Sunday 26 April 2015

April 2015

'The world is but a canvas to our imagination'

And so we near the end of another month, this year is certainly rushing by! Its funny looking back over the last few weeks, thinking that I haven't done very much, when in actual fact, I've done more than I thought! I've found that I seem to write in fits and starts and although I attempt to do something everyday, sometimes it will only be a short paragraph and other days I can write lots and am really inspired. I get do distracted that's my problem,  what with social media or pinning, it becomes addictive, or just generally letting life get in the way! I guess the best way is to find a time that suits me to sit and write, and get the balance of everything else right. I'm still working on it!

I've tried to spend some time reading too, not just novels, but also helpful books. I'm currently halfway through Stephen King's 'On Writing' and it is certainly an interesting read, including some good and useful tips for aspiring writers, I like the way he writes about his own writing journey, it is definitely inspiring. I've read a number of different books this month, for a variety of reasons. One was an autobiography of someone starting a new life in Cornwall, so I've used that to inspire parts of my own story and research into the local areas. Others have been purely for the chance to escape, isn't that why most of us pick a book up? Each has been different, some chick lit and others more contemporary fiction, but each have inspired me in different ways. The 'To be read' pile is increasing with the purchase of some new titles, so I'm excited to explore yet more new worlds before I go to sleep. In order to better research my Oxford story and another based around a vintage shop, I've bought new books and am working my way through, taking notes. Research is an important part of the process, and the need to make sure things are correct.

I've started a couple of new story ideas, which I'm looking forward to exploring further. I've found that most of the ideas I have are based on either my own personal feelings or a kind of dream world, someone else that I would rather be, but it seems as good a place as any to start. I'm keen to also start thinking of ideas that sit out of my comfort zone, see how far I can push myself. This has been especially prevalent with my poetry recently. Last week, at Writers Group, I decided not to read anything as felt that what I had brought with me was too simple and personal and not good enough, As a writer, I believe there will always be days like that, that's what rewriting is for!  That's what got me thinking about trying some different ideas, see how I get on, so I will keep you updated!

I'm still working on trying to find my own writing space and time that works best for me. I have a desk at home (currently sitting at it to write this), but don't always find that it does the job. I seem to get inspiration and ideas at the most inconvenient times, like when I'm driving or in the shower, and scribbling is not an option. I try and get down as much as I can following these moments, but then find when I do have the time to sit and write, nothing comes and I feel flat or like I've hit a wall. I guess I still have to work on it! I've created an inspiration board next to my desk as well as sticking pictures in my notebooks to help spark something for the stories that I'm already working on, and this has proved to be a useful tool.

My latest column was published in the middle of the month and I've already started working on the next- with one less person on the rota, I seem to be submitting at least once a month now, but keeps me on my toes and good practice to be working to a deadline, just hope the ideas don't start to run dry. And finally, another useful tool that I've discovered this month is a website called 'Novelicious' and I love it! Its a women's fiction blog for both readers and writers, with lots of useful tips, inspiration and articles, I thoroughly recommend it!

So that's all for this month. Off on hols in a week, and I can't wait! I'm in need of a break and who knows what stories and poems will be stirred up, we will see....

P.S. A few pictures below, wanted to share with you some of the writing spaces that I have been using, whether at my desk, sitting out in the sun, or in the library at work! I thought you would also like to see my latest column, its so inspiring to see yourself in print, however small the publication!