Waiting for the other shoe

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         This is an achy Monday. My kids visiting from up north have left for home after a great weekend here at the Winter House. The kids I haven’t seen in too long seem very far away. I watched the season finale of Downton Abbey last night and am still disturbed by it.
          I’ve written today, brooding lyrics in the song that is a difficult manuscript. “I’m waiting,” says Carol in the story, “for the other shoe to drop.” It’s a line my people have said before, a line I’ve said to my husband at night when I can’t sleep, a line that’s run through my mind like a shiver up my spine when something feels…wrong.
          I’ve felt better as the day’s gone on. The kids are home safe, I got to stream a granddaughter’s volleyball game—she was awesome!—and I realized something about writing.
          It’s telling the story of when the shoe drops.

Comments

  1. UnknownFebruary 18, 2013 at 10:16 PM

    I've felt that way before...it's that gap between saying goodbye to what has happened and anticipation of what is going to come. I've learned to accept it as a time to catch my breath and get ready for the battle, whatever it may be. Life is an adventure, and we just have to use what we have to do the best we can each day.
    It's great that you can use that with your characters. It makes them more real.

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    1. Liz FlahertyFebruary 19, 2013 at 7:47 AM

      Great attitude, Brenda, and you're right--it does give you time to catch your breath.

      Delete
  2. Donna BFebruary 18, 2013 at 10:45 PM

    That's absolutely perfect!

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  3. UnknownFebruary 19, 2013 at 8:37 AM

    Liz, you mentioned that this was short, but it was absolutely perfect! I love your words - achy Monday, brooding lyrics... As writers, we know as much as we love our characters, the road to happiness is not an easy one!

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    1. Liz FlahertyFebruary 19, 2013 at 9:10 AM

      Hi, Arsoleen. I guess if the road was easy, no one would want to read about them. :-)

      Delete
  4. NanFebruary 19, 2013 at 9:38 AM

    Liz, I'm having an achy Tuesday--spent yesterday finishing a rush job for a client and although I have plenty of work for today, I'm having a hard time getting motivated to begin. If I don't work, I should write, but all want to curl up in my big armchair and read. Just that. It's grey and cold outside, be glad you're down where the sunshine can warm you.

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    1. Liz FlahertyFebruary 19, 2013 at 10:24 AM

      Actually, it's rainy here today, and we had a cool weekend, but it's certainly different. Sounds as though you NEED a reading day, Nan. Enjoy!

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  5. AnonymousFebruary 19, 2013 at 9:44 AM

    You said it perfectly. I tweeted.

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  6. D'AnnFebruary 19, 2013 at 11:00 AM

    Super post, Liz!

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  7. Liz FlahertyFebruary 19, 2013 at 11:11 AM

    Thanks, D.

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  8. MargieFebruary 20, 2013 at 1:24 PM

    Liz, I read this at work on my phone and for the rest of the night, I kept thinking about writing being about "waiting for the other shoe to drop." I think that's a good thing to keep reminding ourselves during the book-writing process. Now, I'm off to drop some shoes :)

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