Thanks to Luanne Castle, my friend, critique partner and fellow blogger for tagging me in this meme. Please visit Luanne at Writer’s Site for her insightful book reviews and interesting observations. Luanne is a MFA graduate, published poet, and fiction and memoir writer. For the last 4 years, she is one of the few people that has read snippets of my memoir and offered her critique. She enjoys the craft of writing and her imagery and emotional connection resonates in all her pieces. I am grateful and honored that she supports my writing and offers generous and constructive feedback.
Here is my writing process:
What am I working on as a writer?
The main focus of my writing is my memoir. This work centers on my relationship with my father and how my family and I tried to navigate his terminal illness in secret for almost 4 years. It is an excavation of relationships, grief and how cultural elements played a pivotal role in decisions my father made regarding his cancer battle.
I am the on-line editor and regular contributor for First Day Press, a print and on-line journal that focuses on beauty, faith, journey, and growth. In addition, I regularly contribute to freelance sites across the web.
Writing and living are companions. I am working on myself as I write. I write not not only to improve my craft, but it is also my attempt to gain awareness of my flaws and strengths and how I can become a better person.
How does my work differ from others of its genre?
Writing is all about finding that new angle, right? I am not so sure anymore. So much of our experiences are so universal and that is what I hope to convey in my writing. I am uncertain that I am adding anything new to the choir that already exists, but I do know my voice is mine and in it I hope to reveal my own struggles and triumphs.
Why do I write what I do?
When I started writing in this space, years ago, it was an attempt to cope with my father’s passing. I couldn’t make sense of what happened to my father and I looked to writing as therapy. As I continued to navigate the complexities of my grieving process, I also started writing about the gratitude that I felt in living. I focus on the joys of simple things, like breathing, walking and participating in the everyday “mundane.” This new appreciation occurred in mini-epiphanies. It happens when I look at the mountains, witness a smile from my daughter or when I read a book. There is so much that is sacred about the ordinary, yet we take so much of it for granted.
How does my writing process look?
In my head, I am writing all the time. When I am running errands, going for a jog, picking up my daughter from school, I am constantly observing. Sometimes a person or an observation resonates with me. I let those thoughts simmer in my head and then I start composing a post.
I write when I can. Sometimes I write early in the morning after a run; other times, I stay up late after my family is sleeping. I am a deadline oriented person, so I set goals for my writing day. Whether it a freelance article or working on my memoir, I try to write everyday. By doing so, I am able to stay in the creative world even while I am balancing motherhood. I also am very protective of my time and need a healthy amount of solitude to really sink into my writing.
Next on the writing tour:
I am so excited to hear about Cecilia of Only You write about her process. I often read Cecilia’s writing and nod my head in agreement. She is forthcoming about her ups and downs and my admiration for her grows every time she reveals her personal truths and worries. So often, these are the same things that runs marathons in my head, but I have not mustered the courage to reveal my thoughts.
Cecilia also offers an inside track on books that she is reading and I’ve often added to my reading list based on her recommendations. I am grateful to have intersected with Cecilia and her writing.
Welcome! I am a lawyer turned freelance writer, essayist, and editor. On staff at Literary Mama and the co-founder and co-editor of the literary journal, The Sunlight Press, my essays and reported work have appeared in The Washington Post, The Lily, Saveur, Civil Eats, Brain, Child, ESPN and elsewhere. I am currently at work on a memoir on grief and culture and how it provides perspective on life’s ordinary graces. I invite you to appreciate the ordinary with me. I hope my daily practice of seeing the magic in the mundane helps you celebrate and find more of these moments in your life too.
Like you, no matter what I’m doing I am writing in my head…if only I could get all those ruminations on the page!
I carry a notebook with me, but sometimes I am so immersed in the moment, I don’t write my thoughts down. Part of it is just wanting to experience the present, instead of memorializing it.
It’s so interesting to read about your writing process and writing life, Rudri. I knew that you were working on a memoir but not the details. When I read your first few lines I let out a sigh of recognition…I understand well how years of secrecy will push and fuel us to write. I felt so heartened when I read Maya Angelou’s quote, “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”
I think you bring such a gift to all of us with your writing! I always feel comforted by your words, and I come to your blog for the shared understanding and feeling of peace. I’m so honored to be tagged. Thank you for your wonderful words!
I love that quote from Dr. Angelou. It is so true that my heart feels the anchor of those words every time I reread that particular quote from her.
Thanks so much for participating, Cecilia. I am looking forward to reading the details of your writing process.
Thanks so much participating, Rudri. I loved reading this stuff about you. I know much of it, but I have picked it up in bits and pieces and I loved reading it all laid out by you here so beautifully. I’ve seen with your blog posts (and your recent amazing accomplishment with your memoir) that you do respond well to deadlines set. It’s wonderful to know what works for one’s writing. Thanks for being my friend and writing buddy. xo
Luanne,
Thanks for tagging me in this meme. I enjoyed contemplating my writing process. And, you are right, deadlines seem to motivate me.
I am so lucky to have you as my in-person and virtual writing friend. xoxo
Many kudos to you, dear friend, on your writing focus and diligence! Your success is a glowing affirmation…write on. Luv–Trish
I appreciate your encouragement. Your support has helped me achieve my writing goals. For that, I am forever grateful. Thanks, Trish. xoxo
Your writing is always so rich and honest, poignant and spiritual, Rudri – that I always know it will be a treat to visit. I’ve so enjoyed reading about different writers’ projects and methods and the why’s of their writing.
Barbara,
Thanks for the generous compliment on my writing. Reading and writing are my places of refuge. I hope to navigate my personal terrain with vulnerability and authenticity. Sometimes it is hard, but definitely worth it.
I love reading about your writing process and what you are working on. I always enjoy reading your work and like you I am always writing in my head. Right now I am at Logan airport catching a flight home. I spent the weekend visiting my son and future daughter in-law. Seeing my son and being with him, I realized once again how time is fleeting. It seems like yesterday he was a small boy with an infectious laugh and now he is a grown man.
Ayala,
I completely understand how your mind is probably darting from one thought to another. Airports tend to add a layer of complexity to my writing process. I am contemplating where I’ve been and where I am going, the mixture of each blending together. Perhaps your recent trip to visit your son might land in some of your poetry? Hope so. xoxo
So interesting to read. Yes, our experiences can be universal but our angles and voices really are different – we’re all made of such different stuff and it comes out differently.
I think I’m partly a writer because of my father’s death and how that affected me.
I know my father’s death left with me so much to sort out. Writing has saved me so many times, especially when I write about the multitude of emotions that came from his passing.