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Janice Walton's avatar

Hi Ramona, I so appreciated this article. It validates the approach that seems to be evolving for me. Something comes to mind; I write down the jumble of thoughts - the clearing of my head you speak of. There is something within me that has something to say, and I am learning to listen and write what that is - with an eye on the reader, it's true - but I'm also trying to let go of the desire to please people so much.

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Ramona Grigg's avatar

Yes. The key is in trusting ourselves to just write. It works! And that pleasing people--good riddance!

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Ramona Grigg's avatar

I think we first have to stop being afraid of that jumble of words and just let them in. We can always change them or discard them if we need to, but they have a purpose. They're the magic that gets us started.

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Francesca Bossert's avatar

Hi Ramona, this made a lot of sense to me. I often start to write a poem with a tiny niggle, a blur, and work from there. I’m so grateful to have reconnected with writing this past year after so many years away. It’s been a lifesaver .

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Ramona Grigg's avatar

"Lifesaver" is a good way of putting it. I feel that way, too. The act of writing has saved me in many ways, at many times. I'm finally understanding, and I'm grateful.

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Elizabeth Beggins's avatar

This is affirming, Mona, and I can envision you sitting there, focused on what is coming up for you. I love that you chose a cone to represent your container. It might have been a bubble, a studio, or a capsule -- but you chose a vessel that tapers the content from a lot down to a smaller, more precise flow. Just perfect!

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Ramona Grigg's avatar

Until you mentioned it here, I don't think I thought much about the use of 'cone'. I may have been thinking about Maxwell Smart's Cone of Silence. I don't know. But I like your interpretation so much! It makes perfect sense!

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Holly Starley's avatar

Thank you for clearing paths, Mona. And thank you for the acknowledgment, and reminder that these times that are changing our lives, must necessarily change our writing as well.

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Ramona Grigg's avatar

Thanks, Holly. I don't know about 'must', but in my case it will. It has to. My very being is wrapped up in what happens to my country. I can't get away from that. It seems I'll have to keep on... 🙄

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