A Weak Link - IWSG July 2015

This is my IWSG post for July.  To read more posts from writers helpingwriters, click here.

The last few months have been mush, but sometime, back in May…April? I attended a writing workshop led by novelist Randy SusanMeyers.  I learned or relearned lots of valuable information during that session, but here’s the most important thing I took away. 

Spend at least a little time with your manuscript daily.

That hit me soundly because, for the last few months, I’ve been visiting my manuscript intermittently.  I forgive myself, because there was a significant distraction, but as I try to get back into a regular rhythm, the bond is not there.  It’s a first draft. I still have about fifty-thousand words to go, and the only way I could connect myself to the story again was to reread what I’d written so far.  That’s a dangerous practice. One I don’t recommend. Rereading before finishing is a great way to get bogged down in the crud of a first draft.    Another stellar teacher, Lynne Griffin taught me this.

The only thing you have to do with a first draft is finish it.

But, this time I made an exception.  I’d forgotten so much about my story I had to. By not focusing on it, I’ve…lost focus.  So this past week, I opened it up and read it with no editing.  Next, I’ll try to hold myself accountable to visiting it every day.

Fingers crossed.  Perhaps in late fall, I’ll write another IWSG post and announce this.

Draft complete.

What do you do to stay connected to your story?

Not One Thing, but Another

Here's the truth of it.  I'm not doing much writing, but I'm doing a lot of thinking.  And while I think, I weed. The first draft is barely moving forward, but the garden is looking mighty fine.  See you Wednesday for IWSG.

Comfort in my Heart

If you are a regular reader of this blog, you know that my oldest sister passed away three weeks ago.  Without going into a lot of detail, I’ll share that services are delayed until all of our family can be together in August.  We did plan a gathering in her honor for those who are around for this past weekend, but before that, there was this void. In my experience, funerals help those who are left behind get on with their mourning.  But in our case, we were all with her the day she died, and then we scattered.  As a result, before this weekend, I struggled to find some kind of acceptance.

This sister, lover of everything ocean, surf and sand, was a collector of beach stones, especially those shaped like hearts.  She had boxes of rocks all over her house, and she kept a plate of her favorite heart stones on a hutch in her kitchen.  Knowing how much they meant to her, I can't tell you how honored I felt when she gave me a special one a few months ago. I wrote about that here.  Keep that in mind, as I tell you this.

Every Father’s day weekend, our town hosts an art festival on our common.  The local art center displays juried and members' artwork in a huge tent, and the rest of the common is lined with artisans and crafters selling their creations. Friday, I was feeling a little blue but I decided to go to the festival anyway.  As I drove down to the common, a thought popped into my head.  If I see anything related to heart stones down there, I’ll know Susan is with me.

I parked far away, had a long walk to the festival, spent time viewing the artwork as well as the craft displays, then got distracted when I realized I’d arrived at exactly the right time to witness an award ceremony for the juried artists.  My friend's sister had been awarded Best in Show, so I stayed to congratulate her, having forgotten about the thought floating through my brain on the way to the festival. On my way back to my car, I realized I’d missed a row of displays and returned  to see them.

I smile every time I look at this picture I took at the very last booth.

Old Dog Learning...

Things I've Learned Over the Last Year and a Half.

Always listen to your body.

It is easier to do the right thing, even if it may not feel that way before you do it.

Anger has no place when life is finite.

Say what you need to say.  One day, you won’t have that luxury.

It’s important to live in the here and now, but don’t forget to remember.

Never underestimate the importance of honesty. 

The hardest thing you have ever done becomes less so, if it means managing someone’s pain.

“Someday” is not a guarantee.

Love needs no words, but say them anyway.

The earth offers up symbols.  Believe in them.

Hummingbird Healing

After spending the morning gardening, I sat on the back step by the hummingbird feeder reading last weekend. One persistent little guy kept returning to drink and each time he did, he cast a shadow on my book.  So, I grabbed the camera, focused, and held the position until he arrived again. 

 

So, my dears. I’ve had a loss in my life.  My oldest sister succumbed to cancer on Friday, May 29.  It was long and painful and her death was one of those things people call a blessing.  It just doesn’t feel that way to me right now. I’m not sure when I’ll have the heart to write a real blog post again, but if you don’t see me here for a while, know that somewhere I’m writing, because that’s how I heal.

Blessings to all.  And if life gets challenging for you, remember to look for the hummingbirds.