NaNoWriMo Day 10: Writing in Memorials
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Rita Mock-Pike
November is a busy month in our household. From day 1 to day 30, we have NaNoWriMo on the brain. In the month, we also have my birthday, two birthdays of those who’ve passed, the anniversaries of passings, several friends’ birthdays, a local event we participate in each year, and, of course, Thanksgiving. These days lead to many reflections for me – and many memorials in written word.
At first, it was hard to celebrate during this overpacked month. It was hard to concentrate on writing and get anything done. I both wanted to remember and didn’t want to recall the losses and loved ones gone before.
But then, in 2012, when I released my first self-published novel, Nobody’s Girl, I did so on the anniversary of my dad’s passing. And something clicked within my soul. That day will always be a wretched day for me. Thanksgiving would never be the same. But I could relive the beautiful memories I had with my dad, placing them in story form in my various books, poems, and other works.
The days remain challenging, don’t get me wrong. I dread specific dates each year, even with the newfound joy in memorials. But writing with a purpose now, there’s so much joy that I can mingle in with the pain.
November, the month of NaNoWriMo, might not be such a heavy month for you. Still, chances are you, too, have experienced heavy, painful losses. The month – your novel writing month – remains a beautiful time in which you can place your pain, sorrow, and suffering into words that others will find hope, joy, or even commiseration in and, therefore, find healing. So let your pain out on the pages – you might just discover something utterly, beautifully wonderful therein. I certainly have.
Editor-in-Chief of The MockingOwl Roost, Rita Mock-Pike is the granddaughter of aviatrix, Jerrie Mock, first woman to pilot an airplane solo around the world. Rita has found inspiration from her grandmother’s life and flight and pursued many of her own dreams in theatre, podcasting, novel writing, and cooking up delicious food from around the world. She now writes on food, travel, pets, faith, and the arts. She’s happily married to Matt, and faithfully serves the very fluffy kitten queen, Lady Stardust.
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[…] this day, my dad remains my writing inspiration. He’s no longer my writing buddy – he’s not there to cheer me on, critique my works, or help […]