My Authentic Path

Let it Snow, Let it Flow

It has snowed and snowed here in my small part of world.  That means no school for the kids and a messy, chaotic house with little time to work or think. 

In the middle of all this, I've stolen some time to work and have rewritten the first third of my novel.  After giving it to several readers I trust, the feedback came in that the first third of the book was too fast and needed more information about the characters.  So, for two weeks I was in fury writer mode, staying up late and getting up early to pour the story onto the page.  I got the advice from one of my readers to let it flow and I have!  The story is richer, deeper and more powerful.

For me, sometimes, I have a crisis of confidence.  A sudden feeling that what I have to say is not worthy of someone actually taking the time out of their busy life to read what I put on the page.  I take passages out that I worry are too detailed, too long, too emotional, instead of realizing that the magic of my writing is in those spaces.  And that lack of confidence hurt the beginning of my novel.  I was worried to keep the reader's attention and made it so plot driven that the essence and passion for the characters were lost.  Fortunately, I have several friends who could articulate what was wrong and encouraged me that, indeed, my unique point of view is interesting and to let it flow, sister!

As I write, my two small daughters are watching television - The Grinch Who Stole Christmas - and I'm filled with mother guilt.  But, that's another blog for another day.  Happy Holidays, dear reader.  May your days be filled with joy and void of mess!

Multi tasking

I began writing a new novel this week and sometimes I wonder if it is true that all women are good multi-taskers.  I vowed to write a blog post each weekday, but I began the new novel on Monday and have been consumed all week with building another group of fictional characters and have neglected my blogging.  Perhaps it's all the rest of my life that gets in the way, you know, kids, groceries, worrying about the economy.  I'm sure you know of what I speak.

It struck me on Monday, as I began sketching out the my new cast of characters, how important it is to work on something you love.  My grandfather used to say his secret to a long and healthy life was to 'do something, it doesn't matter what, but do something'.  I agree, and would like to add, do something you love and not only will you live a long time but life will be rich and joyous.

Is there something you love that you've been putting off because you're too busy, or worry you can't multi-task?  Just start.  Today.  You might surprise yourself.  I know I did.