Summer writing...

Class ends this Tuesday and my writing critique group ended last week. Both groups helped me structure writing time. My challenge through the summer is finding a way to balance my activities so I have writing time. With no external deadlines I must take responsibility and create internal deadlines for my writing.

Essay: On Crazy Grief

One goal I have is to write essays about my grieving journey. I decided to write about "Crazy Grief" something few sources acknowledge. It's a legacy of the stigma attached to being labeled crazy in our society. Crazy Grief is a response to losing someone we love; the pain of loss literally makes us crazy. Two years after Glen died I still struggle with waves of grief crashing down on me. Am I crazy? I don't think I am, yet isn't denial a sign of craziness? A good topic to explore in a personal essay -

Platform

Last week the class assignment was to draft a query letter. This week I write a two page synopsis. It's the first time I write a summary of the entire story. Both exercises help me identify my platform - who will read my book. The story is about betrayal - the protagonist's trail of betrayals and other's betrayals of her. How does someone heal from a lifetime of betrayal? This is the theme explored throughout the story.

Revisions...

I continue my revision process. One scene at a time is worked on. I read everything I can about the revision process - incorporating what seems to fit with my writing. When I need a break from the revising, I turn to my memoir essays. This gives my creative energy a chance for expression.

Susan Jean Elaine

I've started a new writing project, a memoir of sorts. I write memories about growing up in the 1950's during a time when childhood was about the many adventures we created. Such contrast with the childhood experiences of today. It is fun to write about these moments with my two sisters. We three sisters will write our memories and share them when we are together.

Write, write, write...

I entered my short essay about Glen’s death in a contest. I just wanted to put it out there. Just writing the essay was cathartic! Finding my life through writing is wonderful. Sadness comes and goes, but I suppose that’s always going to be part of being left behind.

Critique Group

Recently I joined a writer's critique group. This is an invaluable experience for my growth as a writer. My past experience writing has involved much collaboration with colleagues and since I've retired, I have missed the collaborative process. I have struggled against the idea of the lone writer, sitting at a desk isolated from others. My critique group has filled this void. We share not only feedback about each person's writing, but we also share resources. I am extremely grateful for this wonderful group of writers in my life.