Writing, shoes and book reviews

 

Surrender

I am in a good place. Not an easy place but a good place. Back in the saddle; enjoying the ride with a few active WIPs (works in progress). After years of fighting inner demons I am finishing projects. I'm doing what writers do. Finally. I wandered away from the work of sitting down and hammering out the next scene or chapter. I got caught up in the busy-ness of the writing business. Crafting query letters, pitching tweets, revising synopses (long and short versions) and researching agencies. All of these things are so critical to my career, but they take away from what I am – a writer. Imagine a cabinet maker, not making cabinets. He'd have nothing to show for his experience or expertise. And have nothing in his checking account. How did I get to this good place? I did two things at the once. I stopped fretting and surrendered. Worrying is true waste of time. Letting go, is not. Rather than wrestle with fate to bend it to my will, I am working with what I have now. A mind packed with stories, small pieces of time, and the desire to create. 

Ugh...

                                        

I had to buy a comfortable pair of shoes for a part-time job. They had to be a specific type and color with little room for design or fashion. They are now my least favorite pair of shoes. Ever. While they offer comfort, I’ll never wear them for any other reason. This bothers me because I love shoes. Like most women, I have over ten pairs of shoes in my closet and yet there are times when I have nothing to wear with my chosen ensemble. (BTW: Always have 3 pairs of black shoes—one dress, one casual, and sandals. Trust me.) Also, I’m cheap. I hate the idea of having a pair of comfortable shoes that will be only be used for a part-time position. I felt like I settled for less and paid more for it. I hope you never have this shoe problem.

Must-read

I’m the type of person who ignores the latest crazes and pop culture trends. I have a weird habit of “discovering” best sellers decades after their debut. While most book lovers are reading or have recently read Angie Thomas’ “The Hate U Give,” I picked up “Bel Canto” by Ann Patchett at a yard sale. The book is 16 years old. I devoured it and now understand why she won the PEN/Faulkner Award. Patchett's book breaks all the rules you’ve learned. There’s backstory dumps, flashbacks paired with prolepses, there are multi-POVs and the climax is at the end. Still, she made it work. The book made me mad—well, the ending did. It took me by surprise--an amazing plot twist. Patchett accomplished her goal as an author—she kept me involved and evoked strong emotions. I discovered a movie has been filmed (starring Julianne Moore and Ken Watanabe) to be released this year or early next. My timing then, seems to be excellent. I’m sure I’ll read Thomas’ book—maybe years from now. And I’m sure she’ll keep me engaged and perhaps outraged.

So today, when writing, surrender. Buying shoes? Don’t settle for less! Read what you want when you want to. Be be in a good place too.