'Create your own story'
This is my mantra and what I'm
going to attempt to live by from now on, I'm the only one who can change my
live and achieve my goals. I aim to make the best out of what I currently have,
whilst striving to be the person I want to be- me. I need to stop comparing myself
to others. There is no right or wrong, we are all different and bring our own
special gifts. Life changes can make a big difference. By tidying and sorting
the house as the year came to an end, I found that it had helped to tidy my
mind, freeing up some creativity so long may it continue!
And so the year started with
various competition entries. Following the submission of a piece for the CSMA
Reading Room competition at the end of last year, I began to look forward and
continue with other outstanding pieces.
My Writers Group piece was finished, edited and submitted so now keeping
my fingers crossed for shortlisting after the closing date of the end of this
month. I then worked on and finished my
piece for the Writers and Artists Yearbook competition, so another submitted,
and before the closing date in February. I’m now working on another piece for
yet another competition for March. Entering and writing competitions has been a
good learning process, working on my editing skills on each submission as well
as working to a deadline. It’s also been good to have other focuses in between
the main writing focus, my novel. A piece of advice that has stayed with me
from a published author is to enter as many competitions as you can, providing
they are free to enter. This is how she become noticed and later published, so
I will keep trying and hope that one day the same may happen for me. And who
knows, that could be sooner than I think? I found out this last week that I’ve
been shortlisted for the CSMA competition and I couldn’t be more excited! I was
notified that out of over 100 entries, I had been chosen for the last 10. I
should find out next week what the outcome is. Even if I don’t win, the fact I
was shortlisted is amazing. And at a time when I was questioning my writing
style and voice, it was the much needed confidence boost that I needed.
Apart from competition entries,
there has been quite a bit else going on! My latest column was written, edited,
submitted and published (just last week) and I’m already thinking about the
next one. There are now only four of us on the rota, so I have to stay one step
ahead. I have lots of ideas and started pieces so at least I have some kind of
‘bank ‘to turn to. It’s funny; I wrote up a column ready for this month and then
decided to send in another, as it was more relevant to something else that was
happening now. But it means the next one is all ready to go for when the time
comes. I enjoy seeing my words printed in the paper, it brings a small sense of
achievement that others can see what I have to say, and keeps me busy, to a
deadline.
One area of my writing that has
taken a bit of a back seat recently is my poems. I wrote the last choob
birthday poem this month, so will have to think of something else now to add in
with their presents. It has been fun and they all seem to have enjoyed them
too. I have a wealth of ideas scribbled in many notebooks, so I’ll have to find
some time to go back and look at them, see what comes out of it. I forgot how
much I like to write poems too, so must bear that in mind. (Although did have a
go at writing a verse for a choir piece too!) Just the other day I looked at
everything I had saved on my pc, some finished, so they were printed and put
together in a display book- but I also came across quite a few that were only
just beginning. And that’s stories and poems. I was amazed at how many I’ve
started and then put to one side. So now I have a nice list and plenty to keep
me busy with along the way! I’ve written more than I thought too and it’s a
lovely feeling to see them all together, for others to read too.
I’m always amazed at where
inspiration for new ideas comes from. Whether it’s a film, TV programme or
something I’ve seen or overheard. But there’s nothing nicer than the excitement
as a new idea sparks and I’m off and running with it! My latest came from a
well-known film and I’m intrigued to see where it takes me- initial notes made
as well as a Pinterest board and a plan for a trip to London, so must be a good
one! Although I try to stay focused on the project in hand, you can’t control
when the inspiration strikes and have to make the most of it! I’ve since found
renewed enthusiasm for Pinterest too, using it to gather ideas and visuals. I
find it better to keep everything in one place, and along with my notebooks,
this works well for me. (As long as I don’t get too distracted!)
And so on to what I feel has been
one of my biggest achievements of the month… picking up my novel again! It’s
been quite a while since I last looked at it, feeling that I’d really hit a
wall. So in an attempt to get going again, I have been using my Pinterest board
more as well as creating a physical board that I have up in my room. It’s made
quite a difference. I’ve gone back to basics- looking at what I want the main
story to be about and where I want it to go. It’s been interesting as I’ve now
changed the story a little, looking at a slightly different direction, but
trying not to stray too far from my original idea. I’ve changed the names of a
majority of the characters as well as giving my locations fictional names
(still based on where I wanted them to be set). I feel much better about where
it is going and what it’s about, and have already made lots of notes, done more
research. I’m currently editing what I’d already done- looking at what needs to
change or be expanded upon, as well as working on a prologue. I know most of
the writing guides will advise to complete the first draft before beginning on
the editing, but without doing this process now; I doubt I would have picked
the novel up again for quite a long time.
I have also thought about taking a trip to Cornwall in the summer- to
really get a feel for the places and where my characters belong, so plenty to
look forward to and be getting on with.
And speaking about things to look
forward to, I also have an ulterior motive for at least getting the start of my
novel right. I have applied to take part in an event at Foyles bookshop in
London, a ‘Discovery Day’ at the end of February. It will allow me the opportunity
to pitch my novel to a literary agent, and show them the first page. Who knows
what may happen, but I least want to make the most out of the experience. There
will also be a chance to attend a ‘surgery’ session, to ask as many questions
as is needed about the industry and the journey to publication, so I can’t
wait! It’s all about taking and making the most out of what is offered and
available to you, to not be scared of it all.
‘There will be unproductive days
and fruitful days, but the important thing is to show up at your desk and
write’ Rachel Hore
One area I finally feel happy with
is the creative space that I’ve now put together in which to write. I’ve had my
desk for a long time, but not always made the best use of it. But now, with
organisation and a better chair, I couldn’t picture working anywhere else. I’m
surrounded by inspiration, such as my wall of pictures, and my storyboard and
I’m much happier. One day, I would love my own writing room, separate from my
bedroom, but for now I know I’ve made the best out of what you have and it
certainly seems to be doing the trick when I sit down and put pen to paper. I
love our little library too!
'I don’t know where the journey
will take me, but I know where to start’
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