Down a Rabbit Hole

the tools of my new writing journey-books on the deck

Has that ever happened to you? Falling down a rabbit hole?
The problem isn’t really falling into the hole, though, is it?
It’s the unfamiliar world that we find while down there.
One thing leads to another leads to another leads to another…

I think it all started with the abrupt end of ski season
– and the abrupt beginning of quarantine season.
(which doesn’t really make sense, I know)
But – here we are.

Morning walk-journey into the mist

Commitments, commitments…

Anyway – I had already made a commitment to myself to read Julia Cameron’s book, The Artist’s Way.
Her book focuses on helping artists become “unblocked”
– prompting me to mutter with each new chapter – “but I’m not blocked”
I have too many ideas – want to do too many things
I wasn’t looking to become unblocked, I was looking to become more focused.

I stuck with it, though, keeping my commitment to myself (yay),
And when my light bulb moment came, I discovered that what I really want to do is write.
Yes – I still love photography – love my camera.
Yes – I still love art journaling, painting, scribbling, trying new things – getting messy.
Yes – I still want to do all the things.

Learning about writing-the start: decisions, decisions

But – my focus belongs to writing.

And, I know, this shouldn’t feel like such a big revelation.
Writing was my reason for blogging in the first place (trusty point-and-shoot in hand).
Writing was my reason for abandoning my first blog for Gingham Notebook, a journal-focused blog.

I’ve been carrying a character and story in my head for several months, maybe longer – always telling myself not now
– asking myself, what do I know about writing cozies, anyway?

And so – my journey down the rabbit’s hole.
What do I know about writing cozy mysteries?
As it turns out, not much. All I know for certain –
Rule #1: Don’t kill the cat!

Words of wisdom from Stephen King - inspiration for my writing journey

Gasp! – I would never!
My writing journey – to be continued…

And now, I really want to hear from you – it’s been a long time and I hope you’ve been well!
How have you been spending these last few months in captivity?

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7 responses to “Down a Rabbit Hole”

  1. Sarah Avatar
    Sarah

    I am so happy that you stuck with the process to make clear what was inside you all along. None of the other things are wasted, they are all part of the journey. And observation is key to being a good writer – photography and art both are instrumental to observation. The rest will come. I hope we will hear more from you here.

    1. admin Avatar
      admin

      I am too (I think – lol!) You’re so right, though – I do find that my experience with photography has made me so much more observant. Now I just need to find the right words…

  2. Barb Avatar

    Karen, your hair has gotten so long – something else new! One winter, I participated in the NoNaWriMo writing challenge along with a blog friend. I think we had to write a 25,000 word novel in about a month. It was HARD! I wrote a thriller (of all things…). I think after that experience, I decided I better stick to short essays. Good luck on your new writing quest. I do remember that the need to write a certain number of words a day (regardless if they were “worthy”) did keep me on track to finish the thing. We’re still isolating here. Our feeling is that as old people, we have to take responsibility for our health. Though our town is bustling with tourists again, we’re not among them. We’re blessed to live in a beautiful area right next to wilderness, so we can be exploring trails without meeting anyone. Also, we planted lots of container flowers this summer so between them and my perennials, we’re enjoying the color and the visits from bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. I love the photo of Chessie heading into the mist. Also, now I must look up the book Half Wild which I see on your pile. Don’t fall in the rabbit hole – stay well. Barb

    1. admin Avatar
      admin

      I’d love to read that thriller! I am participating in Camp NaNoWriMo for the month of July. It’s not as intense as the one you mention that takes place in November. This one is supposed to be a “summer camp” – I have a cabin and cabin mates (virtual, of course) and we set our own goals.

  3. Beatrice Avatar

    Hi Karen and welcome back! it was so nice to click and find this post after quite awhile. Glad to know you have been doing well and finding your true commitment. I have always enjoyed the art of writing and went for a degree in journalism, then writing for weekly newspapers before switching to corporate documentation (paid better at the time). I think for me the reason I enjoy blog posting is that it gives me a chance to write again and also learn more as my posts tend to be more involved and so less frequent than when we first started blogging. I still also enjoy photography but it’s an adjunct to the writing process. Good luck with your cozy mystery !

  4. Jeevan Avatar

    Life isn’t so different for me as i already spent most of my time inside the home and what really bother me was i couldn’t travel anywhere just like everyone out there. Health was something troubled me last few weeks. And writing was totally devoted to pandemic related as everything surrounds me sounds the same. Hope you guys are staying safe

    Take care

  5. Carola Bartz Avatar

    Karen, it’s so nice to see you in this space again! Please don’t fall down that rabbit hole – I think you have way too many interesting ways to explore than down a hole. How wonderful that you were able to figure out what you really want. I was actually thinking of the NaNoWriMo challenge, then I read that you’re doing a NaNoWriMo challenge this July. It will be interesting to read your experience with that. And actually you can do both – photography and writing, but one of it will get more of your attention and that just feels right. I’m pretty sure you have heard of Natalie Goldberg’s “Writing Down the Bones”.

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