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 133: Valuable Lessons.
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 133: Valuable Lessons
I went back to editing Amazing Buchanan and The Beast today. I polished three chapters. This editing process is a redundant part of writing. I’ve already moved through two of those chapters but looked for different things to improve this time. I like the way the story unfolds now. This project is much stronger than the NaNoWriMo story I wrote two years ago. I am learning valuable lessons in word choice along the way.
The book I am currently reading right now and Entry 133: Valuable Lessons
I am enjoying Kate Atkinson’s Life After Life. The setting for the part of the book I am reading is England during and After WWI. That seems to be a recurring theme in the books I’ve picked up in the past few months. Most of The Heir by Barbara Taylor Bradford took place in that setting. That war and the Spanish Flu epidemic would have been hard to experience, especially in Europe.
What I’m listening to right now and Entry 133: Valuable Lessons
I found Cosby, Stills, Nash & Young’s Greatest hits online and listened to it this morning in honor of them making the cover of Rolling Stone’s Tribute Addition. I must add that I especially like the music Young created with Crazy Horse.
The adventure Rooster and I took and Entry 133: Valuable Lessons
Rooster and I skipped the gym in favor of a family motorcycle ride. My daughter, her husband, our granddaughters, great-granddaughter, and Cory went to eat in a city that gave us a nice motorcycle ride on a warm evening. One of the granddaughters and great-granddaughter rode in the car.
The thing I am most thankful for at this moment.
We had to detour down dark country roads on the trip home. Even the moon was blocked by dark clouds most of the way. I am grateful we all made it home without incident.
The henhouse Lady says
Sometimes you will discover that detours exist on your journey through this life. They are placed in front of you to determine if you are committed to reaching your final destination. These roadblocks strengthen your character. You will learn many valuable lessons along the way, so ride hard and straight.
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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