It's been a long time. Much has changed. Much has been written. Much has been unfinished. There have been deaths and births; moves and job changes; highs and lows...So basically, life. All the while the voices of characters whose stories have yet to be told have echoed in my heart and mind. Yes, it's true, writers write. But writers also spend a lot of time living and thinking about the writing they should be doing but aren't for whatever reason.
For some, that is part of the process.
When I was in college, I had an amazing opportunity to sit with poet and playwright Ntozake Shange. I asked her what was the best way to go about being a writer. She paused and then said simply "live and the writing will come." Those words have always given me solace when I'm being especially hard on myself for not meeting, or even setting, writing goals.
There's always a page waiting. And each new day presents an opportunity to get back to putting words on that page. Sometimes it's hard to get back to it because those other voices--the ones that tell you that your work isn't good enough; YOU aren't good enough have gotten more boisterous and bossy. But if you just start over and over again, those pages will fill and those voices will become less shrill and you'll tell beautiful stories.
Dusting off this blog is yet another step in getting back in the rhythm of writing. There are so many new and exciting options for independent writers these days it's almost overwhelming. As I learn, I'll share. And in between time, we shall write.
For some, that is part of the process.
When I was in college, I had an amazing opportunity to sit with poet and playwright Ntozake Shange. I asked her what was the best way to go about being a writer. She paused and then said simply "live and the writing will come." Those words have always given me solace when I'm being especially hard on myself for not meeting, or even setting, writing goals.
There's always a page waiting. And each new day presents an opportunity to get back to putting words on that page. Sometimes it's hard to get back to it because those other voices--the ones that tell you that your work isn't good enough; YOU aren't good enough have gotten more boisterous and bossy. But if you just start over and over again, those pages will fill and those voices will become less shrill and you'll tell beautiful stories.
Dusting off this blog is yet another step in getting back in the rhythm of writing. There are so many new and exciting options for independent writers these days it's almost overwhelming. As I learn, I'll share. And in between time, we shall write.
