November already…are you as shocked by that as I am? And yet, the signs are all there: Red camellias are blooming along the back fence, hummingbirds are fighting epic territorial battles in the pepper trees, and white azaleas are bouncing like over-caffeinated ballerinas in the Santa Ana winds. How are these different from the hallmarks of late autumn where you are?
November also ushers in the season o' NaNo. Are you participating? I'm not writing a novel, as you know; I'm still revising/editing my memoir. Still, while NaNo isn't a perfect match for my situation, I've figured out a way to bend it to my will. Mwahaha, and go, me! It's all about showing up and, as Ron Carlson so sagely advises us, staying in the room with the story. Every day. Without fail. Regardless.
Oh, but holy cow! I confess to a bit of hand-wringing when I first saw this yesterday. As fortune would have it, a very dear friend dropped by, provided me the cup of comfort that I needed, and then nudged me back to the page. In doing so, she offered me yet another key to NaNo success. A life lesson, reprised: Allowing myself room in which to pause and reflect, and then moving forward, without giving easement to my insecurities. I'll enjoy reading that book, eventually. But for today anyway, I have my own story to tell: Can I get a witness?
Enough about me. I want to hear about things in your corner of the world! I've got time for a cuppa tea, if you do…
XOXO,
Melodye
Image credit: Woman Writing a Letter, by Dutch artist Gerrit ter Borsch.
Yes, I agree, your story is your story, and because of that, it will stand on its own! 🙂 Interesting too that this other blog doesn’t offer a ton of information about the book…I wonder why that is? I’m glad you’re making NaNo work for you!
What a terrific picture!
And yeah, memoirs that seem similar may appear, but you hve your own unique experiences–and a very wonderful voice to tell them with.
You said come play on LJ so here I am! What are you up to today? I’ve been alone with E all day as my hubby cleans our house which has been going through two major renovations – toilet and kitchen. We’ve been exiled to my MIL’s apartment. Of course the renovation took longer than calculated… Hopefully we can move in tomorrow.
*reaches for baby, hands you a cuppa*
Renovations are very stressful, even under the best possible circumstances. I’m sorry you’re temporarily exiled, and share the hope that you’ll be happily esconsed in your freshly-feathered nest by tomorrow. Meantime, I’m glad you decided to hang out with me/us! I’m writing…may I offer you a pen?
I think I’ll stick to the cuppa today, thank you! Letting my writing rest this month while I wait for the feedback.
The house will be great once it’s all done – I take comfort in that! Meanwhile the workmen didn’t cover anything so our whole living-room is covered in fine white dust. Including every book we own…
Wow… but that’s *her* story, Melodye! And perhaps it will make people curious and more likely to pick up yours when it becomes available! 😀
I LOVE that picture, Melodye! Almost as much as love YOU! Write on, dearest! Can’t wait to see your progress this month!
Good for you! I’m having black coffee.
I’ve also been writing more consistently lately (shhh…don’t want to jinx that). I’m making use of a delightful, quiet room on the main floor of my condo, the Library. Nice big tables, big window, good lighting, a change of scene from my office (and my four-legged attention-seeker), and *no internet access*. I can focus entirely on my WIP.
You’re a fantastic writer, from what I’ve seen of snippets and on this blog. Your book will be different from hers. But the really great thing is that her book shows there is a market for a well-written memoir. Win-win!
Well, I can see how that other book would give you pause, but even though the setting may be similar, you have your own experience and perspective that will be totally unique. And you know, it’s such a fascinating subject, that I would imagine people would read one and then want to read more. Isn’t that how the universe works–opening and embracing everything.
I’m so excited to read your story, Melodye. xo
You absolutely have your own unique and special story to tell, my friend. Just as you have your own unique and very special voice with which to tell it. I’m glad that your friend was able to give you the cup of comfort you needed. *HUGS*
I love your voice here, calm, assured as the Dutch woman in the painting looks. I don’t hear the hand-wringing-ness at all, so hope you can stay in that comfort zone. Nothing is new under the sun, and this sort of thing happens to all of us, and as many commented, mean very little in the end, or are more apt to open a subject than be the final word. I can’t wait to read your story! Hope November keeps bringing you to a good place to work on it. We’ll move forward together.
What Jeannine said from me too.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard about someone’s story and how close it comes to one of my mine. But your story and your voice is so unique. Just keep on writing. You only fail if you give up, and we won’t let you do that. 🙂
I’m letting my verse novel simmer for a while and am immersing myself in learning how to write essays and working on poetry for adults. Loving it all.
What Jeannine said from me too.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard about someone’s story and how close it comes to one of my mine. But your story and your voice is so unique. Just keep on writing. You only fail if you give up, and we won’t let you do that. 🙂
I’m letting my verse novel simmer for a while and am immersing myself in learning how to write essays and working on poetry for adults. Loving it all.
Shoot…can’t remember my password here so I’m locked out for the moment but this is from Susan Taylor Brown
To quote a professional advice giver: We can all sing the same song, but we don’t all sing it in the same voice…so keep on singing.