'Words have the power to change us' - Cassandra Clare
' The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt' - Sylvia Plath
A constructive evening of research and planning last night. Although I'm keen to carry on with my story, I've reached a point where I'm not sure where I'm going and I'm very much aware that I've already rambled on too much and need to give the story more direction, hence the planning. The next step is to try and edit what I've already done (taking out the parts I know aren't needed) before I carry on, as I don't want to lose where I want the story to go. I'm also struggling to find the same inspiration from when I first thought of the idea, hence trying to do some research, find some visuals to help get me going again. A bit of writing done last night in the end though as carried on with the poem I started last week.
'There is no friend as loyal as a book' - Ernest Hemingway
So true, and what I always turn to. Either to lose myself in, when I'm feeling down as a source of comfort, or as research (or so I keep telling myself), a book can have so many uses. My long term aim would be to at least write one novel, but at the moment I'm building up to that, working on the poems and short stories I've already started. As I've said before, I'm not even sure I have a novel in me, but you never know what the future will bring. The more I write, the more confident I will hopefully become. Another poem started today, so good to feel I am at least doing a bit of writing (apart from the blog), small steps...
Spent most of my lunch break lost in my book, so much so, that I managed to finish it! I love it when you can do that with a story. But not going to feel too guilty, after all, it is only be reading lots that we truly learn how to write....
' Books build a stairway to your imagination'
Tuesday, 11 November 2014
Monday, 10 November 2014
Week 5- Day 21
'Keep calm, and imagine'
That's all it can take in order to get the creativity flowing. Unfortunately its not always something that we can realistically do, and I'm sure published authors/ writers will tell you the same. Life keeps getting in the way. But oh how lovely it would be if it didn't! To shut your eyes and let your mind be transported to a completely different place, where stories and thoughts can come alive. It's definitely a place that I need to visit more often.
'Create something lasting that you're proud of '
An aim for every aspiring writer and something I am still working towards. Of course I am proud of the poems and short stories that I've already finished (two published in the anthology) and the positive comments received from those people that have already read them, but I would now like to complete a longer project, so need to be carrying on with my latest story! Despite having work to do and being busier at work, therefore not having as much time as I did before, I'm feeling positive and already looking forward to spending more time later to look at things, make plans and carry on writing where I've left off, hopefully without any real distractions. It's rare to have the time on my own where I don't have anything else to do, so looking forward to making the most of it!
'Write because its a chance to remind people of just how miraculous and amazing ordinary things are'- Frank Cotterell Boyce
'Keep calm, and carry a pen and notebook'
The two things I would be lost without, and are in my bag wherever I go! Some days nothing gets written and other, I keep having to open and scribble. I have three notebooks in my bag for ideas , quotes and starting stories, another for writing my blog and column pieces ( as well as notes from any useful books) and another by my bed, just in case. You can never have too many, as you cannot predict when you will need them! The challenge is all about turning those scribbles into something that others will want to read....
That's all it can take in order to get the creativity flowing. Unfortunately its not always something that we can realistically do, and I'm sure published authors/ writers will tell you the same. Life keeps getting in the way. But oh how lovely it would be if it didn't! To shut your eyes and let your mind be transported to a completely different place, where stories and thoughts can come alive. It's definitely a place that I need to visit more often.
'Create something lasting that you're proud of '
An aim for every aspiring writer and something I am still working towards. Of course I am proud of the poems and short stories that I've already finished (two published in the anthology) and the positive comments received from those people that have already read them, but I would now like to complete a longer project, so need to be carrying on with my latest story! Despite having work to do and being busier at work, therefore not having as much time as I did before, I'm feeling positive and already looking forward to spending more time later to look at things, make plans and carry on writing where I've left off, hopefully without any real distractions. It's rare to have the time on my own where I don't have anything else to do, so looking forward to making the most of it!
'Write because its a chance to remind people of just how miraculous and amazing ordinary things are'- Frank Cotterell Boyce
'Keep calm, and carry a pen and notebook'
The two things I would be lost without, and are in my bag wherever I go! Some days nothing gets written and other, I keep having to open and scribble. I have three notebooks in my bag for ideas , quotes and starting stories, another for writing my blog and column pieces ( as well as notes from any useful books) and another by my bed, just in case. You can never have too many, as you cannot predict when you will need them! The challenge is all about turning those scribbles into something that others will want to read....
Friday, 7 November 2014
End of week 4!
'You can't use up creativity, the more you use, the more you have'- Maya Angelou
' If it's still in your mind, it is worth taking the risk'
The day did end on a (mostly) positive note yesterday, and again, that has carried on into today. Work has picked up a bit which helps, but still taking a bit of time to get going first thing in the morning once I'm in the office.
The inspiration did start flowing when I got up (much like yesterday) and had an idea for my next column piece (based on when I think it will be published) so started to scribble a bit of that whilst it was still in my mind. Trouble is, that then meant we left a few minutes later than planned and the traffic being as bad as it is at the moment, made us a bit late for work! Still, I got here and am doing what I'm paid for. Unfortunately,by the time I get to work, the inspiration has dried up a bit and I have my 'work' head on.
'Take time to do what makes your soul happy'
I know that's writing for me. I'm happiest when the creativity is flowing and I'm lost in my imagination.(same goes for reading a book) The feeling when you've created a piece of writing is amazing, even if its just for yourself, rather than a deadline/ competition for someone else to read. I suppose that I try and read quite a few of my poems (and short stories, when I've finished them) at Writers group, so I still have an audience. The feedback I receive is always constructive and positive, spurring me on to do more.... So will see what the weekend brings, making sure I have time to both read and write, to escape to a literary world.....
'When I've had too much reality, I open a book...'
' If it's still in your mind, it is worth taking the risk'
The day did end on a (mostly) positive note yesterday, and again, that has carried on into today. Work has picked up a bit which helps, but still taking a bit of time to get going first thing in the morning once I'm in the office.
The inspiration did start flowing when I got up (much like yesterday) and had an idea for my next column piece (based on when I think it will be published) so started to scribble a bit of that whilst it was still in my mind. Trouble is, that then meant we left a few minutes later than planned and the traffic being as bad as it is at the moment, made us a bit late for work! Still, I got here and am doing what I'm paid for. Unfortunately,by the time I get to work, the inspiration has dried up a bit and I have my 'work' head on.
'Take time to do what makes your soul happy'
I know that's writing for me. I'm happiest when the creativity is flowing and I'm lost in my imagination.(same goes for reading a book) The feeling when you've created a piece of writing is amazing, even if its just for yourself, rather than a deadline/ competition for someone else to read. I suppose that I try and read quite a few of my poems (and short stories, when I've finished them) at Writers group, so I still have an audience. The feedback I receive is always constructive and positive, spurring me on to do more.... So will see what the weekend brings, making sure I have time to both read and write, to escape to a literary world.....
'When I've had too much reality, I open a book...'
Thursday, 6 November 2014
Day 19
How different a new day can be. Unfortunately the day didn't end in the positive way it had begun and that tension seems to have carried over to today. I just seem to keep letting stupid little things get to me and then I get wound up.
'Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, its about learning to dance in the rain'
And that's what I've been trying to do as the day has progressed. I've kept myself busy with work and its nice to actually have things to do after the last couple of weeks. Have to say I was really starting to struggle. I'm wondering if that's what was causing my headaches as certainly hasn't been as bad over the last couple of days, so wondering if I was stressing about the lack of work and motivation without realising. I hope so and that things now start to improve in my mind. Taking some time out to just sit and be at one with myself has also helped, to clear and calm things.
Despite the funny mood first thing this morning, I did manage to start a poem! I'm not sure where it will go next (only 1 verse done so far) but it felt good to start something new, I haven't done that for a while. I've come to the conclusion that there is never a right time to sit and write, you have to fit in where you can, and when the mood and inspiration takes you (if like me, the rest of the time is taken up with the reality of the every day). And that's not necessarily when its right for you (lunchtime for me, when I can put time aside). But on the other hand, I want to make sure that it isn't the case where I don't have any time at all to be creative and separate myself from the every day.
'Write for yourself, keep your writing true'
'I'm just going to write because I cannot help it'- Charlotte Bronte
' The desire to write grows with writing'
I may have started the day feeling negative, but I hope to end it feeling much more positive and ready for whatever is thrown at me. Amazing what a bit of focus and fresh air can do (and maybe a cup of coffee)!
'Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, its about learning to dance in the rain'
And that's what I've been trying to do as the day has progressed. I've kept myself busy with work and its nice to actually have things to do after the last couple of weeks. Have to say I was really starting to struggle. I'm wondering if that's what was causing my headaches as certainly hasn't been as bad over the last couple of days, so wondering if I was stressing about the lack of work and motivation without realising. I hope so and that things now start to improve in my mind. Taking some time out to just sit and be at one with myself has also helped, to clear and calm things.
Despite the funny mood first thing this morning, I did manage to start a poem! I'm not sure where it will go next (only 1 verse done so far) but it felt good to start something new, I haven't done that for a while. I've come to the conclusion that there is never a right time to sit and write, you have to fit in where you can, and when the mood and inspiration takes you (if like me, the rest of the time is taken up with the reality of the every day). And that's not necessarily when its right for you (lunchtime for me, when I can put time aside). But on the other hand, I want to make sure that it isn't the case where I don't have any time at all to be creative and separate myself from the every day.
'Write for yourself, keep your writing true'
'I'm just going to write because I cannot help it'- Charlotte Bronte
' The desire to write grows with writing'
I may have started the day feeling negative, but I hope to end it feeling much more positive and ready for whatever is thrown at me. Amazing what a bit of focus and fresh air can do (and maybe a cup of coffee)!
Wednesday, 5 November 2014
Day 18
'Its amazing what you can become if you just get out of your own way'
I'm loving using Pinterest!! Its full of amazing quotes and helpful tips and in general, just help to get me going,but getting very pin happy at the moment! Still, a wonderful way to share ideas and find new things, I think I'm starting to become a little obsessed!
Had a lovely evening last night at the launch of our new Writers Group Anthology. I finally have my own printed copy and to see my name in black and white, it was quite a special moment. I felt proud to be amongst the other members of our group/ contributors and feel I had done something good, towards remembering those who have gone before us. All my close family and two special friends were able to be there to support both my sister and I, and I'm so grateful for that. Although, I don't think they'll ever know how much. If it hadn't been for my sister, I would have never joined the writer's group, so she has a lot to answer for! Along the whole journey so far as a writer, I wouldn't have succeeded if it hadn't been for the support of my family and friends, and that's the most important thing when you're starting out, on any new venture.
Today has been spent in a meeting (all day) so no time to do any writing at all, but back to feeling I at least have a purpose at work (struggling the last couple of weeks), and have contributed to something important. So a positive overall, so generally inspired! Will definitely be making more time to fit it all in tomorrow though....
' A little magic can take you a long way' Roald Dahl
I'm loving using Pinterest!! Its full of amazing quotes and helpful tips and in general, just help to get me going,but getting very pin happy at the moment! Still, a wonderful way to share ideas and find new things, I think I'm starting to become a little obsessed!
Had a lovely evening last night at the launch of our new Writers Group Anthology. I finally have my own printed copy and to see my name in black and white, it was quite a special moment. I felt proud to be amongst the other members of our group/ contributors and feel I had done something good, towards remembering those who have gone before us. All my close family and two special friends were able to be there to support both my sister and I, and I'm so grateful for that. Although, I don't think they'll ever know how much. If it hadn't been for my sister, I would have never joined the writer's group, so she has a lot to answer for! Along the whole journey so far as a writer, I wouldn't have succeeded if it hadn't been for the support of my family and friends, and that's the most important thing when you're starting out, on any new venture.
Today has been spent in a meeting (all day) so no time to do any writing at all, but back to feeling I at least have a purpose at work (struggling the last couple of weeks), and have contributed to something important. So a positive overall, so generally inspired! Will definitely be making more time to fit it all in tomorrow though....
' A little magic can take you a long way' Roald Dahl
Tuesday, 4 November 2014
Day 17
A bit disappointed with myself last night as didn't achieve all that I planned, but today is a new day so we'll see what happens. That's the trouble with me, I beat myself up if I don't feel I've done enough. I spent the evening looking through past copies of the local paper for ideas for column articles. Not much jumped out particularly, but already have a few ideas, just need to make something out of them, get a few pieces prepared for future columns. I did something constructive, just not completely what I wanted, but I have no deadlines for my own stories so not sure why I always feel so guilty! Nothing will come if I force it too much and I need to take a step back and remember that now and again. Just get things down as I think of them and make sense out of it all afterwards!
I've spent the last few weeks (during lunch breaks) reading a creative writing guide, but now I think I need to spend the time putting what I've learnt into practice and just get writing! Apart from my blog, which I do on a daily basis during the week, and the first column piece, I haven't really written much lately. I've done a bit of my latest story, but not as much as I would have liked, and can't remember the last time I wrote a poem. The ideas keep coming, but I have yet to sort through and create anything with them. Time to stop make excuses and WRITE!
Life gets in the way, with work and hobbies (choir in particular), but I'm attempting to try and keep things balanced so I get enough time (even if its only a short amount) to get everything done that I want, but have to realise, that sometimes there are just not enough hours in the day!
' Don't make nothing of what you've achieved'
'Keep putting words on the page'- Anne Enright
' You can make anything by writing'- CS Lewis
I've spent the last few weeks (during lunch breaks) reading a creative writing guide, but now I think I need to spend the time putting what I've learnt into practice and just get writing! Apart from my blog, which I do on a daily basis during the week, and the first column piece, I haven't really written much lately. I've done a bit of my latest story, but not as much as I would have liked, and can't remember the last time I wrote a poem. The ideas keep coming, but I have yet to sort through and create anything with them. Time to stop make excuses and WRITE!
Life gets in the way, with work and hobbies (choir in particular), but I'm attempting to try and keep things balanced so I get enough time (even if its only a short amount) to get everything done that I want, but have to realise, that sometimes there are just not enough hours in the day!
' Don't make nothing of what you've achieved'
'Keep putting words on the page'- Anne Enright
' You can make anything by writing'- CS Lewis
Monday, 3 November 2014
Week 4- Day 16
'Write down who you were, who you are and what you want to remember'- Natalie Goldberg
A great starting point for the day, especially when I'm feeling a little brain dead and things are taking a while to wake up and get going. The trouble is that I have too much floating around in my head, but have yet to make sense of it all. I know I just want to get on and write, but not sure where to start, story of my life really!
' A real writer doesn't want to write, a real writer has to write'
'Never apologise for how much you love to write'
'Think, Write, Create.'
'There is no wrong or right, just write.'
'Writing is a way of life. It's not just something I do, it's who I am.'
I have so many things that I've started and not finished. I know it doesn't matter if you keep starting new things, so long as you are writing, but still get that feeling telling me to go back and see where I can take them, and that's what's going round in my head today. I'm wondering if I need to look over what I've done so far and write some kind of plan/ outline of where I want the story to go. I have a tendency to just sit and write whatever comes into my head, which isn't a bad thing, but also means I overwrite and feel I'm going away from what I want to say. I feel my stories would be much better if I laid out a clearer plan of where it's going. So that's my next task for today sorted....
'Books turn muggles into wizards'
A great starting point for the day, especially when I'm feeling a little brain dead and things are taking a while to wake up and get going. The trouble is that I have too much floating around in my head, but have yet to make sense of it all. I know I just want to get on and write, but not sure where to start, story of my life really!
' A real writer doesn't want to write, a real writer has to write'
'Never apologise for how much you love to write'
'Think, Write, Create.'
'There is no wrong or right, just write.'
'Writing is a way of life. It's not just something I do, it's who I am.'
I have so many things that I've started and not finished. I know it doesn't matter if you keep starting new things, so long as you are writing, but still get that feeling telling me to go back and see where I can take them, and that's what's going round in my head today. I'm wondering if I need to look over what I've done so far and write some kind of plan/ outline of where I want the story to go. I have a tendency to just sit and write whatever comes into my head, which isn't a bad thing, but also means I overwrite and feel I'm going away from what I want to say. I feel my stories would be much better if I laid out a clearer plan of where it's going. So that's my next task for today sorted....
'Books turn muggles into wizards'
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