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 156: Taking a Break.
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 156: Taking a Break.
I decided to take a break this morning. There are a few elements I need to work out in my mind. I’ve come to a complicated spot in my editing process because I moved the action forward. This process created a major snag in the place where the action occurred in the rewrite. My job is to maul it all over in my mind and find a way to make this part of the story remain exciting. Editing can be challenging.
I am enjoying my free verse poems. I’m trying to hang onto the momentum. Sometimes I feel like I have too many balls in the air, and they are about to come crashing down on the floor. Rooster and I need a vacation.
The book I am currently reading right now and Entry 156: Taking a Break
I still haven’t picked up another book yet. My big problem now is that I want to go outside and play. It’s spring, and the weather is nice. There are so many roads I want to ride. There is a big temptation to leave playing with words behind.
What I’m listening to right now and Entry 156: Taking a Break
Counting Crows’ ‘Recovering the Satellites.’ Great music, people.
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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I love taking breaks. It certainly helps.
Yes it does.
Love Counting Crows. I put down the editing to rewrite a 1/4 of the middle. My grandmother’s friend finished reading my novel and doesn’t like my main character. I reminded her that is a novel that evolved from an event.
They are awesome aren’t they. That is a hard one to deal with. Not everyone will like the things you write. Maybe she is too close to your story.
I know she isn’t going to write the new part. She knows part of the truth behind how my novel started. She doesn’t know the whole truth anymore than I do. She doesn’t feel Mabel is likable, which was what I was striving for. Yes, the Counting Crows are awesome.