As I stated not long ago, 2010 is my year of the BOOK.
I will finish the BOOK and try my damndest to get the sucker published. I also mentioned that I want to bring you with me on my journey—today my message is towards that end.
Please get comfortable, slip the metal tab into the buckle and pull comfortably around your waist. While I do not anticipate depressurization of the monitor, during the unlikely event an oxygen mask will drop from the screen. Please place the mask around your nose and mouth first, then assist others.
On occasion, since I’ve set my mind to the BOOK goal, I’ve received the question, “Why a book? Why not just write for your blog?”
Beyond that, I’ve had to research a plethora of questions so I may begin my journey informed and knowing the essentials. My journey has begun.
Why write a book? Why am I doing it? Why not stop at blogging?
Those are fair questions and important ones to answer.
When I became more serious about learning the writing and publishing trade in January of 2009, one of the most interesting books I read early on was Bird by Bird: Some instructions on Writing and Life, by Anne Lamott.
Anne explains a view very close to my own answer to the question above—plus, her writing is some of the best I’ve read:
“Telling these truths is your job. You have nothing else to tell us. But needless to say, you can’t tell them in a sentence or a paragraph; the truth doesn’t come out in bumper stickers. …Your whole piece is truth, not just one shining epigrammatic moment in it. There will need to be some kind of unfolding in order to contain it, and there will need to be layers. We are dealing with the ineffable here—we’re out there somewhere between the known and the unknown, trying to reel in both for a closer look. This is why it may take a whole book.”
“…My friend Carpenter says we no longer need Chicken Little to tell us the sky is falling, because it already has. The issue now is how to take care of one another. For some of us, good books and beautiful writing are the ultimate solace, even more comforting than exquisite food.”
My sky has fallen again recently, and has fallen many times over my life. I’m sure yours has at some point, too. The one thing I can most vividly remember during some of my darkest hours is the comfort I felt from a great book, a compelling story—from reading about how someone managed to reach the other side without succumbing to the raging river that flows through this life.
Stories compel me—not instruction books, not 50 ways to x, y, and z. We’re all different, we all have different tastes, but I need stories. Share a story about how you managed, show me, but don’t lecture me—don’t tell me.
As evidenced by my Front Porch series, I’m interested in peoples’ experiences, how they chose to navigate swift waters, and how they’ve reached the other side.
And why not add a sprinkle of humor, too? Lamott also writes, “Some of us are interested in any light you may be able to shed [about difficult times] and we will pay a great deal extra if you can make us laugh about it.”
As I travel throughout the year, I will be writing to this end: showing, honing my craft, and sharpening my story for you—with laughter infused at all the right moments.
Thanks for taking this ride with me and for being a part of my Nimble community.
My closing thought and request for you today:
Share a story when you received multiple questions from people about something—did the questions help bring you clarity?
This is really good to chew on… The question I have received consistently over the past couple of years is “how do you manage to make it through?”. If you follow my blog, it’s a fair question. However, there’s an easy answer.
What other choice do I have?
I think a book is a terrific idea. I look forward to seeing it’s progress.
Hi Jason,
I completely agree with you! When I got deployed to the Middle East – many, many people found it hard to fathom the complexities of the situation. But I pretty much said the same thing as you, hey, I signed up for the gig, so I gotta go. The one choice I had (to be a dissenter or break my leg to avoid going) didn’t seem savory at the time.
Thanks for your support for my endeavor. As my pops would say, “Lulu, it’s time to **** or get off the pot!” A decade of wishing I could write my book hasn’t worked thus far. Time to act, mate.
Great to see you again, Jason.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. I can’t wait to read your book. I know it’s gonna be awesome, cause YOU are awesome! Your awesomeness is just gonna flow out of you and onto the page, and from there to my eyes and into me, and I can’t wait for that!
.-= Jay Schryer´s last blog ..The Miracle =-.
And do you know what’s even awesomer (OK, OK, I just made up that word, I know – bad, bad girl!)? Your positive influence on me will shine through my prose!
Thanks for being such a positive force in my life, Jay. I wouldn’t be where I am today without you!
Hi Lori,
Such a beautiful and heartfelt post! I loved reading this and your love for writing shines through which is something beautiful to see. So you go, girl!
As for your question, there were many times in my life when I received multiple questions from people. The one time that comes to mind at the moment was when we decided to go live in India for six months.
We got so many questions about that because no one could understand why in the world would we leave everything and go live in a small village in the middle of India.
The questions did not bring clarity because they were being asked with an intent to discredit and condemn. I think the quality of the question determines the impact.
If someone asks something with an intention to be of service or provide another insight or perspective, I love that because that creates a conversation. But if someone asks just to be mean or rude, then that is like putting out a fire on my enthusiasm.
So it depends on the intent and purpose of the question. At least that is what it does to me. Hope this helps and makes sense.
Thanks, Nadia! I hope you know that your writing has been a positive influence on me — deepening my resolve to work on my BOOK. (Thank you!) Your love for wring shines through your blog, too, and I can tell from your posts that you absolutely love the written word as much as I do! Yay for writing!
I really like how you explained how the way a question is asked can affect your response and thoughts. That’s a really important point, Nadia.
For, me, in light of what you’re saying, I actually think it helps me in some small way, too, when someone asks out of not the best intentions. (I’ve had some of those types of questions lately, actually). It makes me deeply question why I’m doing what I’m doing. And, even if I’m ribbed or someone tries to put my fire out, and I still want to move forward, it just deepens my resolve that I’m doing the right thing.
I totally see what you’re saying, though, and rudeness/meanness is completely annoying. Why can’t people just be happy for and support others? I’m sure it’s because of reasons that you mentioned, many times ‘things’ are so far beyond people’s experiences and people just have no idea what to think!
Thanks for you’re presence here, Nadia. It means a lot to me.
I have to write my books too. (sigh) I just can’t seem to get started.
.-= Hayden Tompkins´s last blog ..Losing Weight: The Donut Diet =-.
Hayden!
Get to it!
C’mon!
We need you out there! I want you on that wall, I need you on that wall (to quote J. Nicholson in A Few Good Men).
I’d LOVE LOVE to read your stories! How can I help? You can be my writing buddy. (?)
They aren’t fiction. They are related to dealing with aspects of child abuse.
.-= Hayden Tompkins´s last blog ..Losing Weight: The Donut Diet =-.
Like I said, we need you out there to share your experiences – when you are ready. There’s so much you can contribute to help others, seeing through your eyes would help me understand, too. And I want to understand you via your life, how you’ve managed to navigate the raging streams to become the woman you are today.
Thanks for saying what you did here, Hayden. This is also why you are remarkable in my eyes.
LOVE!
Chicka, put me down for the first copy straight off the press! I just know it’s gonna be a great read. How? Well, you’ve done your research, you’ve set the goal, you’ve made the decision and you write a mean story. How can it not be a kick arse book?!
As for being asked questions, I’ve gained the most clarity in my life thanks to being asked a number of questions, generally through life coaching. I find the process of being coached to be massively insightful and powerful. What I can’t see, an objective person usually can. It really has resulted in some amazing outcomes for me.
By the way, I think it only fair you include the word “sternocleidomastoid” somewhere in your book. THAT would crack me right up!
.-= Sami – Life, Laughs & Lemmings´s last blog ..Kick Arse Question – Tides of Change =-.
Sami, woman, how is it that every comment you leave for me makes me laugh out loud? How do you do it?
I was going to post today about the sternocleidomastoid, but I’ll save that for another day very soon! I think the SCM is my favorite muscle – but you know that already. Well, actually, the platysma is up there pretty high, too.
As for your comment, I totally agree. The nice thing about coaching, too, is having an objective source of reasoning. He or she is not your aunt, friend, or the like – just there to help, reflect, and help you figure out where to head to next (and how). Good point!
Thanks for all of your bursting positivity, Sami. Your presence in my life has had a ripple effect for huge changes in mine, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for that.
I think it’s like anything in life, the hardest thing is to make the decision and start. Once I’m going, I’m usually like a snowball heading down the mountain! But, oh, the pain of getting to the start of the game! Whew, I made it – look out!
Hey Lori,
This is the year of YOUR book!! AND it will be amazing!! I know it will!!
Stories draw me in, too. There is a certain real-ness to them, even in fiction stories. It’s like I can picture it, like I am transported there. And in that space, I can relate, connect, be, feel, love, absorb, take in, consume, become…
Lori, like that picture here today, you are a flowing stream of water, washing your beauty over all those you touch. Over me…
.-= Lance´s last blog ..Sunday Thought For The Day =-.
Thanks, Lance, and great to see you!
Your support is essential, I know you’re there, I know you’re behind me 100%, and it makes every day of writing that much more fun! Thank you!
I’m glad you see stories as I do, that you appreciate them, and that they move you as they do me. Your writing, too, Lance, is filled with all the words you speak of here. It’s delightful!!
Thanks for your comment about the photo, too. I took that photo during my first visit to Golden Gate Park here in San Francisco. It was such a beautiful day, not much fog (yea!) and the water was absolutely glistening like a river of gems. I’m glad I caught that day on film, and it means that much more to hear you appreciating it!
Thanks, Lance, for all you’ve done to support me!
Hi Lori:
I’m very intrigued and excited to read your book…and I look forward as you reveal more about it!! I have a strong belief that it’s going to be a great book!
I enjoyed what you said about stories and agree with you about their power…I’ve been interested in becoming a better storyteller since reading a book called “The Story Factor” earlier last year.
Anyhow, I like the questions you posed at the end of your post…I would say that questions have helped me bring about clarity in my life…whether it be from a coach, friend, co-workers, etc. as long as they are constructive questions.
I’m really excited to learn more about your book and wish you the best in making it a reality!!
.-= Tim´s last blog ..The Friendship Project: Peoplescape (Part Two) =-.
Thanks, Tim. Thanks for believing in me. Evey day brings its own unique challenge, but I’ve already learned so much from my journey.
Thanks for pondering my question; I think you and Nadia have it spot on – the constructive ones are definitely the better way to go.
Thanks again for all your support, Tim, I appreciate you!
Hey Lori, wow what a great goal and I look forward to seeing what your book has to offer!
Just like you I am interested in stories too, which is why I sort of have my interviews in my blog. However, I am so much more fascinated by human behavior and why we work the way we do and how we’ve come about to this stage in our different lives.
Every time I wait for my bus by the bus stop, seeing the groups of people standing beside me truly gives me such a profound feeling. I get that feeling because I realize that everybody has such a fascinating life and story that they have experienced. Everybody is so diverse yet so similar, everybody has their fears and desires, everybody can love and hate, and everybody is COMPLETELY different…
How could you ever feel down in a world full of yourselves?
I give you my best wishes Lori, and then whenever a sky has “fallen” down on you, remember that you have a whole community here who supports and cares for you.
Steven
.-= Steven´s last blog ..Why You Shouldn’t Suppress Your Emotions =-.
Hi Steven,
You are such a bright shining light in my life; I just love seeing your sunny avatar in the comments here!
Human behavior is interesting to me, too. Your interest in how we behave also shines though your blog – I just love how you can take a topic and break it down to the very core – and also depict it with stick figures! Love it!
And, you totally get it, Steven. We are all so very different in our beliefs, how we act, all that, but yet we’re all really the same (99.9% the same!!) – it seems almost implausible, but so true!
I love that line, “How could you ever feel down in a world full of yourselves?” PERFECT!
Thanks for your support, Steven, I feel it. You made me feel really good saying what you did here today. When you lay your head on your pillow tonight, know that you made a difference for someone today (and that be moi).
All My Best!!
Hey, NaNo-partner! Kudos to you, dear! Let that story continue to carry you till it helps you to write your own!
Storytellers have always been treasured members of society. From the gathering of young people in the elder’s tent, listening to him weave tales that entertained the senses and explained the universe, to the absorbing written and electronic word of today, it has been stories that have carried the heart of our existence forward through time.
Welcome to the magical world of the Storyteller!
And add me to that notification list when your book hits the shelves.
As to questions … In my eyes, we learn the greatest depths of what we know when we are teaching it to others. For me, it’s often through the eyes of the people and animals I help day after day that I gain the most clarity regarding my own story.
.-= Gayze´s last blog ..Wild Bird Rescue in Winter =-.
Hey NaNo-Buddy!!
Can you believe I’m still working on my NaNo manuscript? Oh geez, I’m soooo slow!! It’ll get there one day – at least I have the ‘guts’ of the story to reform into something more recognizable (tolerable!). ha
Gayze, I just LOVE what you said here. You nailed it – the whole essence of what I admire and relate to – loving stories and wanting to be a storyteller. I want to gather everyone in my tent and tell you all some great tales! I want to help carry you with my stories!
You know, when I was an instructor, I used to tell my students stories all the time – related to what we were doing. I just loved it; I think they enjoyed it, too. I miss that job.
And, my comment relates to what you mentioned about teaching. I agree. Gayze, you are wise and wonderful!
Thanks so much for your comment. You’re a doll!
~xo
Heh, “me, too”! Regarding the NaNoScript, that is! In fact, the publisher now has me rewriting its prequel …. Well, not totally, but “polishing”, I guess would be the word. LOL “Be careful what you wish for”….
And a blushing thank you. I don’t know that I’m all that wise, honestly … but I do try my best to pay attention when the wisdom around us smacks me upside the head with a two-by-four.
.-= Gayze´s last blog ..Wild Bird Rescue in Winter =-.
Lori,
You are always so wonderful about sharing little pieces of yourself with us. It’s great to get these little insights into who you are and what drives you.
Go for the book, I say. I know that you will accomplish this task. Your writing buddy thinks it’s a great plan too!
George
.-= George Angus´s last blog ..Orb Chapter Four =-.
Hmmm…is it wonderful I share about me? Or am I boring everyone out of their gourds???
The way I see it, I prefer to tell people how I’m going about things as opposed to telling someone HOW to do something. I feel not everything works for everyone – so maybe if I just explain what’s working for me, maybe it will resonate with someone? Maybe?
Thanks for your encouragement, George! I’m honored to think that I have your support; I very much admire your writing. Ooooh, the fun we’ll have as writing buddies! Thanks, George!!! Yee haw!!
Hi Lori! Hallelujah, girl! The passion that is bubbling behind your words and the declaration of what you want is such awesome positive energy that I have no – NONE – no doubt whatsoever that your foundation of belief in yourself and your goal will manifest greatly anything you do!
OMG – to share a story when I was asked questions about what I was doing? Ha! ALL the time! I’ll share a non-writing one just to be different. Somehow I developed a “hobby” shall we say, of hand quilting. Out of the blue. Just saw an antique quilt and said, hey, I could do that! So I got a few books on the subject, bought a huge stash of fabric and started. My friends thought I was insane. The questions! “HOW LONG is this going to take you?” “God, you are STILL doing this one?” “Where do you find the patience?” “What on earth are you going to DO with it?”
I came to realize “process”. I appreciated the rhythm of it. I saw how one tiny square (insignificant by itself) could be added to, slowly, patiently, until it became a blanket that would keep you warm on a cold night. It was 100% hand made, each teensy piece, connected with love and patience, no “time” element at all involved in my consciousness, just allowing. It’s been such a positive, almost spiritual experience. Who knew??? I’ve done six over the years – it’s still one of my favorite ways to get in a zone of peace.
.-= suzen´s last blog ..2012 Curious =-.
Suzen,
You talking about ME got ME all fired up! You should be a motivational speaker, Suzen, I mean, geez, every time I see your comments or replies to others at your site, I just want to jump for joy and get to it!!! Wow!
Thank you for sharing your “hobby” with us! Holy moley, girl, that’s awesome!! I hear what you’re saying regarding all the questions. “Are you done yet?” “How’s it coming?” “What are you going to do with it?” EXACTLY!! That’s what I get, too. ha
And, I think you’re spot on, Suzen, it’s all about the process. I love working on projects and it’s often the process that gives the work meaning. I bet your quilts are simply beautiful, and I’m sure you’ll treasure them forever.
In the book, “The Artist’s Way” (J. Cameron) she talks a lot about mending and sewing as a way to declutter the mind, learn more about one’s self, and unleash creativity. Your story reminds me of this, I just love what you said here, Suzen.
Thank you!
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Lori,
I sure am happy I decided to back track and read what I’ve missed. I love Lamont’s work and like you feel like there are not many writers better than she.
I agree with Jay and can’t wait to read your book.
My husband and I dreamed of moving to a warmer climate since our 30′s. We told everyone we were going to do it since then as well. Even though it took us longer than we thought we did it 2 and 1/2 years ago. When we placed the for sale sign in our front yard everyone and I mean everyone said, “Are you really going to do this?” Now how dumb is a question like that! It reinforced how few people follow their heart and take risks. It doesn’t matter how long it takes somebody to do something it just matters that they do it. Besides I like to mark up my books, high light, write in margins and reread them to be reinspired. Sorry Lori I just can’t to that with your blog!
.-= Tess The Bold Life´s last blog ..Why I Love To Blog =-.
Oh and about stories…last night I spoke at a Hospice benefit dinner. I told the story about Kristy and her physical challenge. One person came up to me afterwards and said she had just found out her baby was blind and was so grateful for my story. Also an older man said his son was born with a thumb and little finger on one had. He said today he works for NASA and has 1000 engineers under him.
It is amazing how stories help us relate to each other. I sold 60 books! Have you thought about being a speaker? The world needs you!
.-= Tess The Bold Life´s last blog ..Why I Love To Blog =-.
Hi Tess,
It’s always a pleasure to see you, whether at your blog, here in comments, or the chance email that we swap. I think you’re the bees’ knees (as my grandmother would have said!)!
Thanks for sharing your stories – I loved reading about your experiences. Also, thanks for your encouragement regarding my book. I’m doing my best – and having fun during the process. Having fun is my top priority these days, so I guess I could say I’m pretty happy with how things are going.
And, hey, that’s SUPER you sold 60 books!!! AWESOME, TESS!! That is soo great! Do you enjoy speaking at functions? Or do you do it for ‘other reasons?’
It’s kind of funny you ask about me being a speaker. I actually love public speaking, used to completely enjoy teaching, and I actually looked into getting into getting public speaking gigs after I finished college (but back then, it didn’t really work out, a long story).
I have thought about speaking a lot, but I’m limited by my stupid Ms. MS. I have crushing fatigue and stress makes me feel very crappy – but I’m going to figure this out one way or another. I want to kick Ms. MS in the teeth and feed her to the dogs – why can’t she find something else to do rather than messing with me???
Thanks for all you said here, Tess, I have so much enjoyed getting to know you over the past year. I’m glad you like Lamott, too. I think she’s an amazing writer.
*SMOOCH*
[...] said, my logophilia is becoming a problem. As I continue to slowly grind away at my BOOK, one of the challenges I continue to face is adhering to the age-old writer’s suggestion: [...]