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Monday, March 17, 2014

My People - March Madness check-in, Day 17 #WIPmadness


Kerry and I were alone in the cabin that drowsy July afternoon. It was a Wednesday, the day in the week-long summer camp when you realize, crap, it feels like we've been here forever and yet I just arrived, and I've got to go home soon. I don't want this to end. I lay on my stomach on the top bunk, one hand propping up my chin, reading a book. She was working with charm bracelet floss, deft fingers knotting the strands as she sat cross-legged on the bottom bunk across the room, when she stopped and stared out the window toward the lake. The trees below blocked our view of everything leading to the water, including the water itself, but through it we could hear a group of other campers laughing and singing while someone who'd gotten hold of a set of bongo drums kept up a heady beat.

"You know what I like about this place most?" She set down the floss, stood up from the bed, and spread her arms wide. "It's that even if I never come back here, even if I never see these people again, I know that there is somewhere that I belong." Her grin was audible. "These are my people."
 
I shoved a scrap of paper in the book and closed it. I'd only just met Kerry a few days before, but our friendship had been instant, as if we'd known each other our entire lives. "Yeah," I said, that same joy surging through me. "Me, too."

It's been no-I-won't-say-how-many years since that camp. Time has passed, and friendships slip away, but one thing sticks with me: that feeling. It's a pretty awesome thing to have. To know that you have kindred spirits, others like you, a group of people who completely understand.

That's one of the things I love about the writing community. Because what Kerry said about belonging, that's exactly how I feel here. And I hope you do, too.

So, how goes it, March Wipsters? We're at Day 17 now. Where are you at?

Personally, I spent most of the weekend *not* thinking about my projects and just catching up on sleep. It's what I needed, and where I felt I had to be, and I'm glad I did so. I have a lot of work ahead of me now, but I'm ready for it. How about you? I can't wait to hear about it!

See you tomorrow at Shari's blog!

(Psst... Not part of the March Madness crew? It's still not too late to sign up!) 

23 comments:

  1. Yep, I feel that way, too! All the joys and the frustrations of writing certainly have a way of bringing us together, even if we never meet! I deliberately stepped away from writing over the weekend for a breather and am back to my WIP full steam ahead today!

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    1. Glad to hear you got a breather this past weekend, too, Trudi!

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  2. Love this post, Laura. Birds of a feather... Most times I feel only another writer can understand me. If it wasn't for online communities, such as this, I don't know where I'd be.

    Had a wedding shower Sat, and was gone all day. A family member is in the hospital (ICU) as of Sunday morning. Needless to say, not a lot of work done on the wip over the weekend.

    I'm hoping to spend some time on it today. After some much needed housework!!

    Write on, Wipsters~

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    1. What an up-and-down weekend for you! I hope your ICU patient is doing well.

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    2. Thanks, Candilynn. Best wishes for your family member. *hugs*

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  3. Wonderful words, Laura. I also took some time away from writing yesterday, and feel fairly recharged this morning. I have a bunch of businessy-publishing stuff to deal with, but I'm putting that off and enjoying the creative space I'm at in revising right now. I will probably have to set a day aside to be responsible (and also to finish my taxes), but feeling in the zone, so I want to keep with that for the moment.

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    1. Thank you, Denise. It sounds like a lot of folks here took a break this weekend, and are all energized to get back into it. Hope you can get your taxes taken care of soon! They can be frustrating, but very worth it.

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  4. I've had that 'feeling' a few times in my life: when I went to BYU and in my recent RWA group. The belonging and just knowing that I'm at the 'right' place is a wonderful feeling.

    This weekend I watched the Veronica Mars movie--loved! Also did some reading which including scanning over my revision. Love that I can do this on my iPhone!

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    1. We're in the process of getting our first smartphone (an iPhone), but I can't imagine ever wanting to read anything, let alone a revision, on a 4" screen! LOL!

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    2. I didn't think I would either but was happy I could!

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    3. It's interesting how the eyes adjust to the smaller text.

      Also, Kim: I totally know what you mean about reading on the iPhone. And Veronica Mars was awesome!

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  5. I hate to say It's a Monday, cuz that's not why I'm having a hard time focussing. The wind is howling outside. Perfect day to cuddle in a blanket and watch a movie while the stew marinates in beef waters in the crockpot. But that doesn't help my WIP.
    I'm on track. Doing great. Can't give in to my self pressure. Here I go...

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  6. I'm always thankful for the encouragement and support of the online writing community, especially this #wipmadness group. Everyone is awesome! That special kind of camaraderie is also what I experience whenever I'm at our Surrey Writers' Conference. It's so uplifting to be surrounded by people who get what I do, who understand the writing mindset including its frustrations and exhilaration.

    I reported last night that my Sunday was pretty much a washout as far as writing went, but I'm back at it this afternoon. Mondays are always a fresh start for me. :)

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    1. Carol: I absolutely love all of my writing communities. Each one is so useful in its own ways. It's great!

      Don't worry about Sunday, because it sounds like a lot of us needed a break. Hope your week is productive!

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  7. Yesterday I did loads of revision, despite the sickness. Today I'm still sick and am totally unmotivated. I am happy to know that we're all still pushing forward together and getting rest when we need it. Carry on, Wipsters!

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    1. Feel better soon, Angelina! Being sick is no fun. And happy writing!

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  8. Your story brings back good memories of my childhood BFF making friendship bracelets. I'm pretty sure I still have one somewhere!

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    1. Aw, thanks, Jennifer! Unfortunately, I think I've lost all of the ones I had, but hopefully they went on to someone else who could wear them. :)

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  9. . I spent the day looking for the leprechauns pot of story ideas at the end of the rainbow.

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    1. Sounds like fun, Linda! I hope you hit gold. ;)

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  10. I'm so grateful to have connected with "my people". Can't imagine doing this writing life without all of you!

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