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 143: Editing and Spring Fever.
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 143: Editing and Spring Fever
I moved through my morning pages with a smile. The loose ends are starting to come together, which has increased the drama. Will came across as a spoiled, demanding wimp, and I needed to motivate him to stop being so pessimistic. Amazing needed a sharper edge to avoid coming across as too perfect. I have managed to intensify her trust issues and stubborn determination to escape. I like the way the edit is unfolding. Amazing Buchanan and the Beast is much stronger for my work on it right now. Writing becomes challenging when I have trouble finding inspiration when experiencing a bout of spring fever.
I wrote another epitaph series of poems. I am making up stuff about the life of fictional characters because that is what I do.
The book I am currently reading right now and Entry 143: Editing and Spring Fever
I am glad I decided to pull Manuscript Makeover By Elizabeth Lyon off my bookshelf. This book is a must-read for every fiction writer. I read through her section on Time and Pace today. I found her advice about the backstory helpful. The last Kate Atkinson book I read, Time After Time, is the perfect example of how a story can jump backward and forward. How she started each of Ursula’s lives from a different character’s perspective kept the reader in the story.
What I’m listening to right now and Entry 143: Editing and Spring Fever
I am listening to The Band’s CD called The Band because I wanted to keep the cool vibes rolling in the big pink. I have a nostalgic theme going on here.
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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