Heidi McCahan's Blog, page 11

31 Days of Five Minute Free Writes: Muddle

We’re eight days into this free write challenge. Hurricane Matthew is dumping buckets of rain outside and we’re hunkered down, passing the time until we can resume our normal activities. How appropriate that today’s word is muddle.

It’s tempting to muddle through the gift of a weekend free from commitments. To procrastinate. To waste the day with meaningless tasks. I started this manuscript mid-summer, stoked about my new idea, determined to crank out the first fifty pages. My critique partners were super supportive and my confidence about my ability to write my sixth novel was pretty high.

Then about fifteen pages ago, my enthusiasm waned. Came to a screeching halt, actually. I blamed my inability to write on getting a puppy, my busy schedule, waiting to hear a ‘yay’ or a ‘nay’ from publishing houses on previously submitted projects.

I told myself if I could just make it to 20,000 words, things would start to fall into place and the going would get easier.

Well, I slogged my way from 20,000 to 21,000 and I still want to quit.

The middle of a novel isn’t called the sagging middle or the muddy middle for no reason.

I don’t just want to muddle through. I want to write a great novel. Sure, it will need revision. Maybe even a complete overhaul. I want to experience joy in the journey.

This afternoon, armed with my favorite pen, notebook paper and more coffee (obvi), I’m determined to get back into this story.

How about you? Do you grab a tough project by the horns and get it done, or do you muddle through? Is it okay to muddle? Please share your thoughts. I’d love to hear from you.

31 Days of Five Minute Free Writes: Test

I’m not a fan of tests.

The very word makes my gut clench. A test?

What if I don’t know the answers? What if I didn’t study the right material? What if I fail?

I’m pretty sure it all started when my third grade self encountered the SRA tests with those miles of blasted bubbles on the answer sheets accompanied by a dire warning NOT TO MAKE A SINGLE MARK OUTSIDE THE CIRCLES.

What if I make a mark outside the circle? Will my whole answer sheet be thrown out? Will I have to (gasp!) re-live this standardized testing nightmare and do a retake?

As you can see, I’m still not over it. I was a decent student throughout my school career, but testing never went well. Thank goodness my college acceptance hinged on something more than my SAT and ACT scores.

Have I mentioned I retook a portion of my certification exam for Athletic Training three times?

“I’m just not a good test taker” is the mantra that took root, apparently long ago.

In fiction writing, we talk a lot about saddling the main characters with a lie based on past experiences–hard, painful experiences. This not only makes for a flawed character, but also creates an opportunity for the character to undergo transformation as he/she slowly learns that lie isn’t true. By the end of the novel, the author must find a way to heal the wound that lie created and reveal to the audience that the character has been transformed. He or she has kicked that lie to the curb.

The longer I’m an adult, I’m learning to ‘unbelieve’ the lie about my inability to test well. It’s a lie I need to kick to the curb, because I serve a sovereign God who has demonstrated His faithfulness to me again and again. His attendance record for showing up and carrying me through tests and trials is 100% accurate.

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him will I trust.” -Psalm 91:1-2

This post is day 7 of the Write 31 Days challenge as well as a Five Minute Friday post, where we write for five minutes unscripted on the word of the day. If you have a post you’d like to share with the Five Minute Friday Community, please link here. 

31 Days of Five Minute Free Writes: Silence

Silence.

I crave it.

As an introvert, it’s how I recharge. Outside the safe cocoon of my home, the world pelts me with its intensity–a constant influx of stimuli demanding to be processed. I thrive in small, tight-knit circles, nourished by meaningful conversation and peaceful interactions with a few treasured persons.

I guess that’s why the Lord thought I needed a house full of boys. The noise. The clamor. The potty humor. The engine noises of various vehicles being imitated … when they were preschoolers and toddlers, the hours from breakfast to nap time felt like an eternity. We’d lived a whole day by ten a.m. The silence of those few hours every afternoon were like a slice of calm in the midst of a storm. I lived for the reprieve from the controlled chaos.

Now they are older. Away at school from nine to three, five days a week. All those things more seasoned moms told me are true. I miss the sounds of the preschool world. That cute little blue train on TV with its catchy tune. The songs. Watching the CARS movie again and again.

We’ve traded those moments for bigger, more substantial ones. Conversations about school. Friends. Resolving conflict. Managing homework. Parenting is compressed into a few hours before school and a few after.

I don’t crave the silence any less, but I am learning to appreciate it when I have it. I’m sensing a temptation to waste it now, to take it for granted, since I have more than I’ve ever had in the last decade. It’s too easy to reach for any old thing to fill the void–to open the door wide and let the crazy loud world back in.

I’d like to do better about using the silence intentionally.

31 Days of Five Minute Free Writes: Brew

An ode to coffee, my favorite ‘brew’.

Coffee, coffee in my cup,

Helps me cope with our new pup.

When my eyelids are heavy and my words are few,

Please bring me more of my favorite brew.

It’s amazing all the joy I glean,

From a drink that starts as only a bean.

Perhaps it’s a vice, a dreadful addiction,

But one that’s essential for writing great fiction.

 

You’re welcome. I’m sure your life is richer for having read that profound work.

In all seriousness, it’s not too late to join us for the Write 31 Days challenge. We’re only 4 days in and would love to hear your thoughts, ideas, haikus, poems. The link is here and remains open until tomorrow.

31 Days of Five Minute Free Writes | Wardrobe

The state of my closet is enough to drive me to tears. It’s populated with things I’m sick of. Which just screams first world problems, I suppose. Or maybe I’m just embarrassed that a third of the clothes I’ve purchased, I’ve never worn.

I want to be fashionable, yet detest trying to keep up with current trends. I used to love shopping. Now I leave the store completely disgusted by the prices and poor quality. I love to buy shoes, but can’t match a pair of shoes with my outfit to save my life and constantly ask my husband, “Does this go together?”

Bright colors and interesting prints? Yes, please. Can someone else pair them together for me? I’ve tried the subscription service of clothing delivered to the door once a month. No, thanks. Again with the hideous quality and high prices.

This year I gave up on fashion and mostly grabbed a T-shirt, my favorite denim shorts, some flip-flops and call it good. In the fall and winter, it’s jeans, a sweater and boots. On Sunday mornings, I choose one of my five ‘nice outfits’ for church.

Say what you will about Mr. Zuckerberg or the late Steve Jobs about their decision to wear the same thing every single day, but I think they might be on to something.

Don’t even get me started on this ath-leisure wear movement. Seriously? High-end, overpriced fitness gear worn all day to give the impression of working out, yet we all know that outfit will never see the light of the gym. I love yoga pants and a long T-shirt as much as the next girl, but that’s not an outfit, friends. And in case you haven’t heard, leggings are not meant to be worn like jeans, regardless of how many times clever marketing gurus mention the word ‘jeggings’.

I’m intrigued by the concept of a capsule wardrobe. I did a little research on the concept (trolled Pinterest for half a day). Fifty-seven pins later, I’m completely overwhelmed and I have no idea what’s supposed to go in my ‘capsule’.

I think Ms. Saint Laurent had it right. Maybe it doesn’t really matter and we as a culture have completely lost our minds when it comes to fashion.

{true confession: this took way longer than 5 minutes to write}

photo credit: Jeff Sheldon via Unsplash

31 Days of Five Minute Free Writes: Paint

The inner critic is a daunting beast, capable of sidelining an artist’s progress–dare I say an entire career–if given too much unmerited attention.

I’m encouraged by Vincent van Gogh’s words here. Pretty sure he battled his inner critic now and then. I admire his tenacity and courage to tackle it head on. I must confess, I’d rather not write then battle the mantra of doubt pinging around inside my head.

Several weeks ago, I heard some profound teaching by Allen Arnold on the concept of creating with God, as opposed to pursuing life alone. He feels so passionate about his philosophy that he wrote an entire book about it: The Story of With. If you’re interested, there’s a great interview with Allen here.

I’ve been thinking a lot about this teaching lately. Am I being lazy and procrastinating on my current writing projects because it just feels too hard and the critical voice is just too loud? Do I approach my writing life with an orphan mentality–falsely believing it is all up to me?

Your turn: How do you handle the critical voice that threatens to derail your progress?

 

photo credit: Lia Leslie via Unsplash

31 Days of Five Minute Free Writes: Walk

I’m not much of a recreational walker. I’d rather go to the gym and jump on the fancy cardio equipment or a stationary bike, parked in front of the Today show to make the time pass more quickly. Eager to get it over with so I can get on with my day.

But my writing work space is our dining room table, with two large windows providing a great view of the street in front of our house. I recognize the walkers. Diligent. Step by step, day in and day out, one foot in front of the other. “My” street is part of their regular route. Some are walking dogs. Many are alone. Occasionally there is a pair of walkers, hands gesturing wildly as they carry on a conversation in the midst of their exercise routine. Multi-tasking, I suppose.

I admire their consistent efforts. Secretly wonder if I’m missing out. Then I wave as I pass them, driving my SUV a half-mile to the gym to knock out my minimalist commitment to exercise on the cardio equipment.

I know that walking outside is good for the soul. Physical activity stimulates the mind and leads to more productive thinking. I know this because many walkers swear by it as a means for busting through writer’s block.

I know it yet I just haven’t become one of them. I’m starting to wonder if I’m missing out.

Last week, we brought a new puppy into our family. He isn’t a big fan of the leash but needs to spend a lot of time outside to cope with his, well, puppy-ness. So we are walking together,  lap after lap, around the house. He is so in awe of his surroundings. Every leaf, every stick, every mysterious element of the yard is their for his exploration and sometimes enjoyment.

I’m seeing glimpses of my future already. In time, the yard won’t be enough for him. We will graduate to larger opportunities. Longer routes. Soon I’ll be ‘one of them’. The walkers of the neighborhood. I have to say, I’m looking forward to seeing what this ‘walking’ thing is all about.

Your turn: are you a walker? Does exercise inspire your creativity? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts. I’d love to hear from you.

This is day one of October 2016’s Write 31 Days and the Five Minute Friday Free Write challenge. There’s still time to link up if you’d like to join us. All the details here.

Photo credit: Brian Mann via Unsplash

31 Days of Five Minute Free Writes: October 2016

Let the games begin! Every October, the Write 31 Days challenge gives anyone with a blog the opportunity to post every day for the entire month of October. The Five Minute Friday community is hosting a challenge within the challenge, prompting writers with a particular word for each day of the month. Each daily post is focused on free writing for 5 minutes on … you guessed it, the daily prompt. Easy peasy, right?

Curious?

Here is a lovely graphic with the prompts for the month, with the exception of Friday. Just to make it extra fun, those prompts will be announced on Thursday evening.

Write 31 Days allows bloggers to link their blog posts up with hundreds of other participants, all discussing a wide variety of topics all month long. This is a great opportunity to build community with other writers/bloggers/creative souls, learn quick tips for home decorating, dive deeper into a favorite topic or get inspired to try something new. The opportunities are limitless with this challenge and very rewarding, as well.

Want to join us? Everything you need to know for participating in the Write 31 Days challenge can be found here. The link opens on October 1 and closes October 5.

If you’d like to join 31 Days of Five Minute Free Writes, please click here. The link up for this challenge opens at 7pm CST on Friday September 30th.

Happy October, friends!

 

What’s Your Groove? | My Writing Playlist

I’ve always loved country music. From old-school classics like Rhinestone Cowboy, Jolene, Wichita Lineman, and The Gambler  to current top country hits such as Dirty Laundry, Vice, and Song for Another Time, I admire how each one tells a story and often reveals the intense motivation and emotions undergirding the lyrics. Yes, there are a few that are sooo cliche it makes me want to scream. But overall, the genre has a long history of telling amazing tales in just a few minutes.

I write better in a silent, peaceful environment that is free of distractions. But I love a good playlist to get me warmed up and thinking about the emotions I’m trying to convey in the next scene I want to write. Here’s my go-to list for inspiration.

Disclaimer: the host for today’s blog link up suggested we make a playlist with Spotify and share it here. Here’s the thing. I don’t support Spotify because I don’t feel it compensates the songwriters fairly. Sooooo…here’s my list anyway. If you don’t own the songs mentioned already, I highly recommend purchasing. I hope my playlist inspires you to write well and to write often.

Faith Hill: This Kiss
Thompson Square: Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not?
Old Dominion: Song for Another Time
Christina Perri: A Thousand Years
High Valley: Make You Mine
Train featuring Ashley Monroe: Bruises
MercyMe: Flawless
NeedToBreathe: State I’m In
Gloriana: (Kissed You) Good Night
Caitlyn Smith: Tacoma
Jana Kramer: I Got the Boy
Kelsea Ballerini: Dibs

There you have it. My #GroovetoWrite list. What’s on your writing playlist?

In preparation for 31 Days of Free Writes happening in October, we’re linking up our writing playlists here as a practice run for the big linkup in a couple of weeks. You don’t have to participate in 31 Days to share your writing playlist today, although if you feel inspired, we hope you’ll jump in and join us.

Now go. Shake your groove thing.

Five Minute Friday: Listen

This world is crazy loud, isn’t it?

I feel like I’m losing the ability to listen well. Or maybe I should say the art listening well. Because it is an art form. A gift to our audience. A well-honed ability to put aside our own agendas and endless to-do lists and status updates to hear what our child, our friend, our spouse is really saying.

Most days I feel like the guy in this photo: the sensory input is truly overwhelming. Podcasts, political ads everywhere I look, my favorite morning drive-time radio show, the top 30 country countdown I listen to faithfully every weekend. Here’s the thing that troubles me most: I’ve crammed all of that noise into my world and now I’m aggravated that it’s so stinkin’ loud in here.

Recently I’ve delved into the world of audiobooks. Not just because I’m an author and that’s an audience I want to reach, but because I want to learn to hear a story again. To truly get lost in it and experience the journey of the characters like I once did as a child who listened while my grownups read to me.

Do you know how hard it is to train your brain to listen well? It’s painful. I want to fold a load of laundry, color a picture, check my email, send a text … all while the narrator is presenting a chapter. It’s crazy how addicted I am to doing seventeen things at once.

Yesterday two of our three kids had written stories they desperately wanted to share with us RIGHT when they got home from school. I wanted to unpack the remnants from their lunchboxes, put the folded laundry away, remind them to start their homework…but a tiny voice inside me whispered, “This is important. Right now.”

Guess what? My budding storytellers had crafted two wonderful pieces. One son stayed up past his bedtime writing his last paragraph just so he could read it to me.

And I listened. Sat right there on the floor in his bedroom and savored every word. It’s a great story. I think he’s on to something. So grateful he wanted to share it with me.

It’s Five Minute Friday time once again. If you have a post you’d like to share about today’s prompt LISTEN you can link up here.

In just two short weeks, October will be here. Do you know what that means? 31 Days of Five Minute Free Writes kicks off for the third straight year. Consider this your invitation to join this amazing community for a solid month of writing, making new friends, and reading wonderful posts. Curious? More details here + an opportunity to do a trial run post this Tuesday, 9/20. C’mon. Do it. You’ll love every minute, I promise.

 

Photo credit: Thomas Lefebvre via Unsplash