It’s personal…

Every writer who seeks to publish encounters these questions to give validity to their efforts so I only think it fair to give you some info on the 50+ years of writing to publish and my 25+ years teaching journalism and creative writing. Obviously, I can’t think of anything I’d rather do. Yet at times it can be a dilemma even for the most experienced. Sometimes we who write shout those words, “Why did I ever think I could write?” when we’re ready to toss in the towel. So, what to do?

Anything but write.

In my running days I’d run, maybe a slow jog. And it would get rid of the kinks (usually brought on by lagging self-confidence). Today, it’s a stroll through the neighborhood petting dogs and chatting with neighbors. The kinks slip away among the chats. Sometimes I even weed flower beds (a last resort I admit) but it works and I return…

A hard case could send me here…remember I believe in having fun writing!

It’s pen or pencil and paper on the water so I write slower. Maybe even better. I’ve penned quite a few essays on board. Sometimes I jot down ideas or descriptions of water fowl and fish or how the water looks in different light. These often I’ll add to stories or essays when I’m back at the computer and…

Fingers fly across the keyboard to keep pace with thoughts.

It’s fun again. Probably not the best writing but it’s first draft material. I’ll put finishing touches on it in later drafts when I take…TIME TO REVIEW which means…

• Study a sentence, explore how to make it better
• Change a word here and there
• Shift a sentence clause left or right for rhythm or emphasis
• Combine a couple of lesser characters to fulfill a story task
• Dream up ways (in fiction) or discover (in nonfiction) the challenges my character needs to face and overcome
• Stiffen my main character’s resolve or determination
• I’m a “pantser” so I write by “the seat of my pants,” not an outline
• That means getting to know my characters really well
• If I do, their actions and reactions will prime the plot pump
• And they will gain favor with the readers making the story a “page turner.”

AND SO…I like to close every teaching session with…

“Have Fun Writing.”

We call the writing classes- at home and online – “WRITERS’ CIRCLES” for the circular nature of story as has been handed down since Aristotle and long before. Since before the printing press.

If this manner of writing and teaching suits you…

In Keeping with the ‘It’s Personal’ Tone…

FAVORITES: There’s a trend now to illuminate “favorites,” so mine are…

BOOKS AND AUTHORS: John Jakes’ Bicentennial series. He got me started on this path toward historical fiction. Willie Morris’ North Toward Home and Gay Talese’s Kingdom and the Power introduced me to the story fascination of creative nonfiction.

Ralph Waldo Emerson. As a high school student I pondered, “how could an old man reach out and touch me across the generations?” His essays spoke what I wanted to say.

Today, Peter Heller, because of his lyricism, intrigue and humor, the ability to “take me away,” particularly with his novel Celine.

MOVIES: As a teen, James Dean in Rebel without a Cause.  As a sort of sappy senior, or maybe it’s the times, “American President.” Laughter may be the most important requirement today.

SINGERS/MUSICIANS: Jazz saxophonist Charlie Parker. His notes tapped a tune on my teenage heart…and still do and so do later musicians–Cellist Yo Yo Ma, and Trumpeter Winton Marsalis. Let me not forget C&W story singer and philanthropist, Dolly Parton, her care about people and their stories.

FOOD: “Mama’s home cooking” and then enchiladas! And next, Pad Thai.

HOBBY/SPORT: Sailing, sailing, sailing. Water is my home.

FAVORITE HIKES: Weminuche Wilderness, Colorado; Lost Maples State Park, Texas, for their delicate beauty amid hardy ruggedness.

That’s enough for now. But you see how it’s easy to get carried away with writing? Try it. Ask yourself your favorites…and then the most important question, WHY? And see when/where you stop writing, if you can.