June Update

I'm sorry I've been so long away. I've been working on a short story, as well as a fiction novel, and it's kept me pretty busy. No excuse, I know. So here I am.

Yesterday evening, when a storm visited our area, I sat by our window just to be. While I sat there, face pressed against the screen like an impatient child, the most delightful wind pushed itself into the house past me. Without knowing why, I smiled and let the moment wash over me. A memory called to me from the recesses of my mind, and the weather was just enough to mix up that creative soup. But the words I needed weren't there. So now I'm enjoying the quiet ruminatins that mean something more will be borne of that moment, still before the storm.

Creativity isn't something easy for me to catch, so the feeling of that moment is like heaven. Anyone who's ever sat and tried to force something into being will recognize that moment for what it is...a blessing and a gift!

But for the rest of the time, when I need to put something to paper, I've had to create ways that work for me. The first place I turn is my journal, this amazing little program that helps me keep track of my writing, and has some hints for writers to spark movement of gears inside head, of fingers on keyboard. (yep, it's the journal I have listed to the left. ) Often those prompts are all I need; I do sometimes need to shift the focus slightly to help "fit" what I'm struggling to get written.

When that fails me I take a walk, with a small recorder in hand. I walk and observe the world, the writing I need to do running through my mind. Sometimes I'll play with phrases, ideas. or just list what I'm seeing or thinking...all the while talking into the recorder. It's rare I come home empty of words then.

But when all else fails, I turn to my writing group, "The Writing Bridge". Belonging to this great group of writers helps in so many ways. First, there are the general writings that need to be done in order to remain an active participant. In addition, there is always something to critique. It's interesting how often critiquing someone else's work will give me ideas...most often completely unrelated to what I'm reading. The group also holds writing contests (just for the fun and experience, and a member-related perk) and has listed 'writing assignments' as well. And these go back a ways, so there is plenty of fodder there to feed anyone's hungry muse.

Speaking of which, I have a piece to finish up to post on The Writing Bridge tomorrow.

Keep stopping back. I'm sure with summer I'll have more time to post.

Stay well and keep writing.