Answering the Question: Writing My Story
Remembering I'm the author of my own journey, and finding where I am on the map.
What is the title for this chapter of your life?
Answering the Question: No More Tomorrows
Some of my friends know that in 2021-2022 I started clacking away at my keyboard and writing a memoir of sorts. 90,000 words later, I had put together, what I thought, was a rough but worthwhile piece of writing that might be worth refining into something publishable.
But with the help of an editor and the work of my own continued revisions and reflections it became clear that, while there might be something there, it was far from a complete story. Whereas I thought I was on the other side of the central challenges the book was intended to cover, in reality I could not see I was still working through them. While this book was helping me get there, it did not make for a complete story.
All this to say, my experience writing that story (one I intend to revisit when my soul tells me it’s time) informed my prompt work this week. Much like then, I am still in the thick of it right now. Whatever this season of my life is, it’s neither near it’s beginning nor it’s conclusion. I’m firmly ensconced in the muck, the messy middle, the rising action…whatever you want to call it.
With that context, I’m choosing to empower myself with the reminder that the person with the pen (or pencil in my case) in their hand is me. In the same way that the only way out is through, the only person who can bring the chapter to a close to me. So I’m choosing to call it the chapter of No More Tomorrows.
Aspirational or in summation? A bit of both. In a stage of my life that is filled with whiplash and changes, I’m working to realize more of what I want in the here-and-now, and less romanticizing about what it could be in the future. In practice the execution has been far from consistent or perfect, and that’s why this title is more aspirational than reflective. I want to give this chapter, and myself, the deserved ending.
Something for the Weekend
I’ve got two bits for you to enjoy this weekend.
First up, I know I talked a bit about my love for Tina Turner last week, but this video is too good not to share.
Ann-Margret and Tina perform a collection of Tina’s hits with energy that…well, the commenter put it perfectly: “Had the energy of two young girls in their bedroom, puttin on a show, using hairbrushes as microphones and having the best time EVER!” As talented as Ann-Margret is though, her voice just sounds a bit hollow next to Tina.
Second up is this conversation between storytellers Suleika Jaouad and Yung Pueblo.
Whether or not you’re a writer or creator, this is a really worthwhile (and relatively short) listen. Had it on in the car and listened again when I got home to take notes. Check out their Substacks (linked previously) as well.
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See you Sunday!