Wednesday, July 7, 2021

Writing Is My Sanctuary--#IWSG post


 

We have made it through half of 2021 already which seems impossible, but here we are and now it is the first Wednesday in July!

The first Wednesday of every month is the Insecure Writer's Support Group (IWSG) Day! The IWSG is an amazing community of writers brought together by Alex J. Cavanaugh. It is a place where we can share our fears, successes, thoughts, and expert tips about writing in a safe space without the fear of feeling foolish. Sign up here to join!

Our awesome co-hosts for this month are:  Pat Garcia, Victoria Mare Lees, Chemist Ken, and Louise–Fundy Blue

Every month an optional question is asked. July's question is: 

What would make you quit writing?

Writing is my sanctuary, my release, my meditation. Every since my hand could physically hold a pencil I wrote. There was magic in putting a mark on a blank paper that other people could understand. Before I understood how to form my own sentences on paper, I would copy down every word of my favorite books. 

In fifth grade, I couldn't wait until Thursday--the day our teacher instructed us to use our spelling words to create a story.

I have never stopped writing. It's not always stories, sometimes it's poems, sometimes it's detailed journaling to remember trips, special occasions, or the daily simple details of life. Sometimes it's just putting thoughts down as a way to figure out this crazy journey of life.

Writing is always there for me.

There are only two things that could make me stop writing: 

1. Advanced dementia to the point that I can't form sentences--which is an actual possibility for me since my dad recently passed from Parkinson's with severe dementia

2. Death

Until either of those occur, I will always turn to writing in some form. I still believe their is magic in words. After all, where else can we travel through time and experience the past except in reading the words of Shakespeare, Cervantes, or Alexander Dumas; or begin to understand what others around us in our own times have experienced without reading Audre Lorde, James Baldwin, Lorraine Hansberry or countless others.

Whether or not anyone else reads my words, for me, writing is as integral to my being as breath.

Is there anything that would make you stop writing? Has it been a part of you for a long time or did you recently discover the magic of writing? 


*On a side note, I'm still looking for anyone who would like to help out with my upcoming book launch. If you're interested in giving it a review or being a part of my blog hop team email me at kjmckendry@yahoo.com 


One Year On Broadway: Finding Ourselves Between the Sand and the Sea by Kathryn McKendry

A true story of forbidden love, adventure, and letting go


How do you know when it’s time to close one chapter of your life and begin a new one? To let go of the past, open your heart, and trust in a new beginning?


At first we said, “no.” We knew it was ridiculous.


And yet something in our hearts led us back to the Island.


Having no idea where it would lead, my husband and I took a leap of faith and became co-producers of the Broadway Revival of Once On This Island, the musical that had given us so much. 


Even if it failed, we would have a great story to tell.


We ended up with so much more.





Hope you all have a wonderful week!


Kathy


22 comments:

  1. This is such a beautiful post! I've written for as long as I can remember, and I've stopped and started many times along the way. Recently, I went through a health challenge that caused me to stop writing for over a year but I'm BACK and it's so good to see that the IWSG is still going strong!

    I think for writers, the act of writing is more than a job or a passion or even a dream. I believe it is a calling and one that we can't shake, no matter what challenges life throws at us. Only death could make me stop writing completely.

    Jen x

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    1. Jen-so glad you are back! I agree writing is simply a part of who we are, we may take breaks but we can never completely stop.

      I can't believe how much the IWSG has grown in the last few years!

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  2. I think I'd still try to write if I had dementia. But that's me. ;-)

    Anna from elements of emaginette

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    1. Emaginette--well I'm sure I would still try but it probably wouldn't make a bit of sense.

      Delete
  3. You have a long way to go before you need to worry about either of those things.
    When is your book release? I'll help!

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    1. Alex--I sure hope so!
      Yay, thanks! Right now I'm planning on mid-August.

      Delete
  4. You may have given me insight into why writing is coming so much harder for me than spending 90% of my spare time reading. Instead of encouraging us to write, our English teacher from 7th through 9th grade had us give a book report every 6 weeks. And we had to sit through the book reports of every other person in the class. If I had spent as much time writing as I did preparing to give book reports and listening to book reports I'd probably be way ahead in my writing.

    I'll bet you can imagine what percentage of the non-reading students actually read those books! After hearing the same book reported half a dozen times, why read it?

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    1. Laur--I guess I was lucky that I had a teacher who loved creative writing!

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  5. Kathy, I agree with you.

    A writer writes. So to quite writing, would mean to quit being a writer.

    I was a professional dancer and singer for a world tour of Cats way back in 2003. An ankle injury helped me decide to retire at the 'old' age of 28 and start a new career as an English teacher in Taiwan.

    Writing has saved me from depression, anxiety, and insanity over the years.

    Your book sounds very interesting!

    Quenntis

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    1. Quenntis--how awesome to be on a world tour of Cats. Sorry about the injury, I can't imagine having to make a decision like that at such a young age, glad you found something else that you enjoy.
      Thanks!

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  6. I gave the same outcomes for what would make me stop. It is very difficult to imagine not being able to express my thoughts and having that outlet. It's definitely integral to who I am.

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    1. Nick--Thanks for stopping by, yup I can't imagine a world where I don't write.

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  7. My dad also died from Parkinson's, with some dementia at the end. That kind of pushes me to get as much writing done now as I can, because I don't know when I'll have to stop. Thanks for the post.

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    1. Chemist Ken--Sorry about your loss. I agree totally. We have no time to waste. Seeing a loved one decline from Parkinson's and dementia really made me value the time I have now where I can move and think clearly.

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  8. Congratulations on your book. I look forward to hearing more about it. And thanks for the lovely post today. I liked reading your answer to the question.

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  9. Let's hope none of that happens to you for a long, long time. All the luck with your new book. Bravo! I write memoir, poetry, and stories, too, not to mention documenting our travels around the country Camping with Five Kids. What a wonderful post and a beautiful blog. All best to you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Victoria--Thanks!
      Traveling with kids can be quite exciting at times!

      Delete
  10. Patricia-Thanks for stopping by. Awesome that you started writing!

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  11. Victoria--Thanks!
    Traveling with kids can be quite exciting at times!

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  12. Through deaths, illnesses, and other sorrows, my writing has always sustained. On most days, it gives me ultimate joy. Your post today was inspiring. Great success on your launch and where can I buy your book?

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    1. Thanks Leigh! Writing has always been there for me as well.
      I will post the links to buy it from Amazon and anywhere else it is available as soon as it goes live! Thanks again for stopping by!

      Delete