All of my focus the last few weeks has been on the non-writing aspects of my life. Health issues, life issues, children issues are in the forefront and must be dealt with. At times like this, I feel it necessary to draw back from daily writing and networking on social media. I draw into myself a little, too. There is so much to think about, do, and simply feel. When things return to something a little closer to normal, I know I’ll resume my habit of settling myself every morning in my writing room. I’ll drink my coffee and look out my window awhile. I’ll take pen in hand and begin again. That is simply the nature of life and living. Beginning again. Over and over.
However, even when I’m not writing, I’m reading and thinking about writing. Right now I’m reading “Still Writing: The Perils and Pleasures of a Creative Life” by Dani Shapiro. It’s marvelous. It reminds me quite a bit of Natalie Goldberg’s gently inspiring “Writing Down the Bones” (I have a story about that book and what it means to me that I’ll blog about someday). There are so many quotable passages in this book, but I’ll share just this one that really resonated with me this morning:
“Don’t think too much. There’ll be time to think later. Analysis won’t help. You’re chiseling now. You’re passing your hands over the wood. Now the page is no longer blank. There’s something there. It isn’t your business yet to know whether it’s going to be prize-worthy someday, or whether it will gather dust in a drawer. Now you’ve carved the tree. You’ve chiseled the marble. You’ve begun.”
So go and chisel something today. For me. I promise I’ll be back to join you soon.
Kathy, I subscribe to Notes from the Universe and there is not a day that goes by that what seems like the perfect message for me doesn’t appear in my inbox and buoy my spirits. This arrived today and I pass it onto you with love:
“What happens when someone worries?
Basically, they think of 100 reasons why something might go wrong. And all of those thoughts then struggle to become things, sometimes overriding their more constructive thoughts.
Ain’t pretty. But that’s the power of worry.
Now, let’s say you want something fantastic to manifest in your life, Jayne.
Hypothetically, let’s say you want a perfect health. (I know you.)
Have you sat down yet and listed 100 reasons why it might come to you easily, fast, and harmoniously?
I think you should.”
Today works,
The Universe
There is not a single time that I visit your blog that I don’t come away with something that feeds my spirit and growth as a writer. I’ve been meaning to read Dani’s book. Today I will buy it.
Hugs, Jayne
Wow, I love that, Jayne! That could apply directly to me right now, too. Thanks for stopping by. You’ve inspired ME today. I appreciate it. xo
Ahhhhh what I owe to Natalie Goldberg and Julia Cameron! Without those two books, I doubt I would have done the writing I’ve done. They came and served up wisdom that was essential for me to hear. Writing is really an emotional experience that helps you create who you are and who you want to be, and I could not have done anything without reading the books of these two women. They were my psychological soothers on this journey. They helped me understand why I should write and later five others showed me how: Robert McKee, Ron Carlson, Jerry Cleaver, Randall Brown, and Kathy Fish!
Agreed, Gay! Writing Down the Bones was handed to me many, many years ago by a person I barely knew (and long before I finally got up the courage to take my writing seriously) and The Artist’s Way I read around the time I did first start writing seriously. And you have reminded me to read the McKee book! So thanks for that. And thanks for including me in that esteemed list. Made my day. xo
I cannot estimate the impact you’ve had on me, Kathy, both from the writing and the sustaining the writing aspects. Actually since I know you and since I can count on you for encouragement and sound advice instead of just reading you on the page (though I love “reading you on the page), you really should be listed #1 on my personal mentor list!
Oh man, that is hugely gratifying for me, Gay. This makes me so happy, I can’t even tell you. Thank you.
I am ever grateful to you.
Dealing with lots of life issues myself these days, so I can relate. It’s frustrating not to have the time to write, but it’s reassuring to hear that at some point it will return to normal and we settle back into the habit of writing. I hope your life settles soon, Kathy! Writing down Writing Down the Bones now.
Argh, sorry to hear that, Chris. But yeah, things WILL return to normal (I hope) and we’ll both be writing again soon I hope! Thanks for stopping by.
Writing Down the Bones has been my bible and now I’m going to get Dani’s book. So glad you wrote about it today. I try to look at fallow writing time as a time to absorb the world around me and tuck away thoughts and impressions for future writing. Wishing you smooth sailing until you’re back at pen and paper.
Thank you, Charlotte. I know all will be well in time. And I like your way of handling the fallow times, which surely must make your writing even deeper. xo
I heard you are having surgery in Sept. And Dave is in Baton Rouge. Kieran starting college? I hope things settle down for you soon.
Love, Debbie
Sent from my iPhone
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Hi Debbie, yes, to all of this, and I’m moving Kieran into his dorm tomorrow. Last night he said, “this is really happening isn’t it?” Ha. But I do think he’ll love it. Anyway, thanks for the note. xo
Kathy, I hope all is well for you. You have been a great inspiration to me and you will be missed BUT you gotta do what you gotta do. So go and do. And return and it will be great. XO. Jules.
Thanks, dear Jules! I won’t be gone long. I wish my blog was as funny and smart and cool as yours. Back soon. xo Kathy