Life and writing are like a jigsaw
February for me is another month filled with a celebration of words, storytelling, and the promise of love.
What about you?
Join me in reflecting on the intricate parallels between life, writing and a jigsaw where every piece plays a crucial role, to finally unveil a captivating story.
In writing Second Chances, (my latest novel), and the early stages of editing, I found myself grappling, fitting paragraphs together. I encountered moments where the storyline felt fragmented, like the scattered pieces of a jigsaw.
A Short Story
How writing and puzzles are connected. When we want to walk away, in frustration, passion, patience, and perseverance will eventually drive us forward. The pieces and words will be understood, adding depth, and meaning to the narrative. All will be well.
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A completed jigsaw you spent time perfecting sits in your favourite room, in a special corner on a well-placed table. Like a handcrafted sculpture, painting, or book, you are drawn to the possible backstory each one evokes.
One day you trip and fall against the table. The handcrafted pieces fly into the air and scatter one by one across the marble floor. You cannot use the broken pieces again.
Dejected, you leave; unsure what to do. Locking the door, you walk away. Months pass, and the jigsaw gathers dust. Uninspired, the pieces no longer make sense.
One morning, you finally unlock the door. The sun casts a shimmering glow onto the marble floor and the pieces come to life.
You realise you can recraft a new picture/story, otherwise, you might as well throw it away forever. Gathering up the pieces, each day passes. Feeling renewed, you add another piece, then another and then another. To your great surprise, they seamlessly come together.
Months pass. You return confidently to that same room where the sun is shining onto your completed jigsaw.
You made it through as in your life story and writing.
Until next we meet – carry on reading and writing. Share books you are currently enjoying.
With my warmest wishes
miriam@miriammcguirk.com
Miriam
Image Credits: Miriam McGuirk .
Thanks so much Miriam truly inspiring! Penny x
A pleasure Penny. Thank you, for both reading and commenting.
So true, as we go on this journey through life. Very evocative! Elly x
Thank you for sharing your thoughts Elly. And so pleased that my feature has resonated ️️
As a child, I disliked jigsaw puzzles immensely and had no patience (for any Father Ted fans reading this, Father Dougal taking a pair of scissors to a piece which refused to fit summed me up). However, I now enjoy simple and basic puzzles with my young grandchildren. With age, I have found time and how to use it creatively: this is the perfect age to discover talents, both old and new.
Thank you for your appreciated comments, Jane. Pleased to hear you now enjoy Jigsaws and encourage your grandchildren to complete puzzles too. All kinds of lessons to be learned from them. Best Wishes, Miriam