After a long week, there's nothing better than putting on a pair of fuzzy socks and diving into a comfortable couch with a great book.  But you know what's not far behind?  

Diving into the couch knowing that, tonight, a great film awaits you! 

Because there's a certain magic in films (and series).  Maybe it's a magic not too far off from books.  

• First of all, there's the chance to see a great book in another light when it gets made into a great movie. 

• Then there's the fact that films are like single serving adventures.  You get the whole story, condensed down into one sitting.  (Well, sure you can read a book in a single sitting, but it takes just a bit longer!) 

• If you're a writer you can get some unexpected inspiration from films and series (the good and the bad...) 

• And if you're passionate about languages and cultures? Learning while you explore the creative expression of people around the world? Well, films, like books, are a beautiful way of joining in the fun.. 

Today at the blog, we'll focus on one exciting area of the film, language odyssey: 

Maybe you didn't realize I was inviting you to a celebration today, but thanks for coming!

Thanks for joining me on a year of reading and writing adventures.  (Yes! our blog and book club have just hit the one year mark.)

And after this year of reading books and stories, journaling, and slowing down the pace of life in general (or at least trying!) we've got our very first literary edition.   

Your fellow vagabonds--your fellow adventurers of the written word--are here to share a part of their writing journey with you.  

The stories, poems and personal essays you'll read in this very first literary edition are a collection of work inspired by the Slice of Life Creative Writing Program, the Short Story Series, or the Tiny Story Challenge we recently held at our Book Club on Facebook. 

When I think of my most meaningful writing (and reading) experiences, you know what they are? Two simple yet precious occasions where I was part of small, meaningful writing communities:

• Where I could see by my reader’s comments (or the look on their faces)--that they ‘got it,’ that my story was their story too. 
• Where I had the privilege of reading inspiring stories and then having one of those conversations with the author--the kind that Holden Caulfield dreamed of.

My time spent in small writing communities has taught me that sharing your work is maybe as important to the writing process as the hours you spend pounding they keys, or scribbling into your notebook. 

That finding other writers who 'get you,' and forging a relationship with them, is worth the work.

And that it all starts by being willing to share--at first with people you don't know that well--yet.

Writing--it's such a gift.  

Think about it:

• Your writing is there for you in an unending supply--whenever you need it.
• You can't use it up.
• On the contrary, the more you write, the more the words seem to want to pour out of you.
• And it's such a generous pastime! Share your writing with others, give something to your readers, and you don't have less, you have more--a stronger voice, better writing, even more to say.

How long have you known the writer in you? Did you meet her during childhood? Or maker her acquaintance more recently?

No matter.

Sharing your writing is one of the best ways you can grow--whether you're starting out or whether you've been at it for decades.

Today, we'll talk about WHY sharing your writing matters to your writing, and your writing habit.

But first, let's make sure we all understand what I mean when I say you should share your writing.  And maybe talk a bit about what I don't mean. 

Why should you read (and write) short fiction?

We're a multilingual community here at Vagabond English.  This is a place where you can read and discuss books and stories with people all over the world.

It's also a place to find your voice with a little writing and reading of your own. (No matter what language(s) you grew up speaking!)

So why should you read and write short fiction? 

Because...

• Your reading leaves its footprints all over your writing.  
• Because you want to read high quality writing...but you're busy!
• Because reading great writing immerses you in the experience, and you learn lessons about writing. (how to craft a great story, how to write more beautiful prose)
• Because reading and writing in a language you're learning helps immerse you in that language and 'think on your feet' so you become more fluent and flexible.  

And since everyone in our community has a different relationship to English, let me give you two ways you can work on your reading and writing habit today:

Do you know the most exciting thing about undertaking a writing project, a writing habit...a writing adventure? 

It's that moment after weeks, months, years of writing of covering uncharted territory, spilling miles of ink, when you look over your work.

And you see that you are someone new. A different person, a different writer. 

And in that moment, you realize: you have changed--and so have the goals and purposes of your writing.

And you find yourself contemplating new possibilities--a larger writing project, perhaps.

Like I said, your writing habit is an end in itself.  But writing habits also have a way of taking us to places we never expected.  

You've been using the slice of life journaling technique --the act of capturing the moments of your life on the page.  It's a tool you can use to sharpen your writing, to start thinking like a writer, to start noticing the details you'll need and saving them for later.

It's a practice that will change your writing...and your life as you take notice of what's going on around you. As you choose your focus.

Last week we talked about your journal--and how just keeping a journal is an end in itself. 

But sometimes, after you write for a while...you realize you've got something in there...

• Something you want to keep.

• Something you want to explore.

• Something you want to pass on. 

• The beginning of a story...

This week, I'd like to invite you to start seeing your slice of life journal as a collection...even organizing it that way.  Is this for you?

Read on to find out...