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Last year at HP |
I had been out of the publishing business a long time when my friend, Mary, invited me to my first writer’s retreat at the Hemingway-Pfeiffer Educational Center in Piggott several years ago. That experience connected me with other writers and triggered a gradual evolution from retirement to casual dabbling and eventually to more serious writing endeavors.
Thank you, Stephanie Vanderslice for tagging me. Here’s where I find myself today.
What Am I Working On?
Sunday, we’re heading down to Navarre Beach for a couple of weeks where I’ll be working on that book. It’s the perfect place to write without interruptions.
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Our Favorite Getaway Spot |
I confess I’m shy about submitting my work. But this year, I’ve sent several devotionals, poems and a story to some faith-based publications. I recently learned that five of my devotionals will be included on a new website that will launch in the near future, which is exciting. I’ll keep you posted on that. Still, I remind myself that my work won’t appeal to everyone. I just hope to find an audience that connects with it.
How Does My Work Differ From Others in my Genre?
I don’t really know. My book is about a young man’s journey from despair to faith. I hope to present the Christian component without being preachy. I’d like to appeal to a broad audience while remaining true to what I believe.
Why Do I Write What I Do?
My writing reflects my life. I’ve lived my own redemption story, plus I have a teacher’s heart. I see spiritual applications in everything. Life is full of writing prompts.
I start my day by reading something inspirational and then spend time reflecting and praying. Some days my writing springs from what I read, but just as often, an idea that’s been percolating begins to take shape. It may start with a single line of poetry, or an outline might unfold almost like a lesson plan. I try to capture these thoughts in a journal, which usually becomes a first draft.
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My favorite reference book |
As I type the copy into my computer, the editing begins. Maybe because I worked as an editor, I actually enjoy the process. Trimming away the nonessential, trading a phrase for the best word to convey a thought brings me great satisfaction. If I let it get cold for a few hours or overnight, I always see more ways to tighten it and make it better when I go back to it.
Like any creative endeavor, my writing is part of me, which can make me overly attached to every thought, line and word. I remind myself to get over it and edit more. If it doesn’t contribute to the central thought, I save it for something else.
Kayla Dean: Kayla works as a Student Development Specialist at Arkansas State University – Beebe. She is also a wife and the mother of a sixteen-month-old son. She must be amazingly organized because she still finds time to write. She beat me to the post! Read about her writing process at K.I. Dean Around.
At time of publication, I didn’t have a third writer for this blog hop, so if you’re interested, jump on the My Writing Processblog hop. Just tell me in the comments. I recommend it. It’s been an enlightening exercise for me.
Great post Dorothy! I always find your writing inspirational and can't wait to buy your book someday soon! I am so thankful to have met you at HP.
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Thank you, Talya. I feel the same way about you, your blog and your soon to be published books. I thank God for our connection and for your help getting me online!
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You have a really interesting writing process. Thanks for sharing, and for inviting me to participate.
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Thanks for participating in the hop, Kayla, and for reading mine!
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Good post. I have too many other irons in the fire to join in, but thanks for asking. xoxo
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Thanks, Pat. I understand about being busy.
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Interesting to read about your writing routine. Looking forward to the day your book is available. You blog is super!
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Thank you, Freeda. I guess we all do it a little differently. I think your blog is super, too!
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Lovely post, Dorothy. Your writing is so real and so inspirational.
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Thank you, Corinne, I consider that a great compliment because of your expertise.
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