This year, I chose to semi-theme my participation in the A to Z Challenge. I mainly focused on motherhood, marriage, and how each can intertwine with writing. It was a great time for me to remember events in my 20-year marriage that I'd forgotten about. I also found myself letting go of some mother-stresses to focus on the joy motherhood has brought me.
The opportunity to focus on a topic did not limit me. On the contrary, it guided me--or forced me--to put on a different set of goggles and see things in new and unique ways. I felt engaged to fully examine my experiences in ways I hadn't before. This method is useful to stretch my writing muscles as I edit and/or take on new projects.
I'm sure you, at times, are like me, seeing a project as a never-ending mountain with too many landslides. But if we break each slide down, see each step of the mountain for the step it is then we can conquer one outline, sentence, paragraph, scene, chapter, and eventually the entire storyline and numerous arcs we've created.
Let's take a new look at focusing on our projects, reflecting on each as individual pieces until the work is ready to be seen as a whole.
Lovely post! I think that's one of the best ways to tackle a complex, multifaceted project. By focusing, you were able to achieve real depth of understanding!
ReplyDeleteExactly. Breaking it down makes it seem easier to manage. Plus, I'm able to see more possibilities.
DeleteOh you know how to inspire, my dear. Thanks. I love that photo too. Have a great day!
ReplyDeleteAw...you are too sweet!
DeleteI agree! This is why I celebrate when I finish planning an idea, every 10K into my draft, finishing my draft, each round of revisions. A little crazy, but I find it gets me through the tough days.
ReplyDeleteSo true. That's a great way to think about it, especially during those times when the big project seems so overwhelming. Thanks for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteI thought your theme worked out great.
ReplyDeleteit was a fantastic theme and you did a great job on the A-Z!
ReplyDeleteYou know, I think I already do that. :D
ReplyDeleteCongrats on surviving the challenge, Sheri!
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ReplyDelete(I hope this doesn't appear twice... zerg... blogger) a'hem! What I *said* was this is such great advice, and I know for me my writing is always better when I focus on each specific area. Thanks for the insight! And congrats on A-Z! :o) <3
ReplyDeleteGreat reminder! It's sort of that "bird by bird" philosophy.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. Working on the smaller picture that creates a solid whole is the approach I'm taking with my latest novel. It's easier to write chapters, if I see them as an almost complete unit within a bigger work.
ReplyDeleteA theme is the best way to go. It really isn't limiting at all.
ReplyDeleteGlad you had a fun time with the Challenge!
I'm so glad your were able to revisit motherhood and your marriage through the challenge. You always inspire me with your posts, Sheri.
ReplyDeleteThat is so nice of you to say, Susan. :)
DeleteGreat wisdom, Sheri! You always hit a nerve (in a good way) with me. :)
ReplyDeleteLove the nugget of knowledge you passed on. Reflection gives us a moment to appreciate our struggles, our triumphs and how far we've come.
ReplyDeleteWe learn from experience. It sounds cliche for a reason! Because it's true. Taking time to remember is important, it makes our past choices worthwhile.
ReplyDeleteYour theme, and what it brought back to you sounds really valuable. I chose to work on what makes for a creative life, to think about all of the sacrifices, but also the joys.
ReplyDeleteThat photo is great. Reflection is so important; it's how I learn best, I think.
ReplyDeleteShari, just saw your message about my blogfest - if you're on there twice, I'll fix it.
ReplyDeleteWow, it seems like you gained a lot of insights into your life from your posts. Win!
ReplyDeleteYou have a very healthy outlook. Very inspirational!
ReplyDeleteLove this Sheri! I need to take things more "one step at a time" then jumping in all at once. Love it!
ReplyDeleteIt's so good to be able to let go a bit when writing and I too felt the A to Z helped me think in a new way. Stretching those writing muscles, as you pit is to well. So great to have met you through the A to Z Sheri!
ReplyDeleteIt's so good to be able to let go a bit when writing and I too felt the A to Z helped me think in a new way. Stretching those writing muscles, as you pit is to well. So great to have met you through the A to Z Sheri!
ReplyDeleteSo glad to have met you too, Tracy! Looking forward to more of your posts!
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