your daily rock : stay the course

April 16, 2013 in Daily Rock, General

One of my favorite short story writers is Ron Carlson.

He also wrote a book about the writing of one of his short stories, walking the reader through the whole process. It’s called “Ron Carlson Writes a Story.” In it, among other things, he says the writer is the person who stays in the room:

“The most important thing a writer can do after completing a sentence is to stay in the room. The great temptation is to leave the room to celebrate the completion of the sentence or go out in the den where the television lies like a dormant monster and rest up for a few days for the next sentence or to go wander the seductive possibilities of the kitchen.“

This is advice not just for writers.

In my fiddle classes, I have noticed my almost irrepressible desire to celebrate a conquered musical phrase, sometimes to the bewilderment of my teacher when I stop mid-song to do so. I get it right, and then lose concentration, unable to continue. And in that recognition, I can see other parts of my life, those times when I leave the room to celebrate rather than stay the course. I’m all for celebration. And for recognizing when I need to stay in the room.

Can you stay in the room today?

Love,

(These beautifully painted rocks are created by Kim Mailhot, aka The Rock Fairy.

About Patti Digh

Patti Digh is an author, speaker, and educator who builds learning communities and gets to the heart of difficult topics. Her work over the last three decades has focused on diversity, inclusion, social justice, and living and working mindfully. She has developed diversity strategies and educational programming for major nonprofit and corporate organizations and has been a featured speaker at many national and international conferences.

1 comment to " your daily rock : stay the course "


Barbara

April 17, 2013 AT 4:28AM

That you Patti for these beautiful words and for the previous posts it took me back to reminding me of other blessings you bring to mind.