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Do What you Imagine

Wednesday’s word of the day, quantum (from Wordsmith.org) illustrates, in one word, my perception of time lately: there isn’t much of it.

Instead of crafting a quick story for a Wednesday’s Word post, I searched for a quote that might give color to the word. I found one that indirectly speaks to my desire to write and the courage it takes to keep me writing, even when the inspiration flickers out.

Today’s word:

quantum. noun.
1. A quantity or amount.
2. A portion.
3. A large amount.
4. The smallest amount of something that can exist independently.

“Doing is a quantum leap from imagining. Thinking about swimming isn’t much like actually getting in the water. Actually getting in the water can take your breath away. The defense force inside of us wants us to be cautious, to stay away from anything as intense as a new kind of action. Its job is to protect us, and it categorically avoids anything resembling danger. But it’s often wrong. Anything worth doing is worth doing too soon.”

— Barbara Sher, American business owner, career counselor, author.

A new year approaches. And,2010 calls for fresh goals but demands repeat determination.

Don’t just imagine, Someday I’d like to be a writer.

Write.

Because “anything worth doing is worth doing…” now.

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Purge the Plastic, Not the Paper

You’d think I was pregnant, the way I’ve been rummaging through drawers, sifting through papers, and filling garbage bags full of “unnecessary plastic objects” (to quote one of my favorite singers, Nanci Griffith).

The need to purge came on strong just before the holidays. We moved furniture to open up a room downstairs and uncovered a host of lost toys (not missed once), and I found myself dreaming of a dumpster. I even considered tossing some of the writing magazines and literary journals I’ve accumulated in the last year.

But, I knew the garbage bin wouldn’t see draft, nor final, of any of my earlier writings: old essays, true stories, and short shorts.

When I got serious about writing and heard that old adage – a writer should never throw out anything, even if she think it stinks – I wondered, how can you possibly keep everything?.

Still, I saved each story and every quick write in more than one place. I printed a few cherished essays and placed them in a big binder that’s secured between my nightstand and my bed.

Mine.

The first few pieces I wrote were all memoir, too risky to publish, that pried their way out of my mind’s dark corners. When I shared them with other writers and got great feedback on one or two, I thought, what if I publish them? But the purpose of those pieces was not to show up in glossy print on the white pages of a literary magazine. My earlier writings de-cluttered my brain and cleared the way for new narratives to take shape.

And, as writers who came before me predicted, bits and pieces of those earlier essays have bled into other stories. An old familiar figure became the face of a new character. The real-life moment I walked into a nursing home wove its way into a fictional short story where my emotions as memory gave way to imagined conversations.

Isn’t that how fiction works? We write what we know. Our experiences and memories interact with our imagination. We give new life to an old character, reshape the insides of an old house.

We write a new ending.

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Stretching Out My Wednesday

Yesterday was too busy a day for a post on Wednesday’s word.

I hate missing a deadline. Plus, I considered the fact that you might count on finding out what word rises to the surface on Wednesday of every week. So while it’s after midnight in my neck of the woods, I haven’t gone to sleep yet. That means, I’m still working on Wednesday’s time.

I had hoped that Wordsmith.org would choose a light and festive theme this week, considering the upcoming holiday. But this week’s theme is “fear and desire.” I thought, at first, I had no connection, nothing to write about.Then, I caught myself getting all keyed up as I scurried around town doing my last minute shopping.

What if I forget something?
What if he doesn’t like it?
What if I just buy that one for myself?

In all that running around, today’s word sparked some microfiction.

astraphobia. noun: An abnormal fear of lightning and thunder.

She arrived early and secured a parking spot near the side entrance. At two minutes to nine, she walked briskly from her car to the glass doors and reached for the handle at the same moment the manager unlocked the door. She felt she had the upper hand: a winter storm advisory, most people off today and sleeping in, her list in hand so she could get in-get out.

But, she got caught standing in front of the Nonfiction books, Sarah Palin staring her down. She wondered what made Sarah think she was so rogue. Just as she reached for the book, she heard the manager’s hearty “Hello!” and “We’re so glad you’re here!” She turned and saw a trio of musicians in Santa hats hauling an electric piano and a box of small instruments. They plugged in, underneath a Christmas light display, right in the middle of the store.

She forgot about Sarah. She looked at her list. One more book to buy, she told herself. The musicians warmed up their voices, and she buttoned up her coat. She walked in front of the piano and shot a side-glance  at the player. He was smiling and humming as he slid his hand across the keys. When he flipped the switch to turn on the piano, a Christmas bulb blew. There was a pop and a flash of light and a “Whoa!” followed by laughter. The flash threw her off balance, and she fell sideways into the  “New in Paperback” display. Like dominoes, the books tumbled and fell to the floor.

The flash.
The thunder of books.
She turned and made a mad dash towards the exit, her coat tail fluttering behind her.

Next year, she told herself, order online.

***

Just for fun, check out Thursday’s word of the day: onomatomania. Maybe it’s late, but something about that word made me giggle.

Enjoy a festive holiday!