“How’s your writing going?” asked my friend Stephanie.
“Good. Oh, so good,” the words felt wonderful to say…and feel.
That doesn’t happen every day. Feeling satisfied about the the first draft of my new novel came after four days of insecurity. Is this idea any good? Am I fooling myself that I can write? Was the success of my memoir Junkyard Girl a fluke?
What kept me in a perpetual state of writer’s block for many years was my inner critic nagging me that I was not perfect. When I learned that most writers grapple with self-doubt, I considered myself in good company, and mostly let go of these debilitating thoughts. Still, the pathways in my brain forged from this type of thinking will always exist. Every day, they try to hijack my new and more pawsitive neural highway and steer me down a path towards Negativity-ville. Luckily, I’ve learned that as challenging as writing can be, seeing my work published and having my words resonate with readers is a meaningful way is a life enhancing experience that I would never sacrifice.
Part of my writing process is to record my words into my cell as Grace and I take our morning walk. These strolls through the greenbelts of Santa Fe are where I get some of my best ideas, come up with the next line in a chapter, or conjure a thought a character may have. It’s where my brain makes space for the unexpected, the harsh, and the lovely. I wouldn’t have this experience if it wasn’t for Grace.
If you’ve been reading my newsletter, you know my rescue dog, Grace, is my writing muse. She doesn’t tell me what to write, but on these walks where she inspires stillness, mindfulness, and joy, an idea will come to me. Often a good one.
Perhaps I should give Grace a writing credit on my next book. But when I asked her about this, she answered, “Not this time, Mom. I hear there’s a cat in it.”
Stay Healthy & Stay Pawsitive,
Carlyn MDO 💜
P.S. Does my newsletter resonate with you? If you find it inspiring, helpful, or even a little entertaining, please share it with friends and family!
BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE!
Read the Rest of March’s My Pawsitive Newsletter Here!
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