Have you ever read a sign wrong and liked it better that way? Our family went “rustic camping” a couple of weeks ago, and we passed a notice by the road that said “You are responsible for your refuse”. This usually means, “Hey, pick up your trash, kid.” but I saw “refuse” for its literal meaning – to be unwilling to do something.
My gears started to shift.
Things happen in life. Whether it’s an opportunity that comes my way or a problem that blocks my path, no one can force me to change. But if I choose not to grow, take risks, and make the next move forward (however scary) then I need to take responsibility for my choice.
I am responsible for my refuse.
Most of the time, I don’t think we realize when we are refusing to change. For me, sometimes I get into a routine that works, and I think I’m all set. After all, if someone isn’t inviting you to jump into a cold lake, are you really refusing to go?
Of course, there are times when refusing to do something is a good thing. Not every opportunity can or should be taken. But I have refused so many good things in life.
I have refused to believe. Refused to put the work in. Refused to give someone a chance.
Those devastating refusals are on no one else besides me. But I don’t have to stay in a state of quiet or constant refusal. And if I am responsible for my refuse, then that means I also have the ability to change it. The transformation could be amazing, if I refuse to doubt.
You are responsible for your refuse. The question is: What are you going to do with it?
Until next time,
Invent your story
I love to read picture books. They’re like little bits of magic. Great stories are full of purpose, interest, and usually have some insight on life. This is the case with Gregory the Terrible Eater.
As a youth services director, I’m always looking for great books that engage kids. Gregory the Terrible Eater is a story that has stood the test of time with young ones, and I learned a few inventive writing strategies when I revisited the classic this week.
So, what makes Gregory special?
Author Mitchell Sharmat meets us at one of the most iconic places of the home: the dinner table. As the title suggests, Gregory is a picky eater, but not in the usual way. Because he is a goat, the foods he’s expected to eat aren’t exactly appetizing to people – and what he really wants to eat are foods many “picky-eaters” shy away from.
Writing stories is one of my favorite things to do. So, I guess it makes sense I pay attention to what other authors are doing to have fun and be creative with their wonderful stories. Here are some thoughts for writers to bring new, inventive ideas to your stories:
- Take what’s “normal” and turn it upside down.
- Let your characters be flawed in some way. Nobody’s perfect.
- Compromise can be a key to a happy ending.
If you haven’t read this story, I highly recommend reading it and sharing it with a kid – picky eater or not! Good books bring a new perspective to our lives and give us something to chew on for awhile.
And if you’re a good goat like Gregory – it might be a tin can by the end of the story.
Until next time,
Invent Your Story
If you liked this post, you can read more of my thoughts on writing picture books at 3 Things Every Picture Book Writer Needs to Know.
When I don’t know what to write, writing prompts and challenges are my go-to writer’s block busters. The one I’ve tackled most recently is the Sweet Seven presented by author Hannah Deurloo, and if you like writing for children, give her challenge a shot! Here’s what I love about them:
1. Writing Prompts are Short
Like a handful of blueberries (as opposed to a meal), writing prompts are low commitment and energy-packed. They don’t take long to write, and that’s a big deal. When I feel stuck, I want to get moving again fast. A prompt can get me from A to B in a paragraph. Boom.
2. You’ve Got Room to Grow
Whether the challenge is a paragraph, page, flash fiction, or short story, you can always make it longer if you want to. I love the creative freedom this brings. I once did a 24-hour challenge with a friend, and the story that came from it was cooler than I anticipated. Maybe one day it will be a novel, but for today, it’s something started with room to grow.
3. Hello, Focus
If a river is blocked, the water disperses. The same kind of thing happens (at least to me) with writer’s block. Instead of cutting a clear path, my thoughts can begin to go all over the place. A prompt gives me a problem to solve. Navigating the waters becomes the focus again, and I’m back on course.
4. Gain a New Perspective
Writers can be great builders, but when we always use the same materials, the work gets mundane. If you use a book, an online challenge, or even make up your own writing prompt with a friend, it forces you to try something out of your box. And that, my friends, helps to get those inventive wheels turning again.
You can do it! What challenge will you conquer today?
Until next time,
Invent your story
The coolest thing happened this week. I got a comment. It wasn’t a, “Hey, I like what you’re doing!” kind of comment – although I appreciate all feedback. It was a, “I get criticized for my out-of-the-box thinking, and your words really encouraged me…” kind of comment.
Not a public comment. Not a “two thumbs up” from a well-known critic that’s going to make my career. It wasn’t a call from an agent. It was a person who was facing a challenge, and my words encouraged them.
Wow.
You know what, writers? It’s worth it. For that alone, it’s worth it. Yes, writing takes hours, days, weeks, and years. Yes, you may never make a dime from it. It may take a very, very long time (if you’re like me) and you are going to face a zillion challenges in every form imaginable.
For that one person, it’s worth it.
People say to write for yourself, and I don’t argue that. Putting those thoughts, words, and ideas onto paper is fulfilling, and if you’re only writing for others, you may lose yourself in the process. Write like you. Write for you. Just write. It’s good.
But with billions of people on the planet, there’s a good chance someone out there will benefit from what you have to say. From honesty. From your brand of crazy – because we all have our own brand of crazy.
My goal, this week, is to let one of the people who’ve encouraged me know that they’ve made a difference in my life. I’m part of someone’s “target audience” too – and I’m easily part of the “audience” of the person whose comment had an impact on me. Friends, we need each other, and that is a gift.
Until next time,
Invent your story
If you’re looking for more encouragement, check out Chocolates and Writing Advice. Happy Friday!
Rejection. It’s not really the part of the writer’s life that’s fun to talk about. It’s great writing material – rejection involves conflict! Rejection is interesting! Rejection is an obstacle for the protagonist to overcome!
Rejection stinks.
Sure, it’s expected. Even the extremely successful writers are criticized and rejected by people – or their work is. And it’s a wonderful teacher (that’s for another post). I don’t expect everyone to like my work, but I do hope somebody does.
And since my last post on writing, somebody did. I mentioned WOW – Women on Writing last time because I’d submitted my work to their competition and knew I was a finalist. They liked my work – the question was, would I be a winner?
Drum roll, please….
Runner-up! My story As for Adventure was one of the top ten stories for their Spring 2018 Flash Fiction contest, and it’s so weird to be writing the words you can read my published work by clicking here. You really can. This actually happened.
Every one of us has a story and experiencing this part of mine makes me want to thank everyone in the world who helped me. Because this is something I could never do on my own. I’m thankful to God, my parents who encouraged me, my sisters who’ve always had my back, my husband who’s in my corner, my kids who genuinely care, my amazing friends who’ve walked with me in life, my teachers who gave me tools and encouragement along the way – thank you so much. Without you, I wouldn’t be doing what I do. And so many thanks to WOW with guest judge literary agent Sharon Pelletier of Dystel, Goderich & Bourret. If writers didn’t have opportunities like this one, we’d be missing the challenges that help propel us forward. Thank you!
Because this is my first “real success” as a writer, there’s a something I want to share with you that I hope make a difference for someone out there.
I joined a writing group almost two years ago. My first night there, I brought a poem with me, and I was terrified to read it. Terrified, but I knew if I was really going to do this writer thing, I needed to face that fear.
Before I could get the words out, I said:
This is stupid. This is so stupid.
Then I read it. A leader pointed out some of the poem’s strengths and where it could be improved. People liked it well enough, and I was excited to come back to group again – but in the parking lot afterward, a girl came up to me and said
Don’t ever, EVER call your work stupid.
And since that day, I never have. Because it’s not stupid. I don’t approach writing lightly, and I think most writers don’t. My writing group has weathered many rejections with me. Some of my dear friends edited the winning story for me before submission. And this month, when I walked in the door, the entire group burst into applause to celebrate my placement in WOW’s competition. They are amazing people who I love.
If you’re a writer and you’re not connected with other writers, you are missing out. My writing group helped move me from rejecting my own work, to learning how to weather rejection from others, to celebrating success.
Who you journey with makes all the difference.
Until next time,
Invent your story
If you want to follow some of my amazing writer friends who helped improve my story, check out their websites here!
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