just write

I like to write. It's not something I've aggressively pursued but it's something that always there. I've never taken a writing class but the pull towards it is there. I've had two articles published in a small magazine and guest blogged a time or two but every time I try to get serious about it, I turn my focus to other things and it goes back on the shelf...again. But, since this is my year of finally, I'm working on changing that! I've started a board on Pinterest to keep up with tips and ideas along the way on this writing journey. And the one thing that I keep seeing is "just write." So that's what I'm going to do. I'm not thinking about the big picture but just writing. 

   

now

I bought a book a few months ago called "The Pocket Muse: Ideas & Inspirations for Writing" by Monica Wood. It's sat in my pile of "to read" books ever since. But I decided to actually start reading it today. It's a collection of writing exercises and prompts to help with...writing. So I'm hoping this will spark new ideas for me and help get me back into the flow of writing.

Today's exercise: What are you waiting for? If not now, when?

This seems so fitting for the first exercise because I think we can all have reasons why we put off writing or whatever other dream we may have. What I've learned is that you have to just make time. Take advantage of the down time you have and scribble out a few lines. Don't fall into the trap of "when ________ happens, then I'll start writing." Now really is the time. Now's the perfect time to start. Whatever it is. Now...is...the...time.

ready - part 3

Kennedy was determined to have a better second day than her first. She went back and forth debating if she should look for Lucas and try to explain her refusal. While she wanted to stay on his good side, she also didn't want to show him any special treatment just because his last name is Warner. She knew all about the battles that were attached to having such a name. Making it to her office, she put down the bag of supplies she had brought with her. She figured the best way to ensure she had a good day would be to begin with a clean office. She had this thing about dirt and grime interfering with her productivity.

The phone on her desk ringing made Kennedy jump. Unfortunately, she was on her hands and knees beneath her desk when that happened. Hitting her head on the wooden surface, she let out a yelp. Holding her head with one hand and picking up the phone with the other, she tried to ignore the shooting pain. "Hello?" she said, not letting her voice give anything away. "Mr. Warner would like to see you in his office," came the voice of the less-than-friendly receptionist. "Ok, where -" Kennedy was cut off before she could ask where that office was. It took longer than she wanted and she was again wishing for those bread crumbs but she found the right office. Trying to look on the brighter side, she realized had it not been for her knack for getting lost, she wouldn't of met the handful of co-workers she'd encountered while asking for directions. If only the receptionist and Lucas could be so friendly.

Knocking on the door of the man who had her future with this company in his hands, Kennedy waited for him to grant her entrance. This was her first time meeting Mr. Warner - someone in Human Resources had interviewed and hired her. She had been reassured that Mr. Warner was fully aware of who she was and her qualifications. She worried how much about her he knew but would let that take care of itself. "Come in," a deep male voice said. Quelling her nerves, she opened the door and went inside. Meeting Mr. Warner's gaze, she noticed someone else out of the corner of her eye. Before she could turn to see the person, Mr. Warner introduced him. "Ms. Yates, I'd like for you to meet my son, Lucas."

ready - part 2

"You're still here?" a man stuck his head in Kennedy's office. Looking up from the handbook she was only halfway through, seeing a smiling face was more than welcome. "What time is it?" she asked. Not being a big fan of watches, her phone served the purpose of telling her the time but it was currently m.i.a. Glancing at his wrist, the man again looked at her. "Almost seven. Seriously, you should go home and rest. I'm sure you're exhausted." Her mind tried to process that. Seven o'clock! She'd been here that long? Standing, she closed the book and ran a hand through her hair that was surely pointing in every direction. "Can I walk you out?" Finally giving the man in her office her full attention, she offered a polite smile. "I don't think so. But thanks for the offer." He studied her. She could feel him watching her as she searched for her phone before sticking it in her purse. When she looked up again, he was gone. It was nothing personal, she reasoned as she closed her office door and retraced her steps from that morning. She just had no idea who he was or even his name. You couldn't be too sure these days.

Reaching the lobby, Kennedy was ecstatic that she'd managed her way out of the maze. She had taken countless wrong turns before finally getting her bearings. Maybe she'd leave a bread crumb trail in the morning. When she found her car, she saw the man who'd stopped by her office pulling out of the parking lot. Driving past, he didn't even look her way. Great, she thought. Her first day and already someone was mad at her. It was then she realized who was mad at her. The spot he had pulled out from had "Lucas Warner" written above it - the same last name as her boss. Her first day and she'd just managed to offend her employer's son.

ready

She took one more deep breath before opening the door. The thick carpet and richly decorated lobby only served to make her more nervous instead of easing her discomfort. No matter that she was more than qualified for the position, it was her first day in a new environment with people she didn't know. Tucking a few loose strands of hair behind her hear, holding her head high and pasting on a smile, she approached the front desk.

"We've been expecting you," the receptionist said before she could even utter a "hello." "Come with me and I'll show you to your office." The carpet silenced their footsteps as they made their way through the building. They turned corner after corner, marching down one hallway before encountering another. She ignored the stares from her new co-workers, no doubt assessing the "new girl." As nervous as she was, she was thankful for the chance to start over. To make new first impressions and not be linked to her past. A name can be a hard thing to compete against at times but she was ready.

The receptionist slowed to a door at the hallway and before disappearing around the corner, said over her shoulder, "There's your office. Welcome to the team." She watched the woman finally disappear and then stared at the door. Opening it, she couldn't help but sigh. It wasn't quite what she was expecting. A small desk with a dusty lamp greeted her. There was an empty bookshelf to her left and a chair to her right. Behind her desk was a window with the blinds closed. Carefully raising the blinds, she ignored the grimy glass to smile at the view. She was apparently at the back of the building that faced the wooded area the company owned. Loving the outdoors, the sight of trees helped buoy her mood. "My silver lining," she whispered. Turning back to her desk, she sat down and picked up the employee handbook waiting for her and a letter from her new employer. "Welcome to the bottom rung," she said as she opened the letter. But it was a fresh start and she was ready.

stuck

I'm experiencing the thing writers rarely speak of for fear of bringing it upon them merely by uttering the words: writer's block. I've tried to make myself write profound, soul-searching pieces of literary genius but it's been the equivalent to ripping off a band-aid: painful and messy. I'm not one who wants to spend word after word, line upon line only taking up space by talking in circles. When the reader is finished, they're left scratching their head and wondering why they just wasted five minutes of their life reading something they'll only forget about in even less time.

I'm in need of inspiration that will help me overcome this present challenge in my writing career. Something that touches me in such a way that I have no choice but to write about it. The words will flow like water upon dry land and I'll be able to step back and amaze even myself at how eloquent it sounds. Now just to unearth that inspiration :-)