WHERE WILL YOUR WRITING BE A YEAR FROM NOW?

Will you have written that story you’ve thought about for years?

Is the story of your dreams in the hands of readers today?

How will you feel when someone says, Thank you for sharing your story?

I’ve asked myself these questions many times. I still do. I’m not one to rest on my laurels, so my published articles from kayaking to the art of Feng shui and sundry others may count in the general scheme of things, but I know there’s a lot more to come.

You see, my notebooks and journals are overflowing with story ideas. Fiction, nonfiction, and occasionally a poem will surface from overheard conversations. Memories of growing up as a military brat,* the loss of loved ones, and even deciduous trees and broken seashells invite me into their natural worlds without hesitation. And I’m so very grateful. 

It’s as if my DNA is laced with never wanting to miss a thing — even the chance to watch a room full of people sitting mostly in silence. I rarely miss an opportunity to survey my surroundings if I can help it. 

One time, while waiting for my husband’s release from the ER, I leaned against a wall with a notebook and pen in hand. I listened and scanned the characters slumped in chairs, some lying on the floor, others in pajamas and house slippers. I imagined the possible reasons we landed in the same place, at the same time. And I wrote. 

Have you ever done that before — acted as a reporter, sketching all the minute details from attire to mannerisms as if someone’s life depended on it? A writer’s life does rely upon those moments that nudge and challenge our inquisitive bones. 

Does any of this sound familiar? If so, take a moment to ponder those opening questions. Write them down as if no one will ever read your answers and pencil in today’s date at the top of the page while you’re at it. 

One week from today, read your answers. Ask yourself, What have I done these past seven days that has brought me closer to my writing goals? If your answer is not a whole lot or nothing at all, grab a pen and a sheet of paper. Write just one sentence that begins with I want to write about…and fill in the blank. Have more than one? Great! Write them all down and circle the one that speaks to you the loudest. 

If you need encouragement to begin writing or to forge ahead on a current project that has collected a bit of dust, consider joining my online classes at Write Stories Worth Sharing. Classes are live, interactive, and always a safe place to be. However, class size is limited to allow for maximum participation. I hope you’ll join us. I know you’ll be glad you did.

                                So, where will your writing be a year from today?

*‘Brat’ is a term used fondly within the ranks and culture of the military by the children who grew up in service families. Of course, I can’t speak for everyone, but for me, it is an honor I cherish to this day. Born - Raised - And - Traveled.