Yesterday’s 60+ degree weather set a local record. I spent the day hiking. I never tire of the dense mountain laurel grove, the boulder I think of as “mid-way rock.” I’m reading the writing craft books listed on my book list. I’m writing daily - the words want to wander freely, so I let them.
I wasn’t expecting a package in the mail. I finally got to open it after dinner. A Moleskine - a pocket notebook. Ironically, my Woodnotes pocket notebook is almost full.
I stroked the cover and read the Moleskine company history in English. Using my newly-rediscovered magnifying glass, I read the nine postage-stamp sized quotes ready to peel and stick on a postcard.
What an amazing gesture of faith that what I write resonates with a reader. I am grateful for the affirmation. It’s a motivator.
I opened the notebook, stroked the pages, then fanned them, like a flip book. I used to be an animator and while I typically write words, sometimes I end up with shapes instead of letters.
There’s a little inner pocket. I can put my business cards there - or a feather - or maybe press a flower.
It’s one thing to know writing is a process, another to keep the faith that the journey will result in writing that resonates.
“Writing well means believing in your writing and believing in yourself, taking risks, daring to be different, pushing yourself to excel,” is how William Zinsser sums it up.
I’m going to write that quote in large letters at the front of my new Moleskine.