January 2016- starting on a postive note

'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’

Signing off.....

I've spent most of the day working on this month's blog post only for it to disappear before I'd even finished it. After much upset and shouting, I've made the decision to sign off on the blog for now. I'm still going to record my monthly achievements, but in a document that I can save along the way- and have my continuing writing journey all in one place. Thank you to all those who have taken the time to read my blog since I started over a year ago and I'm not saying goodbye, just taking a break and maybe sometime in the future I'll feel once again that I have something worthy of sharing with the world.See you on the other side.....

Why do I write?

It's a question that I regularly ask myself, especially the days when I feel like I'm hitting a wall and no words come out on the page. When I started a just over a couple of years ago (wow, where has the time gone??) it was to fulfill the need to get those words onto the blank page, sometimes not even thinking about what's being written and letting the pen do the talking. But along the way I have certainly had my doubts, in myself and my writing and I'm sure there are a lot more to come on the journey. So why am I writing? My first reply would be because I have to. There is too much going round in my head. A wealth of ideas and notes that could be something if only I let them. I have to find a way to release all the pent up creativity, although it took me a long time to discover that writing was my way of doing that.

My next answer would be that I feel I have something to say and I want it to share it with others, even on the bad days. In fact, specifically on those days. My blog especially has helped me, sharing my journey with others and the support I have received. But there's still lots to learn along the way, the journey is far from over. The main aim being how to become a better writer. I don't like most of what I put down at first so I can only improve and that's what editing is for!

I think I would like others to read and appreciate my work. My blog and columns have so far received positive feedback, but I'm still not sure of myself in regards printing or publishing my stories. Much like any other writer starting out, I enter competitions, the themes and word count giving me  focus, particularly when other projects have come to a standstill. I've been incredibly lucky to have pieces chosen for our most recent writers group anthology as well as an online magazine, so I suppose a little of that fear has subsided.

I've read since a young age and over the years have been (and still am) inspired by many authors. Even more since I've taken up my own pen and started writing. But how do you write a book? As a relative beginner I can't say I really know. I do know that I've written the most words I've done on anything and that its still a long way off from being finished but I've currently run out of words. I hope that its just a blip and that once I pick up again, with the help of some more detailed and visual planning, the spark that ignited the idea in the first place will be renewed.

What these last few months have especially taught me is that in order to become a better writer, I need to start thinking like a writer. So that means going back to basics and planning where I want my words to go. I'm looking forward to finding out what happens next. Bust as to the question about if I have a novel in me, the jury's still out. But I'm not going to give up until I've at least had a proper shot at it.

Ending the year on a positive note? December 2015

So to start the month, we had a workshop at Writers Group. It was all about the basics of writing and I have to say that whatever stage you're at in your writing, it is good to take a look back, get down to what writing is. It was really useful, full of tips and ideas, and also taught me that its okay to have put my novel to one side until you're ready to come back to it. What I also love about the group is how different we all are as writers. Some write regularly, or try to like me, whereas others don't write as much, but they still come along, sharing their knowledge and opinions on others work. Its just made me see myself in a different light as a writer, and that its okay to have some days where I don't write much or anything at all. That's life, and other things do get in the way sometimes, but when I do take the time and have the right motivation, who knows what I'll come up with!


My last column for the year was submitted and published, and I have already started work on a few new ideas for future columns. My next will be out towards the end of January so have a little time to decide which to chose and hone, but always good to have some ready in advance, especially if there isn't anything specific at the time of publication that I want to share and talk about. I'm glad that I took the plunge and decided to be a part of the group of columnists, it has been my one constant throughout the year, particularly when I've hit a writing low on other projects, forcing me to pick up my pen and just get something down, so long may it continue.

Work is still going on some of  my short stories, but with one finished and submitted before the deadline (of today), there are still at least two more to complete and edit before they are ready to be submitted. My pieces for the Writers Group competition is nearly there, with just the last bit of editing to finish off, so will be ready long before the end of January deadline. That just leaves the last one to pick up and carry on with. I'm about half way through and hit a bit of wall so hoping that after a little break and maybe a read out at the next manuscript evening, I will have a clearer idea of where I want it to go.

Another idea suggested to me by good friends is that of looking at writing a children's book. Its something that I hadn't even considered, but it certainly worth looking into and could be an interesting and fun challenge. I'm lucky that quite a few of my friends now have small children, so they would be a good audience to start with. By no means do I think that writing for children would be easier that writing for the older audience, but I like to think that I would try my hand at things, finding out what works best for me and embracing each challenge.

In terms of other projects, my Brighton story is still a work in progress and I have also had  a couple of other ideas, one based around Christmas (maybe I'll finish before next year) and other inspired by a new book I've started reading on NetGalley, so looking forward to seeing where they take me. I actually had an idea for part of my novel the other day too , which has been a long while since I've done anything in that, so there are a lot of positives and things to work on.

#lifegoals- I'm feeling very reflective as the year ends, with what I need to do and want to do next, both with my writing as well as other parts of my life. But I hope that I'm not just chasing a dream and some of my goals, as long as I work hard at them. will one day become a reality. A couple of my new years resolutions involve both reading and writing more and I'm determined to stick to them. With reading, I'd like to try and read some more different books, and having just won another through the CSMA reading room, it seems a very good place to start. The more widely I read, the better my writing will become, that's what all the help books tell me, so time to start taking some things more on board! And lastly one thing that has struck me recently is my tidiness. Is it that that's getting in the way of my creativeness? I hope not, sometimes you can't completely change who you are, but I can certainly attempt to work with what I have, so we will see!

Another very up and down month, but as another year draws to a close, I already have ideas and plans for what I want to achieve in 2016, so keeping my fingers crossed and staying positive. Who knows what the next 12 months will bring?