Friday Speak Out!: Wrapping Up Writing, Guest Post by Deborah Shouse

Wrapping Up Writing

by Deborah Shouse

The chipmunk who rules the exterior of my house, prancing over porch and flower beds, inspires me. The moment I step outside, he disappears into a hidden crevice, a crack, or hole. He has a map of secret places ready for instant refuge.

I think of that chipmunk as I gaze at the calendar, looking for time to write. As the holidays approach, life hums with extra busyness and responsibilities. I seek out secret slivers of time when I can slip away into writing, sliding into a half hour crevice early this morning, a crack between meetings one afternoon, a hole in my evening schedule. In ink, I mark writing periods, making them as large and important as any appointment.

The winter holiday period is rich with imagery, memories, relationships, and emotions. Sitting down to write is like opening a wrapped present that makes no noise when you shake it. I could tear off the wrappings to find a pair of white gym socks or I could lift out a delicate silver shawl. The more writing time I find, the closer I get to the true gift, that of being connected to myself.

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Deborah Shouse is a writer, speaker, editor and creativity coach. Her holiday stories have been featured in Chicken Soup anthologies, The Kansas City Star, and The Chicago Tribune. She has written a variety of business books and memoirs. Deborah donates all proceeds from her book Love in the Land of Dementia: Finding Hope in the Caregiver’s Journey to Alzheimer’s programs and research. Using the book as a catalyst, she has raised more than $80,000.00.
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Would you like to participate in Friday "Speak Out!"? Email your short posts (under 500 words) about women and writing to: marcia[at]wow-womenonwriting[dot]com for consideration. We look forward to hearing from you!

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