Sandra Heska King

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Window on Writing: Not Writing

May 18, 2011 By Sandra Heska King

(“weeds” from the not-yet-tilled garden)

She wrote it on the back–66.11.

That’s how much I had left on my Barnes & Noble gift card (one of them, anyway) after I bought a tomato caprese sandwich and a glass of iced green tea.

My son keeps me well stocked with B&N gift cards.

I stopped in to grab a Macs for Dummies book, but they didn’t have one.

And my stomach growled loud enough to be heard way down at Macy’s.

So, of course, I had to eat.

Then I made the mistake of wandering the aisles.

And I bought these.

Because, I rationalized, maybe one of them would help me along here. I really hoped to have something to take to the ACFW Conference (if I get to go), but I’m not progressing as fast as I hoped.

Never mind that I already have this.

And shelves full of other books without these promises.

But then I found this. It was on my wish list.

And then this to replace the old beaten up one.

And I got this for a friend.

And thought the grandgirl might like these.

That probably took up a couple hours of writing time.

This morning I visited Linda’s blog.

Her May goals shamed me.

I could probably spend a couple more hours of writing time writing some goals.

But I had to run into Speedway where I witnessed a big old car smash into the water display right in front of the store, just as I walked in the door. Took a bit of the Jet’s Pizza girl’s car for a ride, too.

It’ll probably take another couple hours of writing time to calm down.

And then another hour on the treadmill to wear off the Krispy Kreme doughnut that the excitement forced me to buy–and eat.

And then there’s the matter of all these books.

And the books in my towering to-read pile

Of which lately I don’t seem to finish any.

Just a chapter here and a chapter there.

Part of the reason I’m not further along in my writing is because the grandbaby has taken up residence in her Pack-n-Play in my office.

That’s it.

I can blame her.

Or I can just blame myself.

And wallow in my ashes.

That could take up a few more hours.

I could talk to God about whether he really has called me to write fiction.

That would use up even more time.

Or I could just get to work.

Am (not) writing,

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Filed Under: stories and reflections, writing

Comments

  1. ed cyzewski says

    May 18, 2011 at 4:35 pm

    I can totally relate to this. Starting is the hardest part. I try to avoid the internet first thing in the morning so that I can just start writing. I also try to begin by editing yesterday’s work so that I don’t have to actually start “working” by “writing.”

    • Sandra says

      May 18, 2011 at 9:01 pm

      Great advice!

      I’m finding the fiction right now feels more like work. Maybe because it’s still unfamiliar territory.

  2. Cindee Snider Re says

    May 18, 2011 at 4:59 pm

    But you DO write! Beautiful blog posts that touch hearts and stir souls and encourage and inspire and refresh and lift high the name of Jesus, drawing others into His holy Presence. Just keep writing the words He lays on your heart. How God uses it is up to Him, but He will, all for His glory and your joy.

    • Sandra says

      May 18, 2011 at 9:02 pm

      Oh, Cindee. Thank you!

  3. HisFireFly says

    May 18, 2011 at 5:36 pm

    Bonnie (the Faith Barista) compared my journaling to Sarah Young’s “Jesus Calling” I haven’t read it.. should I?

    • Sandra says

      May 18, 2011 at 9:04 pm

      Well, this is strange. I think I answered you via email.

      Anyway, I agree with Bonnie. And yes, you would love this book. She writes what she senses God saying to her. God Calling is similar–older–written by “Two Listeners” who did not have their names published. I’ve had that one for years. Marked up, and pages falling out.

  4. linda Glaz says

    May 18, 2011 at 9:45 pm

    Keep writing, you’ll soon be more comfortable in your fiction skin.

    • Sandra says

      May 20, 2011 at 8:13 pm

      Thanks, Linda! Maybe it’s like a pair of new shoes that need to be broken in. 🙂

  5. diana says

    May 19, 2011 at 1:49 am

    Oh, yes, you do write – wonderfully well.

    But how I grinned my way through this one. I can identify with every.single.one of your interruptions/distractions – every one. Sigh.

    But I will admit, this is the first inkling that you’ve let out (to my eyes, at least) that you’re pursuing fiction writing. Well, good luck with that. :>) My guess is – you’ve got it in you – you are just so gifted…BUT please never leave this wonderful non-fiction, musing, reflecting part of your gift. SO needed, so valuable, so beautiful.

    But dear Sandra – if this is NOT writing – I say – KEEP IT UP.

    • Sandra says

      May 20, 2011 at 8:14 pm

      Oh, Diana. You are such an encouragement! So blessed to be on the road with you. 🙂

  6. S. Etole says

    May 19, 2011 at 8:48 am

    My mother always used to say, “Just do it!” *sigh*

    • Sandra says

      May 20, 2011 at 8:16 pm

      Oh, sigh . . . You just had to bring the moms into this. 😉

  7. journeytoepiphany says

    May 19, 2011 at 9:13 am

    I am in the same boat. I have thought of every excuse in the world to not write my YA novel. I have the bare bones done, but it needs a lot of work. I keep telling myself…this summer…

    • Sandra says

      May 20, 2011 at 8:17 pm

      Just don’t go to “this fall.” 😉

  8. Louise says

    May 19, 2011 at 9:35 am

    For me — it’s cleaning the toilet. Yup. when the toilet sparkles, I’m avoiding writing.

    I like what Susan’s mother used to say — if only I’d just do it! “sigh”

    • Sandra says

      May 20, 2011 at 8:18 pm

      I hate cleaning toilets. I like clean. But I hate cleaning.

      Now if I would just do it, I could hire a cleaning person who loves to clean.

  9. K.M. Weiland says

    May 19, 2011 at 11:47 am

    You’re making me jealous with your piles of brand new books! I hardly ever visit the bookstore for that very reason: I might go in empty-handed, but sure to leave empty-walleted. Actually, I shouldn’t complain about too much jealousy, since I indulged myself in the name of research and have seven or eight books coming way via PaperBackSwap. Fun post!

    • Sandra says

      May 20, 2011 at 8:20 pm

      I am such a sucker for books. And grateful that my son keeps me stocked with gift cards. But maybe I should start asking for cleaning coupons. Or better yet. Airplane tickets somewhere. Research time, doncha know.

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