Work-in-progress

Here's a blurb from a work in progress. It's from my rough draft, so no editing has been done. Read, comment, critique, enjoy.


Several hours later, after unpacking more boxes, Kat felt like she'd done enough for one day. Making sure all the doors were locked and the security system activated, she pulled the shades and headed to the basement. She flipped on the light and looked around, comforted by the cool, enclosed space. It was one of her favorite hiding spots as a child. She wandered around the huge space, at peace with the security. She headed down to the far end and pushed open the hidden door. Grandfather, I so love the way your mind worked. She walked into the hidden storehouse. Crates upon crates of supplies, all stacked neatly and organized by expiration date were stashed here. She saw the labels, clearly marked with the contents. Organized and efficient. Her grandparents shared those traits....among others. As do I. Kat's smile was cold, her eyes hard as she looked around the room. She headed farther back to the most interesting part of the basement. Another set of doors, with special codes and locks that hadn't been changed in centuries. She unlocked the door and pushed it open. The smell of decay and dirt filled her nostrils. She breathed deeply and smiled. Home.
She stepped closer to the wall and ran her fingers along it. Smooth, no grooves, no patch marks, a master craftsman her grandfather. She learned from him. I can hardly wait to try out my skills. But I must be patient. She locked the doors behind her, reluctant to leave her sanctuary. I'll be back soon.

Writing

My new writing schedule is much more intense. I'm a mom of three (9,7& 7), so I stay pretty busy. I found myself using them as an excuse not to get busy. No more! My days consist of writing and raising my children. I've set up a writing schedule and I'm sticking to it! I explained to my boys, it's my job. It just happens to be one I do from home.

I recently formed a virtual writing group and I belong to a local group. When I formed the virtual group, I expressed that I want this group to be a safe, nurturing group with constructive criticism given on critiques.

Presenting your writing is like presenting your newborn for others to see. You think it's beautiful. And you want everyone else to validate those feelings. Most people aren't going to tell you your baby is ugly or has the biggest ears they've ever seen. Not if they value their life! (Joking, sort of.) But your writing seldom gets that kind of politeness.

And because everyone in my virtual group has put themselves "out there" in one way or another, we know it isn't all sunshine and roses. In fact, it's damned hard work! Whether we love what someone has written or not, we listen with open minds and provide each other with thoughtful, constructive criticism. And that's proving to be very liberating.

So, we write, we share, and none of us is afraid to let the real person within show. Just what we wanted out of this virtual group, not platitudes, not ripping out someone's heart, just respect.

As always, thanks for reading!