Thursday, March 15, 2018

LESSONS FROM LEVI: How observations of my cat remind me of my writing journey By Patti Jo Moore

Hello, my name is Patti Jo and I am a Cat Lady.  

I will admit it. In addition to being a retired kindergarten teacher and newly-published author, I will openly admit I LOVE cats. Since I also love books and writing, I recently thought about the similarities in the mannerisms of my cats (all six of them, but particularly Levi) and my writing journey. 

Whether you’re a veteran writer or brand-new to this wonderful—and sometimes discouraging—journey, you’re certain to find out that it’s not all fun and games (or contracts and contest awards), but rather a lot of hard work. And waiting. Persevering is essential, because if a writer wants to be published, she/he must persevere. When I observe Levi trying to retrieve a toy mouse from underneath the sofa, I notice his perseverance. He knows he wants that toy mouse, and he’s determined to reach it with his paw. If a writer’s goal is to be published, then in addition to learning the craft and writing the best story possible, the writer has to keep trying. Sometimes over and over. For years and years.

Developing a “thick skin” is vital—and this can be a real challenge for those of us who tend to be sensitive. Susanna (one of my female cats) adores Levi; yet I’ve witnessed a time when Susanna was quite perturbed that Levi was in her napping spot, so she promptly swatted him with her paw. Poor Levi simply turned away, overlooking his sister’s feisty mood. How wonderful if writers could handle less-than-kind comments about our writing with the same acceptance. Sometimes the comments/suggestions certainly do have validity. Other times the reader might be in a ‘feisty mood’ and the author’s writing receives comments that should not be taken to heart. And of course rejections from agents and editors can be difficult to accept, especially if we’ve gotten our hopes up anticipating a positive response. Yet if we can remember those rejections are part of this journey, so we must move on, continue working hard, and keep a hopeful, positive outlook, how much better we’d feel. (Yes, sometimes easier said than done, I know).

Not long ago I was feeling extremely tired as I strived to write a certain amount of words in one day. By afternoon I’d reached the point of feeling I was in a daze. A daze that no amount of coffee and M&Ms could snap me from, and I was frustrated. Glancing from my desk over to the bed, I saw Levi (and several other kitties) snoozing away. I simply needed a nap! No, this isn’t rocket-science, but sometimes we writers become so determined and focused that we fail to ignore what is needed at that moment. I closed my laptop, sleepily headed to the bed, and joined several felines in a nap. I’m happy to say that after my thirty-minute snooze I was refreshed and able to tackle that manuscript with a fresh perspective. And make my word-count goal. 

As a Christian, for me personally the most important aspect of my writing journey is seeking the Lord’s will and writing the stories He would have me to write. I’ll admit that as smart as Levi is, I haven’t seen him actually reading the Bible.😉 But one day as Levi sat next to my Bible on the kitchen table, it was a reminder that I’d not had my quiet time with the Lord that day. I’ve found my writing and my day in general flows more smoothly when I’ve had time in the Scriptures. 

No matter where you are in your writing journey, I hope you’re enjoying the process. And if you’re having a day that’s left you feeling frazzled and frustrated, maybe you just need to take a little break or even have a catnap. Who knows? You might return to your writing with such renewed energy it’s as if you have nine lives. 

South Georgia farm girl Emma Hopkins hopes to put her past behind her as she moves to a lovely community on the Florida gulf coast. Tired of living in fear from a past relationship, she enjoys working in her aunt’s gift shop.

For three years businessman Thomas Wilton has carried guilt for his sister’s car accident that left her in a wheelchair. When his boss insists moving from Alabama to the Florida panhandle will be beneficial for his career, Thomas reluctantly agrees, although he hates leaving his sister.

After Emma and Thomas meet, a relationship quickly develops, but is later jeopardized by a misunderstanding. When Emma’s life is threatened, Thomas realizes how much he loves her.  Can their seaside romance become a happily-ever-after?
 
 
 
Patti Jo Moore writes Sweet, Southern Stories which is fitting since she’s lived in Georgia her entire life. After teaching first grade and kindergarten for twenty-one years, Patti Jo had to retire early due to severe spinal/back issues (resulting in four surgeries). She realized the ending of her teaching career was the beginning of her writing career—and she loves what she’s doing. In 2017 the Lord blessed her with her first grandbaby and her first publishing contract—and she’s still smiling about both. Her first book is A Seaside Romance published by Forget-Me-Not books (available on Amazon in print and for Kindle), and she will have two more books in her Emerald Coast Romances series. Patti Jo loves Jesus, her family, and cats, and loves meeting new friends. Connect with her on Facebook:   Author Patti Jo Moore or her CatMom’s Corner blog: http://catmomscorner.blogspot.com