Ciao, amici! It’s week three of Advent. This week’s theme is joy. When it comes to writing, I run a gamut of emotions. Frustration, uncertainty, fear. But above all, I feel joy. Knowing that I can take an idea in my head, translate it into words on the page, and ultimately touch a reader in some manner? I take great pleasure in that. I also find it incredible fulfilling when I create an especially clever twist or write a beautiful description. Those surprises are… well, joyful. Which is why this week’s quote, by H. L. Mencken, is so appropriate.
There is in writing the constant joy
of sudden discovery, of happy accident.
Readers, I hope you find joy in the stories you read. And writers, I hope you find joy in this wonderful vocation.
And now, last week’s writing links:
Posts by me, about my work, or at sites I contribute to:
Story Empire
- Flash Fiction: Resolution | Harmony Kent
- Editing Tips | Joan Hall
- Friday Book Share: Screenwriting Tricks for Authors | C. S. Boyack
Posts by others in the industry:
- WordPress’s Gutenberg | Nicholas C. Rossis
- Female Serial Killers | Sue Coletta
- The Writer’s Notebook Part 3 | Don Massenzio
- The Writer’s Notebook Part 4 | Don Massenzio
- Firearms in Fiction | Writers in the Storm
- The Audiobook Segment of Publishing | Nicholas C. Rossis
- Dialogue Primer | Don Massenzio
- When You Don’t Want to Write that Scene | Fiction University
- Euphonics as a Writing Device | The Write Practice
- A Writer’s Strategic Plan | Live Write Thrive
And when you’re done with these links, don’t forget to check out the sidebar, where you’ll find more links to some of my favorite sites. Have a great week! Arrivederci!
Reblogged this on Loleta Abi.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for sharing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, Staci!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Nicholas C. Rossis and commented:
Staci’s writing links of the week
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for reblogging!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Joy–that’s the word! There is the part of me that HAS to write, but I never stopped to think why. And yes, I think it’s because of the joy of putting the scenes in my head on paper in a format that I can share. Although, when the stories don’t flow smoothly, I’m not sure how much joy there is….
Happy Holidays to you and your family, Staci!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, when the words aren’t coming, that’s what your muse is for, right? And isn’t that a different kind of joy? lol
I know what you mean. When we’re stuck, it doesn’t feel very joyful. But then we solve the issue, and that’s amazing!
Happy holidays to you and yours, Julie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Writing is pure joy, isn’t it? (Most of the time). Ha ha. Thanks for the great links, Staci, and have a wonderfully creative and joyous holiday. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, “pure” might be to strong a word. lol
But I do find writing joyful. As I find all the support online. We really have a lovely community. Most other vocations can’t say the same, I wouldn’t think.
Wishing you a fabulous holiday, too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The perfect writing quote, Staci. I spend most of my manuscript pulling my hair out, but… then that moment comes where the magic happens and it fills my chest with joy 🙂
Happy holidays, my friend ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah. I do so love it when the magic happens. Happy holidays to you and yours, Jacquie. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love that quote, Staci! ❤ Sharing and wishing you and yours A Very Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much, Bette. And wishing the same for you and yours.
LikeLiked by 1 person
For all of the frustration and worry that permeates my writing days (will I finish on time? will people like it? etc. etc.) the joy of writing keeps me going. Thanks for the reminder of what motivates us.
Happy writing, reading, and joyous holiday wishes!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think your looming deadline is making you forget how wonderful your work really is. I’m glad you find joy in your writing. I know I find great joy in reading your work.
Sending the same wishes to you, Mae. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
That was supposed to say “your work” up there. I edited it, but I wanted to clarify. (I don’t think I have anything to do with the quality of your writing.)
LikeLike
I can identify with that frustration, uncertainty, and fear. Have a wonderful Christmas, Staci!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Teri. Same to you and yours!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on The Write Stuff and commented:
Check out this week’s Author Inspiration and Writing Links on Staci Troilo’s blog. Some good stuff here, as always. (Don’t forget to share!) Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for sharing, Marcia!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank goodness for “happy accidents.” Mine usually result from being blind as a bat. Well… some of the unhappy ones have the same cause! Have a joyful week, Staci.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I nearly spat my coffee all over my son’s laptop. Too funny, Teagan. Not sure about your blindness issues, but I love your work. Happy week to you, too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can only speak for myself, but I find joy in every hour I spend writing. Every moment of telling my characters’ stories is a pleasure for me, even when I have to rewrite bits and pieces, or I find things I could have said better, or I decide something I wrote needs to go. I just plain love the process, and knowing I’ve finally done it (after all these years) is the very definition of happiness to me. (Good thing we’re talking writing here, and not marketing, though.)
Great post, and I love the motto! Super links, as well. Saving and sharing!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Well, marketing is another beast entirely, isn’t it?
I’m so glad you find such pleasure in writing, Marcia. I know I find pleasure when I read your work.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s a lovely thing to say, Staci. Thank you! And I’m glad you enjoy reading my work, since I expect to be bombarding you with more of it before too much longer. Rabbit is going to need your tender touch before going to market. 😀 ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
I adore him. Believe me, I look forward to it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I so identify with that comment! If I had a writing motto, that would probably be “Accidents-R-Us” 😀
Merry Christmas, Staci, and thank you so much for all your support 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
Accidents-R-Us! I love it!
Merry Christmas to you and yours, Nicholas. I’m so glad we connected online. You’ve been one of my bright spots this year.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aw, you! Thank you! I feel exactly the same way 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
❤
LikeLike
Thanks for sharing my posts, Staci. I appreciate it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You know I love to share great content, Don. Glad to do it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Author Don Massenzio and commented:
Check out this author inspiration and writing links from Staci Troilo’s blog. I’m honored to have some of my posts included.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for sharing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the quote, Staci. Thanks for the links. Have a wonderful Christmas 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Harmony. Wishing the same for you and yours.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Perfect week for joy Staci. I love the quote, it is so true. Yes, the joy I feel when I write that perfect sentence or the story goes off on a new unexpected twist is amazing part of our vocation. I also feel the same way when I find that in a book I’m reading. It’s a great world to be in. Hope you have an amazing week and wishing you and your family have a beautiful Christmas.
LikeLiked by 2 people
That’s a great point, Denise. I feel joy as a writer (often). But I feel it as a reader, too. I hope my fans find joy in my work. I hope that’s true for all of us.
Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas.
LikeLiked by 1 person