I am writing a new children’s book about world-wide artifacts and places of honor. The main character of the book visits many ancient ruins and learns lessons wherever she goes. And I am learning so much! Lately I’ve been researching the Taj Mahal. I had no idea how much work went into this shrine, how old it is, and how it has withstood the test of time. It makes me wonder about the construction of Oklahoma roads. Hmmmm.

But writing requires research and you are bound to learn something no matter what you write. One thing writing does is it makes you sit down and do the work, if you ever want to accomplish your dream. Look up that subject! Get an idea in mind about how it would look! And then put it on paper with the words in an order that is equally as beautiful as the subject you researched. Or try to.

Did you know that the Taj Mahal is made of white marble that changes color with the light? Depending upon what time of day you visit, the shrine can be pink, yellow, or white. So, it is open to the public for long hours to view those colors. It’s not a 9-to-5 kind of museum. Now I want to visit the shrine.

Writing can be a learning experience for the writer as well as the reader. When I began thinking of this project, I wanted to show children the wonders of the world and to teach them respect for the work that went into them. And instead, I taught myself. I wanted to get the information right and not just invent facts. I had very little information in my head about the Taj Mahal other than I could name it if I saw a picture. Now I am in awe of the workmanship as well as the original idea which began in 1632. There is a lot to learn there about workmanship and engineering that went into the building of that shrine.

I’m thrilled to get back on this project.  I always have more than one story floating around in my head, but sometimes, you need to get back to the ones you love instead of the ones that are bogged down in the back of your mind. I’m welcoming myself back to the story I fell in love with even though the other one isn’t finished.

What are you reading, writing, supporting, or creating this week?