March 2024 – Austin Alford

An Excerpt

From Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer…

“The screenwriter Bobette Buster argues that human beings are narrative animals. Our central nervous system is wired by God to search for meaning, to make what neurologists call ‘mental maps’ of reality.

In the same way that we have mental maps for how to get from our homes to work or the grocery store or our favorite coffee spot, we have mental maps for all of life—sex, relationships, money, work, God, etc. Stories about what the good life is and how to find it.

The stories we come to believe give shape to a thousand daily decisions, they give shape to what we do (or don’t do) and who we become. As my friend Pete Hughes of King’s Cross Church in London likes to say, ‘the story you live in is the story you live out.'”

Presented below is a thought from me on writing, a quote from someone else on writing, an excerpt from that writer, and a discipline/habit to implement…

We will be focusing on the phrase “Tie it in a Bow and Let it Go” today.

A Thought

“There comes a point with every project, following the writing, editing, and additional editing, where you simply need to tie it in a bow and let it go.”

– Austin Alford

A Quote

“There is no real ending. It’s just the place where you stop the story.”

– Frank Herbert (Author of DUNE)

An Excerpt

From DUNE by Frank Herbert…

“Grave this on your memory, lad: A world is supported by four things…” she held up four big-knuckled fingers. “…the learning of the wise, the justice of the great, the prayers of the righteous and the valor of the brave. But all of these things are as nothing…” She closed her fingers into a fist. “…without a ruler who knows the art of ruling. Make that the science of your tradition!”

A Discipline/Habit to Implement

This is a discipline worth incorporating into your writing routine.

After completing the research, writing, editing, receiving feedback, and making necessary changes, take a short break before further editing.

Instead of aiming for perfection, strive for excellence. Each of these steps contributes to achieving excellence and giving your best effort.

Once you have completed these phases, tie it in a bow and let it go. If it is meant to succeed, it will take off on its own.

Put Pen to Paper this week and have fun!

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