The human mind is a twisty thing—a
truism romance writers love to exploit. Case in point: Searching for a punchy
first line for this blog, my mind offers up song lyrics. “So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, adieu…”
When I reject that, “The time has
come for us to say ‘Sayonara’” pops in. No? Well, how about “Vaya con Dios, my
darling?”
Eventually, I recognize my mind’s
ploy: I don’t want to say goodbye so
the unconscious substitutes other languages, euphemisms to distance myself, and
my readers, from my message.
No sooner do I recognize the truth
than the phrase generator gives me Michael Jackson belting out, “Never can say
goodbye—no, no, no.”
Sheesh!
Next I think of the exquisitely
graceful blogs Renee, Sharon and other authors who were moving on have written.
Now, my mind is looking for
models—something to go by. Seems logical, doesn’t it? But God. I can’t touch
them! And anyway, what I’m really doing is looking for a way, if I must write
in English, to at least use someone else’s words. That way you get the message,
but I didn’t say it. See how twisty the
mind is?
I’m just putting off getting to the bottom
line. Even though my heart protests, it’s time for me to leave the Casababes
and move on.
My little brush with mortality (see
my August 6 blog: Batteries Included)
caused me to ask more seriously than ever before, “Where am I going, and what
does getting there matter?”
Lately I’ve discovered how much fun
it is to be the wind underneath other writer’s wings. I’ve accepted several
commissions to help people writing fiction and nonfiction to deliver a book
that’s complete, well-written and of professional quality.
I’ll still be writing my own books
of course, romance and maybe other fiction. And I might even try my hand at the
nonfiction work my students have urged me to write for years. I’ve even come up
with a working title. Is it Happily Ever
After Yet?
Oops. The mind has done it again.
I’m not going to say goodbye.
Ohmigosh, MM! You can't leave us!!! You're an ICON! When I first began reading your blog, I thought you meant you were having to say goodbye to your characters, not to us!
ReplyDelete*sigh*
You won't be forgotten!!! And I want to wish you the best in all your endeavors! You're the greatest!
I hate goodbyes, too, MM! Like Terry, I thought you were saying goodbye to the characters in your books and going on to another genre, not to us! I read your blog at least five times making sure I'd understood it right.
ReplyDeleteGood luck in whatever you dip your pen into and comment on the blog often so we know what you are up to!
Arrrgghh!!!! You're leaving the Casa Babes? Say it isn't so, MM! Your posts are among the best of the best, and we'll miss their poetic nature. But most of all, we'll miss you. :(
ReplyDeleteMM, I also had to read this several times to make sure it was for real. We'll miss you so much! I always looked forward to your eloquent posts and your insightful comments. It's great that you're passing on all you've learned. Those aspiring writers are very, very lucky to have your help!
ReplyDeleteOh, but it wasn't good-bye, MM, it was only--until we meet again...
ReplyDeleteAmelia
Good luck with your new projects, MM. We will miss you.
ReplyDeleteI don't like goodbyes, either...so until we bump into each other again...whether it be on-line or at a conference...keep smiling and keep writing!
ReplyDeleteBest of luck in your new direction. We'll miss you.
MM - I hope the next stop on your journey far exceeds your expectations and brings you joy and contentment. Stop in and say hello when you have a chance.
ReplyDeleteMM, taking your writing talents in new directions doesn't mean you can't visit familiar friends. I'm so glad you're alive and well enough to take advantage of your new lease on life. Best wishes on your new path, but I'm going to hold out hope that there's another Casa Babe classic lurking in you.
ReplyDeleteRomance writers also know that happily ever afters come from having the courage to follow your heart. Do what makes you happy and when your blog on writing for publication from a writing coach's perspective is up and running, we'll be the first to comment in quantity.
ReplyDeleteVery, very best of luck--don't be a stranger, you.
It’s difficult to find experienced people in this particular topic, but you seem like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks 온라인카지노
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