Throwdown, Universe!

Hey folks,

Yes, in my last blog post, I mentioned that I was about to start my magnum opus novel. Soon thereafter, my shoulder began to ache. Then my arm. Then it felt like both began to throb and then catch on fire. The sore boils came next. One trip to urgent care later, I learned that I had shingles.  This stuff hurts like crazy but I am not giving in. 

It's time for a throwdown, Universe! What is a throwdown? A performance competition between rappers, breakdancers, or perhaps, a writer and the greatest storyteller, the universe. I am calling this a write-my-story throwdown. I'm slowly coming off the pain meds and it's on!

Rotten luck, bad timing, or burning the candles at both ends, whatever is going on, I still am about to start my magnum opus novel.  I will begin tomorrow with two hours of work every day for the next four days. Stuff happens, but this stuff fights back. Why I need more grit is a mystery to me because I am already a rather gritty old gal. But the going is tough, so the tough must get going. This is the time to bring out the mettle and the moral fiber.  

I think that the whole optimist, sunny-side up attitude has its place, but what is stronger is the person who whips out strength of character, steely nerves, and hardy resolve. And what is the first thing I must do? Be glad. All the debts have been paid, worriers. This kind of writing is how I find myself.  When I forget who I am, I am ever so glad I wrote down my heart.  

Are you on a creative journey? Throw in some grit. 

Here is a doodle. 

A quote for your pocket. 

“I am not what I ought to be, I am not what I want to be, I am not what I hope to be in another world; but still I am not what I once used to be, and by the grace of God I am what I am” John Newton

 

Where in the World Am I?

Hi Folks,

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. I've been uber busy with projects this summer. I wrote a chapter story for Lipa Pirates, and I also illustrated a picture book (more deets to come).  Busy beaver here.

So what have I been thinking about lately other than if ice or heat is better for a pinched nerve in my neck? Uh, finishing up this year's Teens Publish, my program at the Ringer Library in College Station.  The anthology is almost complete and the big party is around the corner! Exciting stuff! Did I mention my son got married? Life must be lived sometimes and thinking comes later.

Anywho, as soon as the current projects are over, I'm writing the story I planned to never write.  I will draft the entire novel this fall. I have written three different outlines and for some reason have "misplaced" all of those outlines. What is my subconscious trying to say? Yes, write the worst novel ever or a rough draft, whatever you want to call it.

Now I will pontificate about what it takes to write a novel: a working computer or pen and paper. Hahaha. For me, the starstuff need for novel creation is this annoying voice in my head that keeps telling me that stories set us free and if you don't write the story that keeps bouncing around in your head, who is going to not have the stuff they need to move on to the next chapter in their life? (THEY/THEIR is on purpose, I officially say that THEY/THEIR covers all genders because I personally think 10 checkboxes for genders need to be simplified.)

It takes heart to write a novel. Stories are about the deep waters of the soul. They uncover what can't just be said with what must be shown. This is the magnum opus of my career.  I was born to write this novel, and I am so glad that the day has come for me to write it. Your stories are bigger than you. Be happy you are along for the ride. I hope you push your keys or pen against paper. If you aren't a writer, let that inner voice guide you. What will be missing from the world if you don't listen to it? Please don't take this lightly.

I hope you SEIZE the day!

Here is a doodle:

Here is a quote for your pocket.
“Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.” – Maya Angelou