I dread one meeting every quarter. It is mandatory, involves between six and twenty people, and they scheduled it to last an hour. The group never starts on time, often runs late, and lacks structure. A week before the appointed date, the participants generate a flurry of emails, texts, and phone calls that escalate in desperation as the conference approaches. It represents an enormous energy-sapping exercise. To combat the disruptive nature, I build in buffers and organize ample space to decompress, process my frustrations, and reset my agenda.

Based on my experience, I have learned to pace myself. There is no point in expecting a normal productive day when the day’s events are so unsettling. If you listen to the experts, they tell you to check your emotions at the door. But feelings are sneaky and adept at undermining your best intentions. Instead of ignoring those feelings, and trying to push through them, I find it more helpful to face them head-on. Working at peak energy levels and allowing myself to coast when things get under my skin, helps maximize my efficiency and my productivity.

Do you create buffers around emotionally charged situations?

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Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

I searched for three years. On my quest, as with finding any satisfying relationship, I kissed frogs, toads, newts, and the occasional salamander before I finally heard the angels sing.

Each critique group has a vibe, a personality, a purpose that provides benefits for the members. I wanted something aligned with my goals. The first gathering revolved around coffee, chatting, and offering reasons for not producing. Their coffee was a little weak. Participants at a different venue served as acolytes to a published author. I prefer coffee over Kool-Aid. One bunch focused on everyone feeling “good” about their piece and stipulated they did not permit “harsh words.” In my book, high quality, strong, black coffee, doesn’t need cream and sugar.

Another meeting started with a friendly chat, then they eviscerated my submission. I could have been offended. I could have argued, defended my writing, insisted they didn’t understand and accused them of being wrong about what they were reading. Instead, I kept my mouth shut and my mind open. Truthful, honest feedback, delivered without malice, is a precious gift. It is a remarkable transformational tool, and if you can endure it, you will gain much.

Others see areas for improvement when we cannot. Unfiltered opinions help us consider our narrative from the reader’s perspective. The right critique group offers the perfect sounding board for creating our best story along with encouragement, camaraderie, and the pleasure of enjoying an excellent cup of coffee.

Have you found your critique group?

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Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

They are fleeting moments. The planets aligned, the house is quiet, my fingers fly, and I am certain I have channeled a brilliance that transcends what meager skills I possess. I am convinced I am a genius. The great American novel is within my grasp. Eat your heart out J. K. Rowling, move over Hemmingway. F. Scott, please be a dear and fetch me a glass of champagne. Tickled pink, full of myself, I shut my laptop and pour giddy little me into bed where I dream of red carpets and accolades. Oh, my, is that a Nobel Prize?

The next morning I float on a silver-lined cloud to my desk, smiling as I open the file and read.

“Wait, what is this?”

Disbelief morphs into frantic desperation as I check time stamps and backups, searching in vain for the scintillating words written mere hours ago.

“Who wrote this crap?” I scream.

A soft chuckle mocks me, and I groan. I know the answer. This crap belongs to me.

I could be steps away from throwing in the towel, giving up, succumbing to the fear gnawing at the edges of my resolve, and hitting the delete key. My gut says this isn’t my ending, only my beginning.

Revisions promise to be grueling, requiring countless hours, working day-in and day-out, climbing my thankless mountain. I have a responsibility to honor my burning desire, and the stories the cosmos planted in my soul. They give me purpose, passion, and drive. They make me different. I renew my vow to out-last the lucky and out-work the lazy.

What dreams inspire your writing?

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Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

Happy Chinese New Year. Also known as the Spring Festival, or Lunar New Year, the festivities begin January 25th and conclude February 8th. Have you slipped with your good intentions, or maybe you haven’t even started your resolutions? Perhaps this is your opportunity to set aside the past and embrace your new moon lunar restart.

2020 is the year of the rat, the first animal of the calendar cycle. A myth recounts the legend of the Jade Emperor issuing a party invitation. He declared he would decide the animals’ placement in the zodiac, based on their order of arrival. The Rat asked his friend the Ox for a ride. As they reached the Emperor’s palace, the Rat jumped from the Ox’s back and entered ahead of him. Can we all take a page from the Rat’s story and get a jump on our goals?

There are taboos we should consider. One is not to use negative words, while another cautions us to avoid fighting and crying. If you ask me, that is excellent advice no matter the season.

The best tradition is purchasing a new wardrobe. They deem it auspicious as it offers protection from evil spirits. They further say to select red and skip black and white, colors that are unlucky and negative. A fresh collection of clothes, a second chance at a reboot, and the promise of finding my rightful place are encouraging. I am ready to kick off these celebrations.

How will you honor the start of the lunar new year?

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Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer