Grammar Trick

“Writing is an act of faith, not a grammar trick.” -E. B. White

There’s plenty of opinions about writing. There are supportive opinions, there are judgmental opinions, and there are just plain old unbiased opinions. I don’t think much of that matters. This quote from E. B. White says it all: it’s an act of faith. The writing process is a solitary thing between you and your divine inspiration. You have the vision. You have the idea. It’s all inside you. There’s no grammar trick that can replace that.

What about you, do you think writing is an act of faith?

Explorers

“The writer is an explorer. Every step is an advance into a new land.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

I don’t know what I’m doing or if I’m doing it right, but I know for sure I’m doing this. I have explored, and what’s wild is I haven’t even come close to being finished exploring. I’m so eager to find out more and enjoy those little moments when connections happen, whether in thought or in relationships. In a world that wants you to hit the I-believe button, be an explorer of great things.

I’m trying to find out what they found beneath the pyramids? Any ideas?

Feeling My Way

“I try not to think too much about my writing process – I tend to feel my way forward and find more insights that way.” -Nick Petrie

Here’s a good quote. This one encourages me. I’m laughing at myself because some of these quotes will really have me spiraling for no reason. I have definitely felt my way through the writing process. In one of my recent blog posts, I spoke about outlining and that I’ll utilize it more in the future. When you write one thing for three years, it’s easy to forget the things you do to keep moving forward. I have definitely utilized outlines while writing this book! I don’t know how I forgot. When I get too far out in the weeds or dig deep into a scene and have to return to the story as a whole, that’s when I use my outlines. I don’t use them consistently and abide by the outline, but I do use them as a tool.

This makes me think of the two quotes I always have to remind myself:

“You’re doing better than you think.” and “There’s always room to learn.”

The Writing Process

“My writing process is chaos. I usually start with an overarching theme. Then I establish several story threads, but I don’t outline. I just start writing and keep notes for what may come. It’s an organic process that’s usually pretty flexible.” -Lisa Lutz

I have never related more to a writing process, but I don’t know if I’ll do it this way again in the future. I think I’ll utilize more of an outline. Of course, I could say that all I want and never really do it. “There’s always next time” might become a theme for me when it comes to outlining my stories.

How about you? Are you willing to switch up your writing process?

A Pile of Words

“Before I start a project, I always ask myself the following question. Why is this book worth a year of my life? There needs to be something about the theme, the technique, or the research that makes the time spent on it worthwhile.” – David Morrell

This quote makes me want to cry immediately after I read it. I’m not sure my story is worth the amount of time I’ve spent on it. Maybe I’ll do my best to make the time I spent on it my big secret. It’s for sure just a pile of words. I don’t know that they even come together to form something tangible. I mean, I hope I get there, but it might just be time to start a new story. Maybe I’ll return to this one in the future? I don’t know. It was never my plan to work on it this long. And there’s an infinite amount of stories to tell!!

What’s the longest you worked on a story?

Minds

“My mother said I must always be intolerant of ignorance but understanding of illiteracy. That some people, unable to go to school, were more educated and more intelligent than college professors.” -Maya Angelou

This is my first time seeing this quote, and I love it! It adds so much balance to the way you should pursue an education. We should always be considerate of the minds of others, regardless of their college education. Listening, asking questions, and finding common ground are a few ways to show others consideration.

Painting

“The modern artist… is working and expressing an inner world – in other words – expressing the energy, the motion, and other inner forces.” -Jackson Pollock

I’ve spent years trying to figure out how to express the complexities of being human. It isn’t easy. I hope that the collection of thoughts I’ve shared throughout the internet somehow comes together to express the many things life has to offer.

But when considering the novel; it’s difficult for me to incorporate all these things, whether in subtle ways or bluntly., fantastically even. There are just so many ways to bring it all together in one story. There are infinite ways to tell a story too, so it’s just deciding which way fits best. And I’m not too sure yet.

I was working on the last part of the novel today, and I was ready to delete the whole section, which is fine because it’s not the whole book. I’m coming to learn that changing the point of view helps me see what’s worth keeping and what’s worth chucking out the window.

Anyways, I’m happy to be here learning the different ways stories can be shared.

What you’re favorite way to tell a story?

Connection

“I define connection as the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.” -Brene Brown

This blog is where I come to express myself about a million different things. Sometimes it’s just sharing pieces of my life; sometimes it’s art or writing, or sometimes I’m sharing the knowledge I’ve learned. But the point of this blog is to create a space where you can be human—where you can express yourself without judgment. I hope that this blog gives people a sense of connection, but not so much to me, more so to themselves. The point is that once you have a good strong connection with yourself, you are able to build these deep, intentional relationships where all parties can be replenished.

What are some ways you are intentional about connecting with yourself?

Spring Break Day 5

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” -Helen Keller

We’ve reached the end of my Spring Break adventures.

I saw an old mill burned down and googled it to find out the fire spread toxic chemicals everywhere, making the cost of demolition too great. It was a steel mill. It probably gave a lot of locals a decent job. I walked around a new town in the morning and then later I walked around the town I grew up in. It’s the same town I know and love, but different in so many ways. There were a lot of older couples with romantic vibes that barely noticed me. They were engulfed in each other. Laughing; searching out their next destination. My town has always brought those types of travelers. The sea water moistened the air as usual, and the marinas didn’t change much. The boats were wrapped for winter and looked slightly awkward on the shore. The sea air soothed my lips and brought me back to life. Well, something brought me back to life, or a bunch of tiny things did.

Alas, my time to rest and relax has come to an end. It almost feels wrong to do anything other than this.

Spring Break Day 4 pic

Today wasn’t much of a vacation day. Lots of momming was done, but I took moments for myself. When I finally got home, I melted into my relaxation. I’m grateful for my life. I’m grateful for where I get to be in life, and I’m excited to keep going. There’s not much to complain about, especially when I get to be home with my family. My family really means the world to me.

What are you loving about your life?