the Write Path

On By Michele LeeIn Humor, new beginnings, Verse, Writing
My eyes are burning, and my legs are numb,
but it is worth it because my first draft is done!
What began as two short stories combined into one
is now forty-five chapters (almost 85,000 words)
written over the course of nineteen months.

I wrote it, dreamt it, lived it, imagined it, read it, and edited it.
I have laughed, cried, been surprised and exhausted by it –
a story with memorable characters who now exist outside of me.
It’s time to let them fly to an excited to be working with me
experienced editor in New York City.
She will help me turn a project I am proud of
into a polished first book.

“It’s right up my alley,” she said several weeks ago, after reading a chapter
from my poetic prose coming-of-age story.
Her alley must be an edgy place sprinkled with dark humor
and fantastical thoughts that spill from a young female character.
Good to know! I am excited to be working with her too.

Four weeks is what she will need, to read and edit,
then rinse and repeat. We will Zoom and I will fine-tune.
Turning my book over to another guardian
will be like sending a child to summer camp.
I hope to get some rest, but I know it will be short-lived
because soon, it’s on to the next task on my book-writing list.
✍🏻📖
Difficult to stay inside and write when it’s that gorgeous outside! A few too many squirrels though. 🐿️😉 My solo writing retreat last summer.

If you have been reading me since last July, you might recall I went on a solo writer’s retreat. Link will take you to a post from that adventure. The photo above is where I wrote when there – the table with the gorgeous view. I wrote either there, near a river or open field, in a public library, or in a coffee shop. It was a wonderful writing and life experience and a chance to escape the Sonoran Desert heat. One of the many things I enjoyed while there, was how different writing places and spaces delivered a different energy to my book project. Nine months have passed since then. It is hard to believe and yet it seems fitting since finishing a book feels like birthing a child! OK, maybe it is not quite as painful. 😌 Many things have happened with my book project and in my life since then. Unexpected and wonderful things. I am excited to see where this path takes me. I am also excited to share more about my writing journey as it unfolds. ✨ To read my book writing timeline, visit my “Writing Journal” page.

“The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter. ’tis the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning.”
― Mark Twain, The Wit and Wisdom of Mark Twain

I am not going to share plot or character details just yet, but I would like to share a few writing highlights-

Pleasant surprises:

  • Drafting dialogue (who knew I had so many voices in my head!)
  • Seeing the story unfold in my mind (this is what engaging books should do!)
  • Creating the setting/locations (building sets in my mind – very cool!)

Unexpected challenges:

  • Naming my (many) characters (with only one child, I have not mastered this skill)
  • Keeping track of days/months as the plot progressed (what day of the week should it be?)
  • Verb tense (most of the story is written as a flashback which made this tricky)

Thank you for reading and listening. Be well. 💗 Michele

Find my photos, reels, and micropoetry on IG~ @mlsefton.com

A special thank you to ‘Humoring the Goddess‘ for sharing some music with me, including this beautiful tune. 🎶

Photo 1: shutterstock Photo 2: writer’s retreat, Cascade Mountains, OR Photo 3: me with my printed manuscript

© 2022 Michele Lee Sefton

116 thoughts on “the Write Path”

      2. Bestseller… I will take your word for it Mr. Moi. 🤣 Let’s just call it that and I can call it a day and take a long nap. 😴 Nah, I am enjoying the journey too much. I am ready to start the next one. After a short nap. 😁

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  7. so awesome cheers for you , it was worth it , I know ,congrats,
    so beautiful so exciting thank you for sharing your news with us!!!! And many more to come, 💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

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  8. Write on, my friend. ✍🏼 Oh, wait…Zoom on. 😎 That’s great news and an impressive accomplishment, indeed. Congratulations! I love your photograph, also – having finished the first draft, now able to rest your hand on your completed book project. Fantastic!! Wishing you continued success, lovely poetess & author Michele. 🌞

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    1. Thank you, Phil, for your thoughtful words. 🙏🏻haha Writing and Zooming. Welcome to my world! You are very kind. I hope it is impressive. 🤞🏻😆 I enjoyed reading it from beginning to end, so that’s a good sign! Best to you too! 🌄

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  13. I love the visionary detail of this poem and the glorious way it captures the writing journey, especially in these lines: “I wrote it, dreamt it, lived it, imagined it, read it, and edited it.”

    This is infinitely true! As for dialogue, it is one of my greatest loves. I am carried away by it, and love the distinction I find in the different ways people talk. 🙂

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    1. Delighted, I am! Thank you, Jaya. I began writing this post as prose – describing my book journey, that actually began as tumbling thoughts, before I started my blog. I abandoned that and made room for this light-hearted poem. I am glad I did. Thank you for highlighting my favorite line from the poem. It does sum up my writing experience! Thus far. 😄

      As for dialogue – I have read plenty of novels, but most of my writing, prior to starting this blog, has been academic, so my experience creating dialogue is limited. I expect to continue growing in this area, but I found it surprisingly enjoyable. 😊 I too enjoyed seeing and hearing the different characters (in my mind). A creative and imaginative exercise. ✨ Thank you for sharing your writer insight. 🙏🏻

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    1. Thank you, Joy! 🌻 It is a rewarding experience. They do seem to take on a life of their own. Surprising details surface while writing. It is a delightfully imaginative process. Have you written a book? Please share. 😊

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      1. You are very welcome. 🙂
        Yes! They take on a life of their own and control your pen. So true. I had never understood before how an author would say, i didn’t want that to happen, or I cried over one of my characters dying. For I was like, but you wrote it. I do sooo get it now!

        Yes, have published a book of children stories along with a friend. The Odessa Chronicles, in 2018. And now am almost finished with a novel. Soo I can so identify with you and the joyous feeling!

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      2. Absolutely! I get it now too! 😆 I often wondered the same things about characters and about the unfolding plot. It is fascinating!

        Wonderful! Thank you for sharing. Bravo to you, Joy! 👏🏻 For your previously published childrens’ stories and for your upcoming novel. I am excited to learn more. 🥂

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    1. Thanks a million, Dwight! I am not sure when it will be coming up, but it is coming along. 😆 It certainly has taken me on a journey! I have enjoyed it and know that I will do it again and again, and yet it does deserve the question… why would anyone want to do this? haha As teachers we know what it is like to invest ourselves in projects and people, without expecting an immediate return, but goodness! 😅 Thank you for your vote of confidence. 🙏🏻 I am giving it my best effort and finding the right people to help me with the process.

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    1. Your enthusiasm radiates! ✨ It is wonderful to be supported by fellow writers, poets, and artists in the WP space. Thank you very much, Jeff, for supporting my writing efforts and for being a consistent and thoughtful voice in the artistic mix. 🙏🏻✍🏻🌳🎨🎭📸💖

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  22. Congratulations, Michele, such exciting news! 🤩 ‘finishing a book feels like birthing a child!’ – my sentiments exactly 🤣 all the best with your journey towards publication – I will watch out for updates 🌟

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    1. Thank you very much, Ingrid. 😊 I cherish our writerly and supportive connection. Thanks for highlighting that painful line. 😂 I appreciate you! All the best to you too! I am excited about your journey and all the wonderful things you will learn and accomplish along the way! 🌠

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  26. Congratulations on your writing journey Michele my Belle! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 How exciting my sweet author-in-chief! 🥳 Who would ever think we have sooooooo many voices in our head speaking at one time! Drives you crazy sometimes, but they do have some good ideas though!!! LOL 🤣😆😂 Here’s to great things on your continued journey upward bound! 🥂✨🤩

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    1. Thank you, my Kymbelina! You make me smile. 😊 Characters and voices! Did you say something? 😂 They can surprise us yes. 🤣 I know you know about the book writing process. I will have questions for you as my journey progresses. What a journey! 🏔️🚶🏽‍♀️🚶🏻‍♀️Thank you sooooo much! 😘🥂

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      1. Oh my dear Michele, how I love the ebb and flow of our writing journeys! You are so intuned to your inner spirit and the external influences that take you to new heights and new levels of awareness. It’s too late to turn back now girlfriend! And Michele my Belle, may you continue to smile with glee!!! I’ve got the gas can filled up ⛽ for the next miles you travel on your journey!!! 🚗🚙🚘 Toot, toot, beep, beep!!! 😍✨🌷💜💋🥰

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      2. You do sprinkle a special magic that makes me smile and believe. 🧚🏽‍♀️ Thank you for that. 😊 Your words and energy sparkle and shine! ✨ No turning back, no. Moving forward, yes! 🙌🏻

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    1. Thank you, sweet Cindy, for the support and smiles! 🙏🏻😄 Solid editors can be found anywhere, but I am thrilled to be working with one who has experience with my book genre, and who feels right for this story. She now has my manuscript, so let the adventures begin! 😁 Rich and famous… haha Thanks for the laughs too! 😆

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      1. You’re so welcome Michele. Yes thats so true. It’s always good to trust your gut and go with the flow of where you know you need to be. That’s fun stuff. I’ll take your first penny for claiming it first.. hahahaha. Just to have your word out is a gift! 💖💖

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      2. haha Yes, first penny rights are yours. A penny for your thoughts. Two pennies, for mine and yours. 😁 Absolutely, yes! Creating and sharing our words, our voices, are the greatest rewards. 🥰

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  31. Wow, this is so cool…congratulations. It’s just as beautiful as a child, well kind of, I mean you did create it as well, and it comes from you. Now it will go out there in the world and inspire and amaze others. Isn’t that what all mother’s dream for all their babies…to send our beauty out to the world, sharing it with the world, making the world just a little bit better every time we do.

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    1. Thank you so much for your thoughtful response and for understanding the nurturing relationship that exists when we create then send our art out into the world. Beautifully described. 🌻

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  33. Every single of your post never fails to impress, Dear Michele! I love the storyline in your poem, which is rich in life itself and inspires even the seasons to slow down. I am honoured to get to know you and your life as a lady writer through your every line! Thank you for such beautiful post well-shared and I agree that outside world through your window was truly stunning.

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    1. Thank you, amazing Annabel, for acknowledging and appreciating what I am inspired to create and share with the world. I feel the same about your incredible poetry, moving prose, and beautiful dance. Stunning to read and watch. 💖 I too feel honored. 🙏🏻Yes, the Cascade Mountains in Oregon are breathtaking. 🌄 Thanks for noticing! 😊

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      1. Wow, Oregon…what a pleasant writing vibe surrounding you! 💕Your presence and your writings are treasures to the world. I am lucky to have been inspired by them!🎊🌸🥂

        Btw, your photo in black and white is simply gorgeous! 🥰

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      2. Wow, yes! Oregon has a wonderful writing vibe, and it is a beautiful place to be in the summertime. 🌳 I look forward to going back. ✍🏻 Your comments about my writings give me a boost of confidence with this book project. Thank you, Annabel, for that incredible gift and for appreciating my selfie. 😆 You are a gift! 💝🙏🏻

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      3. I am sooo looking forward to your new book project! You’re gonna rock the world and I know it!🌻Please keep us updated on your process! Reading the journey of a beautiful lady author’s life, like you, is such a loving treat….

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  35. Bravo! Michele “will be like sending a child to summer camp.” the Write Path, yes writers often feel that, and editors (in my case many children visit me every day it gives us a lot of pleasure). Greetings and good luck
    Saludos Juan

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  37. I am so so excited to read this updat efrom you and very gald to visit, and not miss it. Congratulations, this is huge!! The birthing process indeed has pleasant and unexpecetd challenges, and I am thrilled to be inspired by reading some familiar and unfamiliar aspects of the process.

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    1. I greatly appreciate your acknowledgment with this project that has weaved its way into my mind, heart, and life over the last 19 months, or more. 🙏🏻 Thank goodness actual childbirth is a much shorter process. Although that is just the beginning! A lifetime of parenting. A blessing! Many things to learn about the book publishing process. I am enjoying the journey. Thank you!

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      1. I am receivng a lot of positive inspiration from you regarding this journey, for whenever it comes my way Godwilling. Keep shining and moving bright my friend, wishing you the best of ease and joy always!

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    1. Thank you, Tom. 🙏🏻I truly appreciate your support with my daunting goal. ✍🏻 One day at a time I am getting there. I believe it will work out as it supposed to. I will do the work, then release it and let it be what it is supposed to be, with an abundance of nurturing, of course. 😅

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