Best Lines: On Writing

“A freelance writer is one who is paid per word, per page or perhaps.” – Robert Benchley

The Really Big Fat Stinky Elephant in the Middle of the Room

“I was once asked why I don’t participate in anti-war demonstrations. I said that I will never do that, but as soon as you have a pro-peace rally, I’ll be there.”  Mother Teresa

The really big fat stinky elephant in the middle of the room 

Is blocking my view. 

What did I chant when I was a child?

“Can’t go under it. 

Can’t go over it. 

Can’t go through it.”

What did I learn as an adult? 

Guess I need to eat it. 

“How do you eat an elephant?”

“One bite at a time.” 

My elephant has a name:  SonInIraq.

No matter what I do,

Where I go,

How fast I peddle,

SonInIraq is still there. 

And will be there for the next year.

In the meantime:

I work, I pray, I go about my day. 

I write letters

And email

And shop for items

To brighten his day.

My military family grows.

I write and email and shop for items for

Two young men I do not know.

They serve with SonInIraq.

Their mothers do the same.

I don’t watch the news (good advise received from a mom who’s been here, done this). 

I join with families in our Family Readiness Group and “Walk to Iraq and Back”

With phone in hand.  Always. 

Sometimes I dance to Iraq and back. 

It counts.

Moving is good.

I note the time, then add nine hours. 

That’s what time it is for SonInIraq.

Best Lines: On Writing

I keep six honest serving men
(They taught me all I knew);
Their names are What and Why and When
and How and Where and Who.

- Rudyard Kipling

Best Lines

“Every day of our lives we are on the verge of making those slight changes that would make all the difference.”  ~Mignon McLaughlin, The Neurotic’s Notebook, 1960

Don’t Pay the Ransom – I Got Away

 ”Writing became such a process of discovery that I couldn’t wait to get to work in the morning:  I wanted to know what I was going to say.”  ~Sharon O’Brien

They’re looking at me.

The Deadlines!  The Deadlines!

I guess I need to keep it brief. 

It started with the re-write of the YA Novel.

Then the phone rang.

A new client. 

A new opportunity.  

Yes.

Then an email.

Another new client. 

I smile.  I type, “Yes.”

Then another.  “Yes,” I say.

A friend asks me to join her for the afternoon.

“I’m sorry, I can’t. I have to work.”

Professional milestone marked.

‘08 in Freelance Writer World is a sweet time indeed.

The phone rings. 

Another new opportunity. 

Another request. 

Another surge of possibility tingles through my veins.

“Excuse me.  I have to check my calendar.”

Another professional milestone noted.

Yes! 

Carpe Diem Y’all, Michele