Entry 132: The Importance of Having Other Eyes on Your Work

I’ve never been good at 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 132: The Importance of Having Other Eyes on Your Work.

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 132: The Importance of Having Other Eyes on Your Work

I didn’t do anything with Amazing Buchanan and The Beast today because I edited Saving the Henhouse during my morning pages. I found the critiques from my writer’s group very helpful. They picked up a few important flaws I didn’t spot, even though I’ve looked over this particular book a dozen times. I don’t think it will ever be perfect. That’s why having a lot of eyes on your work is important. You miss things because of your familiarity with the work. This is especially true if you are going it alone. I even spotted a few things they missed when I returned to do the editing.

The book I am currently reading right now and Entry 132: The Importance of Having Other Eyes on Your Work

I started Kate Atkinson’s Life After Life, and I find the concept of this novel thought-provoking. The protagonist, Ursula, dies many times. She must be born over and over again until she accomplishes her mission. It is unclear what that task is, but she comes back to life with a different outcome every time. The story starts with a snowstorm that prevents the doctor from arriving for her birth. She dies. The next time around he makes it in time for the delivery. I’m enjoying this concept.

What I’m listening to right now and Entry 132: The Importance of Having Other Eyes on Your Work

I continued the New Orleans sounds from yesterday by listening to Rebirth Brass Band New Orleans 25 the Anniversary. If you’ve never heard these guys jam, you should check them out on YouTube. Their music will put a smile on your face and a spring in your step.

What I dreamed last night and Entry 132: The Importance of Having Other Eyes on Your Work

I had a wild dream last night. Rooster and I stayed at a fancy hotel because we were hiding from some people. We had something they wanted. They showed up, so we hid in a room underneath a roll of old beige carpet. They left, so we started walking, unsure of where we should go. Rooster flagged down a cab and put me in it. The driver carried me through a rough patch of town. People did all sorts of odd things, like standing in the street smoking a crack pipe. A teal-colored car drove into a driveway at a high rate of speed. Somehow, we picked up another passenger before we drove through an empty warehouse area. The driver pulled into one of the warehouses, and we got out of the cab. He started throwing stuff around and making threats. Then, I woke up.

The adventure Rooster and I took and Entry 132: The Importance of Having Other Eyes on Your Work

We made it to the gym and the grocery store. I got cold chills when I saw a picture of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young on the cover of Rolling Stone.

The thing I am most thankful for at this moment.

I was so thankful that I spotted the Rolling Stone cover. Cosby, Still, Nash & Young looked so young, but I guess we all were back in the day. Those guys sung me through my teenage years and into adulthood.

The henhouse Lady says

When I looked at that picture, I thought my cool hadn’t run all the way out yet. I admit it is a Tribute Edition, but who cares. You have to admit that the Woodstock Generation had all the cool music. We still do.

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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