My Writing Marathon

“Anyone can give up, it’s the easiest thing in the world to do.

But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that’s true strength.”


Writing a memoir feels like running 100 marathons back to back. I’ve felt euphorically triumphant AND deflated and hopeless.

Slowly but surely, I’m making progress. 13.5 chapters down; 2.5 chapters to go!

Around the Holidays, I set a goal of finishing by March.  There are many reasons to give up on that deadline now. I lost my father and I have so much else on my mind and on my “to do” list.

Yet, finishing this mega-marathon of a memoir is more important than ever.

Writing scenes that include my dad will be tough. Perhaps its a way of bringing him back into 3D. Or maybe this will hurt more… I don’t know. The pain is there, whether I write about it or not.

Therefore, this weekend I embark on a “Writing Marathon!” I’d love to travel to a getaway secluded writers’ destination vacation, but this is going to have to be an urban retreat “stay-cation.” 
 
To get away mentally, I officially vow not to turn on my Internet for 36 hours. I don’t know how I will do this, but I’m going to try! (First I wrote 48 hours but that seemed too unbearable…)  
 
I can see the finish line in the distance. I’m weak and tired, but my heart is fierce and determined. Please wish me luck and send me creative vibes this weekend!

Seeing the finish line in Boston!

8 Comments

  1. Emilee on February 17, 2012 at 9:35 am

    Good luck Jules 🙂

  2. Gail on February 17, 2012 at 10:09 am

    Julie,
    Channel your inner voice and let it flow. Write about your father and let it be a new chapter you did not plan. Writing from your heart will help you heal and connect with the readers. Love you.
    Gail

  3. REM Runner on February 17, 2012 at 10:17 am

    Thank you, Emilee!

  4. REM Runner on February 17, 2012 at 10:17 am

    Great advice, Gail! Thank you.

  5. Heather on February 17, 2012 at 3:04 pm

    2.5 chapters? Woohoo! Almost there!

    I know a little bit about how you're feeling in regards to writing about your dad. My mom passed away several years ago, and writing about her is still difficult. It is healing in the sense that you think about fond memories and the positive impact that special person had in your life, but the pain of losing them never quite goes away. Just know that you've got a ton of people rooting for you!

    Love the photo of you crossing the finish line at the marathon. 🙂

  6. Anonymous on February 17, 2012 at 10:08 pm

    Definitely sending positive vibes! Have only recently come across ur blog and to read that a book is pending is inspirational. I have recently been diagnosed n living in Australia I feel quite isolated from ppl who have awareness of the condition. A book would help me feel connected. Do it for the ppl that feel so alone in this xx

  7. REM Runner on February 19, 2012 at 6:11 pm

    Thank you, Heather! It's been a rollercoaster of emotions writing scenes that include my Dad… Tears and laughter all together. So many great memories.

  8. REM Runner on February 19, 2012 at 6:12 pm

    Thank you for your messaage all the way from Australia! Maybe we'll bring the SLEEP WALK to your country to help raise awareness next?!

    Thank you for reminding me of the importance of this project. I can't wait to share it with you soon. None of us should feel isoldated and alone. We are in this together. 🙂

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