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 167: Listening and Editing.
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 167: Listening and Editing
I listened to three chapters this morning of Amazing Buchanan and the Beast. The Read Aloud feature of Office is one of the best things Microsoft has ever created. You can change the voice of the narrator whenever you want. It helps me in the editing to hear my story read to me. I can identify flaws and rough spots. This process also points out the places where I’m too wordy. I will go back over these chapters tomorrow. This repetition is the point where the polish comes into play.
I have an idea for a new Free Verse poem in my brain. The trick will be writing in with the same intensity it has while living in my head. My blogging challenge stems from my desire to keep up the momentum and go on vacation. Rooster and I need a break.
The book I am currently reading right now and Entry 167: Listening and Editing
I started Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility today. I haven’t moved far enough in the book to have a feel for it yet. The plot seems to center around the dire situation of the women in the Dashwood family after the father, Henry, died. He left all his money to his first wife’s son, John. He expects John to take care of his stepmother and sisters. His wife, Fanny, convinces him they don’t need his help. This situation leaves them without a home and not much income.
What I’m listening to right now and Entry 167: Listening and Editing
I put the Allman Brothers band Live at the Filmore East on the stereo and jammed this morning.
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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