Approaching my computer to surf people’s New Year’s Eve photos, I have the following windows open: two “respectable” job boards, “How to take control and reignite passion for your career,” “Transition from full-time to freelance,” “Top 5 regrets of people on their deathbed,” an unpublished manuscript reigniting my passion for my favorite vampire, and Google-search results for female mid-life crises. Call it what you want, I’m wandering along researching all possible scenarios, creating plans and back-up plans but choosing none.
When people ask, “What would you do if you knew you could not fail?” I say WRITE. I have loved writing since high school when I had a superb mentor and teacher who taught us to just let it flow. It was a way to be in touch with myself and to bring life and sense to my random thoughts. After having children I tiptoed back into creative writing with some classes, collecting, but not developing, ideas.
“What have you written?” comes next. I list a few adapted works and present a long list of “I’d love to write…” So truthfully – nothing. I feverishly start, grow tired of the story, or claim “too busy” to finish. I am easily distracted and have a tireless imagination that creates obstacles to keep me from writing. Some were carelessly thrown there, some I put there to force me to follow into a more stable, less isolated destination. However, the bottom line is, I’m not writing.
Oprah always says the universe speaks first in whispers, then messages, then a good friend smacks you upside the head [paraphrased] “Love the idea, just f’in write it already!”
After re(ally soul)searching, and being a big believer in baby steps, I created a plan to have NO plan besides committing to write 365 words/day for 365 days! That is 11,102 words a month, 133,225 a year! I will try new experiences, read new books, swim upstream when necessary, re-visit favorite haunts or just catch the tail of thoughts that flitter through my mind – or distract me with something sparkly from yours – and wander along to see where it goes! This journey will be more fun with great conversations, so please, wander with me!
Jan 02, 2012 @ 04:49:19
Nice start, Sarah! Who is the teacher/mentor you mentioned? I’ve always credited Mr. Franzen (10th grade English) with getting me into writing.
Jan 07, 2012 @ 18:53:28
Appreciate the post! What are you writing these days?
You’ll have to be a guest haiku-er! Love the haiku reviews!
Jan 03, 2012 @ 06:10:15
Nice blog, Sarah! Who is the teacher/mentor you mentioned? I’ve always credited Mr. Franzen with encouraging me to start writing.
Jan 07, 2012 @ 18:47:02
Thanks Jim! Mr. Franzen and Mr. Bradshaw actually, so two teachers! Glad you’re writing too!
Jan 07, 2012 @ 18:52:08
Thanks Jim! Have you been in touch with Mr. Franzen to tell him?