Writing

Writing

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I’ve been giving a great deal of thought to writing since starting this blog. In less than two weeks, I’ll graduate from Clackamas Community College. My path to graduation started in 1974. It’s been a long journey for me.

As I’m also retiring from work on that same day, I’ve spent many hours thinking about what my next chapter would be about. My husband and I will travel, I’ll take more photographs, continue with my crafts, visit family. What else? That’s the real question. I’ve been so busy for so long, I haven’t allowed myself to listen to the voice of the writer in my head.

One of my students challenged me this week. He asked me to post about an audio book he recommended. He and I traded book recommendations about two months ago. I suggested he listen to “The Long Earth” by Terry Pratchett and Stephen Baxter. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006O41HTO/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1 He suggested that I listen to “Hatchet” by Gary Paulson. https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Hatchet+Series&i=digital-text&ref=nb_sb_noss_2

I liked listening to this story. I’ve been interested in survival and outdoor experiences for many years. I used to teach first-aid and what to do if help is delayed. So, this story drew me in and kept me engaged.

At first, I could not really relate to the main character. I had little in common with a young teenage boy who was angry at the world. However, as the story developed, I found myself learning from the character and anxious for his safety. I laughed at some of the situations he found himself in, marveled at the way his mind worked and cheered when he reached each milestone. I really enjoyed the author’s writing style. I’m glad I listened to the story and to my student’s suggestion.

I believe what’s next for me is to return to writing and try to overcome my hesitation and fear of putting my work out to be reviewed by others. I think I’m ready to take a leap into the unknown! Do you have any suggestions for me on this next part of my journey?

10 thoughts on “Writing”

  1. Sheri, I’ve really enjoyed your blogs lately.
    Also, congratulations on your upcoming graduation, I think that is a true inspiration, that it’s never too late to set out for your goals and dreams.
    I think it would be a real adventure to put your works of writing out there, the only way we’ll connect to people is if we put it out there, in hopes that someone will love it just as much as we do. It’s one giant leap of faith!
    I believe in you.

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  2. Sheri, congratulations of graduation and to your new journey ahead.
    I thought I would mention something that has helped me write. I love to take inspiration from everything around me and from the books I read. I am not too sure what kind of writing you are into and want to start (I am interested though). I like to adapt authors writing styles into mine, especially if they are from the same genre I write. My best piece of advice is to write every idea, thought, sentence, etc. down so you don’t forget it later. I have a (what I consider) a brilliant idea and I tell myself “Oh, I’ll write it down when I get home”. I get home and forget then spend so much time trying to recreate it and it’s never the same.
    Hope that was somewhat helpful and good luck on the start of your writing journey.

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  3. Sheri,
    Just wanted to drop by your blog to say thank you. Not only for the continual love you have given me on my blog, but for sharing your life on here as well. I have enjoyed sifting through your posts and reading them. Congrats on graduating, as well as retiring. I hope you encounter many beautiful endeavors with your husband (and with life in general). Let’s stay in touch after this term is over. I would love to hear all about your adventures.
    With great love,
    Anya

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    1. Anya, thank you! This was lovely! I am having technical difficulties today. I tried to respond to your latest post and my system kept crashing. I am looking forward to staying in touch with you.

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  4. If you want to write, may I suggest a writing club? I’m a member of three. We get different things from each group. One, my library group, just allows us all to read something we’ve written. It helps some overcome the jitters. Another group, Willamette Writers, brings in experts to talk about issues getting published. Next meeting is June 11 at the Salem Library. The third is just a few friends who want to chat about our writing and support each other on our various projects. I like it best. If you would like to join, please contact me via email. ectclowell@yahoo.com

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    1. Lisa, thank you! I am very interested in joining a group. I am here full-time until March 20202 and then will be gone 2/3 of the year. I hope we have time to spend together later this month!

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  5. Sheri,
    Congrats on accomplishing your goal and graduating! Will you be at the commencement ceremony? It’s a great way to celebrate your achievement. If you do, I’ll be there, too, and I hope to see you there! It was a blessing to have you in my Math class! I wish the best for you and your husband. I know you two had a bumpy road for a while there, but sounds like prayers have been answered!

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