Entry 123: Taking a Second Look

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 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 this post Entry 123: Taking a Second Look.

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 123: Taking a Second Look

I spent the morning working on Chapter 3. I found a few issues I had to fix in chapters 1 and 2. Those little things that need to be corrected, such as writing that a person has blue eyes in one spot and giving them green eyes later, become a big problem. I let Word read all the chapters back to me this morning to spot those errors. Chapter three is full of action, so I had to ensure that the events happened logically.

I find editing can be frustrating but, at the same time, rewarding. It can seem overwhelming when you look at what you’ve written and notice the mistakes. It’s impossible to hold an entire book in your mind. I have a tip I use that has helped me cut down on mistakes. An Excel spreadsheet is an excellent way to keep track of facts. I add to it during the editing process.

The book I am currently reading right now and Entry 123: Taking a Second Look

I finished Kate Atkinson’s One Good Turn. I love how she made all the characters come together near the end. It was funny the way they all seemed to run into one another. I laughed out loud several times. I plan to start Blue Sky next. It’s another Jackson Brodie book.

What I’m listening to right now and Entry 123: Taking a Second Look

I am listening to the radio playing in the background. Rooster picked the music, so I am uncertain what station he is listening to.

What I dreamed last night and Entry 123: Taking a Second Look

Okay, so I had several odd dreams last night. In the first one Rooster and I bought a couple we know plush pink footie pajamas. This seemed odd because they weren’t pink pajama people. The woman made several excuses to cover up the fact that they were no longer a couple. My second dream involved a tour bus to a small southern Indiana town, a gift shop, and acid rain.

The adventure Rooster and I took and Entry 123: Taking a Second Look

Same old same old.

The thing I am most thankful for at this moment.

I am thankful for a slow morning. My life has felt rushed lately.

The henhouse Lady says

Sometimes it is important to slow down and look at what you are involved in. This helps you figure out what is working and what isn’t helpful. Sometimes it pays to climb off the hamster wheel of 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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