The Library Log

Recently I have read through some of the sporadic journaling I had done in this wild, crazy year of 2020. Looking back, I wish I had been more faithful and recorded more often. Interesting some of the emotions, circumstances, details that at the time were unbelievable and now seem commonplace.

Perhaps as we embark on a new year doing some writing might be beneficial in several ways. For people who spend a lot of time alone, writing can be a companion. Maybe this could be a family or group project to meet or Zoom from time to time and share some of what has been happening and how the feelings are running.

After this last year, everyone has story to tell. Writing is a cheap therapist. Think back over some outstanding moments and jot those down. Maybe there is a book in there.

The Dublin Public Library has some new guides that could be helpful in putting thoughts into words and/or to help organize the direction of thoughts into creative material. They are free and certainly worth a look.

Think of it as recording a historic time, something to put into the family records. Who knows? Generations down the line, the person’s musings of this pandemic period could enlighten your future family about what happened in these crazy times.

IN THE STACKS

“Writer to Writer: From Think to Ink”

By Gail Carson Levine Levine’s strength lies in her enormous creativity. Need a great opening? Create some interesting characters? Draw in the reader with a fun setting?

Helping create a story that will “come alive” and add enough humor to relieve too much drama is important. Levine has vast writing knowledge and as best-selling author; she must know something!

“Writing Tools: 50 Essential Strategies for Every Writer

By Roy Peter Clark Considered one of the country’s most influential writing teachers, Clark brings 30 years of experience to this how-to volume. It has become a classic guidebook for beginners and experienced writers as well.

Organized into:

■ Nuts and Bolts

■ Special Effects

■ Blueprints for Stories

■ Useful Habits

Offering more than 200 examples from journalism and literature it enhances the written word. Very reader friendly, this guidebook can serve high school writers as well as novelists.

“Writer with a Day Job: Inspiration & Exercises to Help You Craft a Writing Life Alongside Your Career”

By Aine Greaney

One of my favorite writers, Elmer Kelson was a successful Western author, but he kept his day job of working for magazines, newspapers, and making the rounds of West Texas to record what was happening. Once an old rancher asked Kelton if he was aware there was someone with the same name writing Westerns. Kelton replied that he did know that.

Finding time to write in an already busy life is not easy. One of the things Greaney offers is some advice on techniques, prompts, and exercises as well as strategies on how to put a little writing into the day that requires a job that pays the bills.

Give some thought to recording some of the events of 2021 for future generations to get a taste of what this wild ride has been like.