Each month, I'm delighted to take part in the writing challenge hosted by the Insecure Writer's Support Group. First of all, I do love challenges. Trust me, just the process writing brings a host of challenges in so many interesting and unexpected ways! Second, this is a pretty neat way to connect with other writers, especially when I'm far from home (currently we're snowbirding down in Las Cruces, New Mexico). Here's a pic taken yesterday at White Sands National Park, 450 acres of dunes to explore and appreciate.
March 1 question: Have you ever read a line in novel or a clever plot twist that caused you to have author envy? As usual, IWSG's question this month should lead to some interesting reading!
Yes, sometimes I'll read a line in a story and simply stop -- to appreciate what this author has done to create real emotion so simply that the writing appears effortless. I know that's not true! I remember reading Hemingway in a library once when I was a teen and being moved to tears. I've always admired his spare style and willingness to write about really tough issues that we don't easily confront. Was I envious of Hemingway? Absolutely not! After all, I was a teenaged girl, caught up in my own world. And that was part of Hemingway's gift to me -- that his stories took me to another world, a respite from my own challenges.
I've come to accept that every writer has his or her own reality and, yes, doubts. Whatever gift it is that makes us readers stop to laugh or cry or just remember we are all somehow connected in this complex and unpredictable world, that is what I hope to celebrate. Even the act of putting words on paper is not so simple. For we do not know the impacts our words will have for our readers and for ourselves.
The purpose of the Insecure Writer's Support Group is to share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. I hope you will participate! Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about what's going on in your writing life. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writers - aim for a dozen new people each time - and return comments. This group is all about connecting! Be sure to link your name to this page and display the IWSG badge in your post. And please be sure your avatar links back to your blog! Otherwise, when you leave a comment, people can't find you to comment back.
With special thanks to Alex Cavanaugh for starting IWSG and to the awesome co-hosts for the March 1 posting of the IWSG are Diedre Knight, Tonya Drecker, Bish Denham, Olga Godim, and JQ Rose!
Hi, this is from Pat Garcia. For some reason I can only post anonymous.
ReplyDeleteI so agree. Each author is unique, and I find that great. The authors that I admire greatly give me so much joy, but I don't envy them. I admire them.
Congratulations also on your WEP win.
Shalom shalom
Thank you, Pat. I find these monthly posts (and the resulting comments) from and for IWSG so nurturing of the writing life.
DeleteYour statement "Was I envious of Hemingway? Absolutely not! After all, I was a teenaged girl..." had me smiling. It hits it right on the nose.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Tonja. I admired Hemingway's style for many decades, until I learned a bit more of his history. And then I began to wonder, how do we separate the person from the wonderful writing? Can we appreciate one without respecting the other?
DeleteI guess it's like some of the modern actors/musicians. For some reason, learning more about them, personally, often tarnishes everything else. So, I'm not sure it is possible.
DeleteMy daughter's a musician, so I know about the discipline and dedication required -- pretty much the same as for writers and all others involved in a creative process. I've chosen not to think about context when the work itself stands alone. But, as you say, that's just not always possible!
DeleteI love those moments when an author really stuns me the way they've put an idea or emotion into words!
ReplyDeleteYes! And that's part of what keeps us writing.
DeleteA gift. Exactly! And you, dear Beth, have offered us many.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the dunes!
Thank you, Diedre. We are enjoying the dunes. Today, temps hit 64F, compared to 20F back home (w/snow). I do confess, though, I'm starting to miss home. PS Did you know one of my heroines is named Diedre?
DeleteI really love when a line stands out or there's a plot twist I didn't see coming. Like you, I appreciate the author, don't envy them.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely . . . one of the details I enjoyed in this round of posts for IWSG is how folks quoted their favorite lines.
DeleteWhite sand - how fascinating. It does look like snow in your picture.
ReplyDeleteYes, and it feels gritty. The sand is 98% gypsum, which melts in water, so truly a rare sight.
DeleteThat is one of the best answers I've read all day.
ReplyDeleteThat's a beautiful area you are staying in.
Thank you. I appreciate how these monthly prompts push us all in unexpected directions.
DeleteAnd every one of us has a certain way of saying something. It may strike one reader but do nothing for another. That's why it's nice there are so many different voices.
ReplyDeleteYes, and even we, ourselves, have different voices, not quite like a different outfit, but coming from deep within. I'm constantly surprised when something new emerges in my writing. Have you ever said, "Did I write that?"
Delete"Even the act of putting words on paper is not so simple. For we do not know the impacts our words will have for our readers and for ourselves." This is what I want my life storytelling workshop participants to realize. So much wisdom in your words. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the affirmations! I wish you every success in your life storytelling workshop, not an easy writing project for some of us for so many different reasons. Some say writing our life stories can be healing. I'm noticing those words: can be.
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