Its very much been a frustrating month, where I have been up and down in terms of my writing. Do personal issues have an impact? I think so. But in my case it has mostly been a negative one, apart from the last week or so. I often find other things to busy my time with, rather than face the frustration of the blank page or unfinished story.
The month started on a high note, with my column coming out, another one well received by those that follow it. We also had our Open Mic night for Writers Group, and I chose to read one of my slightly older pieces. Although some of the group had heard it before, I still received positive comments from both the group and others attending the evening, so a good boost to my confidence. A new competition was announced, so something new to work on. I have a few competitions that I now want to enter so have made sure that I've had the time to work on all the pieces. I've put my novel to one side for now until I feel in a better place to do it justice, and instead am using the short story competitions to give me focus and get my writing hopefully back on track.
'Writing is individual , trust and find your own style and write about what you know. As with reading, its important to set aside time to do it. And when things get tough, remember that perseverance is power' Lucinda Slater
I was inspired by the words above, and coupled with the words of encouragement received from the author, a fellow writer on Twitter, its empowered me to continue. Its amazing what a few words of advice and wishing good luck with your writing, either from a complete stranger, or a friend can do, as well as the realisation that I'm not alone in my troubles and ways, so I should really stop punishing myself. Although there have been days over the month where I've struggled with motivation, preferring to read or generally procrastinate than write, on other days I've almost forced myself to put words on a page. By sitting at my desk and typing up what I've done so far, its not only made me feel better, its also done the trick! I'm the only one stopping myself and although sometimes there is a wall and I can't write through my emotions, there have been some good days!
'Surround yourself with things that make you feel happy, that are important to you and help to inspire you'
I have definitely taken this on board, and find that a creative work space has transported me to the zone that I want to be in. I still have things that I want to do, to help me further, but I've at least made a good start. Next on the list is a magnetic board so that I can start to plan out visually where my stories are going, and I hope that almost going back to basics on my novel will help me find the inspiration again that ignited the idea in the first place. In the meantime, two short story first drafts are done and I've made a start on the editing, with another story still ongoing, so not bad considering how the month started off! Its a real positive having specific deadlines and themes to work on. Maybe this is my style of writing? If I were to treat my novel in the same way and write more in blocks, it might help, alongside the better plan to start off with! I've also already written my column for next month, as well as starting on a couple of other ideas for next year, so the small steps seem to be working well. I'm trying my hand at writing some ad hoc blog posts on different topics and interesting points of view, so these will be shared when I feel the need, Sometimes I just feel I have to get out what I need to say, whatever that may be. But its also refreshing, putting more detail in to one thing, rather than as part of the monthly blog, so keep an eye out!
My new discovery this month (and also distraction) has been Netgalley, I'd heard it mentioned on various Facebook groups and having now found it, think its great! So far I've been approved for three books, and some will not be published until next year. For me its also learning more about the way the world of publishing works, with galleys and ARCs, I'm enjoying picking things up along the way! Over the last month or so I've also been taking part in Faber Academy's 'Quickfic' competition. You are given a theme each week (on a Friday morning) and you have to write 250 words using that prompt, to be submitted by the middle of that afternoon. Its been really interesting so far, reading the winning entries as well as seeing what I come up with. Although I've yet to be picked as a winner, its getting me writing something which is the main thing!
Lastly I've had another exciting idea for a story. I'm not sure yet how long it will pan out to be, but I've visited the location of where I plan to set it, taken photos as well as creating a board on Pinterest. Funnily enough it came out of a manuscript evening at Writers Group, so it really goes to show that ideas can come from anywhere, and for the first time in a while, I'm excited about something. Research has started, so looking forward to seeing how it goes!
So as this month draws to a close and Christmas is speeding towards us, I will make every effort to get as much writing done as I can around the general busyness of the festive season. but I'm at least feeling much more positive.
