You’d think I’m bursting with inspiration and ideas for today’s slice. But really, I’m just sitting here, caught in a swirl of thoughts, each elbowing the others to be first in line.
Vicky walks into the office to write with me; her presence—steady, familiar—anchors me. Let’s just do this, I think. One word at a time.
Amy and I recorded the third episode of our podcast this afternoon. We decided to mirror a minilesson in our conversation to offer support to those who wish to start writing but don’t know where to begin—kind of like me right now.
I start replaying our talking points, hoping one will stick. And there it is: the “first time or last time” strategy—standing tall like the line leader in a classroom of ideas.
I glance to my right. One of my writer’s notebooks is waiting. I flip to the back page, fast. My heart hopes the words I meet don’t catch me off guard or let me down. I find Kim’s name inside a heart in the top-right corner—her minilesson pulled something from me, and that little heart was my quiet thank-you.
Below, the page is split into three sections: First Time, Last Time, and Change. I skim through the short paragraphs under each heading. As I read, a swell of memory rises in my chest. These aren’t just moments. They are memories beneath the surface of my everyday life and “What could I slice about?” pitfalls.
Memories that make their way into one’s skin, I think, have earned the right to eternal writing life. I should write about them.
I close the notebook gently, fingertips lingering on the keyboard. This isn’t a slice about those memories but a small moment to honor ideas that I chose to capture.
Start with a Story 
Aahh Molly, thank you so much!!
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This is such a great slice! I often talk to my students about first times as an inspiration, but have not touched on last times or changes. I already made myself a note to do so next year! Also, I just have to gush a little. I listened to your podcasts and am a total fan! You guys are so awesome together. I had a huge smile on my face listening to you talk about your writing lives as I drove in to work this morning.
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The process. You know what it takes to be a writer!
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I love the way you choose to honor the work you’ve done, both past and present. I do enjoy coming across older writing, especially if I’ve forgotten about it.
I also had to smile at the way you bring humor in to your work: “I’m just sitting here, caught in a swirl of thoughts, each elbowing the others to be first in line.” Yes! I’m glad I’m not the only one who that happens to…
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I’m just going to stare at my name in the heart and feel some much needed warmth — sometimes a name and symbol evoke A LOT!!!
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What a wonderful post for the quote Melanie shared in today’s invitation from Anne LaMott. I love the underlying metaphor of ideas lining up, jockeying for position. That is a common feeling I get—but I lacked the words to capture it. There is something about a handwritten page from a working notebook that I love; you are there!
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Isn’t it weird how our brains can picture the notebook page and the entries as they are? I love how you captured the competing thoughts elbowing the others to be first in line. Such a perfect metaphor!
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