A small digression would better serve as an explanation...
As writers we've come to know that we have been such all of our lives. Our imaginations soared as children, we were overly nosy and overtly observant of all that existed in our worlds and others, we scribbled on any scrap of unimportant paper...and no the phone book is not important. We lived in foreign lands where we were the only ones who knew the language and customs, never realizing that coming back to "real" life on earth would be a difficult transition to make. In our daily lives we meet people who fall into many categories. Some of which are "Can't wait to add them to my next scene", "I would definitely dress her differently", "That's a great line", "That's a great name, but it's not your name", and my personal favorite..."That would make a great murder weapon".
As writers we grow, we learn, we progress. There are certain milestones I believe we all strive for, finishing that first book, talking to that first agent, receiving that first rejection letter, buying that first laptop, investing in that first hand-held recorder, joining that first writers group, selling that first book and on and on.
We become so driven, so focused on the dream we have before us that many of the simple things, the things that make writing so wonderful begin drift out of perspective. Which brings me to my point, my lesson so delicately learned.
For a Christmas present this holiday season I had planned this brilliant gift only a writer could devise. I needed a computer, a word processing program, a printer, sturdy paper and a clever pen. It turned out all I had was the sturdy paper and the clever pen. For about a day I was stumped. But, not wanting to give up on this gift I'd planned, I began creating it, building it, making it...writing it from scratch.
As it turns out, the gift was so much more appreciated than a computer generated one would have been. It was more personal, had more love attached to it. And the lesson was learned. Of all the trapping writers have, all the gadgets, gizmos and things that make our lives easier what is necessary is very simple.
So as we begin the New Year my wish for you is that you snuggle into your imaginary land with your sturdy paper and clever pen...and simply, write that master piece.
Rachel
