Linger

An old building can set off an imagination and fuel creativity.

With a question like when was it made can set off a story. Maybe a story of how a family decided they needed shelter for their livestock. They created a plan and through struggle, conflict, sacrifice commandeered the materials. The family gave it purpose and life. And even after its usefulness to the family the building lingered.

The old building could be painted on canvas. An artist could add color or whimsy to bring it life. Or use the drab to accent sadness in its lingering. To give this old building Anthropomorphism.

I love driving the country and finding these lingering artifacts and wondering how I could keep them alive and show their emotion.

Mask Beards

I was born with an observant eye. A great gift for a writer. Lately on my excursions out and about to get supplies I have noticed mask beards.

So, what is up with mask beards?

No, not the those that look like a beard on men when they wear a mask. Those are appropriate and a neat idea. I am asking about those who choose to wear their masks on their chins.

What is up with that?

I have no problem with masks. I think that the eyes are the window to the soul. A person can express so much with their eyes. Something that I am trying to express in my current book. But what does wearing your mask on your chin express?

One could write an article on that, I am sure.

Does wearing it on your chin show ingenuity or laziness? With Christmas upon us, does it imply a desire to emulate Santa Claus? Is it a way for one to feel like they are keeping their mask safe from germs? These are a few questions that run through my mind.

Seriously, though, I think we are becoming a masked new generation. Hiding behind a beard of blue (and so many other colors). Making authors like me question why. Making authors like me finding it harder each day to observe characters behind and above the mask.

I will continue to observe because that is who I am.

Wednesday

Wednesday is the middle of the week. It is not the beginning that, in my life, begs responsibility like housework and chores. It is not the end that has always favored relaxation and play. Work starts the week and hiking, biking, skiing, watching movies and the like end the week. Even now that my husband and I are retired and have more free time we fall into this programed existence. An existential where Wednesday’s are between work and play.

So it is a great writing day.

Wednesday is when I continue to edit, re-write, and write my first book. A backstory of a child. A child who will grow up not knowing the secrets that surround her. A historical novel of a child finding those secrets define her. Helping her balance between obligations and inclinations.

So I write on Wednesday’s to bring about a balance in my life.

Inspiration

Wherever and when ever it comes…utilize it.

Today I have flicked through a workbook I once read. You can find it at studylib.net. On their site search for “The Lifestyle of a Character.” Click on Inspiration for Writers, Tips and Techniques workbook. It is by Sandy Tritt and has valuable information for writers.

Today flipping through the pages of Sandy Tritt’s words I am inspired to carry on with my writing task. The arduous task of editing.

One should write, but one must edit what they write.

“Any word that doesn’t add to your prose, detracts from it.” unknown.

So, if is doesn’t fit the story…”Cut it out!” Like Joey on the TV series “Full House” would say.

Carry On

“A glint off of three gargantuan copper brew kettles turns his attention upward, to his spot. Friedrich wishes for times gone by. Simpler times, like his first day Father let him follow him around. That day, when he was ten, was the first time he set eyes on those deep reds and oranges reflecting off the metal kettles. It put a smile on his face. Today’s setting sun streams in the arched windows, begging him to forget. To forget that Father even came into the brewery today. To forget Father’s words. Even the swaying ships’ masts in the Odessa merchant quay wave away the evening in jubilation. But there is no jubilation in this day. This Feierabend of a week’s end is mute.” Excerpt from my book. 

Everyday we trudge on. Seconds, minutes, hours, days. Lately I have wondering…why? Like Ecclesiastes 1:14 which states “I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and striving after the wind.”

I guess if we do not continue on the path set before us, we will surely die. Starting with our desire dwindling to accomplish nothing. Our minds clouding with negativity. Breaking our spirit. Killing our health. Thus disabling us. Finding ourselves unable to trudge on.

Creativity fuels our jubilation. 

Carry on.

First blog post

I just started a Udemy +Acumen Presents: Elizabeth Gilbert’s Creativity Workshop.