INSPIRATION

By Susan Lee Traft

Jun

13

I finished my MG novel, Izzy B’s Notebook, and sent it off to the editor who critiqued the first ten pages at the NESCBWI Conference last month, as she requested. Now what? Would I ever have another book idea?

In the last month or so I had struggled and came up with a couple of ideas I felt luke-warm about. Had to rule them out. We must be passionate about what we write or we will fail to engage the reader. What to do next?

“Trust and surrender” are words I endeavor to live by. I asked the Universe/God/Higher Power (pick your favorite) to send me inspiration for a new book, took a deep breath, and carried on with day-to-day life as usual.

Only a few days later I was in the middle of writing my three “morning pages” (as suggested by Julia Cameron in The Artist’s Way) when an exciting book idea came to me. In my writing I was speculating if I could be an angel who decided to incarnate and that is why I find it so difficult to cope with the bad parts of experiencing earth life…

BINGO! Book idea: Ten-year-old Aubrielle wonders why she feels like such a misfit who doesn’t belong on a planet with so much cruelty. When she discovers she is an angel who decided to experience human life, she is shocked and wonders how she will survive.

I feel excited about beginning this new story. This morning in my meditation, the first chapter started appearing in my head—now if I had only written it down…

Angel Blessings, Susan Lee

TEN INSPIRATIONAL QUOTES FOR WRITERS

By Susan Lee Traft

May

23

1.         “Have compassion for yourself when you write. There is no failure—just a big field to wander in.” ~Natalie Goldberg

2.         “When you write from the heart, you not only light the dark path of your readers, you light your own way as well.” ~Marjorie Holmes

3.         “There is nothing to writing; all you do is sit down at a typewriter abnd open a vein.” ~RedSmith

4.         “Talent is long patience.” ~Gustav Flaubert

5.         “The stuff of which masterpieces are made drifts about the world waiting to be clothed in words.” ~Thornton Wilder

6.         “If my doctor told me I had only six months to live, I wouldn’t brood. I’d type faster.” ~Isaac Asimov

7.         “When you speak your words echo only across the room or down the hall. But when you write, your words echo down the ages.” ~Bud Gardner

8.         “Words are clothes that thoughts wear.” ~Samuel Butler

9.         “Good writing is supposed to evoke a sensation in the reader—not the fact that it is raining, but the feeling of being rained upon.” ~E.L. Doctorow

10.       “To be successful, the first thing to do is fall in love with your work.” ~Sister Mary Lauretta

Angel Blessings, Susan Lee

INSPIRATION FOR WRITERS

By Susan Lee Traft

May

9

Are you a writer looking for inspiration? Read Chicken Soup for the Writer’s Soul, Stories to Open the Heart and Rekindle the Spirit of Writers by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hanson and Bud Gardner.

When I checked it out from the library, I wasn’t sure I would like it, but what I found was the book totally delivered on the promise of its title. More than one story had my eyes leaking tears.

The book is a collection of stories by a wide range of professional writers, novelists, journalists, poets, screenwriters and celebrity writers. It is inspirational, entertaining and contains much wisdom. I highly recommend giving it a read.

Angel Blessings, Susan Lee

USEFUL TOOL: TIMELINE

By Susan Lee Traft

Apr

5

When I read my Izzy B pages at our last Cape Cod Children’s Writers critique group meeting, the question arose as to whether certain events were in the proper sequence.

 Now that I have completed my first draft of my chapter book, Izzy B’s Notebook, and the re-writing and tweaking process has begun, it seems a good idea to re-read the manuscript in one sitting and construct a timeline of the events. The story takes place from September to June,  Izzy B’s fourth grade school year. Plotting the events on a timeline will let me know if everything is occurring in the proper sequence.

 When the muse is present and the writing flowing, it’s delightful to get lost in the story, and easy to get mixed up at times as to what happened when—especially if there has been a length of time between writing sessions. A timeline can be a helpful tool.

 It occurs to me as I write this that perhaps it would be a good idea to keep an ongoing timeline as I write. Perhaps I will put that idea into practice on my next book.

HAVE YOU CONSIDERED WORKING WITH A COACH?

By Susan Lee Traft

Mar

29

I have had the pleasure and good fortune of working with Robin Samora of “Let’s Make You Shine” over the past several months. It has truly been a transforming experience.

Back in November of 2010, I was struggling along with my chapter book, Izzy B’s Notebook, feeling pulled by my varied interests—creating multi-media art, making angel/fairy jewelry, singing, playing guitar, etc., etc. (See my blog post dated 2/27/2011) Robin requested that I choose ONE thing to focus on and let her know when I had chosen what that was going to be.

I made the decision to focus on my writing, and everything began to fall into place. As I complete my coaching time with Robin this month, I feel more empowered, I have a finished manuscript, I have stepped into my new identity as a children’s book writer, and I am confidently moving forward in seeking a publisher for Izzy B’s Notebook.

Following are Robin’s answers to a few questions I sent her:

1.     Robin, tell us a bit about your coaching business, “Lets Make you Shine”.

Let’s Make You Shine is a dream for me,  blending over twenty years of business and coaching experience to help entrepreneurs and small business owners Shine in the Marketplace. I love to help people with a passion use their gifts to not only make more money, but also get recognized for who they are. To actually stand out in a crowded marketplace.  It’s a wonderful opportunity for me to work either one on one with solopreneurs, or in small groups and really work on an inner and outer level with talented people, and bring out their best. Sometimes, we get lost in the hustle and bustle, and in trying to “make it happen”, rather than “allowing it to happen” if we put in the work.  We have to focus on what’s important.  When you address what’s important to you, and also lose the fear, amazing things happen, and prosperity is on its way.  It’s all about making a decision to make a difference in your life, your business, and what you will share in the world. It’s about a commitment to you.

2.     What specific benefits would a children’s book writer (or any writer) receive from working with you?

In my experience, writers work alone, and continuously critique, and over-critique their work.  “Is this good enough” (sound effect – tear up the pages).  “This stinks”, (I’ll eat some potato chips, and chew on that copy). “OK, this is good – I’m getting there”, (work for 5 hours straight, ignore the world and go to bed wondering).  In the creative arts, we are our own worst enemy and often focus on what we “haven’t done”, versus our accomplishments.  With a business coach, one is held accountable, and lovingly yet firmly, all the nonsense in our heads is put in perspective.  If you want to be a writer, and get recognized for being one – you actually have to write.  If you want to dabble, that’s fine… but my clients want to get recognized and realize their greatness, contributing to a bigger vision of who they are. They know deep down that they have what it takes to be a success, but aren’t living that life now. The power comes in flicking the switch and feeling – truly feeling —  every inch of their gift. Ultimately, everyone who is successful has to own up to their biggest desires and dreams.  They have to fully step into their power and say yes!, not only to me (their coach) but also to themselves. It’s a process where they declare that they are ready for action, ready to bring it on, and ready to get attention – in whatever way it will unfold for them! We never know how it will show up. That can be scary, but also exciting.

3.     In your opinion, what is the most important thing for a writer who wants to be a published author?

A writer who wants to be published, has to do one thing.  Write.  If you want to be good at anything, you have to do it. In some form of disciplined action. Even the best classical pianist will practice the “art of their gift”.  For a write, it may go like this: Write, review, rest, revisit, edit, rest, review in a few days.  Writing is a process, and it takes time, but you also have to make space, and time for it.  Just like  going to the gym.  Find the best time that works for you — every day, or every other day, and stick to an appointment with yourself.  Put it on your calendar, and honor it.   

One of the best pieces of advice I got was this – “The way you do anything, is the way you do everything”.  If it’s important to you, make it important. Just as you can’t eat an elephant all at once, you can’t write a novel all at once.  Just as a flower doesn’t bloom 365 days a year, neither will you.  Liken yourself to an ocean, or the tide.  Notice the ebb and flow – of ideas, energy, storms, and quiet, with the ultimate picture of perfection – in your work, in life, and everything is where it should be. We’re all in transition, and it’s all good. We are all valuable contributors but sometimes we forget that.

 Hope you enjoyed this interview!

Angel Blessings, Susan

Losing one’s Voice.

By Jeanne Stewart

Mar

27

 

meds for a lost voice?

We all have voices, which we tend to use often and with force. Losing one’s voice usually means a trip to the doctor to find it. But the trip to find your literary voice isn’t as easy as a prescription and bed rest.

In our group we have a lady who has taken this journey and has founded her voice. More specifically, she found the voice of the wonderfully creative and sensitive pre-teen character called Izzy B. In that moment where the words stopped being Susan writing and Izzy B talking, Izzy B went from two dimensional to 3D sensational.

I’m not there yet. In fact I only realized I’d lost my voice on Wed. Maybe it was never even there to start with? As a writer I had so concentrated on plot and setting and story arc and humor and and and; I didn’t realize that this was still me writing, not Ben talking.

How do you do that?

It helps to have a real live person to imitate. But if like me you don’t have a handy 8 year old boy to use as a muse; you can use some of the tricks Krysti Sibley lists on this website:

http://writing2.richmond.edu/writing/wweb/voice.html

•Study writers who have a strong voice. “Never hesitate to imitate another writer. Imitation is an important part of the creative process for anyone learning an art or craft.” (Zinsser 238) Find the best writers in a field that interests you and read their work aloud. Get their voice and taste into your ear. “You too will shed your imitative skins and become who you are supposed to become.”

•Do frequent and regular freewriting exercises. Peter Elbow suggests, “Try to make up for all the writing you haven’t done. Use writing for as many different tasks as you can. Keep a notebook or journal to explore thoughts for yourself.” (Elbow 306)

•Write a lot without an audience. Try different tones and voices to discover what your inner self sounds like. “Fool around, jump from one mood or voice to another, mimic, play-act, dramatize, and exaggerate. Let your writing be outrageous. Practice relinquishing control.” (Elbow 306)

•Direct all your efforts into experiencing or re-experiencing what you are writing about. Be there. See it. Participate in what you are writing about and let the words come out.

•Write about what is important to you. If it is important, you’ll probably find the psychic energy you need to really connect with it or open yourself to it.

•Trust yourself and don’t think too hard about what you want to do to the reader.

•Don’t ask for too big an experience from your reader too soon.

•Learn to coach yourself, to give yourself pep talks as you write — especially if you sense yourself losing contact with what you are trying to write about.

•Whenever you get feedback, always ask readers to point out the bits that actually made them see, hear, or experience something. Strive for this in a few paragraphs in your next writing without a grade and then gradually build yourself up.

•Omit clichés. Taste chooses words that have surprise, strength and precision. Also, writing that will endure tends to consist of words that are short and strong; words that sedate are three, four, and five syllables.

•Say the sentence out loud before you write it. As Writing Tutor Todd Ferrante says, “By actually saying it aloud, they not only focus on their argument, but also create an original voice all their own.” Writing Fellow Anne Bolton agrees. “Read your paper aloud,” she says, “see if you would be bored to death or be passionate about reading the essay.”

 

So I’m off to stock-up on writer’s “cough drops and Halls”.

Good luck with finding yours.

Image from  “A DRAGON IN MY THROAT” by Jeanne Stewart

 

YA BOOK REVIEW: “Chasing Brooklyn” by Lisa Schroeder

By Susan Lee Traft

Mar

24

When I opened Chasing Brooklyn and realized Lisa Schroeder had written it in verse, I wasn’t sure I would like that.

I was wrong.

I loved it.

To the point.

Emotionally poignant.

Descriptions engaging.

“…I feel like a popcorn kernel being tossed into a pan of fiery hot oil.” (Pg. 218)

Alternating between the two main characters’ points of view really worked for me.

Fascinating.

Kept me turning page after page.

Read it in two sittings.

Would have been one if life hadn’t forced me to stop halfway through.

What did I like best about Chasing Brooklyn?

Afterlife communication was seamlessly woven into the characters’ lives.

All through the book I was so wanting them to share with each other what they were experiencing.

Chasing Brooklyn by Lisa Schroeder is a book I will not forget.

Angel Blessings, Susan Lee

WRITER’S RETREAT

By Susan Lee Traft

Mar

22

Have you ever wanted to run away from home? I have. (I do.) And it’s not that I don’t love living with my extended family—husband, son, daughter, two grandchildren, a cat and a dog. We all get along well, and it is mostly a joy.

But…yes, there is a but…I’m almost never alone for long, even if I try to hide out in my room or down in the studio.

I have been fantasizing what it would be like to escape, to go on a “Writer’s Retreat”…to be ALONE day after day….to contemplate in silence…in nature…to create…to write…to replenish heart and soul.

Recently I managed a one-day “Writer’s Retreat” when visiting my aunt for the weekend. She was away for a day. I finished the last 1/3rd of my first draft of a chapter book I’m writing, Izzy B’s Notebook. What a treat. A day of writing, no interruptions, and how productive it was!

Still, I yearn for a longer retreat. In my fantasy I imagine three glorious months. Well, I have manifested ONE glorious month—one of the writer’s in my retreat group has a summer home on the Cape and has agreed to rent it to me for the month of May. A dream come true! I am SO grateful.

I guess the bottom line is, we ALL need personal time. Remember to put yourself on your To-Do-List.

Angel Blessings, Susan

BOOK REVIEW: A Basic Guide to Writing, Selling and Promoting Children’s Books by Betsy B. Lee

By Susan Lee Traft

Mar

6

CCCW BLOG 3-6-2011

This book is available at the following link:

 www.learningbooks.net/breezybits/books.html

 Betsy B. Lee’s A Basic Guide to Writing, Selling and Promoting Children’s Books is a short, 38 page, compact, concise book, covering topics from “How Do I Start” to “How Can I Increase Sales After Publication” with lots of pertinent topics in between. It is an informative overview for new writers and a quick review of basics for more experienced writers. I enjoy having it as part of my “how to” library.

 Angel Blessings, Susan Lee

The Power of Making a Decision

By Susan Lee Traft

Feb

27

 My sun sign is Gemini, one of the characteristics being an interest in many things. While this makes for exciting variety, it can lead to a lack of focus—not good for a writer.

 Last fall I was finding my chapter book, Izzy B’s Notebook, plodding along slowly as I was also drawn to making jewelry, creating soul collage cards, reading angel cards, playing with multi-media art, reading, etc., etc. NO focus.

 I worked with a life coach this winter, Robin Samora, of “Let’s Make You Shine”. The greatest gift I received from working with Robin was FOCUS. She told me early on in our work together that I was multitalented, which was fabulous, but I had to choose one thing to focus on. The other interests could still be in my life—as hobbies. She told me to let her know when I had made my decision about what to focus on.

 A weekend of soul searching and self-discovery exercises led me to know writing children’s books was my focus. It felt so good to make that clear decision.

 As a result my writing began to move along. I felt a sense of peace about knowing what my focus was, no longer feeling scattered about.

 Making a clear decision, a commitment, is important in all areas of our lives in order for us to reach our goals and manifest our dreams. I will end with a quote from The Scottish Himalayan Experience by W. H. Murray:

“ Until one is committed, there is hesitancy….The moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves, too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events raising in one’s favor…unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance which no man could have dreamed would have come his way.”

 Angel Blessings, Susan Lee

Thoughts on Voice

By Susan Lee Traft

Sep

10

 Donald Maass in his book Writing the Breakout Novel states on page 195: “My own feeling is that voice is a natural attribute. You no more control it than you can control the color of your eyes—nor would you want to. Plenty of breakout authors have a distinctive voice…Your voice is your self in the story.”

 When I read this I wondered, is this true? In writing Izzy B’s notebook, I must admit, the “voice” seems to come very naturally and organically. I just hear how she talks and write down what she says. Is Izzy B’s voice my “self in the story”? Could be, according to Donald Maass.

 Next I wondered, so, do we have only one voice then? I suspect not. Do we not have many aspects of this “self” we think of as “us”? If so, then depending on the character we are writing about we might tap into that aspect of ourselves and write from that voice.

 These ideas fascinate me. Writing stories seems very magical to me. I mean, where do thoughts come from, anyway? Don’t they just seem to appear in your head from nowhere?

 Angel Blessing, Susan

Blogging

By Susan Lee Traft

Aug

27

My blogging day for CCCW is Fridays. Tomorrow we are having a family cookout—at MY house. I have been SO busy getting ready— cleaning, yard work, cooking potatoes for the potato salad, shopping—I forgot to write my blog. It is 7 p.m.

 Here I sit with a blank mind wondering what to write that would be meaningful. My blogging is blocking! Sometimes it seems difficult to come up with a fresh new topic every week (like this week).

Next week I am away on vacation with my husband at Booth Bay Harbor, Maine, and I will be away from my computer and the internet. I will have a respite from blogging.

 In the two weeks until my next blog entry I will hopefully come up with an “interesting” topic. Until then…

 Angel Blessings, Susan Lee

Write What You Know?

By Susan Lee Traft

Aug

20

I have always heard that a writer should “write what you know”. Until today…

 I started a new book, Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maass, with a foreword written by Anne Perry. Ms. Perry, in answer to the question, “Is it true you should write what you know about?” replies: “No, write what you care about. If you don’t know, you’ll find out. But if you don’t care, why should anyone else?”

 Good point, I thought. I have always felt that a writer needs to feel passionate about his/her story in order to grab the reader’s lasting attention.

 I find I do my best writing when I can lose myself in the story and the characters. They start to take on a life of their own and the story takes off seemingly by their direction. Sometimes I even get to a place where it is like writing down a drama I am seeing and hearing in my head. It just flows forth like magic. How heavenly.

 So, yes, I agree with Ms. Perry. It is essential that writers “care” about what they are writing. It is probably a good idea to write what they know as well.

 Angel Blessings, Susan

The First Five Pages by Noah Lukeman

By Susan Lee Traft

Aug

13

 

I am nearly finished reading The First Five Pages, A Writer’s Guide to Staying out of the Rejection Pile by Noah Lukeman (27 pages to go).

  While the book is not geared particularly to writers of children’s books, it is packed with valuable information, suggestions and end-of-chapter exercises.  Mr. Lukeman includes writing examples which work as well as those that don’t—very helpful.

 I find myself wondering how I could ever possibly master presentation, style, showing vs. telling, viewpoint and narration, characterization, dialogue, hooks, subtlety, tone, focus, setting, pacing and progression—just some of the chapter topics. And if I did, would it be enough? Or is there something else required? Innate talent perhaps?

Neverthelsess, if the writer’s bug has bit you, you just gotta write. So write for the joy of it! In my opinion, that is a worthwhile goal. And if the day comes when you “get published”—icing on the cake!

 Angel Blessings, Susan

Middle Grade Novel or Chapter Book?

By Susan Lee Traft

Aug

6

I wrote my first book as a middle grade novel and thought my second would be one also. Now I am not so sure…

 Recently I read a “Ramona” book and previously was enchanted by “Clementine”—both chapter books. Perhaps Izzy B, age 10, the main character of my new book, should come to life in a chapter book rather than a middle grade novel… As I write I am thinking a chapter book (for ages 7 to 10) feels more appropriate than a middle grade novel (for ages 9 to 12)…

 And my new book continues to evolve, idea by idea.

 Angel Blessings, Susan

Plot Outline

By Susan Lee Traft

Jul

16

Well, here I am at my Aunt Jean’s at Orleans on Cape Cod looking at a blank computer screen (now filling up with letters) wondering, what to write? During my morning meditation today, the thoughts that appeared all pertained to outlining my plot for Izzy B’s Notebook (aka My Fairy Goddess Grandmother), a middle grade novel I am working on.

 I know the general challenges 10 year-old Izzy B will face, but I feel like I need more specific direction to get me going further into the story. I brought this issue up at our Cape Cod Children’s Writer’s critique group meeting this week. I have always outlined in linear form using Roman numerals, then “A” then “a”, etc. My writing group members suggested a different form of outlining which sounded like spider bubbles to me.

 You start with a bubble in the center of large piece of paper, (“You could even put it on the wall,” Linda suggested), labeled “Izzy B‘s adventures”, for example. Next place ideas for each adventure on lines extending out from the circle, some of which might lead to another bubble, etc. Sounds intriguing. Sounds like a fun idea. Sounds inspirational. I think I will try it! 

Stay tuned. I will report on my results in my blog next Friday. 

Angel Blessings, Susan

Rainbow Light Healing

By Susan Lee Traft

Jul

9

During the Visionary Art course I attended in June at the Omega Institute in New York we participated in guided meditations and shamanic journeys to stimulate artistic visions which we then attempted to express physically in our art work. The photo attached is an example of the results of one of these sessions I experienced at the course.

 While we listened to drumming in the background, Alex Grey, one of our Visionary Art teachers, led us on a shamanic journey to a heavenly world. Following is my particular inner experience of this session.

 I ventured out into the field next to the main hall at Omega and found myself encased in a large iridescent transparent bubble. Archangel Michael, Archangel Gabriel and Athalia (the name I call my “higher self”) accompanied me in my bubble up into a speed tunnel leading to the heavens. We emerged in a crystal cloud city, floating along a quartz crystal pathway leading to a crystal palace. Inside there was a huge prism at the top of the domed ceiling sending rainbow beams to a location where a curved marble bench was situated. I had a knowing that I was to emerge from the bubble and sit on the bench. The bubble dissolved as soon as I had this knowing. Just before I sat down, Archangel Gabriel placed a small luminescent energy rainbow (2 to 3 inches in size) into my forehead at the location of my third eye. As I sat on the marble bench, angels surrounded me and I received the rainbow light beams from the prism streaming onto my forehead penetrating my third eye. Through inner knowing I realized that this healing was balancing all of my energy centers. The purpose was to assist me in the integration of my creative, spiritual life with my every day life. The healing was completed within just a few moments. My bubble appeared around me and the Archangels, Athalia and I returned the way we had come. I returned my focus to the classroom feeling profoundly peaceful.

 After the journey was completed, our teacher instructed us to “draw what we had envisioned”. I immediately realized I was not going to be able to fully depict my experience, so I chose to symbolize it as best I could. The crystals around my drawing symbolize the crystal palace. I have depicted the prism with its rainbow light beams descending onto the large eye, which represents my third eye. It was a beautiful visionary experience and I truly felt like I had actually received the healing. 

Angel Blessings, Susan

Sacred Writing Space

By Susan Lee Traft

Jun

1

 

 

         I did it! I spent the entire day on Sunday re-arranging my room to carve out a sacred space for my daily writing.  I moved things around, got rid of old stuff and cleaned everything.

          I am now sitting at an antique gate leg table that belonged to my mother. She refinished it herself—it’s avocado green with gold decals.

I am surrounded by some of my favorite things— two angels I sculpted from polymer clay, two froggies,  a Buddha figure, a picture of Quan Yin and one of Jesus, Nula, my Atlantean doll, crystals, etc. In front of me is my bulletin board with favorite pictures and inspirational sayings. As I list these things I realize how rich this one corner of my room is. As I write I glance to my left and see the three large butterflies which remind me of the ongoing transformation of my life (and all of Life).

This blog entry is the first thing I have written in this new sacred writing space I have created for myself. It feels fabulous to write here. I look forward to many inspired hours of writing at my Mom’s table. I am grateful.

BTW, I am playing some of my favorite music as I write as well. It is called “Spirit’s Journey”—exquisitely peaceful…

May you write in joy… 

Many blessings, Susan Lee

NESCBWI Conference—Inspiration

By admin

May

18

I returned home from the New England Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Conference yesterday afternoon. 

The Saturday morning keynote speaker, Cynthia Leitich Smith, was a dynamic engaging speaker with great slides and a generous dose of humor. And it was a further joy to attend an interview with her on Sunday morning. After these two presentations, I felt like I had a clearer understanding of what is involved in being a fulltime children’s author with several projects in various stages of the publication process plus blogging and tweeting! Very informative and helpful for a relative newbie to the children’s writing scene, like myself. 

Other classes I attended introduced me to historical fantasy, finding your “voice”, genre categories, a special interest group on “Magical Realism” and everything you need to know about author school visits. I also enjoyed a presentation by an agent panel. This panel was very helpful to me because now I am clear that when I finish my middle grade novel, Fairy Godmother Grandmother, I want to submit it to an agent, rather than directly to a publisher, so I don’t have to go it alone. 

It was a fabulous conference and I am already looking forward to the next one in 2011! 

Angel blessings, Susan Lee

“Life is but a dream…”

By admin

May

4

When I was a little girl I loved to sing the song “Row Row Row Your Boat” with my mom as a round. I would start when she got to “gently down the stream” and I thought we sounded awesome. What if it is actually true, as the last line of the song says, that “Life” is but a dream?

Yesterday I felt like a dreamwalker. I could sense the dreamlike quality of Life itself for awhile. When I remember the past, like the last vacation I took, the “memory” of it seems to have the same quality as when I remember a nighttime “dream”. And when I’m in a nighttime “dream”, I am convinced it is absolutely real. What is reality anyway?

I think I’ve always had a tiny little idea lurking in the way back of my mind that the stories we write actually exist in some other place and time. How could we write them otherwise? Where do stories come from? Do we think them up? Have you ever had the experience where the story you were writing seemed to write itself? Authors will often say that a character “took on a life of its own”. What if we’re connecting to their world via our minds and imagination and they’re telling us their story?

In closing I offer the following quote from John Lennon:

“I believe in everything until it’s disproved.

So I believe in fairies, the myths, dragons.

It all exists, even if it’s in your mind.

Who’s to say that dreams and nightmares

Aren’t as real as the here and now?”

Angel Blessings, Susan Lee

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