I’m deep in the dragon’s lair these days, but…
Whenever I enjoy my nature breaks, there’s always something to inspire me.
Last night, I was walking the beach when inspiration struck..
This little sandpiper was hurrying along, picking at the wet sand, eating his supper as he went.
And as with yesterday’s sea foam ice (or sand dragons, sand people climbing up out of the earth, etc..), it was again sea foam that caught my attention.
Don’t the bits of it look like golden coins scattered on the beach?
I thought so.
And as I watched the bird scurrying along, gathering his evening meal in teeny increments, I was reminded that books are written the same way.
Like picking up golden coins off the sand and stringing them together to make sentences and paragraphs, and then whole scenes and chapters, until you’re done.
The thing to remember is that there are many ways to collect the words.
No one way is the ‘right’ way.
Someone might gather the ‘sea-coins’ in their hands, holding them tight until they can fit no more in their palms and the coins spill free, flooding ‘the page.’ Others might carry a tidy totebag, carefully placing each gem inside until the bag is full, the ‘book’ born. A few might examine each glittering bit of gold, choosing with great care. These cautious writers edit as they go, working slowly, but turning in near-perfect work to their editors.
How you do it doesn’t matter, only that you do.
That’s how books are written: one word at time until you get to the end.
All that from a wee sandpiper gathering his dinner last night. (which shows you how inspiration is everywhere, but that’s a topic for another day)
Bottom line: as long as you follow your heart and do what you want to do, however you do it, you’re a winner.
If anyone argues, tell them Devorgilla said so.
Have a great weekend!
Oh my goodness…(pausing here to take a deep breath)…thank you. Your words resonated deeply within me.
Have a wonderful weekend, Sue-Ellen and Tarts.
Knew you’d like this one, Mary. Remember Ghost Island. I keep my eye on it, too. (((HUGS)))
You have my sentiment down – that is how I am living my life now and listing to my inner voices
Excellent, Kathy! That’s the way to do it. Wonderful!!
And you are a winner in our book. I wondered as I read today (and I read daily even if I do not comment) Do you gather thoughts/tidbits for future passages and store them in a computer folder or paper folder? Then as you are writing a book, Do you look back to those on where they might be tucked in? Happy weekend to you and stay warm. I hear you will have some cold nights this weekend. Helen in Ark.
Thank you so much for your good words, Helen. I appreciate them so much.
Yes, I keep track of tidbits for the books. I have an ‘info’ file for each book (computer, not paper) with all my various notes on characters and setting. I note, for instance, the first time a character appears and where that is (book, chapter, page number). This is great for reference as I write series with recurring characters.
I also have a file especially for sudden thoughts that I want to remember for the next scene or chapter.
But most of it is in my head. I’m not near as organized as some writers. Many keep incredible accountings of their plots, characters, books, and storyworlds, using super-techy writing programs to store every imaginable detail of their work-in-progress. I just sit here and write. (with the exceptions of note-keeping mentioned above)
Towards the end of a deadline, I start dashing notes on post-it notes that I stick to the edge of my pc. That’s because the characters are ‘real’ then and I will ‘hear’ snippets of their conversations and quickly jot them down so I do not forget to include these dialogue lines or revelations in the end of the book, when all loose bits are tied up. (or should be) At this point, my pc looks like a yellow post-it note porcupine.
Helen – It wasn’t my intention to yellow-highlight the first line of my comment back to you. Un-techy soul that I am, I have no idea why that happened. ((:O
Hi Sue-Ellen!
Just finished reading your new book! I loved it, just like all your other books.
I also, love all your nature posts. Last year was not a good year for me. I lost my husband, last August. He got sick and never got better. That is why you haven’t heard from me much.
Any new series coming up? Well take care!
Hugs, Lorraine
Lorraine, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Know that the Tarts are holding you up, each one in their own personal way.
Oh, dear, Lorraine, this is just terrible news! I am so very sorry about your husband. I’m so sorry for you and the family. This is just really, really sad. I had no idea you have been going through such heartache.
Love and (((HUGS)))
Just what I needed Sue-Ellen. I am frustrated, and stuck…so thanks for putting up such a nice post. It gave me a boost to get back at it…and find some gold coins I have stashed away.
Have a good weekend Sue-Ellen! Good luck hiding out with your dragon!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the post, Lexi. It’s so easy to get frustrated. I do, too. Lots! Getting outdoors and enjoying nature daily is my wellspring of positive energy. I always see something that lifts my spirits and helps me push past whatever might be bothering me. Here’s wishing you many lovely gold coins and lots and lots of inspiration and goodness.
Have a great weekend.
(from me and the dragon)
Sue-Ellen, your pictures always bring a sense of peace to me.
psssstt…. we may be getting a little snow tonight. I’m hoping so but won’t hold my breath on it, LOL! If we do, I’ll get some pictures for you.
Just sent you an email…..my review went live yesterday and I just saw it in my email, LOL!
Thank you so much, Leah!! I really appreciate the review. I will look when I am out of here. I haven’t been in email for a few days so it is surely buried deep in the Inbox. I’ll find it. Thank you again!!
So glad you enjoyed the picture, Leah. It was a very special evening on the beach.
SNOW!!! I hope you do get some. If so, I’ll look forward to the pictures. Thank you! It’s chilly and windy here tonight. I’m loving it.
Hey Sue Ellen, truer words were never more spoken! We have only one lifetime so we need to make the best of it as we see fit – not as someone else does. I’ve always danced to my own tune (guess that’s why my ‘real’ friends are few). I do fine in this world we live in – sure there is always worse and always better but I’ve also been a firm believer life is what we make it and if you follow your heart, you are blessed!
You have a fantastic mindset, Barb! I love your outlook. LOVE it. No kidding about ‘real’ friends. So many people are only ‘friendly’ because they believe a relationship will benefit them -or- they try to bend us into how they think we should be. (which is usually, again, somehow beneficial to them) A true friend loves you AS YOU ARE and IS THERE in good AND BAD times. (especially the bad/hard times).
Another beautiful and inspiring post, Sue-Ellen! I see your coins, but the whole picture was breath taking.
Yes, just keep putting one foot in front of the other and eventually you will arrive. Somethimes you do take a side trip that turns out to be a dead end but you just need to get back on the main path and keep going.
Exactly, Kathy. Well said, Yes, that particular beach walk was really special. Nights are stunning on the beach just now. Very lovely light these evenings.
First thing I saw, before I even began reading, was the incredibly beautiful sunset! You saw the same sunset yesterday I did but you were along the beach and it was more beautiful. Ah, those Florida sunsets! They do make up for the rest of it! Now if only you could get your snow tomorrow night, right? I did enjoy your description of writing too. When I have to write something of any sort, I toss it around in my head until it’s what I think I want, then I write it down and walk away, only to return and rewrite as many times as necessary until I’m satisfied. Enjoy the cold temps this weekend; someone should!
We do have gorgeous sunsets. That one was especially beautiful, you’re right. I smiled at your description of writing, too. It’s the rewriting that really matters. Very good observation. I am enjoying the colder temps. It was so invigorating to be out this afternoon. LOVED it. Hope tomorrow will be even colder, as predicted. If it snows, Devorgilla will dance on my rooftop.
Loved this post. I find, since I’ve retired, that I do a much better job of following my heart and doing what I want to do; just got tired of trying to please everyone else. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.
Love your outlook, Karen. It is so good to just exhale and be ourselves.
Who would argue with Devorgilla??? Not I.
I let her run things, too, Z. Life is easier that way.