on the path to healing.

What I’m listening to right now and Entry 86: It Doesn’t Work That Way For Me

I put Jimmy Thackery and Tab Benoit’s Whiskey Store Live on the stereo today because I must get into Cajun grove to write about the bayou. The main reason I started keeping track of the music I listen to while I write to see if it influences the quality of the words I type. The arts seem to all have a connection on a deep level in the human soul.

The thing I am most thankful for at this moment.

I am so thankful for my oldest daughter. She is one of those people whom you can count on to always be there for you.

This old lady says

It is important to appreciate the people in your life. You should never take anyone for granted. We don’t come into this world with a guarantee about how long a person can stay. There is one thing for certain. We will all leave eventually.

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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