We cannot accomplish all that we need to do without working together. Bill Richardson
Every
time I walk into a library or a Chapters book store I question my
call to write. As I gaze row upon row of published books, it seems
that there are more than enough words flung out onto the vast empty
pages. A main reason, I was reluctant to join a writers group, is
because I did not feel as though I qualified as a writer.
And
how do you define writer? The online dictionary defines writer
as:
noun
1.
a person engaged in writing
books, articles, stories, etc., especially as an occupation or
profession; an author or journalist.
2.
a clerk, scribe, or the like.
3.
a person who commits his or her thoughts, ideas, etc., to writing
:
My
credentials come via point three—I am a person who commits my
thoughts to writing. As I connect with others who write, I learn and
improve my writing practice. It has become increasingly important for
me to connect with others along the writing journey. It's what keeps
me going back to put pen to paper. I have a writing partner that I
met via Inscribe. We meet monthly to spur one another on. I always
feel energized after our time together. Then the knowing that we will
meet again spurs me on because I need to have something worked on for
the next time.
As
I publish my post today, I will be celebrating the second last day of
a spiritual retreat. Two dear friends join me in February for what
has become known as the Pink Mountain Retreat. The name has developed
from nature. In the clear February air, the morning sun reflects back
on the snowy mountains, and on occasion the skies pink hues descend
onto the mountains with their rosy glow. It is especially during
these times I have been encouraged to write. These soul sister
friends also provide the rosy glow in my life as they reflect their
spiritual inner light and love.
These
ladies have walked the miles between my story happening and the
publishing of my first book; they have helped edit grammatically and
helped improve clarifity. They have asked me if I didn't want a
shorter sentence. Did I mean to sound angry in that section? Should
that be a semi-colon? And they have embraced the writing and say well done.
Like
good undergarments, these ladies are foundational for my writing; they lift me up when I am doubting, they separate the good from
the not so good, and they are close to my heart. (Perhaps they would
ask if I want to shorten that run on sentence.)
An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.Proverbs 12:25A man finds joy in giving an apt reply—and how good is a timely word.Proverbs 15:23 (The Message)
We
can and should cheer one another along in the journey of writing and
life.
And Thank-you fellow Inscribe bloggers
Jocelyn is the author of Who is Talking Out of My Head, Grief as an Out of Body Experience,
She blogs at http://whoistalking.wordpress.com
