Thursday, October 30, 2008

Writer's Workshop-Writing

I like instant gratification.

It's not the best trait to possess, but, that's just the way I am.

That's why writing speaks to me. I can jot something down, type something in, think with my fingers and suddenly I have something. Something I can see and touch and enjoy, or not. But something that is tangible and complete and there.

It can be factual, it can come from my imagination, it can be plain trash. But it can also be meaningful, heartfelt and alive. That's my favorite kind of writing.

I can't sing. I've forgotten how to play the violin. I'm pretty mediocre at just about everything I do. I'm pretty good at falling into obscure categories and having rare things happen to me. But, as far as talents, go, I don't have a lot to put on the table.

I'm thinking it might be that instant gratification thing.

But, I can spit words out and make them into a source of enjoyment. I wouldn't exactly call it a talent, but I would call it the reason I write. Because I can. And because it makes me happy. Most of the time.

One of these days I'm going to push myself and write something that takes me longer than 5 minutes to publish. And maybe, just maybe it'll be my Master's Thesis. Perhaps a novel. One day I'm going to lock myself in a room and write to my hearts content and see what I'm capable of when I don't have 5 children under foot.

For now though, I'm content with the time I have and wouldn't trade those smiles and whines and requests for more for the world.



Don't forget to head over to Ms. Kat's place for more writing prompt submissions.

P.S. Did anyone else notice that yesterday's Wordful Wednesday had over 100 participants? WOW! Thank you all for playing along.
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52 comments:

Anonymous said...

Angie... there was an issue with Ms. Kat's link...

Tell me about Wordful Wednesday! Where do I find that?

Sheri

Darla said...

I too absolutely love, adore words! I like to write them and to use them in speaking with others. To me, well chosen words are like a photograph. They can paint a picture very well or when not well placed, can be like a fuzzy, unclear shot.

Deb said...

ok, you and i may very well be two peas in a pod... this post could have been written by ME (although not as well, i might add). i never tied it to the whole instant gratification thing, but you are onto something. i played piano for a couple of years, cello for a few, ballet until it got hard, dibbled in this, dabbled in that... and what has it gotten me? i know a little about a lot, but i am not really, really good at anything, and it kind of bums me out.

but writing... it's been with me through thick and thin. i can put as much, or as little, into it as i wish. leave it alone for a while, or sink myself into it.

anyway, enough about me!~ thanks for YOUR words today... they struck a chord.

Stu Pidasso said...

yes we noticed. breaking the century mark is pretty cool. I am not sure if even Mama Kat has done that yet. Laura Salas does a 15 words or less poetry post every week. Pretty neat and challenging.

Carrie and Jim said...

Congrats on the busy WW. Sorry I missed it but that's what a busy week will do.

I hope you write your books someday. Just make sure you hold yourself to that. I'm sure it can be easy to forget with 5 little ones to care for.

Shannon said...

I feel the same way about writing!

Rhonda said...

I totally agree! (Minus the five kids part! Three is enough for me!) I've discovered something in me that just won't give this up anytime soon. Like you, I don't have much to bring to the table, but I have discovered that I can write, and actually entertain people when I do.

People around me don't understand blogging, but they don't know what they're missing!

Jen said...

keep writing honey, in my eyes you are really good at it and I sure enjoy it.

Yesterday was a great day...

Susie said...

Instant gratification is the exact reason I can't seem to lose weight--even though it is purely gratifying to feel the endorphins after an hour on the elliptical--it's even more gratifying to eat that piece of pie for dessert;)

YOU, btw, are more than mediocre in many areas--including (but not limited to) writing, parenting, friendship, sisterhood, and most of all hostess of fun picture games! Keep going you rockstar!

Elizabeth Byler Younts said...

great reasons to be writing. keep doing it...if you did have all the time int he world...what type of novel would you write? ;-)

Weeksie50 said...

I love your writing style..
You have a talent girly whirly..

Anonymous said...

I also enjoy instant gratification!! I love to be able to log in at any given point during the day and being able to read someone who was posted! I also very much enjoy your blog it is so much fun!

jori-o said...

I feel your pain as far as the "jack of all trades, master of none" feeling. But I bet if we asked your kids, your hubby, your best buds IRL, they would totally disagree.

And I love your writing too. You have a great voice! =)

Diane said...

This was wonderful! You could have been writing about me.

Laurie said...

Take it from someone who doesn't have your ability with words, It is a talent. And I am always grateful you share it with me.

KatieZ said...

congrats on the 100 mark! I knew you could get there!

Shannon said...

I love your writing. I used to do more myself but my brain feels like mush...at least today. You are a brilliant multi-talented woman. Writing just happens to be a strong suit. Love it!

Rachael Schirano \\ Rachael Schirano Photography said...

wow, 100 participants is awesome! congrats!

Michelle said...

You don't have a lot to put on the table?? I beg to differ. :) You must have way more talents than you are willing to admit. I'm sure you just don't want to make us too envious!

That is awesome that so many people joined WW. It is my favorite thing to do every Wednesday!

Rhea said...

Congrats on Wordful Wednesday doing so well! I keep meaning to participate but forgetting. I'm so sorry! I will join, eventually. I think it's a great idea. I'm all about wordfulness. lol

I love the instant gratification of blogging. I love writing but I hate how long it takes things to get published in print. Great post!

Munchkins and Music said...

Along with your writing talent, I would add that you also have a talent for being kind-hearted. Although I have never met you, you are one of the nicest bloggers I've met through your comments and posts. :)(and I think everyone else would agree with me too!!)

Lacey in the Sky said...

I think you've got plenty to put on the table! That's why I continue to come back here and read! Are you saying I read b-s, Angie? Is that what you're telling me?! lol

www.AForestFrolic.typepad.com said...

Over from SITS! You go girl...with your 5 kiddos! I thought I had my hands full with three. Love big families and your blog is pretty cute too :-)

Philigry said...

i think writing is such a talent! I am an instant gratification person too. i have gotten better this past year, but it is hard.

Danyele Easterhaus said...

i agree...and u know, i've had a lot of whining at this house this week...and some destruction of stuff too. but, all in all, i think i'll take it over not having the kiddos around though. but, it's a good reminder! thanks...and good luck on that thesis. and kudos on over 100 on WW! Wow!

Cecily R said...

Its a talent Angie. I promise.

WheresMyAngels said...

With my grammar, I'll never be a writer, but that is okay, cause I can always be a talker ;)

Unknown said...

I love your writing and that is a talent my dear. WW has really taken off! I remember when it was just a few of us. I take that back -the first week you had at least 20 of us so you started off with a bang!

Jennie said...

you are so not average.... I hold the title on that one.... that was really good... you made me smile....

Kristin said...

Writing is definitely a talent you posses in spades.

Live.Love.Eat said...

Well, I can say I am instantly gratified by your many talents: your talents of sweetness, friendliness and gracefulness.

And wow, yesterday was amazing with all the WW!!!! I hope I got around to at least more than half. And it was my bday so it was SO fun to celebrate it with you and the group!!!!!

rk said...

I love your heart for writing! Instant gratification or not. I am slowly getting to know your blog - I like it's balance of heart felt to funny. Hope you are enjoying the sun. It has been nice a few days in the PNW, but rain forcasted for trick or treating. Shucks!

Blessings,
Roxanne

Sam_I_am said...

good post! :) congrats on the 100 WWs!

Rachel said...

i once had a dance teacher who told me (with disdain) i was only in it for instant gratification. who wants gratification you have to wait years for? now that's just silly.

thank you for sharing you writing with us. I am instantly gratified each time I click on your link!

AutoSysGene said...

I'm surprised to find out how much we have in common...besides the 5 kids thing.

I'm so about instant gratification, though I do have to say, I'm not much of a writer...though I do only have about 5 minutes to publish a post.

Aren't you glad I shared all that with you? LOL!

latree said...

I do the same with you about writing. facts and imaginations.

but what makes me luckier than you are, is, I can sing and I'm still learning playing piano :D

Jenni said...

YAY to over 100 participants!!!

Tracy said...

why wait - start your book - just let me know when it's done!

Threeundertwo said...

Writing is a talent, and I am trying to learn it. If you figure out how to get those kids out from underfoot, let me know!

Congrats on passing 100 participants!

If you've finished anything up this week, come visit me for "Finished for Friday."

jenn said...

I love your reason for writing, and I have to agree with you. Someday I need to write something that takes more time and thought and planning, but right now this is all I can handle. I love it though.

bichonpawz said...

You do have talent, girl! And a whole lot of people like what you write so you must be doing something right!!

Ashley said...

I'm going to have to join in on this Wordful Wednesday thing.
Butttttt ... I agree with the instant gratification of putting words down.

KatBouska said...

I love this. So simple, yet so true...for a lot of us. I'm glad you write...and if you ever challenged yourself in the novel genre I would be first in line for a copy. :)

ps Woo Hoo with breaking one hundred on Wordful Wednesday. Atta girl!

Clark Captions said...

You are an awesoome writer Angie! Things will happen for you! I just know it!

Anonymous said...

Congrats on your "Wordful Wednesday"!!

I think you're good with words. I always enjoy your blog. I look forward to reading it. I can see you writing more!! (Now I just wish I had more time to keep up with it all!!)

Casey's trio said...

As long as you remember when you are famous with a signed copy of your bestseller!

Katie @ makingthishome.com said...

This post flows so well--it's such a great read. I can't imagine what you'd be capable of without kids around! My 91-year-old grandma seems more like a 70-year-old; she had 10 kids, and now I think she just wants to do all the things she couldn't before. Thanks for your words.

Carissa(GoodnCrazy) said...

I did! You rock of course. And this week? I did nothing to point people your way...You're on your own.

As for the writing a thesis with 5 kids underfoot. who needs it? Imagine all the time you'll have in really only a few short years...the thesis will still be there. And you'll have sooooo much more fodder for that novel! whoop.

Jaime said...

Well, you aren't the only one that benefits from your words...we all love them, too!
And I'm pretty sure you have lots of other talents that you aren't thinking of...:)

Laura said...

I loved this post (somehow I missed it). I think you are actually very talented at many things. I always argue that I am okay at a lot of things but not exceptional good at any of them...

You on the other hand... no way. You are organized. Efficient. Stylish. A talented decorator and a wonderful mother. You are also very smart. Writing is a definite talent. You are both inspiring and good at it.

Lindsay said...

Ah - indeed you are a terrific writer. I think i may need to find my way over to Mama's Losin' It!

Gunnisac Sandersons said...

I love to write as well. I will have to let you read what I have so far on my attempt to a novel. It is fun to just let your imagination run with you.