My brain hurts. Writing and thinking and revising and listening is exhilarating to the point of exhausting. Especially listening. Listening is the tricky part, listening to my own thoughts and hearing what I have to say. What if there is nothing to hear? A dull ache had been building all morning behind my left eyebrow. I found myself rubbing this spot, trying to get the ideas to flow from behind the throb. After lunch I took a break, disappearing beyond the barn, beyond the trees to a grassy patch, underneath an old tree that has likely kept watch over this property for years. Flat on my back with shut eyes, I felt the warm sun on my arms and face. The birds chattered. A distant train. There was a nice breeze that moved the trees to stir, to sing.
Opening my eyes, I studied the leaves, imagining the view to be that of Donald Harrington’s as depicted in his Ozark tales of fictitious Stay More, Arkansas. His tree colors included every shade of green from spring pea to black forest, like crayons in the jumbo box, the box with the sharpener in the back. But more than the shades of green, he described the lilting sound of the trees, the choiring of the trees. I heard the choiring of the trees this afternoon.
Immediately I noticed, “Perhaps a bit of description here?” My husband begins sentences with ‘perhaps’ when he is attempting to be diplomatic. But I understood this suggestion, and it was easy to add. We had spent time this morning discussing story endings. What makes a good ending or a confusing ending, a strange ending, an ending that makes you wish you had not wasted your time, or an ending that leaves you wanting more? Quickly jumping to the last page of my story he had written, “Good ending… the characterization is very good.”
Nowhere on the paper did he offer, “Perhaps you should return to banking…”
Whew.
YAY! YOU WON’T HAVE TO GO BACK TO THE BANK! Except to make deposits from your book sales. I can’t wait to read your short story. When will you be in Dallas? Loved this blog. Everyone needs a grassy spot……….theBAT
Just read this a second time: YOU ARE GOOD ENOUGH! I liked it better the second time. Very good.
Definitely good enough, Talya .. in fact, WAY better than good enough! What an incredible experience you’re having! So wish my writer friend Cindy could be there too! Such vivid, vivid word pictures …
“Good enough” doesn’t even begin to describe your talent…Paula L.
HAHA!!! I’m so glad you won’t have to return to the Bank…as an employee, that is! You are on your way to fulfilling your dream, and I couldn’t be prouder of, and for you, Talya. You’ve got what it takes to be an awesome writer, and I can’t wait to see your first published stories. Keep on keeping on…You’re doing fantastic!
I am so glad that you are sharing this fantastic experience with your blog followers. When I see you have posted a new blog I exclaim to Tom, “a blog!!!” He says, “Well, lets hear it!” Such a delight for both of us!
Thank you everyone! This retreat is fun and informative. Love it!
As I was reading your words about the way you were were laying on the grass, I could actually feel the cool green blades touching my skin and smell the fresh outdoor air. No I’m not outside, I’m sitting on the couch in my living room. Your story transformed me into the moment.
It’s obvious that Dr Lott knows a good story when he reads it. You’re doing a fantastic job and I thank you for such enjoyable reading!
Thanks Muffett! Glad I could bring you to Piggott for a moment:))
Critique is always like that. You want to read it, but…maybe you don’t want to, either.
Yours looks useful and positive, so yay!
The suggestions have been very helpful and the overall feedback is positive. yes yay!
And I quoted you at the seminar the other morning:)
I was in Piggott too…thanks so much for allowing me to spend some much needed time with my sister! I love your gift! Timmie Lynn