Wednesday, June 18, 2014

A Writing Tea



It has been another day of ups and downs, dark and light, humid heat and breezy wind (in June?). It’s been another day with a thunderstorm forecast in the very near future. I have worked hard, but I still feel behind on many things. Yet, at day’s end I am choosing to feel gratitude for what I did accomplish today and that was a couple of great hours in the morning.

A new friend dropped by, and I threw out some strawberry Madeleines and brewed up some tea. This friend is a writer too, and finally it looks like I might have a writing buddy! Those of you who have great critique groups might have forgotten the lonely side of writing. It is a private activity on the one hand, but on the other one needs a listening wall, an honest voice that lets you try ideas out and try scenes on for size.

Diann writes some truly beautiful poems I learned. (Someday maybe she will let me share with you.) She had hung back from fiction, but I urged her on. So now we are both trying our hand at writing a story for a contest. Our stories are vastly different, but we truly appreciated the other’s work. We each got the encouragement this morning to keep working on these stories.

I also got enough strength and confidence to work on a nonfiction pitch that was requested of me. I did not think I could do this job, knew I had to try. I managed this afternoon to get an outline of where I might go on this article, but a lot of real work is left to do. This writing is hard, but it is even harder to find a crack in my days to work on the project.


So no matter what curve balls were thrown at me today, a writing tea this morning was a wonderful joy!       

10 comments:

Elephant's Child said...

How wonderful to find the support (and inspiration) that you need. Congratulations - and the strawberry Madelaines look most excellent as well.

Sioux Roslawski said...

Claudia--I love the phrase "listening wall." Know this: I am going to steal it. ;)

You're right. Having a writing friend or friends is critical. I'm glad you found a colleague.

Now, get writing!

Linda O'Connell said...

I am so happy for YOU!

Linda O'Connell said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Susan said...

Hi Bookie. Oh, I think it's wonderful you befriended a fellow writer. Great news.

Glad you are writing out-of-the box----out of your comfort zone, so to speak.

Thank you so much for all your visits and comments to Writing Straight from the Heart. Love it when you stop by. Susan

Donna Volkenannt said...

Hi Claudia,
Great news that you've found a writing buddy! Even greater news that you're tackling the nonfiction project. I love your table setting. The blue and flowers are so inviting, but I have to ask: what is a strawberry Madeline, and may I please have the recipe?

pat couch laster said...

I belong to two writers groups-one that meets weekly (talk about a deadline!) and one that USED to meet monthly, but now merely emails submissions for 2 months, then meets face to face at one of the member's homes the 3rd month. Not as satisfying and helpful, but that's the way it has happened. Wish I were close enough to drop in for tea and Madelaines--and you.

Lynn said...

Writing friends are a joy, that's for sure and they help to keep you motivated and inspired. I don't have any doubt that you could do a non-fiction piece... get going and share, ok?

Lisa Ricard Claro said...

That's wonderful, Claudia! Having a writing pal does make a difference, in the most positive way. I'm glad you found someone whose company you enjoy and whose opinion you trust.

Musings, Tea, and Me said...

Oh Bookie, you are so fortunate to have a writing buddy. Gosh, I wished I lived near you! BTW, I love the blue, blue place mats...they really pop against your lovely deck! Vickie