writing one Story at at time, mistakes and all

As I experiment with combining collage and story, I occasionally (who's kidding, I OFTEN) find myself frustrated and ready to give up.

I’m so accustomed to editing my words and designs on the computer where I can hit the delete key or use a combination of keys to undo what I've done.  When I work with my hands that's not possible and I am, at times, derailed by a layout or word that doesn’t match what I had in my mind’s eye.

Like running out of space at the bottom of this heron piece.

I wanted to add more but there was no room. Seeing that I wasted so much space at the top I was frustrated and wanted to fix it. But there's no key for that, not when you're working with paper, glue, and ink.

I'd gone too far to start over, so I had to work with what was there.

When that happens, I take a deep breath and know this will pass. When I see it again, long after the fretting is done, I know it will look different.

So I go with it …and all the imperfections. Accepting them as part of the process. And in doing that, I also see things that work.

I recognize that because I stayed with it, I’ve got something to show for my time and effort. A record of an event along with some collage and writing practice, too.

Progress

So yes, this heron was chill. The otters were swirling and rolling, diving and chattering and the heron didn’t seem to notice them. Or maybe it did but didn’t want to attract any attention.

So be like the heron.

Stay with your writing and your storytelling. Yes, it can be discouraging. But starting and keeping at it is where you'll make progress. Where you'll see glimmers of where you're going. Where it IS working.

You'll see things you didn't see when you were just thinking about writing. It's in the doing and the writing where you'll make progress. And mistakes. But keep going.

One story at a time.

Get yours today and start writing!