WRITERS ANNONYMOUS

I haven't had anything funny, inspirational, or helpful to say this week. Instead of making up some dribble that no one wants to read (including me) I'm going to share this poem that made me giggle...

Writers Anonymous: A 3 Step Program

[Step One: Resentment]
Hi, My name is Quentin.
I'm a write-a-holic.
I can't control it, can't curb
the urge to write.
I need help.
I want my life back.

[Step Two: Commitment]
I write poems on fast food napkins,
with toothpicks, using ketchup for ink.
I jot ideas for poems
on my arms and legs. When I run out of space,
I use my shoes.
I make motions
similar to Michael Jackson's moonwalk
when I need to erase.

I make up stories
while making love to my wife.
She left me. Who needs her?
She was suffocating my creativity.

I await submission replies
like an addict, hands trembling,
head shaking in disbelief.
Not another bout with rejection!
I'm manic depressive.
I'm happy to be here.
No I'm not.

I live for revision.
Instead of sex, I have poems.
I eat feedback.

[Step 3: Contentment]
As a recovering write-a-holic,
admitting my problem
has provided a much needed catharsis.
Joining this nurturing group has

(Excuse me,
but are you going to throw away that paper cup?
That's good paper!)

taught me to reconcile my past
and move forward.

~Quentin Huff

Moonwalking to erase. That's brilliant in my opinion. ;)

My Own Kind

I ordered myself a New Year's present with a gift card that the fabulous Natalie Bahm sent me. (Thanks, Nat!) The book is called A Writer's Book of Days. Per the description on the cover, it's "a spirited companion and lively muse for the writing life." You can check it out via the link if you'd like to learn more. So far I'm really loving it.

Now, for the part I wanted to blog about...

As I read the opening pages, Judy Reeves said something that really hit home for me.

I have been invited to participate in a community where I am free to be all that I am as a writer--insecure, self-conscious, ungraceful, passionate, raw, reckless, wild, and even outside my self. I have found my own kind.

Those words made me think of all of you. My writing world people. Some of whom I've never spoken to in real life, much less met face to face, but nonetheless...are my own kind.

I don't get to read your blogs as often as I'd like, but when I do it's like hot chocolate for my soul. When I read the comments left on my posts it's like I've been handed warm chocolate chip cookies that make me feel all cozy and happy.

I love your stories, your thoughts, your metaphors, your jokes, your photos, your announcements, and everything else you're brave enough to blog about. I think we've all had our moments of Am-I-any-good-at-this-writing-stuff? or even worse, What-if-no-one-cares-what-I-have-to-say?

Try to put those insecure thoughts in a shredder and toss them away.

We are writers.
What we write may not always be poetic, or brilliant, or funny, or publishable, or even memorable.
Who cares.
Write anyway.

Be ungraceful. Be reckless. And yes, even when it's difficult, be passionate.

Every word you write is one step closer to improving your craft. It's one step closer to learning about yourself. It's one step forward on this crazy writerly path that we are all strolling (and sometimes stumbling and tripping) along.

The best part is you are not alone. I am not alone. None of us are alone. They say writing is a lonely job, but I disagree. Look around. Look at all the wonderful people. Between my CPs, blogger buddies, friends I've met at conferences, or even just the occasional commenters who say things that make me smile: I am part of an astounding network of talented and supportive people.

I have found my own kind.
Thank you for being one of them.

Just Another New Year Post

A new year.

A blank page.

A beginning to a new chapter.

I want to fill this one with an abundance of good health, happiness, success, and love.

I have vowed to write more, read more, and create more because that will bring all of the above into my life.

I will try to forgive my boyfriend’s bad moods and thank him for forgiving mine. With a heavy heart, I will hold his hand as he copes with losing his mother less than 2 weeks before Christmas, and I will silently (and somewhat guiltily) pray that I have a long time left with mine.

I will tell my friends and family how much they mean to me, and how grateful I am to have them in my life. But not just on Facebook, Twitter, or via email, because they deserve more than that and it saddens me that real communication is becoming a lost art.

I will try to remember what’s important.

I will try to keep things in perspective.

To hell with making resolutions to lose weight, join a gym, or stop eating chocolate or drinking coffee.

I most likely won’t lose weight and I’m okay with that. It saves me from spending money on new smaller sized clothes—my current ones fit just fine. Not to mention gyms are expensive and I’d rather put all that money towards chemotherapy and supplements to help my bulldog, Rooney, win his battle against cancer.

I won’t give up chocolate or coffee. They bring me comfort and taste delicious, and life is just too short to give up what you love.

That will be my theme, motto, and inspiration for 2011…Love.

Love what you do.

Love who you’re with.

Love yourself.

And when in doubt, love.

Happy New Year to each of you. With love, I wish you an abundance of happiness, good health, success and love.

Thank you for being a part of this chapter.