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WRITING TIP

In the future, we may return to this topic but for now, here is the last tip about writing about difficult life experiences. This is a short one. 

Reflection. Write a sentence or paragraph about the event. Immediately, or later, read back over what you have written. Then write what I will call a "reflection." 

The reflection is just for you. It is not a part of your life story or memoir that will be published or shown to family. (Unless, of course, you decide to do so.)

Continue writing about the life event(s) and writing reflections until you feel comfortable and able to write daily. 

You might answer these questions:

How did the writing make you feel? 

What do you observe about the event?

What thread of continuity do you find between this event and previous events?

What did you learn from writing about the event?

This is a part of the therapeutic aspect of writing. Various studies have shown that writing is therapeutic, but some  found that the most benefit came from reflecting back on what had been written and writing about that, too. 

From time to time, review your reflective writing and see if it leads you to deeper writing or new insights.

If you do this, I think you will find yourself feeling stronger, braver, and more able to continue with the writing of your memoir or life.

If you have a desire to write about your life, it is too important to allow yourself to be distracted. 

LAUNCHING PAD

Return to a piece of writing. Read it. Write a reflection, using the questions above as a guide.

Chocolate Inkwell

Thank you to Vickie for sending me this recipe. When I saw the name, Peanut Butter Cups, I thought it was for something like a copy of candy peanut butter cups. Wow! Was I wrong.

Part of the reason I like this recipe is that it gives you an excuse to use cute little ramekins, and if you don't have any, which I don't, it is an excuse to go out and buy some. (Hello Marshall's.)

The source for the recipe is/www.bestyummyrecipes.com. It calls for specific brands, but, of course, I doubt they are necessary. Note, though, that the ingredient list does not include the ingredients on the cake mix -- which you will need.

Peanut Butter Cups

Photo Courtesy of yummyrecipes.com

• 8 (4 ounce) ramekins
• 1 (15.25 ounce) Betty Crocker Devil's Food cake mix (and ingredients called for on the package)
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray ramekins with cooking spray.
2. Prepare cake mix batter according to package directions.
3. In a medium bowl, mix the peanut butter and powdered sugar with a hand mixer or by hand until completely combined. Form 8 golf ball sized balls and set aside.
4. Scoop 3-4 tablespoons of cake batter into each ramekin. Place peanut butter ball in the center of the cake batter in each ramekin. Cover the peanut butter ball with 1-2 tablespoons of cake batter.
5. Bake peanut butter cups for 16-19 minutes or until top is set and bounces back.
6. Top each cake with 1 Tablespoon of chocolate chips and let melt. You can spread them once they melt or just leave them as is.

Check out http://www.angelinyourinkwell.com/index.php for life story writing questions and answers. 
And, while you're there, if you like cute greeting cards, click on Buy Here.


Mirror photo by Carol Newman
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