Tags
What peaks your curiosity? Causes you to look up from the road you have traveled so many days? What 
makes you stop long enough to ask a question? Or to wait for an answer? I am curious about the process of writing. I find myself wondering about words and phrases. I record snippets of text and quotes on pieces of paper, in my journal, on my phone. This road I have been traveling feels familiar and yet I believe there might be surprises waiting around the next curve.
A quote for today:
E. L. Doctorow once said that “writing a novel is like driving a car at night. You can see only as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.” You don’t have to see where you’re going, you don’t have to see your destination or everything you will pass along the way. You just have to see two or three feet ahead of you. Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird
nurturing curiosity 
Ah, Juliann–nice to read you this morning, especially since you’ve tapped into one of my favorite books: Bird by Bird. I love the snapshot you posted and the reflections as well. As I’m move on down the road, I like your idea of journaling, of snippets that may blossom into full sentences. Have a good Tuesday!
Dear Juliann,
I like how you have captured the moment of thought. I sometimes ride on a bus or a train and wonder what goes on in the head of people. How do their thoughts travel? I wonder how come some people can actually express their feelings and thoughts so you can relate to them. It doesn’t stop amazing me. Looking forward to reading more advice from you.
This: “This road I have been traveling feels familiar and yet I believe there might be surprises waiting around the next curve,” is such a truth about writing. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I’ve been loving learning about the process of writing — both for me and for others. Looking forward to slicing with you this month, Ruth
I’ve always loved that quote, and your slice captured the truth of it. Writing is a journey – no two days are ever alike, there is always some new bend or vista to look forward to.
Your statement about the road being familiar, yet holding surprises reminds me of countless talks I have had over the past eleven years with the curriculum committee for middle school language arts in my district. We always struggle to define grade level standards for writing because writing is an art that is never mastered–there is always a surprise around the corner, a new direction in which to travel.
Curiosity…a great thing.
I have been meaning to read Bird by Bird. I love Anne Lamott. Maybe that will help inspire me this month… I have been working on being present and in the moment lately, so your “slice” hit home when you wrote about taking the time to actually look up from the busy road that we traverse every day. I am going to try to take more time to ponder– I look forward to the surprises around the bend!
The line where you asked the question about what causes you to look up from the road sticks with me. I think writers don’t just notice what causes them to look up from the road but they wonder about it. I have snippets of ideas all over the place too and if I don’t write them down right away, they are usually lost.
Juliann~ I am so glad that I stopped by to read your post before signing off tonight. Your thoughts are refreshing…a familiar road with surprises around the bend. Your words remind me of writer advice (can’t remember the source at the moment) – live with your eyes wide open. I too am a collector of many things – books, fabric, words, and quotes. Love the post-it note app. on my phone! Thanks for an inspiring post. ~Theresa
I’m with Diana – I love the question as well. And I love to gather questions from fellow travelers – hopeful as always that if I just ask enough questions, I might somehow get all the answers!