Hello, everyone. I hope I’m your favorite bird since I’m the only one (bird) here. After reading Ursula’s column earlier on Friday, I thought I could say a few things, too. It’s been a challenge for all of us for months. There’s so much going on in the world; our country continues to go to hell, but we aren’t giving up. It’s not in any of us to give up.
I had originally intended to post this Friday, July 3, but it would knock her piece off, so it’s waiting until later today, being as it’s 2:25 am.
Yes, it’s been very rough for all Fenyx all the time. A few pieces have done really well. Almost everything else has tanked. I have tried to keep things fresh, to write new and different pieces that are a little interesting or a little weird or a little fun. I expect I haven’t achieved that very well, but I keep trying, and you, our readers, keep giving me a little try.
Being the newest here is its own set of challenges. I’m still learning to do the bigger stories. That takes a *lot* of practice, and I hope to keep working my way up to the level. But the others have 10+ years of experience on me, so I’ll never exactly catch up. I *do* enjoy writing much more than I thought I ever would. I had a biweekly column on a webzine for a couple of years, and it was always, always a challenge, always *work*. Most of the time here, except when it’s really late and I’m behind, I have a lot of fun in all its variations.
When I look back at my one-year anniversary last year, and then to now, there have been exponentially greater changes. There’s so much that’s happened- how do you make any sort of a list? ICE, No Kings, LA Protests that started us off, Iran War, wretched SCOTUS decisions with one surprise, the East Wing is gone, Trump’s wannabe monuments to himself, The Trump Rally instead of America’s Birthday (I will hold that grudge for a long, LONG time, probably until I’m in the ground), World Cup soccer, where we have failed all the visitors from overseas that we really needed, judges pushing back at the DoJ and their lackeys, peeling paint and criminal algae, Bruce Springsteen concerts, lawdy, and that’s just a start. There are more; there *have* to be more, but I’ve run out for now. No, wait, one other, and that’s the fcking ballroom.
Can you believe what’s going on in the world? So many things are going wrong. We need to hold onto the good things so we don’t falter. How about the camaraderie of the soccer teams once the game is over? Even in knockout rounds, after it’s done, everyone is courteous. Or the support of the fans, who did so much to be here. That’s a much bigger deal to the teams than one might think. People are taking care of each other in general. Trump and the DoJ are getting knocked on their butts. That needs to continue. Why does it seem so much more difficult to think of good things? Perhaps we are so drowned in bad things that the good ones don’t get reported and uplifted to all of us who need them. It hasn’t even been two full years of Trump yet, and we’re all just so sick and tired of him. We’re so tired.
Now, here I am, about to be brave. What do you, our readers, want to see from me? More news, less chattiness? Original entries only (you’ll make me work for sure if you ask for that *g*)? All of you are experienced with the different ways I write. Is there something that needs to be improved or something to be removed? Do I keep going as I am? It feels like I’m not interesting anymore. People don’t want to read like they used to. I’m trying to do better and feel like I’m doing worse. Talk to me, please.
Whether good or bad, I’m not going to stop writing. I’m going to keep trying to improve. It’s so, so good to have this positive thing right here in view of everything going on these days. Your bird isn’t flying away.
See you tomorrow!
~~Susan~~
Keep at it Susan. You’re doing great. And while no-one else can. Well done.
Thank you very, very much!
Bit like the cabin boy keeping the ship afloat while the crew had all sorts of maladies, you did so while keeping it on course. While looking forward to a full complement as the US sails into treacherous waters over the coming 4 and a bit months, keep doing what you are doing in your own style. With less pressure on yourself, you should be able to focus on the stories that really get you. BTW, the voice of John Barron aka Wotsisname grates on these ears also.
It was a lot harder than I want to say. It taught me to write faster, to think more, even if the words didn’t quite come out right. But 5 or more a day wore me out. The other folks will get back, I’m sure. I’m really glad you, and all our other readers, kept up with the site when the Fenyx was trying not to burn out. The flames have been hot. The pieces – definitely not.
I did try to write about things that piqued my interest. But as I said in the column, I don’t do big pieces because the others are better. I like to go off the beaten path. It’s much more interesting and engaging. If I manage a big news story, I have to read something and then start writing it in my head before I try to actually do so. If a column doesn’t start, I don’t try. How can I make something worthwhile for our readers if it doesn’t speak to me?
I’ll keep flying and do what I can.
I’ve enjoyed your writing and am proud of you, for not only hanging in there, but also wanting to improve. I have no tips or advice, as I’m not a writer. As far as feeling like your not being fresh, maybe when the pace slows down for you, more inspiration will come.
It doesn’t matter whether or not you’re a writer. You’re a reader and I write for *you*. You are more than welcome to comment on what you like or don’t like! Of course, you do that already, and I’ve learned from not only you, but everyone else who takes the time to ask or say something. I really am still inspired, just tired. Thank you for taking the time to comment!
I vaguely wondered why you were carrying so much of the load lately. I hope everyone feels better soon.
I enjoy your writing, but I’m usually not much for commenting. I’ve often wished for a “like” button, or something similar, just so authors could know their readers appreciated a post. You might suggest it to the group, and see if that’s possible to implement.