Writing

Writing Is Not for the Faint at Heart

/ Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / Leave a comment

This year has been a year of firsts for me. I finally began to do something I always wanted to do, and others encouraged me to do, I began to write. I am writing all manner of things, essays, short stories, working on a first novel, exploring my favorite genre. I joined a writer’s group quickly discovering I was kidding myself! I had a lot to learn. Writing was not for the faint of heart.

More than five months later, I am beginning to see improvements. I’m happy with the critiques from my peers. For the first time, stepping out and submitting to writing competitions.

I bought a laptop. The computer won’t improve my writing but will give me more opportunities to write. Now I can write anywhere. I’m improving, growing, discovering myself, and my talent.

I’m taking a risk, a gamble. I’m putting my voice, my words out in the world for others to read. I’m choosing to share all with you.

No, writing is not for the faint of heart.

Some will say I’m lousy, some will say I’m talented, some will say I’m boring, or have nothing to say at all. I say I’m doing what I enjoy. I’m learning. I’m writing. I’m living my dream.

Take my words as you will.

Cow Pasture Chronicles

/ Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 1 Comment

I grew up on the outskirts of town and many afternoons’ were spent lost in the pages of books. An avid reader from as long as I can remember, I devoured books. My mother also a reader encouraged us, never censoring any of the books we picked up. So, a love of the written word came early and young. 

Her only exception to written words was a warning, she gave often. “Don’t ever put in writing, what you don’t want others to read.” I didn’t heed her words, particularly, as a teenager with love letters and diaries often getting me into trouble. Just as reading became second nature, so did writing. I filled journals with poems and essays, all in a secret place.

My secret place was the cow pasture behind our house. Nearly every day I climbed the fence and ran down the hill through a crowd of cattle to a stream. There under the trees, with the black-spotted cows looking on, I filled notebooks with writings. I found my voice.

I will be 58 years old this month, and for the first time ever I am putting on paper for all those who choose to read, my words. I write every day. Sometimes it’s an opinion, thought, or an essay. Other days I write short stories. I am working on my first novel and enjoy the mentorship of a wonderful writers group. I write because I love to write, and no longer have to hide down by a stream in a cow pasture.

Welcome to the Cow Pasture Chronicles.

According to The Experts …

/ Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 2 Comments

Okay, So I learned today that either I suck at saying “I’m sorry” or the experts are crazy as Hell.

According to all the so called “experts,” a sincere apology should include five things.

1) A brief description of what happened ( the event).
2) Your role and how you acted ( Did you roll eyes? Use sarcasm? Have the nerve to disagree?)
3) Acknowledge your role in the event (take responsibility).
4) Tell what you wish you had done instead (???)
5) Ask for forgiveness, and promise it won’t happen again! (Probably not happening).

And the world will be a better place, the birds will sing, and the sun will shine! Not exactly!

See, apparently, so I learned today, the 1st step of describing the event can be interpreted as rehashing, describing what happened or justification. Funny thing about recollections; apparently, we weren’t even in the same room much less same place!  In fact, things went from bad to worse and even more animated as I found myself saying “I did not!”.

After 30 minutes attempting to apologize, our battle ended with this exchange.

“Forget it, I’m trying to apologize, and you won’t let me.”

“You’re not trying to apologize, you’ve spent the last half hour trying to convince me that you were right.”

From where I’m standing, I’d say the experts are crazy as Hell.

Southern Side Walk Rage

/ Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 1 Comment

I thought it was just me, having an occasional bad day. Or, always having too much on the schedule. However, I learned today, that nope, I have a problem.

According to researchers and the Wall Street Journal, the following behaviors are all classic signs of a “Sidewalk Rager.” Muttering (yeah), bumping into others on purpose to get them going (umm, maybe), or making a mean face at a person(s) when they don’t move along as fast as you would like (so?)

Well, the nerve! The researchers forgot to include in their study these helpful tactics. Saying loudly, “Seriously people,” as you move roughly around the slow pokes (I’m mean really!). Or, sighing loud enough you might be mistaken for a deflating hot air balloon (check & check).

I don’t know where in the hell those people are going or what they’re doing, but whatever it is, it won’t get done today! At the rate, some of them move, maybe never reach their destination.

Speaking of hot air, the researchers conclude if, I, we, you feel the need to tell others how fast they should be walking … well, we might have a problem. SERIOUSLY?! I don’t think so, and they’re 19,009 + Facebook members who beg to differ!

Apparently, I’m a Sidewalk Rager. Can’t help myself; I have places to go and people to see. So, Knock yourselves out Balloon heads, the rest of you are welcome to join my group as a member of the, “I Secretly Want to Punch Slow Walking People in the Back of the Head.”​