I am a voracious reader. My preferred reading style is consuming books, from beginning to the end, in a single sitting. I’ve never possessed the required discipline, or desire, to limit myself to a chapter before laying the book aside. Perhaps I am impatient. Books in a series present the same challenges of a marathon. I plan and schedule accordingly and can finish trilogies in a weekend.

The pace is not sustainable if you have multiple interests. The result is my reading takes on a seasonal feel. There are definite periods when my reading list shrinks perceptively, and seasons when it stagnates. Exploring unknown worlds, discovering captivating facts and entertaining controversial viewpoints is part of who I am. Summer is coming, daylight lasts longer, and all those ‘trashy’ beach novels are calling.

How do you like to read?

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Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

I have been delaying working a short story. I had a splendid idea, and the scenes played as vivid as any movie. They felt real, and I could pretend I had lived through the events. The narrative ran on a feedback loop, repeating each day. Somehow, at my scheduled writing session, I found more important tasks needing my attention. It was becoming embarrassing and most annoying as the deadline approached.

The truth finally dawned on me. The problem was neither the story nor the writing. I earmarked this piece, intending to enter it in a contest and somebody, maybe several somebodies would judge my work.  The thought, buried deep in my head, paralyzed me. Fear kept me from starting, until today. Today, I found my courage, sat at my desk, and began.

What will you begin today?

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Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

Few things happen overnight. Okay, you can have your orders delivered in twenty-four hours, your movies play on demand, information is available with a quick search and the world spins a breakneck speed. It is easy to get caught in the whirlwind, racing to perform jobs faster and faster. Our anxiety builds when we can’t complete every task on our lengthy lists.

There are advantages to ambling along at a leisurely pace. We can make small mistakes without dire consequences and adjust our course as needed. It also grants us time to spend with family and friends and honor other obligations. By moving deliberately, we build strength and we gather momentum. The work moves forward with less effort and we find ourselves carried across the finish line. We grant ourselves precious moments to savor our journey. Dripping like water, we carve deep impressions on solid rock.

How will you make your mark?

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Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

This Memorial Day amidst the parades, barbeques, and fireworks—remember.

Thank you to all who serve.

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Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

Working on project deadlines while keeping current on the normal everyday grind means hours turn into days sitting in front of computer screens. Headphones stream my favorite music to keep me centered as I flip from one screen to the other and words fill the page. Mandatory conference calls and essential webinars punch holes in a tight schedule. Files are downloaded, manipulated, massaged, updated and verified before I push them to the end user.

The room rocks, the thunder rolls and the reason for the room’s darkness slowly dawns on me. They predict morning thunderstorms, with clearing skies and moderate afternoon temperatures. Pulled from the fog I realized my body is stiff from sitting, my shoulders ache from tension and other people’s deadlines must wait. Outside the world smells fresh and clean. The sun sparkles, and the breeze shakes raindrops from tree leaves. The pressures disappear, I remember the reasons I chose this path and I hold my head high.

How will you connect with nature today?

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Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer