Write2Ignite

Hello Friends! Guest blogger Big Bertha here with a second installment of Writing Wisdom. This month’s topic? The Importance of Being Broody.

Broody by Definition

Some people think to be broody means to sulk or to be in a mood. I guess, it could mean that, but to us productive hens, it’s something quite different. To be broody is to sit on the nest, waiting for your egg or eggs to hatch.

Now, an egg farmer may not want this. He may want us hens to keep laying an egg a day to keep up production. But being broody is a good thing because it shows patience and endurance and a willingness to keep at it for however long it takes. A writer needs to be broody, especially when you are working on a story near and dear to your heart.

Broody in Action

I’ll let you writers in on a little secret. I’m broody right now because I have an egg I’m sitting on. I have tucked myself into my little writing spot (see last month’s post), and each day I sit and wait, knowing I have something beautiful forming inside that shell. I don’t move a lot—just a bit here or there, making sure my little one is comfortable and warm. Of course, I do take a break once a day to get a little exercise. I’ll join the others in the yard, making sure I get my clucks in (sitting alone all day makes one a bit talkative), and taking a water and snack break. Then I’m back to my writing spot and my little oval of joy.

Being broody in action means a writer needs to be diligent in his or her writing. It’s not easy working for long hours in one spot, but our story needs tender loving care. Yes, it’s okay to take a break. Breaks can be good to refresh and renew! But then you need to get back and get to work.

Broody is its Own Reward

For a hen like me, being broody will last about three weeks. That’s about how long it takes for that little one to develop. I’m in about a week and a half now. But pretty soon, I’ll be feeling movement under me. And not too long after that, my baby chick will start chipping away at its shell. Before I know it, my little bundle of fluff will be out and about, exploring a whole new world.

Being broody over our writing is a lot of work. But a finished manuscript is an amazing reward! It shows discipline and perseverance, and it feels so good when you can finally put that pen down or click Save on your computer. You’ll have something amazing to show family and friends, and hopefully a publisher who can take your work to the next level!

There are times when it’s necessary to be a bit broody with your writing. Make that time, be patient and diligent, and see what joy it will bring!

Have you ever been broody with your writing?

Big Bertha lives with her hen mates in the backyard of author Catherine Osornio. Although not having as many writing credits as her landlord, Bertha pecks away diligently, hoping for that perfect open door. Besides writing, Big Bertha enjoys foraging and hanging out with her feathered friends by the water cooler.

Unsplash credits: Alexander Dummer (sulky child) and 85gb (baby chick). All other Big Bertha images and photos by Catherine L. Osornio