Wednesday, December 14, 2011

A Gift for You

It's day Three of the 'Wrap it up' blogfest Hosted by Leigh Covington, David Powers King, and myself.

If you want to know the rules, just click the picture
Today I have a very special gift, a flash fiction piece I wrote just for you! Yes you! It is meant to inspire and lift your day. Enjoy!


I crack open the book and run my hand down the page. Thecontrast of the black words on the ivory colored background fill me with asense of excitement and longing. I bring the book to my face and close my eyestaking a deep whiff.

Someday, I tellmyself, someday I will be holding my ownbook in my hands. I read a few pages and ponder on the wonder of the waywords can be strung together to create masterpieces. I close the book and holdit close to my chest for a few moments.

How many have gone before me? Millions at least. There aredays when I think about the numbers, when I get overwhelmed at the thought ofeverything I have to go through to get my book into my hands. I am determinedthat today will not be of those days.

I set the book down and walk over to my desk. Jiggling the mouse, I stare at the blank page before me. Theblinking cursor taunts,  begging me to spill my thoughts and feelings on thepage. I tap at the keys, but few words come. I sigh and lean back in my chair. Maybe you're not meant to write. That littlenagging voice says in my ear.

I catch sight of the book I just read in the corner of myeye. Somehow that author did it. They worked hard enough and they havesomething to show for it.  I bat awaythat nagging voice and rest my hands on the keyboard once more. I'll stay hereall night if I have to, as long as it takes for me to get over my insecuritiesand write.

Because whether I'm meant to or not, that's what authors do.

20 comments:

Joanne said...

A perfect flash piece looking at the writing journey. One word at a time, with a dash of determination thrown in the mix, gets us there!

Leigh Covington said...

Another masterpiece Jennie! Very inspiring!

Sarah Pearson said...

Wise words indeed, thank you :-)

Becky Mahoney said...

Oooh, this is great. We've all been there! Thank you for sharing!

David P. King said...

After cracking open and looking inside the Campaigner Challenges 2011 book, I certainly felt that small taste of success. Looking forward to when a whole book is filled with awesomeness! :)

Great post, Jennie!

Emily R. King said...

You've said it all right here, Jen. Thanks for sharing. It was excellent!

Jenny S. Morris said...

This is so great. Just what I need as a reminder. I think I'll pick up a great book tonight and read.

L.T. Elliot said...

That is a truly lovely gift! I love it! And I guess that means I have to stop procrastinating and look at that cursor.

Jessie Humphries said...

Exactly! If others can do it, so can I! Word to your mother.

Sara Bulla said...

You really did write this just for me didn't you? Seriously, I should read this every week at least to remind me of why I'm doing this and how much I love the smell of a good book! Thank you so much, this was beautiful!

Cristina said...

Thank you for these words. So, so inspiring.
I absolutely love how supportive this community is!

Chantele Sedgwick said...

AMEN!:) Thank you so much for sharing. You're awesome.

Laila Knight said...

I loved the story. I wish I would have been able to join your blog hop, but I'll be away for the rest of the year. Just stopped by to wish you a Merry Christmas. :)

Trisha said...

Very nice story, and one I think all of us can relate to (that is, those of us who write!). Good job!

Mormon Mormon Writers said...

It's like you were in my head!! Loved it!

Lorena said...

It's nice to know we all go through similar emotions and struggles! Nice, clean blog design!

Kate Coursey said...

Great piece. I think all writers go through these emotions....there are days when I question whether or not I should keep going. Still, nobody ever said publishing was easy! I think anything that's worth having is worth working for.

Mark Koopmans said...

Aloha Jennie,

OMG... I was *so* about to rant and rave and tell you to change the last line because you *are* meant to be an author... and then I remembered this was a flash fiction blogfest ...

You got me, man... you got me :)

Crystal Collier said...

Hee hee. Nice. I find as soon as I've got a couple paragraphs on the page my mind goes berserk. In fact, I don't start with a blank page, hardly ever. I find something (a muse image, poem, dream etc) that spurs the imagination and keep it there until the first draft is complete.

Angela Cothran said...

Oh my goodness. I think every aspiring author has felt just like that. Great job!