Little thoughts about writing.

This is such a self-indulgent post, but I’m putting down these thoughts so that I can return to this blog one day when I’m down on myself about my writing. I hope that if anyone reads it, they will find it inspirational, maybe, rather than annoying. Deepest apologies for the latter reaction.

I have been writing more, trying to check in every day. (Thank you Bret Anthony Johnston for inspiring me to write every day.)

This is to record: when I write, I am happier. I’m happy because I’m more aware of people, of details, of conflicts, of dialogue and fascinating things people say. I’m not sure if I am more sensitive, but I do feel like I can understand people’s perspectives more when I am writing. I’m productive, and that makes me happy, but I’m happy the way Buddhists are supposed to be happy–I’m happy because I take time out each day to spend with language. To spend clarifying ideas. Writing is a gift–it’s the opportunity to meditate and produce something from the thoughts. This is enough. The rest is just icing on the cake. (The rest, being that machinery we call the business side of writing).

This is also to record: Today I am a happy writer, even though I’ve only received rejection letters (okay, not totally true, but I still don’t see myself as successfully published). I met an author, Angie Cruz, last week, who told me that if I don’t give up, I’ll make it. It’s simple, but writers need to hear this. There are so many reasons to just give up. The odds are against us.

This is to record: I am content with where my writing is, even though I hope it goes much further. I have a story that is now waiting to be read by 20 lit mags. What’s crazy is that I expect 20 rejections. What’s crazier is that I don’t mind, because right now, what I went through in writing and revising that story enhanced my life.

This is to record: I have a job, which is teaching, and I love it. I love it because teaching makes my writing better, and because being a writer makes my teaching better.

This is to record:

God’s word is my fuel (God’s word: love your neighbor, I am with you, do not be afraid, trees with nests from mustard seeds).

Love is my calling.

Writing is my work.

Teaching is my ministry.