writing

Satisfaction

valentines-001Things that have been satisfying recently:

  • Been writing 300 words every morning – OK, almost every morning. Making good progress on “David & Yeunja”, a dramatic modification to my last short story, “John E. Lee.”
  • Biore – hubby’s nose. Very satisfying.
  • Making the girls’ lunches for tomorrow.
  • Running with the dog and walking the girls home from school.
  • Passing my two AEPA tests – received official results today. I did MUCH better than I thought I did!
  • Receiving my paycheck every other Thursday.
  • Making a massage appointment (tomorrow)!
  • Waxing my brows.
  • Watching Willey play chess with Ava before dinner and….
  • Updating this blog!

Time and Money

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I wish I had an entire day to write. Actually, to flesh out my characters and get to know them. To dream. I am on the brink! But I need more time. I’m writing notes on index cards, a la Anne LaMott.

On another note, Korean class offered by Korean Cultural Center of Arizona has been cancelled due to low enrollment this spring. I hope it has nothing to do with Mrs. Michelle Kim’s health (she’s the Director of the Center). It’s sad. It’s such a wonderful program and now it will be a major uphill battle (and MUCH more work for me!) to teach the girls Korean. Hopefully, JiMin can help before she leaves in June.

Willey is almost finished with his 1,000 piece puzzle…just in time to pay complete attention to me for Valentine’s Day! I’m going to make a beautiful dinner for the entire family and have the girls (JiMin, Josie and Ava) help me make the dessert. The menu is undecided as of now…

Holding Pattern

Ava got ill…coughing, hacking, fever. Stayed home. Planned for sub. I’m in a holding pattern with the writing, although I managed to write a couple pages at Starbucks Monday. Forecast: rainy this weekend. Just perfect for writing.

Addendum: heard on NPR “You must write about what you believe in, or it won’t stand up.” (paraphrased)

Monday Feb. 9 – I have a renewed energy and inspiration for writing now. Today’s word: toady. I am beyond being toady with anyone in life. Josie and Ava are on the brink of 100% health. What I do, I do for them.

Change is Good

OK, so now my story is looking different again. I just started free writing and came up with a new character. The story is quickly becoming one that reveals differences between Korean culture and American culture. My KA character is being confronted by his own shame and racism. It surprised me as I wrote it. I’m still just writing and not sure where it’s going, but I can visualize it as I write: he’s a professional, running the rat race and is unexpectedly “forced” to take on his cousin from Korea, a teenager. Of course, the fact that I have a 17 year old Korean exchange student is speaking to me, but it’s not her. I’ve been inspired by her and ideas sprout from that. I’m excited. This could easily be the short story turned novel turned film!ed98b8ec8aa4ed8ab8eba7981

oh nuts!

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I just realized my promise to myself to post a new blog every Friday. How did this happen? It’s almost 10pm, I’m tired and I have AEPA tests all day tomorrow, starting at 8am sharp and here I am writing in a frenzy.

OK. Update on my writing. Most of it was done in my head. Hahahaha! Seriously. I do a lot of thinking about it, but not much on paper. I have been doing journal writing which has helped my mood considerably.  I did make one BIG decision regarding John E. Lee – the focus will be on his life in contrast to his father’s and how they have practically no relationship. It’s going to be difficult, because a man’s relationship to his father is so different from a daughter’s….but I’m excited when I think about it. Some people have suggested I focus on his love life, but I’m not inspired there at all.  Not that he can’t have a love life (he will!) but that won’t be the focus. I hope to have a great short story and then turn it into a novel.  I just have to get it out of my head and on to paper.