If you came here for a really awesome recipe for waffles, I apologize... there are no waffles. I tend to explain things via favourite quotes or anecdotes, and if this doesn't describe the stage I currently find myself in, then I don't know what does.
I am a stay-at-home mom of four kids, who has found growth, art, creativity, and voice through writing. I use to find it in music, singing, dance, and performance and sometimes I still do, although the opportunity is rare as my anxiety does not normally allow for it. I have been writing more strictly, for two years now although I have been writing in some capacity for most of my life. This is what I have learned so far about the craft, about myself, and about life.
I need to reintroduce myself to the English language because if you look too closely at this article I can promise you there will be several commas where they shouldn't be and since having children, my formally large vocabulary has been reduced to what a small toddler can understand.
I am a perfectionist that became a perfectionist due to severe trauma and now I don't believe I am much good at anything. This extends to all aspects of my life but became apparent in my writing and now I'm in therapy.
I have quite a few triggers mainly around violence. I also do not like to be sad or scared.
I will skip to the end of the book, therefore, spoiling it so that I can read the rest of the book with less anxiety. This also applies to movies. I have never said that to anyone because of reasons that I think are pretty obvious.
I am very scared of publishing my work (see the above reasons), but I am very excited to hopefully be self-publishing my first children's book this spring. I expect to sell it to no one.
I have also learned that I may have a dark sense of humour and a lot of sarcasm.
Writing is more than actually writing. It is editing, marketing, networking, researching, investing, and the list seems endless.
I learned that writing takes patience, time, energy, soul, and a frustrating amount of concentration.
Mostly I learned a lot about myself. I found a voice that I am still refining, a mind I am opening, a heart that I am healing, and a body I am strengthening. Writing is hard, but I have learned that it is such a beautiful expression of what is happening in one's mind, how can one not fall in love?
I learned to love myself just a little more. I am socially awkward, emotional, reactive, and very hard on myself. I am also hard-working, honest, determined, passionate, and doting. I will use all of this newfound knowledge to grow, continue learning, and write.
What are my plans?
They are to self-publish two children's books this year, as an ode to the love I have for my kids. I hope to finish my first romance novel this year in order to start editing soon after. I plan to continue participating in lots of challenges to further develop my style and pace. Finally, I plan to continue therapy, continue healing, and find peace in the knowledge that my journey is far from over.
So now that I have introduced myself, how do you like your waffles? I take mine with strawberry jam and Greek vanilla yogurt.
About the Creator
N.J. Karp
I write to explore. I write for pleasure. I write for the love of it. I am happy to share stories, poetry, and thoughts with other readers. I am working on publishing children's stories but I love to read mystery, romance, and fantasy.
Keep reading
More stories from N.J. Karp and writers in Motivation and other communities.
Vocal & my relationship to publishing traditionally
Ever since my small writing beginnings, when I started writing on Vocal in February 2021, I had been in a truly terrible slump & funk when it came to my writing. I had so many unfinished projects, ideas, half finished manuscripts and first chapters that were going nowhere.
By Melissa Ingoldsby5 days ago in Motivation
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### The Riverside Bridge Brothers Liam and Owen lived in the peaceful village of Eldenwood, surrounded by thick forests and rolling hills. As distinct as day and night, they were. The older Liam displayed patience and composure. He always read a book with a thoughtful expression on his face. Owen, on the other hand, had a lot of energy and tried hard, always looking for rushes and energy. Despite their differences, the brothers remained close friends. They had lived in a small, cozy cottage built by their late parents by the river. The banks of the river served as their playground and haven. Skip stones, fish, and the future would be the subjects of their endless fantasies. One summer, a severe storm destroyed Eldenwood. The normally tranquil river suddenly became a torrent. The water washed away the old wooden bridge that connected their cottage to the rest of the village. Without the bridge, the brothers were left alone and struggled to live a simple life. Even though it appeared impossible, they were aware that they needed to rebuild it. Owen and Liam decided to work together on the bridge's restoration. To acquire things like wood, they ventured into the woods. As a meticulous individual, Liam was in charge of calculating the necessary plans and measurements. Owen was in charge of the physical labor and used his unstoppable energy to chop wood and move bulky logs. The job was hard and took a long time to finish. Liam's meticulous planning was sometimes hindered by Owen's impatience. "Why is it necessary to measure everything accurately?" Owen would grumble. "Let's just make it and use it for nothing!" "Owen, a strong bridge needs a solid foundation," Liam would calmly respond. If you hurry, it will only become weak." They frequently came to an agreement or disagreement. Every evening, after a long day at work, they would sit by the river to watch the sun set over the water in a golden glow. With their parents, they would discuss their aspirations for the future. They were transported back in time to the moments and love that kept them together. Over the course of the subsequent weeks, the bridge began to take shape. It was evidence of their hard work and cooperation. While installing the final planks, Owen slipped and fell into the river one afternoon. The strong current made it hard for him to stay afloat. Without hesitation, Liam dove into the water. Despite the rapid current, he reached his brother just in time. He was saved by Owen's unwavering efforts. As they lay on the riverbank, gasping for air, their hearts raced. Owen's focus was on Liam, who was crying. "You saved my life," he said softly. Liam grinned with his own sparkling eyes. We are brothers, Owen. We will always support one another." The bridge is sturdy and unmoving when it is finished. Eldenwood residents lauded the brothers' achievements and perseverance. The bridge became a village symbol of community and perseverance. They would take their children to the river and tell them about the bridge after Liam and Owen had their own families a few years later. They would discuss the importance of brotherhood and the lessons they had learned about cooperation and patience. In the end, the bridge was more than just a building; it was also a symbol of the strong bond between two brothers who, despite their differences, had created something beautiful together. Eldenwood residents would be captivated by the story of Liam and Owen and their river bridge for as long as the river continued to flow.
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Remembering the rink
If you were there, you’ll never forget it. For decades, Durham Ice Rink was at the heart of the city’s social life. From Friday night ice discos to crowds roaring on the Wasps every Sunday, not to mention a proud history of figure skating and speed skating, the riverside rink was the place to be.
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Comments (1)
Strawberry and Greek yogurt sounds delicious! I like my waffles with peanut butter, maple syrup, and bananas! I enjoyed this writing too, I'm excited to read those stories when you finish them!