The spectacular Super Blood Wolf Moon Eclipse on Sunday got me thinking. While I endured the cold to watch the effects of the earth’s shadow on the moon, I realized the earth was experiencing something I could not see. Situated between the sun and the moon forces were acting on my home planet. I marveled at the opposing energies on the spinning earth. Pulled by gravity in her orbit around the sun, she also holds the moon within her own gravitational field. Everything works together to maintain the precious balance.

Gravity is a relentless force. It is what whisks the rollercoaster from dizzying heights and thrills us in our downward rush. Climbing to the height required for the thrill is a more arduous task. The cars click and clack as the cables pull the coaster ever higher. If you enjoy rollercoasters you don’t lament the slow steady rise. You relish the journey, anticipate the approach to the apex, and rejoice in the moments you teeter at the top.

Are you celebrating your gravity-defying ascent?

_________________________________________

Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

There is truth in the statement that putting things in writing creates clarity in logical thinking. The simple creation of a list, a set of pros and cons can quickly illuminate inconsistencies, missing facts, and flaws in reasoning. What may have been a jumble of feelings and beliefs and conjectures, take form, they evolve into carefully constructed arguments.

The same happens when creating a story. Characters evolve, the plot forms, we discover inconsistencies, missing facts, and flaws. Visions floating in scattered, nebulous thoughts coalesce into a cohesive whole, as we make conscious decisions on the events driving character arc and story.

Does the process of writing your story help build your confidence?

_________________________________________

Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

At first glance, writing appears to be a solitary pursuit. You sit alone with your thoughts and spew words on a page. But I can think of no other calling which connects us so completely, soul to soul. To write strong characters who act in believable ways, we must interact with real people. You know face to face, in person, real-life relationships.

We writers are an introverted bunch and interacting with others is challenging, thrilling, exciting. Yes, exciting. I have developed a trick for talking to people. The key? I listen, nod, and ask questions. Complete strangers reveal their deepest desires, pet peeves, how they react in certain situations. Their honesty has been astonishing. Along with great material for my writing, I have also gained new friends.

What surprises has your writing given you?

_________________________________________

Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

Do you believe in writer’s block? Or is it smoke and mirrors? A writer’s excuse used to defend not writing? I haven’t decided. But I know when I hit a wall. The thump on my forehead is a dead giveaway. My eyes glaze, words blur and, I realize just how tired I am. Clues. They demand change and it is silly to ignore the warning signs.

Today I will be kind to myself. Rest is on the agenda. Well, sort of. I will still write my minimum daily word count, but then I plan to enjoy the day. Saturday fun includes a roaring fire, sorting my books and cleaning the five bookshelves in the house. I am sure a book will leap at me, demanding a reading in the big comfy armchair by the fire. With luck, a nap will catch me in its sweet embrace.

How do you recharge your writing batteries?

_________________________________________

Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

Sometimes words don’t come. We get tired, and we block the free flow of words. The result is frustrating, and it can grow into a debilitating problem. Joni has the right idea. The best remedy is to change the flow. Change your movements, do something different, push writing from your mind. My answer is allowing my hands the freedom to engage in activities they know well.  It allows my brain to rest. Completing chores around the house, working out, crocheting a scarf or a blanket or using my sewing machine creates needed space.

Rote activities shift my brain into neutral, it clears a space, leaving a void.  The universe despises voids. Voids require filling. That is when inspiration strikes and I am soon back at my keyboard, filling blank pages with another story.

What activities help you clear the way for your story?

_________________________________________

Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

The multiple ways a story can develop, form and become written words on the page, never ceases to amaze me. Sometimes I sit, and the writing is laborious. Each word is a struggle, sentences form with difficulty, thoughts are fragmented and jumbled. But I continue because there are often golden nuggets in those disjointed ramblings. They only require a sane mind to rearrange and augment.

Then there are halcyon writing sessions, where words flow like water, time slows, and pages are filled with a minimum of perceived time and even less effort. And we wish every writing session could be thus.

What tactics do you use on difficult writing days?

_________________________________________

Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer