We are all trying to make a splash in the publishing world. Everyday we
j
u
m
p
into our writing.
Sometimes our strokes are strong.
Sometimes we tread water.
Sometimes we tread water.
Sometimes we can't stay afloat.
Staying
Afloat
With pen in hand
I take the leap
Words loom above
The glistening sea of my soul
Smooth and calm
As blank white paper
Terrifying and exhilarating
Like plunging
off a sheer cliff alone
I write
This is no swan dive
Cannon-balling
into space
I hit the
surface hard
Eyes squeezed tight
Holding my
breath
Sinking down,
down, down
Into the depths of my emotions
Cool and dim
Propelling off
the bottom
Rising toward
the brightness
Fighting
resistance
Lungs bursting,
I sense forward
motion
With every stroke
This is
survival
My life breath
Thoughts bubble
to the surface
Ideas become clearer
More vivid
Kicking,
rewriting with all my might
My pen skims
the watery surface
Creating a spray
of hard won phrases, clusters, and clauses
I gasp
Heart-pounding ripples
Soak the
surface of the page
Relaxing, I
float
Words bobbing gently
Leave me vulnerable
Exposed
But that will not keep me
Out of the water. ~Janie Reinart
We can't seem to stay out of the water! So how do we continue to soak the surface of the page with our words?
1. Reach for a life preserver. Call your writing buddy or a critique group member
or check out this article for apps that help you float above your writer's block.
or check out this article for apps that help you float above your writer's block.
2. Stop and look at the colors. Coloring books for adults are in. Think of it as art therapy. The motion and the creativity are relaxing your mind. The ideas will flow.
3. Remember the sea holds treasures. You have a gift. Keep taking that leap. Hold on to your dream. Keep going.
What do you do to stay afloat?
Beautiful poem, Janie! I love the swimming analogy.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tina. I think a lot of holding our breath goes on too!
DeleteWow, this poem says it all and w/such great imagery, Janie! Ty for Monday motivation!
ReplyDeleteKathy, we have to hold each other up. The kidlit people are wonderful for motivating each other!
DeleteI enjoyed your poem Janie. I also find a "life preserver" in doing other creative things between writing...quilting, paper crafts, baking...it's all good for tapping into creativity in a different form.
ReplyDeleteWonderful ideas, Darlene! Especially if the baking includes chocolate!
DeleteInspiring poem, Janie! Thanks for encouraging me to stay afloat with tips and links. Well done!
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome Jarm. Always wonderful to connect with you.
DeleteWhat a great Monday motivator! Love the poem, the images, and the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kim. Always good to stick together!
DeleteJanie, your poem wonderfully describes the process! Thanks for the encouragement! dog paddling in circles, jane
ReplyDeleteJane, Yeah for sticking to it! That's where I am too--dog paddling :)
DeleteI needed a motivator this morning-Thank you Janie! Your poem is inspiring and gave me the will to think about those words, phrases, and plot thoughts! Our writing community is the best :)
ReplyDeleteCharlotte, I love your writing. Glad we can motivate each other. Keep on kicking!
ReplyDeletegreat poem; great post.
ReplyDeleteWow, Janie! So, so talented!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful poem, Janie! I think that, like Jane, I may be dog-paddling, too. But dog-paddling can still get you places...
ReplyDeleteOh, Janie, that is beautiful and thought provoking. Thank you for sharing your gift of poetry with us. I have had two weeks of frustration and negative thoughts that took residence within my mind. I was gasping for air, but now I back on track. Thanks for the reminder that we all have times of doubt, but we will breathe again.
ReplyDeleteSherri, happy to hear you are back on track. It is part of the writerly life. So glad we can float together.
Deletesorry. "am back on track."
ReplyDeleteHey Janie,
ReplyDeleteThanks for these eloquent moments of diving back in.
I think about our return to forward motion. To answer your question -
I'm increased the # of workshops I attend. They scoot me into writing new works.
I'm reading enjoyable books more , on social media less than B-4.
I bought buncha tiny notebooks & sprinkle them in pockets, everywhere for noting things like odd street names, advertising signs, observations of people that I will forget to write down when home.
Remembering how often I reject others' writing in for example, a great greeting card I don't buy or that book in the bookstore. Nothing against the writing, just... didn't buy it.
Tiny things, but they help me.As you have, with this!
My best to you.
Thank you, Jan. Great ideas. I need to read more books for pleasure too! Love that we can keep on kicking together.
DeleteWhat an absolutely beautiful poem Janie. I am so glad I finally got the chance to stop by. I agree with having that special crit group. Mine is the best. Wink to you crit bud. Reading good works does it for ne. But definitely the social interaction with other writers. Those whose ideas, experiences, and kidlit perspectives spur you on. Great post here.
ReplyDeletePam, love that we can work together. I know I can always reach out to you. Thanks for the support and hugs.
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ReplyDeleteLoved your poem and the analogy you've made. I'd have to say that for me, taking the time to read posts on writing and talking with other fellow writers spur me on. I don't always get to "chat" with others since I live where there are not many writers - but challenged to put myself out there and respond to posts and other sites. Taking that jump...
ReplyDeleteMaDonna it is hard to be alone and write. So glad to hear from you. I love the kid lit community. It's definitely more fun to have a swim party.
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