Treats
I've made a commitment to myself, my computer and most of all, to you. Every Saturday morning, I make a cup of coffee, enjoy my two pieces of raisin toast and sit down at my desk. Often I stare out the window at Lake Michigan, hoping some great idea will pop into my head. Rarely does that happen. On Wednesday, I begin to think about what I will write on Saturday, ponder many different topics, hoping one will stick.
Alice Munro was once asked why she only wrote short stories. "That's all I had time for," was her answer. With that in mind and all the time in the world, I thought I'd try my hand at a novel. It's been nearly a year now. I've had fun imagining different scenarios, making up drama, creating characters. But a knowledgeable editor has described my writing as too much telling, not enough showing, point of view problems and lack of dialogue. At first, I was crushed. In the past, I would have hunkered down to prove her wrong. It's been a few weeks since I received that blow. I've talked to a writer/teacher for whom I have the greatest respect and received perspective. I am, first and foremost, a Personal Narrator.
My blog posts, my memoir Shatterproof, even Pathways Through the ALS Storm are all reflections of my life. Nothing conjured up from my imagination. All rooted in my experiences. You would think by now, I would have figured that out.
I may still play around with the novel. Some parts work well even though they have nothing to do with my original thought. But none of that really matters. That's the best part of being retired and having reached my age in fairly good health. We have the freedom to pick and choose what we do with our time. Heavy responsibilities are hopefully in the past. It's time to treat ourselves to a hot fudge sundae for dinner and daydreams. Enjoy!
Keep writing the way you write. It works for you. What you say is valid and important. We all learn from you!! You cannot be "crushed"!
ReplyDeleteHaving heard the whole story, I’m so pleased that you gained this profound insight into your writing. I’ve taken a stab at fiction a few times, But I always find when I’m writing somethingthat what comes from my personal experience is always more interesting for me as a writer and hopefully for the reader, too, because it’s uniquely me and authentic. So, like you, I’ll just keep plugging away at memoir. There’s no question about the quality of your writing. It’s really about what you choose to write. In the end, the glass wasn’t half full or half empty, you simply changed what you were drinking. if you keep writing, I’ll keep reading.
ReplyDeleteMark Twain said, "If I'd had more time, I'd have written a shorter letter."
ReplyDeleteShakespeare said, "Above all else to thine own self be true." Glad you are being true to yourself i n your writing.
If you keep reading, I'll keep writing! xoxoxo
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