Writing

In October I got to attend an amazing conference. As I looked through my blog I realized I didn't even blog much about it! That is a tragedy because I truly found it to be one of the most inspiring few days I had all year. There's something about me and books and writers. It stirs my soul!

I cut out a little clip I found a while ago for a writing contest for Time Out For Women. I'm not going to post my entry (maybe in time). Writing it has made me think about a workshop I attended at the Kaleidoscope conference. There were only a few people in the workshop. The presenter started off by going around the room and having each of us answer the question, "What are you writing?"

I was the first to answer. I felt silly. I am interested in writing, but I don't really write. I write report cards. I write example paragraphs for students. But I don't seem to write much else.

The presenter just smiled and thanked me then went on to the next person.

That person kind of answered the same way: stumble, awkwardly come up with something, and stumble and hope that is the end of the conversation.

Again, the presenter smiled and went on to the next person.

After all six of us answered she announced we were going to do some writing. I can't even remember now what topic or starter she gave us. It was pretty vague. She told us, then said, "Okay. Go!" It was quiet in the room as we all paused, scribbled a few words down, and paused some more. And then the dreaded moment came where she asked us to share what we'd written! Again, we each stumbled through the process and hoped it would end soon.

I have thought a lot about that day since then. I've been thinking for a while about what I'd write for the Time Our For Women contest. I formulated some ideas in my head, tossed them around for a while, and then the other day finally sat down at the computer to start to put it together. It wasn't that bad. I printed off my story and have carried it with me, reading a paragraph now and then, editing as I go. And you know what?! I've really enjoyed it. Just like reading ,writing seems to stir something inside me.

Somehow I need to carve out some time to do more writing. I am thinking I'm going to have to give something up. Facebook? Scrabble? Mindless googling?

A lot of writers I've read about get up early and write first thing. I'm not sure I can get up any earlier - but I could try to get my mornings more organized so I can spend some time writing each day.

I feel like I need to give it a shot!