At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us. - Albert Schweitzer
Thanks to Jenniefer Kirk, Kirks Folly newsletter, Kirks Folly Jewelry [KirksFolly.com]
And from JRW 2011 Conference Pitch-a-palooza winner Kevin Hanrahan where he talks about his journey as a writer [and as a soldier], and lessons he’s learned, and is learning along the way, about writing and getting published.
The stories we tell ourselves shape our lives and our world….
See previous post about Noah Scanlon comments on his art a day project, talked about at last JRW Writing Show……
So….. Where Has all the time gone? I have been meaning to update this more often. Really. I’ve thought about it a Lot!
But, in case you are having similar issues, Thinking about it doesn’t get it written, does it?
Running around being tired half, okay, so most of the time, doesn’t help make coherent thoughts either. Thought I’d spare you all those. Just so you know. [Aren’t you glad!] [You should be - since I did try to do quickie run by slap-on while I was away at family wedding festivities, wouldn’t work. So you were spared. Happy Congrats to the new MR. & MRS. Though!]
Of course everything blooming at Once and allergy meds. etc… don’t help productivity much either. [So says the drained brain.]
So in the absence of my own coherent writing thoughts, I try to use the time productively by visiting other writers blogs, and commenting. Since I would like the same consideration.
Writers are alone enough in their writing world without feeling like they are alone on their blogs as well.
This one hit me squarely in the tired brain -
How to Screw Everything and Just Write
With so many many hats and masks and roles, life is complicated. There are responsibilities. There are expectations. There are even expectations of the expectations.
We writers take on an extra set of burdens by hitching ourselves to the multiverse inside our heads. We scribble and plot. We create whole civilizations. We illustrate the fine details of lives of those who have never existed; will never exist, except in our own minds.
And yet, the one thing we probably do more than anything else is futz about with trying to justify our writing in the face of life’s other responsibilities. ……….
………………
No, can’t say I agree with everything but it did ring some places that the tired didn’t squish it out -
Writer takes the ambivalence of They as proof of disapproval and lack of support for the writer’s “writing”. This judgement also serves as a fine side dish to another heaping serving of self-loathing.
And in probably more writers than will admit it.
But it is interesting the advice that is given is the same that is given to how our writing should be be:
Show Don’t Tell
For your own opinion, and to read the whole post for yourself, visit / read here.
And one of the places I visited was Richmond’s own fiery haired book temptress Rebecca Joines Schinsky of The Book Lady’s Blog. And now of Book Riot -
Which had someone blogging on the wisdom of Calvin and Hobbes. And since I miss Calvin and Hobbes and it reminded me of how much I miss it. And after all, since this is my blog and I can - here’s some of the favorite ‘wisdoms’ of Calvin and Hobbes….
[Without the great Calvin faces, sigh, but if you were a fan, you will remember. Or can go dig out the books like I can. *Grin* ]
And for friend Katharine, her favorite is there - and now here!
On the unfairness of it all
Calvin's Dad: The world isn't fair, Calvin.
Calvin: I know, but why isn't it ever unfair in my favor?
Although Katharine puts it better! So be sure to check comments -
K - that means you Must post it in comments now. ;)
[So I just checked the Calvin & Hobbes post is actually -
Sixteen Things Calvin and Hobbes Said Better Than Anyone Else
But feelings toward C&H are still the same.
And opinions here are just that, my opinions. Right now anyway.
I mentioned I was Tired right? ]
For most writers the world we live in is small in so many ways, we live in environments in our heads with characters we create, while we go from day to day duties as trudgers in the worn rhythm of everyday life.
But it doesn’t have to be a lonely misunderstood existence, at least not unless that’s what you choose.
Especially with the existence of the internet and instant access to all kinds of information and people. Some you’d rather not, but that’s a different talk.
You can find and access all kinds and sorts of writers on the internet, and that can be great, but it doesn’t help you with the personal training in talking and getting used to interacting with people in person. And face it, at some point you are going to have to do that.
Or we all certainly hope for that, right?
We all want to be successful and be best-sellers. And sometimes that’s going to mean talking and interacting with Real people.
Not that our characters aren’t real to us, of course, but you know what I mean. Right?
If you live anywhere in the Richmond, Virginia area, James River Writers offers you all kinds of opportunities to haul yourself from your chair and imaginary world and learn to interact — in a good way - with others, and most will understand at least some of what you are going through.
You get to practice your people skills with real people, and which of us introvert writers doesn’t need that.
And some of the writers will even have some solutions, or suggestions, or options to help.
Even if you don’t see a need for them now, trust me, you never know where that next story is going to come from, or go. So it helps to have a list of resources handy.
And here’s a great site for that!
[You'll be sorry if don't check it out. I'm telling you. Really.
Be sure to come back and tell me your fave….]
And tying into the JRW February Writing Show that talked about food in writing, here’s a great place to explore.
Yes, looks like some of the links are broken or something, but there’s still some great working ones.
Thanks to Mike for sharing these.
Thanks to The Bookshelf Muse for the Great site.
Thanks to James River Writers for the Writing Show - the last Thursday of each month.
And the casual meet-up of Writers at Writers Wednesday - the 2nd Wednesday of each month.
The new JRW website is up - as is the schedule for Writers Wednesday for the rest of the year! [A Special Thanks to the Wonderful Writers Wednesday coordinator, Denise!] So you won’t be confused as to where to go to mingle with all us great writers.
Do check the website for current info’ - just in case.
So I’ve offered you several ways to know the world.
And you can always hang out here with me.
Hey, where else are you going to get links to a Zombie Generator!
***Grin***
