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 151: The Story is Getting Stronger.
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 151: The Story is Getting Stronger
The trick to editing is to review a chapter several times and look for something different every time. I’ve moved the action forward. Amazing makes her escape attempt much sooner in this edit. I copied several chapters onto a Word document to add later. I’ve also found a hook that creates passion between Amazing Buchanan and the Beast. Ending the curse requires her to love both the beast and the man. I’ve added interesting quotes from a fictional book by a fake folklorist to create my magic system. The story is much stronger now.
I’ve decided to write Free Verse Poetry in June. I used this style when I created my Black Out Poems. The idea of having no rules sounds intriguing. It would be nice if Word Daddy could throw a few poems in my direction to keep me from getting stuck. I also have an idea about writing a new post I’ll call Life Lessons.
The book I am currently reading right now and Entry 151: The Story is Getting Stronger
Willow Rose’s Say You Love Me is starting to heat up. Eva Rea believes her brother never intended to shoot anyone when he walked into the school cafeteria with a gun. He closed his eyes and shot at the ceiling. She also thinks other murders on Amelia Island are connected to her brother’s case. Her big problem is that she can’t get law enforcement to listen to her.
What I’m listening to right now and Entry 151: The Story is Getting Stronger
I put U2’s Joshua Tree on this morning. They created another one of those perfect albums here, every song hits the right nerve, and my friend, that isn’t just good at rock-n-roll, it’s art.
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!