There's An Angel In Your Inkwell: 2014-03-23

Monday, March 24, 2014

What Comes After Rule One

WRITING TIP

In response to a recent email and a couple of phone calls and the conversation at a recent writers group meeting, I am writing about overcoming the fear of writing about painful life events.

After all, pain is pain. Who wants it? The first time was bad enough. Why relive it? But, still, somehow, you feel those painful parts must be included for your memoir or life story to be complete.

Last week, I wrote that Rule One is You Make the Rules.

What comes next?

That's it. That is the end of the rules.

But here is something you can try. Write like a morning glory.

Morning brings a full, vibrant bloom.

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

A few hours pass and the flower begins to close.

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

We still love the morning glory, don't we, even though it doesn't bloom all day?

Photo by Carol Newman

One bloom, another, another, and soon they make a beautiful display on a wall or fence.

You can do the same with your stories. Don't think about blooming all day. Don't think about writing the entire terrible event. Write a little today. Write a little tomorrow. It's okay to fade after writing a bit. Tomorrow you can write again.

Recently I suggested you start with just one sentence. Maybe you are still thinking that is too painful or wondering with what sentence to start. Next time I have a suggestion about that.

LAUNCHING PAD

Meanwhile, See What Others Say about writing about painful events in their lives. Reading is often the best Launching Pad into your own writing. You may find their observations so inspiring you will be eager to start.

Your comments and questions are welcome. Let us know how the writing goes.

I will see you back here in a few days.

Chocolate Inkwell

You know my friend, Judy, who supplies many of the wonderful chocolate recipes here? Yes? Well, today's recipe is from Judy -- in an indirect way. And it is a recipe in an indirect way.

Chocolate for your Brain is a humor column that focuses on parenting, the unique struggles of raising a large family in the modern age and other absurdities of modern life.

It is written by Judy's college roommate's daughter. (I believe I have that connection correct.)

We all need a "recipe" for the "absurdities of modern life." And, these recipes are waistline friendly. Enjoy.

Favorite Books

Honolulu by Alan Brennert
Not Worth Saving: How a Severely Handicapped Boy Transformed Lives by Ann Joyner
Paint Yourself in Sky by Jane Robinette - poems and paintings
Soy Sauce for Beginners by Kirstin Chen - a novel
The Art of Racing in the Rain (novel) by Garth Stein - told in dog's viewpoint, not as ridiculous as it sounds, sad ending, but I love this book. I will never look at a dog the same.
The Pioneer Woman Cooks by Ree Drummond
The Sum of our Days by Isabel Allende
Write Your Travel Memoirs by Sarah E. White

Chocolate Trivia

After a bar of chocolate one can forgive anybody, even one's relatives. (from Chocoholic: Quotations for Chocolate Lovers)
There is no love more sincere than the love of chocolate. (from Vickie's gift, Chocoholic: Quotations for Chocolate Lovers)
Chocolate is my birthstone. (Kristal Wick)
Forget love. I'd rather fall in chocolate. -- (from Donna's gift chocolate calendar)
There's a thin person inside of me screaming to get out, but I keep her sedated with chocolate. -- Bumper Sticker (from Chocolate 2009 Calendar, Andrews McMeel)
An elderly man lay dying in his bed. He smelled his favorite chocolate chip cookies. He painfully made his way out of the bedroom. When he reached toward a cookie, he was smacked by a spatula. "Stay out of those," said his wife, "they're for the funeral." (from Chocolate 2009 Calendar, Andrews McMeel)
I am only as strong as the chocolate I eat, the hair spray I use, and the friends I have.
What is the meaning of life? All evidence to date suggests it’s chocolate. – Anonymous (from Andrews McMeel 2009 Chocolate Calendar)
The botanical name of the chocolate plant is Theobroma cacao, which means "food of the gods." (from Chocolate 2009 Calendar, Andrews McMeel)
Research from Indiana University suggests that chocolate milk is as good as sports drinks for recovery after intense endurance sports. It has carbohydrates, protein, electrolytes, vitamins, minerals, and a sweet flavor that most people like. (You think?) (Source: Andrews andMcMeel 2009 Chocolate Calendar)