Summer? Really? This week, the temps are still in the 60s, but I have hope. By next week, we should be up in the low 80s. Every day, blue sky. A few clouds. But sunshine. Just what we need.
Earlier today, I went to honor a friend who had passed away. This very informal gathering seemed to be more about sharing her quilting fabric than remembering who she was, her laughter, her wild sense of humor. She was a California girl, passionate and loving.
So July's question for IWSG (Insecure Writer's Support Group) doesn't really resonate with me. Is there anything I'd like to see changed, added, and/or rearranged about the book publishing industry? Today, I'm just not thinking about publishing or marketing. Rather, my focus is simply on the four seasons, the passage of time, those mornings for now that begin with writing -- unless real life intervenes.
None of us know how much time we have here, not even simply to write.
Yet something draws us back to that blank page -- or blank screen.
Perhaps characters show up in our dreams. Or, a newspaper article reminds us of something far away or long ago. A line of poetry may echo in our hearts, yet unheard. Or someone simply asks: What are you writing now?
My current writing project, Honeymoon in Egypt, is out to beta readers, with feedback hopefully back to me in July. This art crime mystery needs maybe one or two more editing passes and then -- hopefully -- out to the world.
I wish you quiet time to write this summer, whether it's early or late. Still time to explore, to hone, and perhaps to share.
Thank you, IWSG and Alex Cavanaugh, for creating this platform so we writers can stay connected. Why not visit one of IWSG's wonderful hosts for July: Rebecca Douglass, Ronel Janse van Vuuren, Cathrina Constantine, and Jacqui Murray! Find other writers in the online IWSG community at our website HERE.
You're right, we don't know how much time we have here...
ReplyDeleteToo true, but we can still cherish the gift of each day!
DeleteYes, you're right that we don't know how much time we have. I'm glad you carve out time for your writing.
ReplyDeleteAnonymously Esther O'neill, East of the Sun, STILl with no signal, can't pick up Google security texts.
ReplyDelete60's. 70's sounds wonderful. A week of 30 + - up to 36, was tough, perfect weather for hiding indoors. UK, not Australia...
Even getting an agent now is hard to impossible. Experiencing ID fraud etc, promptedc me to quit social media years ago too...
It's ture, we don't know our personal timeline. We need to make the best of our hours, eh? Maybe that's why I'm always running faster than it feels like I can -- got to make every minute count. Wishing you warmth and great summer vibes.
ReplyDeleteI'm kind of with you on this. There have been so many roadblocks to my writing, problems I overcame only to have new ones pop up, I don't focus there anymore. I just love the writing.
ReplyDeleteYou are correct. We never know how much time we have left here on earth. Sorry to hear about your friend.
ReplyDeleteHoneymoon in Egypt sounds like a wonderful book. All the luck with it! Happy IWSG day!
It's always exciting and a little bit nerve-wracking when your work is out with betas. I hope you get some good feedback! And yes, having plenty of quiet time to write is always nice in the summer.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry about your loss, Beth. Friends are special gifts in this life. Wishing you good luck and lots of helpful feedback from your beta readers. Enjoy each day. Take care!
ReplyDeleteSorry about your friend's passing. But yeah, writing seems to be an occupation best suited for introverts. I'm one and proud of it. I think many writers are introverts. And so many of us like our characters more than we like our neighbors. Or at least, we understand our characters much better. We created them, after all.
ReplyDeleteA lovely post, dear Beth. Thank you for sharing. At 107, our temps aren't nearly as conducive to creativity as yours, but your well wishes are gratefully noted ;-) How wonderful that your WIP is already in the hands and (no doubt) hearts of readers! Can't wait to read it myself ;-)
ReplyDeleteHappy July!
I’m sorry to hear about your friend’s passing. I’ve been thinking about the passage of time lately too, and there’s a quote that comes to mind when I think on this topic: “Time is a companion who goes with us on the journey and reminds us to cherish every moment, because it will never come again.”
ReplyDeleteFeel free to send those temps our way. We're in the 100s.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry about the loss of your friend. It sounds like she was a fun- loving person.
Best wishes with Honeymoon In Egypt.
Thanks for stopping by:)