Shaped By The Authors I Love~SOL 2017

| Shari Daniels

I was contemplating the multiple ways in which we tell a story. My notebook is overflowing with writing fodder, but much of it is internal dialogue, collected words and wonderings.  Shaping snippets into story is an art and I really intend to focus more effort on exploring the countless way a story can be told.

I grabbed a couple of books off of my shelf to guide me.  Storycatcher, by Christina Baldwin and The Art of Memior, by Marie Carr jump out to my hands first. Opening to pages scribbled with the chicken tracks of my thinking, both books remind me that our stories are interpretations of our own events.

“Yeah, yeah, I know that,” I babble .  “I’m looking for structure here.”

My mind darted back to last summer when I took an online writing course from Jen Louden. I sought many structures for the story I had drafted.  Amy Krouse Rosenthal, one of my mentor writers and favorite authors popped into my head.  A post was penned about her here. Don’t go here now.  Do it later. You must read to the end of this story first.

“Perhaps I just need to look back at my own dang notes to see what I’ve already pondered,” I scold myself.

So, I did.

“Good stuff here,” I congratulated myself.

My dog, Sandy whined to go outside, so I crankily got up to let her out, and before I sat down to write, I picked up my phone and checked the world’s news.

The first news report on my phone was an article titled, “You May Want to Marry My Husband,” reported by the New York Times.

Okay ~ this is odd.  This first story is not about Donald Trump? It must be good. So, I figured I’d better read it. Besides, it’s by the one and only Amy Krouse Rosenthal.

Oh, how I love her.  Go figure.

You can read it here: “You May Want to Marry My Husband” by Amy Krouse Rosenthal. And, you must.  Because you will not understand anymore of this post if you do not. Do it now.

After I wipe up this puddle of tears, I will study how she did this.

But for now, my post/story ends here today.

I have more important things to do.

Shari 😦

I’m participating in twowritingteachers March Challenge of posting a blog post every day for the month of March.  To check out other writers, visit here.

 

 

12 thoughts on “Shaped By The Authors I Love~SOL 2017”

  1. Shari, I made the mistake of reading your slice (and Amy Krause Rosenthal’s piece) while my students were watching a video. I got busted by a student when I was reaching for a Kleenex. Darn allergies. I hope they’re cleared up by the time I get home–I’ve got important things to do, too. Thank you.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Oh my heavens, Tim. I should have warned you it was going to be an “allergy moment”. My kids see me cry all the time. Our hearts so tender. . . thank you for reading my post. And Amy’s. I think I’m going to need to keep on writing about this lady I love.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  2. Oh for crying out loud, Shari! I’m in the coffee shop and now I’m all teary! Wow. What a gorgeous and hard piece of writing. Structure is something I don’t understand AT ALL. I sense my way through a piece, I can feel myself wrestling with the structure of how to tell the story as I go, and getting it bit by bit, but in the end, I have no idea how my very best pieces of writing come about. It so often feels entirely intuitive. Off to reread your older piece about structure….

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I know – right? Amy is one amazing writer and structure is something she has gone outside of the box with in so many ways. And, yes, there are some writing angels up there helping to shape our writing when I comes out in short spurts. It’s the bigger picture writing that I need more guidance on. Taking all those pieces and putting them together in some kind of shape is tricky. You always seem to find unique ways to shape your words, Elisabeth. Honestly, you are a writing mentor of mine. 🙂

      Like

      Reply

  4. I can’t. I can’t get through it right now. I’ve got to go drive and I had to put it away, but it’s LIKED and I’ll be back. Before then though, I like the lead up here. How you found inspiration in your everyday. It just feels real and I liked how simple it was. That is all. Again, back later for the good cry 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thank you for stopping by Brittany and thank you, too, for your comments. Your bathroom reading post was much jollier than this, so gratefully, I had navigated over to your post following the writing of this.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  6. Amy’s piece is beautiful and dangerous all at once. It makes us face every emotion. Doesn’t let us dwell in grief. Truly incredible. You are braver than me to be able to return it and look at structure. I am impressed by your thoughtful process and your strong voice. Love coming here.

    Like

    Reply

Leave a comment