Wednesday, April 13, 2016

L is for LAKE MICHIGAN #AtoZChallenge


For this year's challenge, my theme is The Fun in Writing. Each of my 26 posts for April is aimed at illustrating fun parts of an author's day. A writer doesn't only write. Creating a story or an essay requires research, revision, editing, and lots and lots of coffee and chocolate.



L is for LAKE MICHIGAN

The prevailing wisdom for writers is to “write what you know.” I was born and raised in a small town which extends seven miles into Lake Michigan and is known as “the coolest spot in Wisconsin.” The reflection of sun and moonlight on the pristine waters was visible from the long expanse of beaches along the state’s eastern shore. From the lake’s depths, fishermen pulled an endless supply of fish that had populated this Great Lake since its formation during the glacial age. 




What simple pleasures we enjoyed in our youth at the lake, building sand castles and drifting with lapping waves, devouring concession stand hot dogs for lunch, and contending with hot sand between the toes. 
 
My first swimming lesson, many, many years ago!
Thanks, Dad.

Such experiences are the fodder for enticing stories and voluptuous poetry. Reliving these times is a way to savor The Fun in Writing. Innocent memories, of course, are distorted by the adult writer’s mind after consuming too much caffeine. Lapping waves become treacherous tides. Moonlight over the water reflects instead the sinister flash of a gun. 

Imagination is a gift all humans should cultivate, along with a side of humor. And there’s nothing wrong with serving up a helping of fun with that caffeine, be it from coffee or chocolate.
 
HELP YOURSELF!
 

 
 

6 comments:

  1. You're from Wisconsin. I thought I smelled cheese. ;)

    ~Ninja Minion Patricia Lynne aka Patricia Josephine~
    Story Dam
    Patricia Lynne, Indie Author

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  2. Ah, yes, cheese! Cheeseheads Packers and Dairyland.

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  3. Love how the writer's mind twists those innocent memories. Lake Michigan is beautiful. :)

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  4. And writers know that twisted memories are what make good stories, Cherie. Thank you for visiting today.

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  5. My first thought on looking at this post: "Life is like a box of chocolates" :)

    I would love to visit the Michigan lakes and Wisconsin. It's kinda sad that we have lived in the Midwest nearly 25 years and have yet to visit those two states.

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  6. I love this post and your sweet photo of you and your dad-so, cute!

    I will take the extra chocolate and coffee and cheese!!! lol

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