open invitation no. 16: writing communities matter

Posted byRuth AyresPosted ininspiration

Don’t be alone.

It is natural to retreat when things get tough. Recently I wrote this sentence — I’ve had to learn to write through dark times.  I know uncertainty has the potential to destroy a writer’s mojo…I also know writing can be one of  the best ways to process uncertainty.  This is especially true when you are part of a writing community.

Maybe it feels like an epic battle to write a blog post. Maybe Thursday (and Friday and Saturday and…and…and…) slip by and you are left wondering if writing matters anyway, and maybe you’re a pretend-writer after all.

Maybe it isn’t like this for you, but it is for me.

Today, let’s take some inspiration from Maya Angelou. In 1975 she penned a poem, “Alone” that is as true today as when she wrote it. You can read the whole poem by clicking here. Filmmaker Andy Delaney explored the alone/together theme in Maya Angelou’s poem “Alone” in a delicately moving short film shot as the world fell silent in lockdown. You can read more about this project on Caged Bird Legacy.

Even if it’s a struggle to clack a few words in a post box, I hope you know that it matters. Even when it seems minute to read and reply to blog posts from people you’ve never met in person, I hope you know it matters. This writing community matters because nobody, but nobody/can make it out here alone.

write

Open your blog and write a post. It doesn’t have to be a heart stretched story…it just needs to be written…and shared.

share

Reply to this post, jot a note and paste your URL.

comment

Pop around and visit some other blogs. Leave a comment about the ideas or the craft…encourage and soak up the magic that will find you.

grab an image for your blog

Use one of these images so we can find each other…and you can invite others to share their stories with us!

Offer an invitation to others.

I’m joining an open community of writers over at Sharing Our Stories: Magic in a Blog. If you write (or want to write) just for the magic of it, consider this your invitation to join us. #sosmagic

Published by Ruth Ayres

Unhurried. Finding the magic in the middle of living. Capturing a life of ridiculous grace + raw stories.

21 thoughts on “open invitation no. 16: writing communities matter”

    1. What appeared at dawn at my house were two female turkeys and TEN turkey chicks following fast behind. I had never seen baby turkeys before. SO AMAZING! I’m trying to think of how to write about them!

      Two raccoons emerge
      Side by side from drainage grate
      New worlds to explore

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    1. OMG, Julie – I LOVE THIS: – Over the last couple of years, I have learned to love looking for the things embedded in my life that I can count on to bring me joy, if I’ll just pay attention. – I’ve been trying to do the same thing! Makes for a much happier me! Short time we all have here – MUST ENJOY! THANK YOU!

      Liked by 1 person

  4. I will come back with a blog post as some point, for now I just wanted to say “Oh my gosh YES!!!” I agree, and I’m so happy to be part of this band of happy writers. Blessings to everyone.
    Molly

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Michelle – Glad you found joy away. Loved your lines: Ignoring the news. Pausing email. Silencing social media. Writing in my head. Capturing special moments in my heart. – I hope to do this VERY SOON in Maine!

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    1. Cathy – It seems the whole nation is hurting. This is taking a toll more than anyone could fathom. I’m glad you focused on HEALING YOUR HEART. Yes – reading – I find is extremely therapeutic. Good books are indeed good friends. Breathe. Read. Heal.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. What a great idea: There will be something new, too. The Dodgers have decided to put cut outs of fans around the stadium. For a donation to the Dodger Foundation fans could submit a photo for the cut outs.

      I LOVE this and I’m not a baseball fan. I think you’ve changed my mind. GO DODGERS! They were originally from Brooklyn, right?

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    1. LOVED this: It is so often in the spaces where we are open to receiving input that we are able to generate new ideas.

      And I am definitely a RDJ stan, for sure! Thanks for all the new knowledge.

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