Writing in a Winter Wonderland

I'll never forget the cold, cold moments of trudging into the warm house after a romp in the snow filled pit in the back field. Clothes wet, no matter how much the tags said they were water resistant. Cheeks flaming red, hair in disarray, glasses instantly fogging in the warmth. Tired, but happy. The ecstasy of the first sip of hot tea and a handful of crunchy Chex Mix. These are moments of purest family togetherness. Though the outside world rages cold and snow, we know there is a warm hearth waiting and the open arms and smiles of a family that welcomes us, wet snow clothes and all.

Isn't that our goal in fiction as well? To take our reader on a journey filled with struggles and angst for our characters and the growth they must sustain, but in the end can take their hand and lead them back to the fires of home and welcome them to the moment that confirms the values you have worked for years to craft and hone.

Such metaphors can be found in any season, but seem to abound in the coldness of winter. Maybe because being indoors, looking out on a blinding white world makes me so reflective. As your family gathers around the holiday dinner table. Possibly with extended friends and family, what brought you to this moment? The road of life is never smooth. Were there travel troubles? Relational issues that almost stopped you from sending that invitation? A loved one that is noticeably missing?

As the children romp in the snow, joining in on the one fight that generally won't get them in trouble, these are the moments that make the greatest memories. And often the ones that provoke others. As you watch your children (or grandchildren) whooping and laughing, what is the emotion coursing through you? Joy? Nostalgia? Perhaps a touch of sadness of something that never was?

Do you have a friend or relative that says your name in a special way that always warms your middle? How loved it makes you feel when you see that person just once in a while? Savor it. Don't let it pass it by. Hold it close and remember that encompassing joy like being wrapped in a warm hug even when that person isn't near to hear their voice.

Take these moments this holiday season and bottle them up. The scent of sugar cookies cooling on the rack. The trill of childish laughter. The fullness of family near and far. The warmth of a full fire. Inhale them all. Mark each one and file it away, so when the manuscript beckons and the characters again become front and center, each of these moments that have made your season so memorable can be pulled out, relived and shared through the pages and lives of your characters.

True to the theme this week on the Alley, as we share memories or moments in our fiction that have been taken from our lives, I ask, do you have a special moment you have bottled to someday share in written word?

Winter Storm Writing

Recently Fay Lamb included this quote on the ACFW crit group: "For me, life is writing and I can do it anywhere. It doesn't matter where I am. I listen. I write. I live." ~Maynard James Keenan

True words.

Today's post is dedicated to life, weather, and inspiration. Last week a winter storm pelted the area I live. What I saw the next day caused me to laugh and, oddly enough, discover these writing lessons:

There I was snuggled in my home, sipping hot chocolate, and gazing at Michigan sized snowflakes falling in Montana when my husband leaped from the sofa (a literal leap!) and announced he would snow-blow the driveway. "We'll be able to get out of the garage and down to the street tomorrow." Thirty minutes later the abominable snowman bounded into my house, content with a job well done. My husband was right. The next morning we slid down our driveway while other drivers chiseled and pounded crusty snow in a mad attempt to plow a path for their car. 

 

 
What did I learn? 

Writing a manuscript worthy of publication takes tenacity, help, and blessings. This is not a cream puff task.  Buck up. Push through. Get the words down. When someone struggles, lend a hand. Offer to critique, share your skills, and give a word of encouragement.  When you're the one in need, let others know. Humble yourself, ask for help, and be a blessing to someone else by letting them help you.

3. Use Wisdom
  At the end of my work day, employees from a nearby auto glass business gathered outside to help a co-worker.  Their business truck sat sideways in the street aimed to backup into the garage bay. The driver revved the engine a few times while the workers shouted, "Now gun it this time."  The engine roared, the wheels spun, and the truck careened toward the bay.  The workers cheered as they trudged through the knee-deep unshoveled path.  I couldn't help but wonder how many times they tried to get that truck in the bay, and what would have happened if the workers had shoveled the path first.  Larry, Curly, and Mo would have been jealous.

What did I learn?  There is a wealth of instruction available for writers. Sometimes I'm lazy and choose not to sharpen my skills. I toil over my WIP revving my brain and spinning my wheels because I'm locked into my way. I must admit, when I choose to correct my work and modify my writing according to the instructions, my WIP sounds good.

Here is a cup of cocoa to invigorate your winter writing days. 

May you find strength to follow through perfecting your WIP, give/receive help liberally, and use wisdom found in books/blogs/etc. in your writing today.

How is your writing--can we bless you in someway?

What did I learn?
Obstacles will clog the path to publication. If I hone my craft and apply what I've learned before submitting my WIP I will be able to weather the journey and prove myself worthy of publication.

2. Accept and Give Help Liberally 
Our city didn't plow many streets.  I fishtailed through several side roads until I came to a plowed street where rush hour traffic competed for the blue ribbon breaking on ice award. Miles later I discovered two feet of snow-frosting covered my usual parking place.  I gunned the engine and jerked the car through the snow, convinced the car would never escape without a tow truck.  But that was a 5:00 problem.  In the meantime, we city folk pushed each other out of alleys, parking lots, and unplowed streets. Business owners left their stores to lend a hand, and high school students on their way to school pushed stuck vehicles. Some called into to work that day, some didn't even attempt to get to work. At lunch one man wouldn't let a restaurant owner help dig out his car.

1 . Follow Through