September has been a funny old month, but an interesting part of my journey as a writer so far. As for most aspiring writers, it has been one of ups and downs, but feel I've learned quite a lot along the way.
It started slowly, but at least I was writing. I've made a start on my Madrid story, inspired by my recent trip there and feels good to look further afield for setting allowing the story to go in a completely different direction The next column was written, submitted and published, and the next one is all ready to go. I'll admit that I've chosen a couple of deeper issues and subjects, but they are things that are important to me, and I'm learning not to be scared as a writer and share my thoughts. This has be proved a positive this month with the column well received both by Writers Group and by friends on Facebook.
I'm still throwing the website idea around, having found a way of setting it up for free, but just haven't had the time to really start looking at it in detail. Its something I'm still keen to pursue, not just as a way of me sharing my own work, but also for other aspiring writers too. Social media- Facebook, Twitter and even my blog- are all part of publicising yourself as a writer, so at least I'm going in the right direction, sharing thoughts, some work and articles and links that I find interesting and could be useful to others. I'm still constantly inspired by other authors whether by reading their published novels, articles or useful tips. As a writer I believe you are forever learning from those around you, and I make sure I tell them that too (via whatever social media is appropriate!) But it can also be very distracting (something I struggle with), like a vortex of procrastination, so the secret is to try and get the balance right and not to let it take over from the real task of writing.
'Cherish your writing sessions'
Again, I'm struggling to finish things that I've already started. I found it hard getting back into things after a break, and although there's been plenty of scribbling for new ideas, I'm not sure how to get the spark back to finish other projects. I've been very up and down with my writing, often making excuses and finding other things to fill the time. Some days I seem to have a good lunch break, feeling that I've achieved quite a bit, but then not so good once I get home in the evenings. Its so frustrating. Its been a month of good intentions but feel that I haven't achieved as much as I could have. I've read lots, taken useful notes and had a few new ideas, but looking back I don't feel I've done much actual writing. Weekends and evenings have been filled with various things and all of a sudden we have reached the end of the month, so I need to try and take more out of the things I do or just the everyday, there are stories and ideas everywhere, I just need to keep my eyes open to them. So time for no more excuses!! I need to get on with the task of doing some actual writing...
No writer has problems starting stories, and may not even have problems finishing them (apart from me at the moment!) but its the middle that is the story graveyard, littered with corpses of books, blog posts, articles. We need to learn the hard task of writing through the mess. That's the part I'm finding the most difficult. Saying that, I have revisited a couple of abandoned projects, with a small spark of renewed enthusiasm, so its the time that is needed. I'm still learning to make the most out of the spare time that I do have, and attempt to focus on using it to write, even just a small amount. I've had a few nights recently where my brain and thoughts don't seem to switch off, and haven't been like that for a while, so feel that something maybe slowly creeping back. Not that I'm complaining, just have to make sure I note everything down before it disappears, even if it means delaying sleep..
I've been thinking a lot recently about what I want out of life, especially work related. My ultimate dream would be to become a full-time writer, but as I'm still in the relatively early days, that dream is a long way off from becoming a reality, although I am pleased with the start I've made. I'm still learning about what type of writer I am or indeed, will become, and finding a voice of my own, but I'm certainly having a good time trying! So with that in mind, I have to think seriously about what I can do to get there, but also be sensible with the choices that I make along the way. I need to take more pride in my work and do the whole process properly, particularly when it comes to editing. Not just with fiction, but take more time over pieces, columns etc to make sure they are right, and don't leave everything until the last minute to do!
'Remember being a writer is something to be proud of ' Next time my confidence takes a dip ( as it often does), I just need to remind myself of what's great about me and my hobby. I did manage to finish some poems this month, for a couple of friends birthdays and had a piece published in an online magazine, so I need to celebrate each achievement, however big or small. Keeping our writing to ourselves makes us writers, sharing it with others and having it published (even in a small way) means we are authors.
But deadlines... other than the column, I have yet to get into the habit of setting any. But I have now realised, perhaps a bit late in the day, that I've been doing just that with this blog, choosing the very last day of the month to type up and publish it. I spend the rest of the month collecting notes and thoughts, building up something to say and share. So now I just need to start applying the same idea to my writing projects, I might actually finish something then! I will try and use competitions to help with this too, which reminds me, a deadline is fast approaching, so better get on with my entry!
And so on the last days of the month, I finally feel excited, that I'm getting my writing mojo back. Despite the new ideas recently I haven't been happy with what I have or indeed, haven't done. I just hope this feeling isn't short-lived and I can start to focus again and remember why I write.
