Our five-year-old granddaughter wanted to go for a family walk last night. It might have been a bedtime delay tactic, but in the end we agreed. She was determined we should go down the trail “through the forest to the pond,” so we did, and discovered a few inhabitants who haven’t been around for the past couple years.
You have to look carefully to see my favourite…
Yes, it’s a Canada Goose nesting on top of the beaver lodge. For years we had two pair of geese in the marsh each spring, and one goose always returned to patch up her old nest and settle in until her brood hatched, confident that few predators could bother her. Then one summer a few years ago, after a group of homes went in on the other side of the marsh, the water level dropped. The beaver did their best to dam up the creek, but in the end they abandoned the lodge. After that the geese nested elsewhere, out of sight in the tall grasses.
Now they’re back. I don’t know if their presence indicates the beaver have also returned, but the lodge has again found favour as a secure nesting locale. Nearby, the gander patrols, ensuring the ducks, hawks and coyotes keep their distance.
It’s fascinating to see the interdependence of the wildlife. The beaver’s home provides security for the goose, while the gander’s honking and squawking warn her and the beaver of anything intruding into their space.
There’s a parallel of sorts in the writer’s world. Each of us has a job to do as we nurture and deliver our stories. As much as writing is a solitary task, we’re dependent upon others for critiques, editing and publication, to help us reach our goal of providing a good story for readers. At the same time, those same people, including the readers, need writers to keep writing if there are going to be books to produce. There’s interdependence in the industry but there is also interdependence at the grass roots level.
Who do you depend upon when you need story advice, editing assistance, agent recommendations and the like? Or are you a true loner? 🙂
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MUSINGS 
Look carefully… That’s the watchword. In my locale, there are few to assist with the writing/editing. So I have to do a lot of it myself. Self-editing is time consuming and frustrating because I see what I have thought, not necessarily what I have typed.
Love your pictures, as always.
That business of seeing what we expect to see and not necessarily what’s there is a big problem for self-editors. Years ago I did some proofreading as part of my job, and even when I wasn’t the one who had written the words, I found my brain tended to skip over certain mistakes, making the mental correction. I have great respect for editors!
I’m a newbie writer, meaning i’ve been writing all my life but haven’t pursued it professionally.
So at this point, i’m probably a solitary writer! Half the time, I’m struggling to get away from work & familial obligations so for right now it feels like my best writing is done when I’m left to work in peace!
But I’m realizing I need to interact more with other writers, mentors and just people in general to share my writing! Esp if I hope to get published one day!
Moving into the realm of the serious writer is an exciting time. The first goal is usually to finish something… complete a novel if that’s what you’re writing. But it *does* help to interact with other writers and industry professionals to get information about the craft of writing. Best of luck to you in your pursuit of publication.
Thanks Carol! I know the “finishing” is hard – but so is plucking up the courage to share what I’ve written! Thanks for taking the time out to reply & share your thoughts with me! I appreciate it!! 😀
I have been going the loner route…. but I do not like it anymore. No, I do not at all 🙂 I’ve realized I’m not getting anywhere and need to be accountable. Need the encouragement and helpful critique too. I’ve never connected with any type of writer’s group. Is that a good way to go??
Writers’ groups can be useful IF you find the right one… not all groups are created equal. Helpful groups have critique guidelines and their members offer constructive criticism and positive reinforcement, while non-helpful ones sometimes have members that use the opportunity to be overly critical, to push their ideas for what your work should be, and end up discouraging you… or they’re full of praise for everyone’s work, regardless of quality, and aren’t really helpful at all. I’ve encountered both.
Accountability can be great for keeping us on tract, writing every day and reporting our progress. That can come from IRL writing groups and mentors as well as online ones.
I have no idea where I got this attitude of mine, but I’ve never been afraid to ask for help. I think it’s because I like being asked myself. Feeling needed is good.
Our loons, eagles, and swans are back. They are so precious. Thanks, Carol.
I’m at the other end of the stick… I always feel like a nuisance, so hesitate to ask for help, and yet I never mind giving it.
We don’t have loons, eagles or swans in our little pond. It’s more of a marsh now so not enough water to support them, but the ducks love it. We have several mallards, a few buffleheads and occasional mergansers. The geese are an additional treat.
You live in a beautiful area, Carol.
I also have no problem asking for help. I can’t imagine making this journey without expert advice from my critique partners, agent, and other writers.
Thanks, Susan. I think it must be a wonderful blessing to be able to work with a professional team. I’m in awe of their expertise! 🙂
I am always drawn to your pictures. I’ve never thought of myself as a loaner, but I think I might be. I absolutely love people, and love being with them. My house has a revolving door! But my favorite time is in the morning….when it’s quiet and I’m alone. There are many people I look to for support and help. One of the things I’ve learned on this writing journey is be careful who you ask for help with editing and critiquing. If the person reading what you’ve written isn’t a fan of “mysteries”, strictly loves historical romance, they might not be the one to ask. In other words we need to find people who love the same genre we write. Right?
Hugs and blessings,
Katt