The most productive week
If you don't consider my word count
This entire past week, I struggled to put words on the page. I’m not sure I even hit 1,000 words over the entire 5 days. My norm is usually around 3,500-5,000 per week.
There were so many distractions fighting for my brain space. I started the week writing a blog for a client. All systems go; creativity engaged and operating efficiently. On Tuesday morning, I woke up to an email inviting me to speak at a 2-day retail conference in Peru in June. Paid, all travel expenses covered. I did my due diligence, confirming the company was legitimate and the conference was real. I responded, telling them I was available and asked some generic questions about topics, length of time I’ll be on stage, attendance, etc. I have not yet heard back, and I suspect I was contacted in error. I’m okay with that. Like an Oscar, it was really nice just to be nominated.
Tuesday afternoon, I saw a post on a colleague’s Instagram story that triggered me, badly.
I was the fat kid who wanted to go on the see-saw, but no one would go with me, because, well, I was the fat kid. This photo sent me spiralling into the pain of those moments and made me realize there are loads of people out there who find this funny. The person sharing this image was someone I worked with and respected, and this smiling face told me exactly what they thought of me. Check your fat-bias. Within hours, the image was removed, but the damage was done. I would never work with or speak to this person again. Honestly, I am still bothered by this. The trauma of being teased and bullied never goes away. I’ve just learned how to manage it better. I use my words.
The next day, I opened up Chuck Wendig’s novel, The Book of Accidents. The dedication page made me snicker, so I took a screen shot, posted it on Twitter, and typed, “Nice one, Chuck Wendig".” I tagged him because I think all authors should know when they please their readers. Chuck sent a heart in response and re-tweeted. It went nuts after that and was my second most viral tweet (my most viral was when I shared a poem my 15yo kid wrote).
By the time Wednesday evening rolled around, I was walking on water. I watched a clip of Drew Barrymore having a hot flash during her show, with guests Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler helping her through it. The thought flitted through my head, “send her Murder on My Mind”. I sent myself an email that I knew I would need to see once I had some sleep and let reason prevail.
I know myself well enough to recognize in the morning I would talk myself out of taking the leap. I listened to Wednesday evening Dana and did as I was told. I spent a small fortune to courier two books to the studio. They arrived safely. That’s enough for me for now.
Other honourable mentions from this past week: 1) I am now a reader for the Writer’s Union of Canada 2023 Short Prose Competition. I will be reading 15 submissions, rating them and adding comments. 2) A reader posted a glorious review on Goodreads for Murder on my Mind.
Even though I was emotionally all over the map last week, mostly what I felt was good. The things that happened gave me a boost. I found myself thinking less of “Why” and more “Why not?”. Wayne Gretzky is often quoted as saying “You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take.” I’ve watched four hockey games in my life, but this quote has stuck with me for decades. He’s right. Take the shot.