~~Julia Cameron, THE ARTIST'S WAY
I'm finding this quote to be literally true to such an extent that I'm almost embarrassed to share--almost. ; ) Synchronicity is the gifts of inspiration that the Creator of the universe puts in our path all the time. I have to admit to many years of doubting them and ignoring them. I've overlooked so many ways in which God has aided my creativity. As of now, I'm opening up to all the gifts--big and small--that come my way.
Here's a few examples:
- My mother and sister insisted that I read Diana Gabaldon's OUTLANDER series. Not only did I find hours of excellent reading and thrilling stories, I was introduced to one of the most generous writers in the world who kept mentioning the Books and Writers Forum. Once I took the time to check the Forum out, I found not only many amazing writers, but also a source of craft skills and exercises that help me hone my writing.
- On a day trip to Cartersville for the fun of it, I found the perfect vision for Cherry Hill, my WIP's setting.
- While "wasting time" on Facebook, I remembered one of my former students is a Marine and now I have a source of info for the background of Mack Singer, my retired Marine.
- During a lunch at Captain D's, I saw little children who sparked a great scene for Book 3 about Laura Grace and her grandchildren. Let's just say, it isn't smooth sailing. ; )
- Thinking about my Marine, I realized he just might have a tattoo or two. Then I realized that not only does he have a tattoo of the Marine anchor and globe, he has one that pays homage to his lost love, also a Marine. Laura Grace will have something to say about that!
- And the biggest gift of all: Six months ago, while we were organizing the church's Angel Tree charity, I met the adult daughter of a foster/adoptive mother. She gave me her mother's email. I'm ashamed to say that I've waited this long to try and get in touch with her. The middle of my plot depends on this information. At least I'm started on this source of info now.
What about you? Do you have a few gifts that you've been amazed by?
I love lists like these, Zan Marie. Just imagine, if I hadn't read Outlander when my friend gave it to me, I wouldn't have joined the forum, wouldn't have gotten serious about editing my stories, wouldn't have met you and all our wonderful forum friends, wouldn't have blogged so steadily or met all the folks in this wonderful blogging community, wouldn't... well, you know :-)
ReplyDeleteI'd like to see that scene where LJ and Mack talk about his tattoos [bg]
I've worked out what the tattoo is and the fact that LG won't have seen it until they get a bit serious, so finding a "Marine" angel on his shoulder with a portait of her face just might be an obstacle for our dear lady. Don't you think? ; )
DeleteAnd I know what you mean about all the connection that we've made just because we read OUTLANDER. Bless Diana. She just keeps on giving.
Great list. If I hadn't found compuserve, also through outlander, I don't think I would have ever had the courage to try to write professionally. And I never would have learned as much. I never would have found this wonderful writing community or the stories that now live in my head. I've also been blessed with a wondeful supportive husband and that I an be a stay at home mom so I can write during down time.
ReplyDeleteI want to see the scene with LG and the grandkids :)
Isn't The Forum amazing?! ; ) I'm with you. I wouldn't seriously be considering writing fiction without it.
DeleteHmmm, the grandkids. I might have to work on it for the X...especially since nothing else seems to fit.
Hi Zan. I'm a great believer in syncronisity. Nothing happens by chance IMO. I have the whole series of Outlander books and have never made the time to read. Must rectify. The forum sounds great. I must check it out! Thanks for sharing. D,
ReplyDeleteOh, by all means READ the OUTLANDER series. You won't be sorry. ; ) And the Forum is wonderful! Hope to see you there. I spend most of my time with the Exercises.
ReplyDelete