Monday, August 11, 2008

Managing

Managed to almost finish a first draft of another story this morning before work.  

I don't actually know if it's any good, but that honestly doesn't matter. What matters is that I wrote. Whether or not there's anything to it, whether or not it's any good, it does give me hope.

And a writer's hope is dearly needed right now, amidst too much of the stuff of life.

In Leslie Pietrzyk's August 7 "Work in Progress" blog, she describes the experience of a former student of hers who has committed not to a period of time, or a successful story, but to the deceptively simple task of writing 200 words a day. 200 words.

The concept resonated deep inside. I  could do 200 words a day.  Before the gym, on my lunch hour, at night before bed.  200 words.  I really could.

As I struggle with life, wedding, partnership, full-time writing job, and some small attempt to lose the 20 pounds I've gained in the past year, writing hovers like a mosquito -- a vixen-fairy -- just outside my ear.  I whine and complain, and only, occasionally, feel the gift of inspiration.  

But 200 words? 

When the 200 words are an Edinburgh church visit shared by the narrator and the best-friend's husband she knows she loves?  Now that's something to keep hope in play.

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