Bridghid Parkinson

I have a special journal that I've kept forever for the 'good stuff'. Just odd tidbits I've chosen to keep for some reason.

“Writers don’t give a fair regard toward their editors. They are giving you a second chance to ensure that what you are saying is the way you want it to appear before engraving the work in stone and then ensuring you will be amused—positively or negatively—forever.” (With special thanks to Laura, who double-checks my work for me, and she won’t hesitate to ask the questions polite company would never dare utter.)

I’ve always preferred writing to other forms of communication. In writing, I can edit out the stupid stuff. I just need a candle and a fireplace to destroy the first draft evidence. (Thanks Jack!)

When I am writing, I am first entertaining myself.

“I find it amusing to think that my old critics have used the word ‘daydreamer’—among other things—to try insulting me. In my rebellion, I only clung tighter to my core values and the dreams of my heart.” “What would you tell the bullies now?” “Thanks.”

My most frightening early learning experience as a writer was pouring my heart and hopes into a poem to the degree that the assignment drove me to tears. When the teacher anonymously read the poem aloud, I expected a reaction from the class but there was none—only silence. I was mortified—my poetry almost died there. I came close to swearing an oath to God that I would never risk exposing part of my soul like that ever again because the silence felt like the ridicule I had battled from an early age. The teacher later told me it was because they were in tears, too.

     It's all around you. Life.

     Go to the coffee shop with a simple little notepad and pen. Watch the people that come in the door. You don't need names or fancy interviews. What does the person's attire tell you? Do they stand with confidence? Did that young man just look at you out of the corner of his eye and sneer? What do you think he could be upset about? Speculate and let your pen run rampant. If it doesn't make sense to you later, THEN scratch it out, but you are just brainstorming right now- no idea is a stupid idea in the begining!

     Go to a new location. It will sound weird, but I've walked through graveyards and looked on elaborate epitaphs, wondering what that person might have been like during their life. Is that too weird for you? Go to a museum. Look at the people that are honored here. What do you find in the descriptions?

     I sometimes find historic descriptions 'too flourished. I've raised eyebrows with my theories of "what really happened" vs. "What's documented in the history books". In the history of the Alamo, they don't often mention that Santa Ana was still furious with Travis over 30 years after the battle. (Check the Texas archives for a letter from Santa Ana to the government of the State of Texas). In looking at it- Travis was in his mid to late 20s at the time of the battle. Any bets that he jumped up on the wall of the mission and mouthed off with more than just a cannon shot?

     Ride a bus, steamboat, or ferry. Let someone else be in control of the vessel and ride... but make it something you won't normally do. Observe the people and scenery. Feel some old memories like you are living them all over again.

     A park can clear your mind. You will need bug spray and sun screen but enjoy a little fresh air. You just need some time to clear your mind and get fresh ideas. I had a frog visit me at the edge of the lake near where I live. I talk to my dog (and some days I would swear he answers) so it wasn't a stretch to say 'Hi' to this critter, too. He gave me the same blank stare that I get from Rufus. I made some notes about frogs in general but wondered specifically, "What if he answered?" That's a little twisted, even for me, but the notes are still on my wall. After that walk, I came home and wrote over 4000 words on the story I want to write. Thanks Frog.