Lately I’ve also thought that “we don’t know what we think until we write it.” The stories I tell myself in my head seem much flimsier when committed to paper. Somehow it’s hard to write something other than the truth, because committing a thought to paper makes it open to objective evaluation.
But once in print, we can see where the loose bolts are and tighten them. We can add layers and depth to the flimsy parts and make them stronger. As a writer friend of mine used to say, "there's no such thing as good writing: there's bad and there's less bad." It's sitting with the first few iterations of bad that is so tough.
As ever you are singing my song, too. I find myself for the umpteenth time figuring out what I want to do when I grow up. Actually, I want to retire. Or I think I do. I got to retire during lockdown as I was hashtag blessed with a windfall. But property taxes and plumbing issues have a way of bringing reality to the foreground and I realized if I want to continue having working plumbing I must resume working. After avoiding and avoiding and avoiding the obvious, I am finally revisiting working as an officiant. This after declaring never again after being face with one too many shitty lockdown brides. But needs must, as the Brits say. And yes, I’m piecing it together in other ways, too, including my first elder job as a low paid but very happy docent. Glad you’re finding ways to reinvent. I think I might be starting to enjoy myself.
Beth this really hit me upside the face. That is exactly what I needed! I haven't written anything or worked on any music for a while now. I am of the thinking that I have to have the thoughts organized in my head before starting. I realize now I don't. I have a poem called "Just Get Started" that I should go back and read. I like the thought of refocusing on relationships and doing some introspection. I am also a Rabbit, you can call me Sir KiKi, Warrior Bunny!
"...hit me upside the face" may be the best compliment EVER for a writer, Sir Kiki! Thank you. If I waited for organized thoughts to write...well, I mean, have I EVER actually had organized thoughts?
"we don’t know what we think until we write it." I caught that line too...so very true (every time!). Thanks for sharing the latest on the journey!
Thank you for accidentally helping me workshop it!
Lately I’ve also thought that “we don’t know what we think until we write it.” The stories I tell myself in my head seem much flimsier when committed to paper. Somehow it’s hard to write something other than the truth, because committing a thought to paper makes it open to objective evaluation.
But once in print, we can see where the loose bolts are and tighten them. We can add layers and depth to the flimsy parts and make them stronger. As a writer friend of mine used to say, "there's no such thing as good writing: there's bad and there's less bad." It's sitting with the first few iterations of bad that is so tough.
As ever you are singing my song, too. I find myself for the umpteenth time figuring out what I want to do when I grow up. Actually, I want to retire. Or I think I do. I got to retire during lockdown as I was hashtag blessed with a windfall. But property taxes and plumbing issues have a way of bringing reality to the foreground and I realized if I want to continue having working plumbing I must resume working. After avoiding and avoiding and avoiding the obvious, I am finally revisiting working as an officiant. This after declaring never again after being face with one too many shitty lockdown brides. But needs must, as the Brits say. And yes, I’m piecing it together in other ways, too, including my first elder job as a low paid but very happy docent. Glad you’re finding ways to reinvent. I think I might be starting to enjoy myself.
Every person who's ever asked me about my writing: What inspires you?
Me before today: Nothing. I have to threaten and bribe myself or I'd never write at all.
Me today: Plumbing and property taxes. (citation, Gillespie, S. 2023)
Beth this really hit me upside the face. That is exactly what I needed! I haven't written anything or worked on any music for a while now. I am of the thinking that I have to have the thoughts organized in my head before starting. I realize now I don't. I have a poem called "Just Get Started" that I should go back and read. I like the thought of refocusing on relationships and doing some introspection. I am also a Rabbit, you can call me Sir KiKi, Warrior Bunny!
"...hit me upside the face" may be the best compliment EVER for a writer, Sir Kiki! Thank you. If I waited for organized thoughts to write...well, I mean, have I EVER actually had organized thoughts?