Unexpected Magic

 by Margie Senechal

I don't usually like journals because they're hard to write in. Their binding is tight and you can't tear out the page--easily or neatly--and since most of my first drafts are done by hand, that's an important feature.

For my birthday, my sister gave me this journal. And I'm carrying it in my purse for when ideas arrive. Like the Night Circus, they arrive without warning.

Last week, before work, I stopped at Starbucks to edit some pages while I had lunch. Seated at the table next to me was a man in his late twenties, early thirties. I noticed he seemed to be writing on paper (?!) in a beautiful, almost caligraphic print. 

So, being the bold writer I've become, I asked him about it that was indeed his writing. And he said, "Yes, it's a letter." Again, (?!). "Well, it's gorgeous," I told him. 


"My friends and I exchange letters," he explained to me further. "You have very lucky friends," I said just before leaving, wishing I had time to explore this more as I was super intrigued. 

And once I got to my car, I pulled out my notebook and jotted down the experience. I don't know that it will go anywhere, but I love this explanation at the beginning of the book that tells what to do with an idea. And I'm going to nurture the idea about friends exchanging letters in a digital age and let it grow.

There are drawings throughout the book that are reminiscent of  Maurice Sendak's work with headers like--silly ideas, brave ideas, crazy ideas...and those alone inspire the imagination.

 And isn't that what writing is all about?

Have a great day and look for the magic of inspiration.







Comments

  1. I loved that encounter with the letter-writer--and your response to him.The heroine in my WIP wants to open a coffee shop at the orchard in the book (great minds, Kristi?) and it's precisely things like this she wants to have happen there!

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    1. You should use it! I give it to you. By the time I'd get around to using it, you'll have finished six more books. Lol

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  2. how cool, Margie!

    Liz, when you told me you were writing about an orchard, I had exactly the same thought! lolol

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    1. I was so glad I didn't know beforehand. I'd STILL be wondering if I was a closet plagiarist!

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    2. nah - what's that old saying --- give 2 writers the same characters/setting and they'll come up with completely different stories!

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  3. Love the journal, Margie! I carry a notebook and pen in my purse, too--and I have a bunch of journals that people have given me over the years. Husband just gave me two more--ones that someone gave him and he never used. Your coffeeshop scene has so much potential--I hope you use it!

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  4. I love your coffee shop story, Margie. And I love that you went up to him and talked to him. I'm not sure I would, but I would want to! Good for you for being brave!

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    1. Working in retail totally forced me out of my shell. So, now I hardly think twice about approaching strangers. And, he seemed really happy with my interest. Win- win

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