“So, what are you working on now in your writing?” When I was asked this question early in January, my first reaction was a frisson of guilt. I’m a writer, I SHOULD be writing. I hadn’t sat down at my computer and turned out any essays, short stories, or memoir pieces in four weeks. Not a one. And yet I was able to flick the guilt away as inappropriate… because I’ve been gathering ideas like mad, adding scenes to stories, and as my writer friend Mary Gayle Nash says, “I write them in my head first.”
I’ve spent more time talking with and to writers in the last few weeks than I have writing. And that’s where the ideas have popped up like so many fireworks we saw on New Year’s Eve even though it was snowing in Tucson.
Listening to writers around the Eastside Writing Table as we state our intentions for the day. Listening to writers state their writing goal for the New Year at the Atria Creative Writing Group. Mentally saying, “I can see it” as I heard Kalli Deschamps talk about her life on a farm, a way of life as distant for me as Antarctica is from Tucson. I want to be able to do that.
Meeting Susan Peterson, a local mystery writer, and wondering what the elements are to write a really good mystery. Agatha Christie had a successful formula. I never get tired of reading her books. Wouldn’t my writing group make a wild cast of characters for a mystery? Could an idyllic town like my childhood haven of Miller Place also harbor a mystery?
My writing colleagues keep me motivated, inspired, “jazzed” about writing. They also keep me in the loop with social media, local events, and the mysteries of Twitter. Writing may be a solitary activity, but being with writers is a blast.
Check my events page to join me in the company of writers. https://etheleemiller.com/events/
This is so on the mark. It can also apply to other things in life. You reminded me that Where I put my energy is just as vital as the Doing.
Eileen, So much of my life becomes blended. What works in writing, works in my home, in my relationships, etc. It makes it easier to ‘intuitively’ know how to handle things when the concepts are similar.
Thanks for your comment.
Ethel
Dear Ethel–you are so talented! What you’ve written makes me
consider my production performance. Reminds me of the saw: “What will be done at any time will be done at no time.”
Some time ago you sent me your thoughts on your love of words, like seductive words, etc. Can you send me that again. I will place the article on my hard disc. Thank You! Hugs, Carl
Hi Carl,
I’ll look for it. I think it’s in the archives here on my site.
Words still are seductive and fascinating, and fun to play with.
Ethel
Better late than never. Life is busy but grand. My love affair with words is mentioned a lot but also right here on the website under the “Who am I” section. https://etheleemiller.com
Will you be at the March Writers Lunch? It will be great to catch up with you.
Writing isn’t only putting pen to paper or fingers to keyboard. It’s all the above and more. One of my favorite things to do is read craft books and take on-line and face-to-face classes. It’s all good!
Karen,
It IS surely all very good!
Thanks for your comment.
Ethel
Perfect timing! You are so right. Writers are always writing, even if sub-consciously.
Since I’ve moved to Tucson, my writing has been mostly sub-conscious, between dealing with remodel sub-contractors!
Getting back to work has been tough, but yes, the ideas have been surfacing.
Thanks so much for this timely post.
Kathy,
And think what story ideas and character quirks will come out of your remodeling adventures. Have fun!
Thanks for the comment.
Ethel