Posted by Kathleen Pooler/@kathypooler
“There’s nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and open vein.” ~Red Smith
My Writing Process Tour
I am honored to be a part of this blog tour challenge. I accepted an invitation to take part in the #mywritingprocess tour, an exercise in which writers share insights into their writing process. I continue to be a work-in-progress as I get ready to publish my first book, a memoir. But, I believe strongly, we can all learn from one another, no matter where we are in our writing lives.
I have enjoyed writing since I was about eight years old when I wrote plays for my maternal grandmother, Nan and all her little Italian lady friends. I can still see them gathered in the living room sipping coffee and chattering on in Italian. I never understood a word but I can still feel their fascination and loving attention as they hushed each other when I stood at the archway to announce the play would begin.
I wish to thank Clara Freeman for inviting me to participate in this tour. Clara is also a retired registered nurse and we met on our mutual friend, Pat MacKinzie‘s blog several years ago. I have enjoyed Clara’s genuine presence and wisdom. Clara’s mission in life is to be of service in helping others, particularly women. Her biggest successes come from helping women find themselves. In her own words, “Success comes when the work you do helps other people recognize who they are. It is when you see your work make a difference in another person, who in finding themselves, will sow seeds by using their gifts to help another.” Clara’s brand is the authentic woman and women empowerment. Please check out her inspirational blogs at The Authentic Woman Networks-Helping Women Find Their Voices and clara54.wordpress.com. Clara is the author of The Authentic Woman eBook.
What am I working on?
As mentioned, I will be launching my first book, a memoir, Ever Faithful to His Lead: My Journey Away From Emotional Abuse in July, 2014. It is not the story I started writing five years ago. In 1999, I took my first writing course, Starting Out in Writing through Writer’s Digest. The stories that spilled out were related to being the mother of an alcoholic son. But as I continued writing, I began to realize I could not tell that story until I told my own story. In 2012 when I submitted my manuscript to a developmental editor, she responded, “you have two memoirs here.” After a year of going back and forth and putting my manuscript aside, I finally picked it up again and began digging deeper into the story of getting into and out of two emotionally abusive marriages. Exposing my vulnerabilities and flaws was painful, but I knew it was the only way to get on the other side of the pain. The story that needed to be told revealed itself to me. It is a story of hope, resilience and courage in finding freedom from abuse. I believe strongly that a memoir has to be bigger than you. It has to resonate with readers. Writing this memoir helped me to heal and now I have a mission to reach out to other women who are struggling to find freedom from abuse in any form. The abuse I write about is emotional, and although I did not suffer bruises or broken bones, it was still harmful to me and my two children.
But the story doesn’t end there. I have started a sequel about how my faith guided me through the simultaneous battles of a cancer diagnosis and a young adult son’s downward spiral into substance abuse. The working title is Hope Matters: A Memoir of Faith. Both of these memoirs are about the power of hope in facing life’s challenges.
Why do I write what I do?
The quick answer: “Because I cannot NOT write.” For me, writing is a passion, an itch I can’t scratch. I see the world around me as a story and want to capture it in words. I have written in a journal since I was eleven years old when I received a pink journal with a lock and key. I marvel at the transition from keeping my deepest thoughts and feelings under lock to exposing myself to the world with all my flaws and missteps. And yet there is something very liberating about acknowledging one’s truth and sharing it with others. The journals have become the seeds for both my memoirs.
Although I admire fiction writers and enjoy reading fiction, I find there is more than enough fodder for real-life stories to keep me busy for a long time. Memoir writers have to use fiction techniques to shape the events in their lives into a story that reads like a novel. On the other hand, fiction is often based upon real life events and people. At this point, I do not see myself writing fiction. There are too many stories I am yearning to tell about my family and my own life experiences.
I have found that, if I show up and do the writing, the story that begs to be told comes forth. I have learned to listen.
Perhaps the single most important element in why I write what I do is to share hope one story at a time.
How does my writing process work?
I write every day, whether it’s a blog post, a guest post, a story I share on social media, a letter, a journal entry. I do not have a specific routine and, like everyone else, have to navigate around household/family/church obligations. I’ve been retired from a busy nursing career for three years and tend to follow a schedule of writing four out of seven days from 1-5pm. Sometimes I write on weekends and sometimes I write in the evenings or wee hours. One thing I have discovered, if I do not write during the day, I tend to stay up late and write. The ideas swirling in my head won’t let me sleep! And yes, there have been times I have arisen in the middle of the night to tend to those voices in my head that demand to be written.
Sometimes the best thing I can do for my writing is to walk away from the computer and go for a walk to clear my head. Some of my most creative ideas occur when I am away from my office. I do keep a small notepad with me but if I need to, I’ll write on any available space—a used envelope, a napkin—for those fleeting “aha” moments.
Next up on the #mywritingprocess tour are three bloggers who have graciously agreed to take part. I hope you’ll check out their blogs. Next week they will present their own personal takes on the #mywritingprocess tour:
Janet and I met online several years ago. I have enjoyed Janet’s witty humor, depth of experience and generous sharing of ideas and coverage of interesting topics. Her weekly blog, A So It Goes, is a delightful collection of musings about life and includes topics such as mid-life changes, transitions, connections, and travel,cultural differences and Kazakhstan (where she served as a Peace Corps volunteer from 2004 to 2006). Janet’s memoir, At Home on the Kazakh Steppe is due for publication in June, 2014. Please be sure to stop by her blog and leave a comment. Janet loves a good conversation and she will make you feel very welcome.
Linda describes herself as “a writer, editor, adoptee and somewhat fanatical grandmother.” Linda was one of the first people I met when I started writing my memoir five years ago and has served as a role model for me ever since. I have enjoyed Linda’s inspirational stories of adoption, gardening, grandparenting, retirement–everyday stories that resonate. She blogs weekly at A Slice of Life Writing so be sure to check out her lovely website. She is the author of the inspirational memoir, Two Hearts: An Adoptee’s Journey From Grief to Gratitude. Photography is one of her passions and she often posts pictures of her beautiful homegrown flowers and vegetables, as well as of her darling grandchildren. I have no doubt you will enjoy your visit.
Sarah is a writer and a ghost writer. She blogs weekly at Write By Grace about “walking in His grace daily.” Sarah and I met in Joe Bunting’s Story Cartel Course in 2013 and Sarah was one of my valued beta readers for my memoir. I enjoy Sarah’s stories of how faith works in her life. She also discusses health-related issues that are all important reminders about taking good care of oneself. I find her website to be very soothing and nourishing. Sarah is working with an elderly couple in ghostwriting their memoir. Please check her out at Write By Grace. You will feel refreshed.
Thank you all for stopping.
How about you? What is your writing process?
Next Week:
Monday, 06/02/14: “The 3 P’s of Publishing a Memoir.”
Thursday, 06/05/14: “Author Attitude: What Is It and Why Do I Need It? A WOW Women on Writing Book Tour and Giveaway with Nina Amir”
The 30-day Pubslush Crowdfunding Campaign for my memoir, Ever Faithful to His Lead: My Journey Away From Emotional Abuse,now in its third week, is 82% closer to its goal! The campaign ends at midnight on June 11.
Only twelve more days to go.
By making a contribution you will help spread the messages of hope, resilience and courage to those seeking freedom from abuse. Here’s the link to the campaign:
http://pubslush.com/books/id/2076.
If you are unable to make a contribution, I’d love it if you would share this link with others.
Share the hope.
Thank you!
Hi Kathy,
Congratulations all around! You are making great strides on your memoir campaign and to find out you’re already working on the sequel is so encouraging.
After reading your post, I conclude that like you said, there is really no set time to write. Although I prefer early mornings, On Wednesday, I was pulled from bed at 3am to work on my memoir! It’s an awesome thing huh?
I look forward to reading your blogger recommendations and find even more tidbits of writing grace.
Blessings,
Clara.
Thank you dear Clara for keeping this momentum going! It’s an enlightening experience to sit back and explore one’s own writing process and then to hear about the process of others. Clearly, we all find our way through the maze. I know what you mean about waking up in the middle of the night to write! Yes, you will find “many tidbits of writing grace” from Linda, Janet and Sarah. Enjoy! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Kathy, how fortunate you are to have a great band of followers who have become your friends, mentors and cyber-colleagues. (Did I just coin a term?)
These ripples of friendships have touched my writing life as well. Linda Hoye was one of the first published writers to “follow” my blog. I was ecstatic when that happened. Later, I met Janet Givens through your blog, and we follow each other’s posts. Now I will click on Sarah’s website and get to know her as well.
Like Kathy, I cannot NOT write. But sometimes the best thing I can do is leave my writing chair, walk out the door beside my desk, and literally smell the roses in the patio garden.
In March Kathy invited me to share my process which you can read here: http://plainandfancygirl.com/2014/03/17/behind-the-scenes-plain-and-fancy-girl/
I am a work in progress and so is my writing as I turn to composing my own memoir about my early years as a Mennonite in Lancaster County, PA. Keeping up my blog postings while structuring my WIP will be a challenge. But I know I’ll have my online writing buddies cheering me on, a pleasant thought indeed.
Hi Marian, isn’t our “band of followers” delightful? I love how these “ripples of friendship” keep expanding outward through each other. Now you can add Sarah and I know you will enjoy her site. I agree that “stepping away from the writing chair and smelling the roses on the patio” are essential in preserving balance and creativity. I hope others will check out your guest post on your writing process. It is so enlightening to hear what works for others. We are all a work-in-progress at various stages of the game but we can all learn so much from one another and, of course, keep cheering each other on. Thanks, as always, for your ongoing cheers and and insights.
Good morning Kathy and thank you for including me in this exploration of writing process. I love how the Web weaves its way, connecting us more and more to each other. I also love how much I learn each time I visit your blog. So, this challenge: as I understand it, I shall carry it forward on my own blog next Wednesday, answering the same three questions you tackled here: What am I working on? Why do I write what I do? and How does my writing process work? All good questions and I look forward to finding out how I’ll answer them, for isn’t the the magic of writing. At least it is for me; I am often quite surprised what comes out when I get into that “zone,” and just write. I loved your opening quote, too, btw.
Oh, I love that Janet, the “magic of writing.” The key is to get in that zone and let it flow. I’m looking forward to your post next week. It’s my pleasure to feature you. I agree, these web connections are wonderful. I love how much we learn from one another, every week. Amazing! So happy our paths have crossed and we are crossing that finish line-almost- together with the launch of our memoirs. You’re leading the way and I’m cheering for you! 🙂
Kathy, I enjoyed reading this glimpse into your writing life and have been anticipating the publication of your memoir for a long time. I’m so excited for you that its release date is right around the corner. I concur with your thoughts about how writing a memoir can be a strong healing tool. That was certainly my case as well and, like you, the story I ended up telling was not quite the one I set out to tell. Funny how that happens!
Thanks for the invitation to participate in the #myweitingprocess tour. I look forward sharing my writing process at A Slice of Life Writing.
Hi Linda, we certainly do go way back don’t we? I can say, I knew you when!I so appreciate your encouragement and support along the way and as I get ready to publish. I’m happy you’re participating in the tour and look forward to your post next week. Thank you!
I am always so fascinated by the writing process of other writers. Thank you for sharing yours, Kathy. I recall earlier on when I began writing that I would tend to want to have my writing schedule like one person or another…as if it was the “magic bullet” to writing.
These days I’m usually easier on myself and realize that I’ve built up a trust in myself that I will write at least 4-5 days each week. And like you, I write in many forms, not just for a book– and thank you for the reminder that that too is writing! 🙂 I sometimes beat myself up if I don’t write for a book I’m working on – but yet I’ve blogged, did a guest article or worked on my newsletter on those days I may not work on my book.
I’m really looking forward to being a part of this tour for Joyful Paws and grateful Linda Hoye of Slice of A Slice of Writing Life asked me.
Hi Barbara, I’m so happy you’ll be participating in the tour! I especially appreciate your point about building up trust in yourself to find the process that works best for you. I think that takes time and practice and I’ve come to discover that “best practice” is what we define. We are our own “magic bullet”. I also think when writing a book, stepping away from it from time to time give sit a chance to marinate. I’m always intrigued when I revisit what I’ve written after a hiatus and see it with fresh eyes. I’m looking forward to your upcoming post. Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
I loved reading about your writing process and meeting your friends. I will someday soon stop by and say hi to them.
I count myself blessed to have run across you in my cyber journey and can’t remember how that happened. Do you?
I have all but the last two chapters of my first rough draft of my memoir “Spiraling, my journey into and out of manic derpression” and have over 60,000 words written since January scouring at least 10,000 words a month. I find your postings valluable, insightfull and rewarding. Thanks!
Your comment about how many words you’ve written since January were inspiring to me! I’m actually nearing 60,000 myself for my second book and have been working on it since January. I’m not quite sure how far I’ve yet to go in regards to chapters, but your post inspired me to keep going! Thank you!
Barb and Clar, I love how we inspire one another to keep moving forward. 🙂
Hi Clar, always great to see you here. I can’t remember exactly how we met. One of us left a comment on the other’s blog. I do remember getting your book about Annie telling time and my grandsons loved it! Bravo to you for being very close to wrapping up your first draft. That is a monumental milestone and one worthy of celebrating. Love the title. 60,000 words since January is amazing. Congratulations! Keep us posted. And thank you for your generous comments about my blog. That means a lot to me.:-)
There are so many similarities in our writing process including the influence of a grandmother in the honing the craft and a diary started in childhood. I have enjoyed following alongside you every step of this journey.
Thanks, Pat. The feeling is mutual. Are you sure we aren’t sisters separated at birth?? We must have an in-person reunion one of these days!
Kathy,
I never knew you set time aside from 1-5 pm to write. I see you online all the time, so you must have a “secret” assistant to help you. 🙂 I also did not realize that you enjoyed writing as a child. No wonder you are so passionate and organized. I look forward to your book launch as well as Janet Givens in June.
Thanks, Sonia. Having an assistant sounds like a wonderful idea!
Hi Kathy,
I’m all for the idea of writing and reading more memoirs! I absolutely love your page hug Google image at the top here. That sums it up for most people A picture sometimes really is worth 1000 words (although 1000 words could be better than any one picture quite often too).
Have you thought about writing short biographical tribute to someone memorable in your life who now rests in peace? You may have already done so… here’s my attempt to save my dear father from relative anonymity: (It’s perma – free)
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/444627
I hope they make some interesting friends here who might show me a way forward with this project.
Welcome, Phil! It’s nice to meet you. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts and your link. I downloaded your book from Smashwords. I love your message and agree with you about the importance of preserving family stories. I find, in my own writing, that my loved ones come alive to me when I write about them and years from now succeeding generations will know them as well. I’d like to recommend several websites to visit that address life stories: WayneGroner.com and Yahoo Lifewriters Forum moderated by Sharon Lippincott and Jerry Waxler. You will find many interesting and helpful people here as well. The idea is that we all help each other on the journey by sharing our stories. And I love that Google image,too! Best wishes and keep coming back!