Entry 144: The True Measure of a Story

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 144: The True Measure of a Story.

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 144: The True Measure of a Story

I listened to four chapters of Amazing Buchanan and the Beast and edited one. I am making corrections as I go. The big issue is that no matter how many problems I fix, more always crop up whenever I look closer. If I take pages to my writer’s group, they will find more flaws. I am starting to believe that the concept of having a novel perfect doesn’t exist. I am enjoying the process, and I still like the story even after I’ve looked at every chapter six or seven times. That is the true measure of the story. I tend to give up on a piece I’m working on if I get bored during editing.

I have another idea for a collection of Epitaph Poems that revolves around my big pink house. The neighbors say it was once a mortuary.  

The book I am currently reading right now and Entry 144: The True Measure of a Story

I am still studying Elizabeth Lyon’s Manuscript Makeover. Hurrying through this book would be a mistake because there is so much helpful information on these pages. I plan to keep it handy and use it as a reference manual when searching for motivation and inspiration.

What I’m listening to right now and Entry 144: The True Measure of a Story

Rooster has The Best of Mozart playing in the background, so I am listening to that today. The music fits my current mood. I wonder if Mozart ever worried about perfection, or did he know by instinct the true measure of the music.

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.

Be sure to follow Molly on Twitter!