Writing a book is a long, exhausting struggle, like a long bout of some painful illness. One would never undertake such a thing if one were not driven by some demon one can neither resist nor understand. ~ George Orwell
Orwell is right about the struggle, and I am nearing the end of the writing process. Thus, a progress report is in order.
Sometimes I wonder, Should I laugh or cry?
Early Drafts
Early, on, I used various props to press “start” on the memoir writing engine. I wrote about the mystery of memoir writing here and gave tips about finding a narrative arc here.
The peaks and valleys of my narrative arc looked a lot like an outline of the Swiss Alps.
Writing as revision
Writing a draft is one thing. Revising is another. Revising one’s manuscript is like pulling oneself up with his/her own bootstraps. Or as Mary Karr puts it: “Writing memoir, if it’s done right, is like knocking yourself out with your own fist.”
Other Opinions
Writers tend to get tunnel vision. That’s why they need other readers, beta readers, who scrutinize their manuscripts.
Beta Readers, now numbering in the double digits, have read my drafts with a spyglass. They used microscopes, telescopes, and periscopes. Some even used prisms to enable me to see the draft from many angles.
How Beta Reading works:
I gave early readers GUIDELINES to follow with questions like these: Does the story line make sense? Is the main character believable? Where were you confused? Bored?
Many readers who requested an electronic copy of my draft used TRACK Changes, balloons in the manuscript margin that suggest additions or deletions.
A few wanted a hard copy, which I mailed to them. Suggestions came back with hand-written notes in the margins + other comments, all helpful.
How I treated the comments:
Except for my sister Jean who was very helpful with correct names of churches and people in my past, I chose my beta readers because they are published authors whose opinion I highly respect.
More than two years ago my first reader asked, “What is your story about?” (Not a good sign!)
I sighed because I thought my story theme was obvious. It was to me.
Apparently not,
so back to the drawing board I went.
All agreed on One Point:
“Take all this advice with a grain of salt,” each one said. “This is YOUR story!”
What I Changed:
Structure: An example, one of the last chapters now appears earlier in the book.
Order of chapters: I changed chapter sequence to improve flow.
Verb tense, my nemesis: I’ve concluded verb tense consistency is a problem because I’m writing in the present about events happening more than 60 years ago.
Repetition: WHY, oh why would I need to say the same thing twice?
The Story Cure: A Big Help
I have followed advice from The Story Cure by Dinty W. Moore, paraphrased here: Take your readers down an Invisible Magnetic River. Help them forget they are reading a book. Invite them to imagine they are right beside you, inside your story. You can read my review of his book here.
The Title, a sticky point
My working title has been Mennonite in Shiny Red Shoes.
I sat with that for a while. After all, the words resonated with a quote I found last year:
To wear dreams on one’s feet is to begin to give reality to one’s dreams. ~ Roger Vivier
While this title serves as one metaphor in my book and shows my desire for a fancier life, the title is not a Bingo: And while it does fit one major theme of my book, it’s too derivative of other Mennonite memoirs: Mennonite in Little Black Dress / Mennonite in Blue Jeans.
The latest contenders:
Coming of Age Mennonite: A Daughter’s Quest
I Was Mennonite: The Farm Mechanic’s Daughter and a Cultural Imprint
My editor may have other ideas!
Why Writing Memoir is hard on the body and mind:
Writing memoir “is the recreation or reconstruction of past experiences by the synchronous firing of neurons that were involved in the original experience.”
Often at my desk I have been so “into” a scene that when I looked away from the manuscript, I was surprised to find I was at home in my writing studio and not trying on hats in my Grandma Longenecker’s kitchen long ago, a pleasant memory. If the scene was difficult to re-live, I was there too.
Memoir as Legacy, a prime reason for writing
Madeleine L’Engle agrees completely:
If you don’t recount your family history, it will be lost. Honor your own stories and tell them too. The tales may not seem very important, but they are what binds families and makes each of us who we are.
If you can make your ancestors real for yourself, learn their stories and who they were, your life – and death – will take on added meaning. You will see yourself in the Big Picture that includes all human life that has come and gone on the planet. ~ Laurence Overmire, Digging for Ancestral Gold
Hope for Fellow Strugglers
Writing is like driving at night in the fog. You can only see as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way. ~ E. L. Doctorow
What parts of this post can you relate to?
Your suggestion for my memoir title?
Other tips?
Thank you!
Not a task I woud undertake but if I did this line resonated with me and could be a starting point “To wear dreams on one’s feet is to begin to give reality to one’s dreams”
My father was very strict and I was very stubborn and knew what I wanted.On a shopping trip for shoes with my mother I saw an amazing pair of red shoes ( bearing) in mind I was about 6 yrs old…My mother tired of me took me home and told my father to take me. He did. He was not a shoe shopper…He asked me which pair I wanted and of course they were the red shoes …I went home pleased with myself ..my father went home happy that he hadn’t spent as much time shopping as my mother..My mother I think you can guess the rest..I loved those shoes 🙂
Great story here!
Thank you for sharing the anecdote about shoe shopping with your parents. So I’m not the only one who likes red shoes. Someone took a photo of me wearing high-heeled shoes at a slightly younger age. I have no idea what color they were because the picture was black and white.
And thanks for starting the conversation here today, Carol!
You are welcome, Marian…I have always had a thing about red shoes 🙂
I am looking forward to the finished product. It sounds like you chose your beta readers well. Constructive criticism is just what the name implies – it’s all about building. In this case it’s building a better story.
Thanks for cheering from the stadium, Arlene. I value all this encouragement!
I love the line from Madeleine L’Engle “If you don’t recount your family history, it will be lost.”
Some title ideas: (all would need a good subtitle to fill in more promise for the reader — why read it:)
Leaving Lancaster:
No Longer Plain
No Dancing Shoes
Just a few off the top but you have some other great lines in the draft I read that could be picked up and played with.
I’ve been pondering my own drive for what I think I want to do–write a work memoir from my life working in Mennonite media, but have been second guessing myself, will anyone else really care? Or, will enough people care to buy it and read it and review it! L’Engle’s line rephrased might be for me: “If you don’t recount your incredible years producing media for the Mennonite church, it will be lost.” … That’s for another day.
Best to you!
I think you’re hearing a nudge in the direction of memoir too, Melodie. After all the cookbooks, essay-writing and editing experience, you are highly qualified.
Maybe give yourself a wee break though. On second thought, the brain wheels keep turning even when we’re not actively writing. But you know that!
Thanks for offering more thoughts on my title. 🙂
I certainly relate to Orwell’s quote, Marian. These days, I find myself crying more than laughing. Your photos are fantastic, particularly the first one! I’ll be anxiously waiting to get your memoir in my hands.
Your book is in my hands now, and I’m hooked! What amazes me most is your skill with dialogue and all the sensory details that draw me into your novel. One day I’ll finish it and write a review.
Oh gosh, Marian…you’re going to make me cry, Thank you for your kind words. I really appreciate them. <3
Good morning, Marian! I’ve been with you on part of this journey. I so admire how organized you are, and how willing you are to keep on with this project to make it the best it can. It’s funny, I was listening to something the other day that reminded me how your voice comes through in your work. I always feel like it is Marian talking. There is something about the syntax and wording, too, from that part of PA when you were growing up that flavors your writing.
Some great quotes here!
Titles are so difficult sometimes to come up with. I think the second proposed title sounds too academic. Could you perhaps combine the two: I Was Mennonite: A Daughter’s Quest ? Or perhaps it should be a quest for something or journey to something . . .
I’ll hold on to your “voice” comment as I plow through another round of revisions/edits this month. And I’ll also hold on to your thoughts about title. Thanks too for steering me through the rough patches in your review of my working manuscript in the spring, so appreciated, Merril.
You’re welcome. Good luck, Marian!
You got me counting numbers, Marian. My memoir took 7 years and 7 months, start to finish (publication). Five separate editors, and a myriad of how to books. You’ve certainly pulled from among the best.
What helped me most was Eric Maisel’s book on writing a proposal. He helped me understand the value of finding that universal theme, that underlying thread that all your readers will relate to, even those who didn’t grow up Mennonite. That to me is always “what a story is about.” Childhood rebellion, knowing where you belong, listening to your own heart rather than those outside, any of these (and others) could be that thread that weaves the individual scenes together, helps you decide which scenes to keep and which ones to kill. It’s a fascinating process. I miss the intensity of it, some days. My best wishes to you. I’m envious.
Your suggestions are very helpful, Janet. Yes, my editor now tells me “Make sure you have a takeaway as you write, and a universal theme pulling the reader along.
You have told me before that you miss the intensity of the writing process and even assured me (once) that I would miss it when then book is published and marketed. I will have to take your word for it because right now I’m “in the weeds” and wishing for it all to be behind me. Envious? I can’t imagine . . .
Just now I recall that after your memoir was first published you continued with two follow-ups: 1. Deleted scenes 2. “Untold Stories from the Kazakh Steppes,” which I had a hand in reviewing. 🙂
I’ve never attempted to write my memoir because like all of your advice above suggests, it’s difficult to do. I admire you for how you’ve gotten to a point where you are clear about your process plus clear about who you were/are. I look forward to reading your finished product, no matter what you decide to call it. Creating a title for a blog post is tricky enough, can’t imagine deciding on a title for a memoir.
You are right about the double investment in memoir writing: being clear about the past and observing changes in the “self” as I write about in from the distance of “now.”
I wish you nothing but the best of luck. 💐
🙂
Proofreading is definitely the most difficult aspect of writing for most writers. I do best if I step away from my blog for a day or two, then re-read my draft; grammatical & syntax errors become more obvious.
And, when approaching it as a reader, I’m much more likely to realize the order of ideas needs to be adjusted. You’re fortunate to have gathered so much constructive feedback from beta readers. Sounds like you’re well on your way! I can’t wait to read your published memoir.
I have written academically with some success over the years, but in attempting memoir I had to acquire a whole set of new skills. Sort of like riding a bicycle backwards, it often feels awkward.
Re-reading your draft is a great idea and also using spellcheck. I wonder if you read it again out loud.
Thanks for your kind thoughts, Lynn.
What a great post, Marian. I am going to recommend it to all aspiring memoirists, and I might steal a few of these quotes in the essay I will be writing later this year for a possible book about memoir and its ethical challenges.
I do know how hard this process is. I found that sitting at a computer day after day was more demanding than anything else I did to my body after the age of 60.
Cheering you on, as ever.
Sharing Shirley, that defines you. Thank you! I am thrilled when my posts resonant with other writers, especially those learning the skill set of a new genre.
Linda Myers, in the first memoir-writing course I took years ago, emphasized the toll writing takes upon the body. I thought then that she may have been exaggerating, but I know now the wisdom of her words.
I am happy to see you sitting with your book of memories as you ponder your life at 70. I imagine you may show us the cover of the book in a future post. Kate was so eager to surprise you with this collection!
One more book title suggestion:
“Mennonite Implement Dealer’s Daughter”
Daddy would love it.
I think Mom would too. Like you, I remember they both used the word “implement” instead of “equipment” referring to what Daddy repaired and sold. Thanks for chiming in, Jean.
Marian, I know your memoir is going to be a huge success because of the way you go about your writing and being in the world. This post tells me you’re a superhero among memoir writers. I admire your patience, your ability to tell wonderful stories, and your cast of amazing characters who constantly fill the pages on your blog. I can’t wait to read it!!!
Well, Joan, I don’t feel like a superhero but I accept your assessment at the moment. I can’t imagine going through this arduous process without the support of writers like you. I am following up on your suggestions for next steps when we talked recently. Thank you for all of this!
Marian — And while I don’t wrestle day in and day out writing memoir, I, too, daily wrangle words onto the page. You’ve nailed the writing process beautifully. It’s NOT pink fuzzy slippers and chocolate bonbons.
As to the title, could you leverage the “nite” part in Mennonite and use the word “day” in the subtitle? Not in a “cute” way, but in a way that conveys transformation, tremendous change (i.e., nite to day).
I just ate a chocolate bon-bon (4, actually!) but you are right about the writing process. Maybe celebrities wear pink fuzzy slippers as they converse with their ghostwriters, but not us. We are the genuine article!
Thank you for suggesting the play on words, Laurie. I hadn’t thought of a pun, but maybe I can play with that idea and see where it goes. 🙂
Marian, this post is very helpful to me, and I will keep it as a reference guide. The idea of writing a proposal sounds like a very practical step in sticking to a theme.
Congratulations on all the work you’ ve done!
I like Melodie’s title: “No Dancing Shoes”.
I am glad you found this post helpful. And I am happy to scatter some “bread crumbs” if it helps other writers. Each writer’s journey/process is unique, though, just like the stories they tell. Thanks for being such a faithful follower, Elfrieda!
Oh, sweet Marian! You’ve been working so hard at this and still finding time to keep your readers well informed. I appreciate your teaching points from your process, the quotes and references from others, and how you chose your beta readers. As I struggle to feel well enough to get back to my own wip, these are helpful and motivating words you’ve shared with me and others. I love the title about the shiny red shoes! and I love you, Marian!
Thank you for your sweet words, Sherrey. Lately writing has become a pain in the neck.
Literally!
Tomorrow I hope to get on the hydromassage chair at the gym and see if I can get relief. The Pilates class that follows also helps with the aches and pains.
I hope your treatment can offer help too. Your beautiful writing studio beckons when you are ready. I was happy to read about your other activities in the last blog post, quilting and volunteering among them. See also: https://sherreymeyer.com/seeking-balance-harmony-inspiration/
Congratulations, Marian. What an accomplishment! I think your post is very helpful to writers, and I agree, that writing our stories is a gift to the future, as well as an act of reconciliation and peacemaking within ourselves (and possible with others, and for readers).
As for a title — not having read your memoir, from the 2 titles you’re considering now, I’m thinking your story is about father-daughter relationship and how the culture in which we were raised imprints on our lives. Does that fully answer the question of what your story is about? Is there something more specific in your story that you could put into the title that would grab my interest?
I’m thinking of Shirley’s title: Blush: a Mennonite Girl Meets a Glittering World It really tells me what the heart of the story is–the collision of value systems in a young woman’s life.
You nailed it exactly: My story unfolds with two parallel themes: my father/daughter relationship and the Mennonite culture in which it developed. The trick is to capture those themes with an elegant title that gets (as you say) to the heart of the story.
I’m happy to have you alongside on this journey, Tracy. Thank you!
I’m enjoying this conversation! I, too, have been thinking for years about what a book, in particular the book I’m working on, is “about”
I don’t know how it is for you, but I tend to think in large abstractions and myriad connections, making it really hard to laser-focus on the “one thing.” I’ve been writing all my life, and have never really successfully pulled a book together, because I resisted narrowing down to that one-sentence-soul of the story.
This discussion has helped me move from “my book is about the parallels between the habits and practices of poets and monastics” to “My book is called Book of Transformations and is “about how eight instincts common to poets and Benedictine monastics have enriched my life with meaning, purpose, and peace.”
Here’s a link to a 2-paragraph article I found today, which you might find interesting and helpful, as I did in finding the words to identify the soul of my story. Had we not been having this conversation here on your blog, I would have overlooked this link in my inbox. But, synchronicity happened, and taking five minutes to click and read made a light go on for me.
https://www.pw.org/agents_editors_recommend/sally_kim_of_putnam?utm_source=Weekly+Update+-+August+2%2C+2018&utm_campaign=WU080218&utm_medium=email
Thank you, Marian. These days I’m finding almost no time to blog or read blogs, but I do still regularly peek in on your and on Shirley’s blogs, because both of you always make me feel happily connected to something bigger than my own little story!
You say that “you have never really successfully pulled a book together,” but I beg to differ. I enjoyed Toward Daylight, both memoir and travel guide. For me as reader, the combination worked.
I am happy that this conversation sparked clarity about your writing. You know the scripture says, “As iron sharpens iron, so a [wo]man sharpeneth the countenance of [her] friend.” Proverbs 27:17 KJV
Thank you too for the link about the soul of story, which offered clarity to me. Blessings, my friend!
Blessings to you, too. Marian. I’m glad you enjoyed my memoir/travel guide. Perhaps because of what came after, I feel it was unsuccessful because it didn’t tell the “real” story. But then, when I was writing it, I didn’t know what would come after. And reading it now is a painful reminder of how my relationship with Ken was, and how much I’ve lost. That will change, too, I imagine. And some day I might like it again. In any case, I’m sure I’ll be glad I captured the stories.
I’m learning we probably shouldn’t judge our own writing. Just write, and leave the reading and response to others.
Memoir captures a slice of time, and we can’t know what will come after. I know for sure that had I written about the first 23 years of my life years ago I’d have a different story because I was a different person then.
Like me, you are an analytical personal, but I think you arrive at a wise conclusion with your last paragraph. Prayers for you and Ken!
I am so pleased the book is coming along as you have worked hard at it. I always liked the Plain and Fancy idea and wondered if it could be incorporated in the Title. Something like A Plain Mennonite Girl with Fancy Dreams, or Growing up Mennonite with Fancy Dreams. I´m sure the right title will jump out at you. Best of luck. xo
Thank you for the fanciful ideas you are offering here for title choices, Darlene. I imagine some day waking up from a dream and having all the letters standing in order boldly proclaiming the title. “In my dreams . . . !” 🙂
My title, Book of Transformations came to me through a Stanley Kunitz poem, which Shirley Showalter reminded me of a number of weeks ago when she mentioned it on Facebook. It felt almost like waking up from a dream — (poetry does that to me.) I’m sure your “dream” or poem or literary epigraph will come to you soon. I suggest you don’t overthink it or work hard to find it. Just pray for it, then open your intuition so you will spot it when it shows up. (I also just said a little prayer that your title will soon be delivered to you).
I’ll credit Stanley Kunitz for the title in my epigraph, of course.
You are so encouraging, Tracy. The title is now an item on my prayer card on which I can record dates of answered requests. It’s just a matter of time! Again, thank you, thank you!
🙂
Oh Marian, You have me dancing, imagining you in all the phases. I feel that you are very close to offering us a way to pre-order your book. I can’t wait!
I like the idea of dancing, but I still feel too much “in the weeds” to kick up my heels. Thanks for cheering me on though, Dolores. Remember Mr. Ben [Vogt]? Maybe one day I’ll contact him about ordering my book.
Yes, I remember exploring Ben’s suggestions along with you.
🙂
I relate to everything that you say here in this fabulous post, Marian. Oh my gosh, I will be reading this post over and over again. You show your terrific writing style by showing how hard it is to be a writer! And yet,I know it will be rewarding for all of us readers when we finally get your memoir in our hands. ❤️
I know you can relate, writing stories, novels, and children’s books; what a breadth of experience you have. I’ll have to read this comment again when I get wobbly-kneed, a frequent occurrence. Thanks for your vote of confidence, Pam. 🙂
Yes, it can be a pain in the neck – the WIP feels like whip lash sometimes .. You’re doing great Marian! Thanks for keeping us updated about it all. Reading it out ALOUD to yourself can help with rhythm, nuance, repetition etc. Of course an ‘etc’ never to be in a sentence! Red is a positively energetic colour – maybe keep this at least as background colour or have the red shoes featuring somewhere in the title – ‘The Dancing Mennonite’ comes to mind.
Dear Susan, you may have read my reply to Sherrey above in which I explain my literal pain in the neck. You have been through this and know from personal experience how hard it is and body and soul – and how rewarding.
And, yes, I’m at the point where I should read my manuscript aloud again to hear how it sounds and make changes. Thanks for all your tips, including the lively title suggestion, Susan!
What an amazing road you have walked whilst writing your memoir Marian. Do you think you will be a little sad when your finish 🤭🙄 no she says 😂 . Will you publish your book ? I blooming well hope so because I want to read it .
I love all the helps and hints listed in your post and the book recommendation , I will gather them up like a squirrel gathers nuts , I could certainly do with it right now .
Cherryx
Yes, I “blooming well” must finish this thing! I love how you express yourself as though we are talking face to face.
Other writers have predicted I might feel a little sad when I finish because of the deep emotional investment. Right now, “Bring it on,” I say. I would love, love, love to be at that stage. Thanks for bouncing up and down with your good wishes always cheering me on, Cherry. xoxoxo
How lucky we all are to “sit in class” as you show us your path in writing a memoir. Nothing could be as vulnerable as exposing our lives to a known and unknown audience, maintaining a balance of truthfulness and neutrality.
Thank you for taking us along on this journey!
You mention vulnerability and balance, both hallmarks of the memoir journey. I sometimes think that I should have begun my memoir sooner, but now I realize t am more open to being vulnerable.
Also, not long ago, I have found keys to possible motivations of main characters in my life that weren’t available earlier. I will keep your words in the forefront of my mind as I write: “Nothing could be as vulnerable as exposing our lives to a known and unknown audience, maintaining a balance of truthfulness and neutrality.” Thank you for this, Ginger!
I just can’t wait to read your book! Reading about your ambition, your ideas, struggles, goals, discouragements, determination, love of writing, and your story! Yes, please, keep writing! I can’t wait! I’m still thinking about writing my own story. Maybe…
It all starts with a “maybe,” Anita. And I know from your blog you have plenty of family stories to write about. Thanks for reading and commenting today! 🙂
So glad you’re nearing the end of the process… I always find the end the biggest struggle though with all the revisions and editing needed.
I think you are right about that. First of all, writers are SO tired at this stage. And then taking care of all the details involved including interaction with editors, book designers, and others.Thanks, Fiona!
I love the Madeleine L’Engle quote and have long wanted to sift through some family treasures and record family stories. If I keep waiting for the right time, I may be out time. Be blessed, my friend!
You’re right about not waiting for the right time. But take heart, dear friend, I started way, way later ~ after I retired from teaching. I am blessed, and I know it . . . so are you!
My current editor is telling me that many of her clients are in their 80s and some even 90 (gasp). You won’t wait that long! 🙂
Ha! What part can I identify with? Welcome to my world. 🙂 But you’re on the right track Marian. And oh yes, revising is a beast of it’s own. For me, the first draft is the most fun. 🙂
The most fun will be the finish, or so I imagine. A few authors have told me they miss the challenge, working through the manuscript. Is this really true, or are they masochistic?
You have plenty experience with multiple books, so your opinion matters. Thanks, Debby!
For me it’s a love/hate thing. Preferably, I love the raw writing part, but with 6 books out, I’m quite familiar with the revisions. In one aspect, it’s perfecting our ‘babies’ on the other hand, yes, masochistic is an apt word. LOL. But somehow, I’m thinking you are going to enjoy the process. 🙂
You are so prolific: It’s obvious you enjoy the final product because of/in spite of/ (?) the arduous process. I wonder if any aspect of the process gets easier with multiple publications. Hmmmm
Thanks for sharing your slant on the writing process here, Debby!
My pleasure Marian. Any time! You know where to find me. As far as easier? I can say the process itself becomes familiar from revisions to publishing, but we never know what glitches will crop up. Because, they always do! 🙂
You’re echoing what I’ve heard. Oh, vay!
Lolllllllll 🙂
I can take criticism. . .is the word “Mennonite” necessary in this title? I was raised in the Mennonite church.
Hi, Jane. According to many of my readers the word “Mennonite” is necessary in the title for digital search engines (and thus, readers) to find my book. I believe published authors know more than I do at this point, so I’m going with that right now. Thanks for the comment with the question!
Thank you, Marian. I understand and I believe you are correct for including it. I look forward to reading your book.
👍
I can totally relate to this post! That quote of Mary Karr (“Writing memoir, if it’s done right, is like knocking yourself out with your own fist.”) is totally fantastic. Yes, writing a memoir (or any book, probably) is a lot of work. In a couple of weeks, I’ll be in the stage where you were a while ago, when my beta readers will send me their feedback. A bit scary, but it will be incredibly helpful.
Coming up with a title is really difficult. I have had a working title all along, which I never thought would become the real title. Yet, it still speaks to me. I have a few contenders and it’s one of the questions I had for my beta readers. Like you, I had a list of specific questions and no matter how (and even if) they are answered, every form of feedback is appreciated, helpful and a huge favor!
I’d like to suggest a title for your memoir, but I’d have to read the story first. I’m curious about what your editor thinks…
We are on parallel tracks, Liesbet. A frequent commenter, Kathy Pooler is right alongside us too. Memoir writing is the “thing” right now, so we are among good company.
For months, my writing studio has been a HUGE mess. Last week, anticipating house guests, I began to clean up, sorting through stuff and trashing or assigning a home in my filing cabinet. Guess what? I found a title I had written down in pencil, and with a little tweaking, I think will work. My editor may or may not agree. Fingers crossed! Onward, Liesbet!
Congratulations, Marian. You’re getting there. I remember those colorful charts. I love the paraphrase from ‘The Story Cure.’
I relate to how difficult this process is. I haven’t been able to complete a second book, but instead keep focusing on submitting articles–some accepted, some rejected. Now, as I prepare for a workshop I’m giving on Aging, Loss, and Grief with examples from Greek mythology, I may be on the track of something. First, I need to create a great workshop and not get ahead of myself. I’m doing lots of writing for this. There is no hurry. No legacy to preserve. I love being captured by the writing process as you describe so well, so I’ll keep chugging along and see where the train takes me.
And, yes, titles are hard. I struggle with them for most things I write from blogs to workshops to my book. Everything needs a catchy title that lures a reader and gives them a hint of what they’ll experience. It will come. I had titles and key words all over my counters (like your notes, but not as neat) and finally one popped out. Oh, that’s it!
I know you are working hard toward that October workshop and you’ll shine there as you always do. I love your strong intention when you say ” . . . so I’ll keep chugging along and see where the train takes me.”
For the last year I’ve been trying on titles for size, much like shoe-shopping. You can tell my frustration in this post. However, this past week I went through my piles on the floor and found a title I wrote down in pencil some time ago. With a little tweaking, it may be my “Oh, that’s it!” It’s short (just 6 words) and metaphorical. We’ll see . . .
I appreciate your assurances here; thank you for them ~ and for your friendship, Elaine.