July 2015

And so the month started much the same as the previous one ended. I started on some more short stories, varied ideas, spurred on by things seen around me. There is far less pressure now that I understand the format, and that each story does not need a definitive ending, or tell everything. Saying that, I have yet to finish any of them! But I have the whole summer ahead of me, with no choir or writers group, so I plan to work on some of my unfinished pieces, and hope that I'll at least complete one or two! This will then give me some more material for manuscript evenings when the term starts again. Attended the last manuscript evening and chose to read a new short story (that I actually finished so at least kept to what I said last month). This was after much doubting and under confidence in my work, so happy that I overcame that and received some lovely and constructive comments, and that's after all, what the group is for! I've been also trying to write more reviews on Goodreads each time I finish a book. Its a good practice of a different style of writing, and hopefully the authors will also get to see them!

I have now finished reading the Short Story workbook and found lots of useful tips and exercises to try out, so looking forward to experimenting with some other styles of writing. Part of me would love to do a proper writing course or a masters, but not having the funds available for either, believe that reading a variety of writing books can be just as beneficial. And who knows, maybe I'll get to go on one of those courses one day!

Just as the month started off well, it then slowed down a bit, frustratingly. I had a severe lack of confidence in my writing, and some days I drew a total blank. When I did try and write something, I thought it was rubbish and didn't like what I'd done, thinking it too simple and disjointed, losing the flow and the enthusiasm that I started with.  I know that's what editing is for, but that wasn't going through my mind at the time! Inspiration is a bit like tiny flashes, which come and go. I start off all fired up with an idea and then everything seems to disappear for a bit, hence so many unfinished pieces. I've been questioning the reason as to why I even write or, if indeed I am a writer. Sometimes I don't think so, especially on the days when the words won't flow on the page. But the fact that I even have to ask and that I get so frustrated means its important to me, otherwise I'd just give up completely. Its better to scribble ideas, one line or a quote than force myself to carry on with something that my head's not in the right place for at the time. So therefore I have decided I'm an aspiring writer at present. So its been a rather slow month for large chunks of writing as I've been finding that I keep hitting a wall when I really want to write, and although there have been a few short bursts, not as much as I would like.

As I have neared the end of the month, there has been a slight shift, and in the positive direction! First I was inspired by one of my latest books, sparking lots of ideas and giving me the oomph back to get on with my writing. I've had a few days of annual leave, which I took especially to give me some more time to write. It was a bit slow to start with- the first day was taken up with jobs and appointments, even though I was feeling inspired by my book. The second day was one of fits and starts. Although surrounded by my notebooks, with so many started projects, it was hard to know where to start. I attempted to focus by staying in my room, away from the distractions of the TV and internet, but the house was almost too quiet and my mind once more blocked up. I did manage to start another birthday poem that I then finished a couple of days later, so at least it was something. I still have work to do on my writing space and working out what I need to keep me focused, a place where I know I can just disappear into my words on the page.

Although not sure if I can yet call myself a writer, I can definitely say that I am a reader. I spend as much time as I can (and sometimes when I know I should be writing)  reading novels, magazines, biographies and useful books (note to self, don't forget poetry), glean what inspiration I can from them, whether that be a line, an idea or a quote, it all goes into my notebook for future reference. More recently these have also included what could be part of a story, such as a paragraph, so will  be good to see where these can be fitted in, or maybe be a part of something new. That's how I'm not yet a writer in the full sense of the word, still in the very beginning stages as I have yet to find that place, both physically and mentally where I can sit and find my writing voice and the perseverance that goes with it. I may have lots of unfinished pieces, but at least I've started them. I'm tired of making excuses of why I'm not writing. The only thing that's stopping me is me.

With that in mind, the last few days have been very positive. I feel properly inspired for the first time in ages. A new story has been started, once more sparked from a novel that I'm currently reading. I can already visualise the characters so excited to see where they take me, and the journey seems to be currently going smoothly! Its about time that I learned to much more proactive. I've entered two pieces to a new online literary magazine, so will see in a few weeks if they have been accepted for publication in the first issue. If not, there's always future copies to be considered for. I have some kind of place for my writing, first this blog (so that's one checked off!) and then typing up the extra parts of my Cornwall story, adding to what I have already typed. I can see where I am with it, and what still needs work, and hopefully the spark of enthusiasm will come back. In the meantime I have my new story as well as another column to be working on, as well as a few other new ideas to explore. These include attempting to start an online page or magazine, where I can share thoughts and opinions as well as pieces of writing, inviting other writers to do the same. Its something I'm quite excited about, and hopefully I can report back next month as to how that's progressing. I've also started a daily post on my Facebook page of photos- small moments from each day- some that have inspired me, and some that I just like!

And so after a month of really struggling, as I reach the end of it, I'm once more inspired and keenly writing, long may it continue!

' Believe with all your heart that you will do what you are made to do'

June 2015

When I had a very slow start to the month, I thought that was a sign of how the rest of the time would go, but oh how wrong I was (glad to say!) Lots of notes for this months blog, so here goes...

Like I said, a slow start, with a good day when I wrote more on my Cornwall story, followed by not much at all for a couple of frustrating days. I had an idea for the start of a new story, but then felt that my vision was obscured and I got upset and very frustrated at feeling that I was not able to write anything, almost trying to hard and then not liking the result. It really showed me that you can't write every day if it isn't there, but that its okay, and I shouldn't beat myself up for it (although easier said than done!). Thankfully that didn't last for the whole month. Real life does though have a habit of getting in the way, or is it that I let it? I always seem to be making excuses not to write, instead of using life to help me write. I don't seem to have time at the weekends to do much, there are always jobs to do around the house, and places to visit, things that I can't do in the week (when I'm at work). That's why it's more important that I use the lunch breaks and free evenings as much as I can (and am getting better at making more time.) Saying that, a lot of this month has also been taken up with singing- extra rehearsals and a concert as well as meeting up with various people. It hasn't left as much time as I would have liked despite my best efforts, but I have to just accept that its the way things go sometimes, as long as I don't use it as too much of an excuse!

Started on a few new story ideas ( 3 in one week, got to be a first!) Funny how the thoughts come at random times, and then I'm in a hurry to remember them before I scribble them down somewhere. Mostly things pop into my head when I'm driving or in the shower, but usually when I've just turned off my light to go to sleep, annoyingly! Saying that, better to get something down rather than being kept awake by the words swimming round in my head. You just have to go with it when the inspiration hits. Its given me lots to keep busy with, and hopefully not feel too stuck on just one thing. Sometimes it can just be a small idea, a sentence or two, or maybe a paragraph, but its all good as once that seed is sown, who knows how it will grow, and at least I'm writing.

Managed to get to one Writers Group meeting this month, but came away feeling very inspired, as always. Decided to read this time as I haven't done in a while and so glad I did. Not only did it show that I was feeling a bit more confident in my writing, but it also gave me lots of positive feedback and thoughts as to what I do next. Looking over my Cornwall story, there are lots of new parts I've written, expanding on the original story, so its now a case to trying to fit things in, and that is much easier said than done. The story in its current state is so different from my original plan, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. I just need to put it all together and see where it is going before I get lost. Is it a novel?? I'm still not sure. I don't know if I have that many words in me. But I will keep writing until I feel it is finished, however long that takes, but not put the pressure on myself that it has to be a novel. I think that's the best way to be, and then I can be pleasantly surprised by the end result!

I've also started thinking and reviewing all the the many stories that I have seem to have started, but not a lot are finished! Where are they going and how long will they be? Logically, I believe they will be short stories so now I need to decide what to include and what to leave out, and actually finish one or two! That is going to be my project and aim for the next month, so the next time that I write this, I can say that I finally have some finished work (as well as other things to read at Writers Group), so wish me luck!! I've just bought a Short Story Handbook, so hopefully that will set me going in the right direction and give me lots of useful tips. I've also given in to the latest craze and bought a couple of the adult colouring books, so hope they prove to be helpful rather than just another distraction! Bought quite a few new novels too, just can't resist a new book! Plenty on the to be read pile now....

I've been trying to read a variety of authors and styles, as well as subject in order to keep my mind open and opinions broad. I'm also a strong believer that you need to read a lot in order to become a better writer, or so I keep telling myself anyway! I can read a book and feel inspired too, often gathering ideas from what I've read, so its never a waste of time in my eyes. And I'm trying my hand at writing reviews of books on the Goodreads website, to pass onto others as well as determine what it is about a book that's inspired me.  I've tried to find other things too that I hope will help to inspire me. I've signed up to two more Future Learn courses, both starting in September. One is about Wordsworth, which will give me an insight into the mind of  a well loved poet  and his words as well as hopefully get me writing more poetry as that as fallen by the wayside since I got more involved in my many stories. The other course is all about mindfulness, the plan being that it will get me thinking better and more positively about my life, including my writing (as well as giving me more information for a story that I've started).

So as another month draws to a close, I have lots to think about and work on, Another column has been written and submitted (to come out next week), with a few future ideas already scribbled down. (At least that is a piece that I can finish!) I look forward to sharing more of my writing journey with in a few weeks time.....

May 2015

Where is this year going? I can't believe that we're already at the end of May and the summer is nearly upon us. It has been an interesting month, with plenty of writing done! It started with a new story idea, inspired by a picture of a house online, and lots of watching Location! It features the restoration of a Victorian house and I plan to base it somewhere in London (I feel a visit coming on, for research purposes obviously!) I've started writing the story and planning the characters so looking forward to seeing where it goes.

I often wonder once I get the initial inspiration how my ideas take the shape that they do. Some are similar and different, sometimes I think they are an accumulation of dreams and the many different people stuck inside me, aspirations or something else? Its a big question, and one with many answers depending on each writer, but where does inspiration really come from?? Its something I'm still trying to discover for myself.

You may remember that I was on holiday at the start of the month, and given that it was in the beautiful Lake District I was looking forward to feeling inspired and coming home with lots of new ideas, but this didn't end up being the case, disappointingly. No notes or writing done the whole time, in the wrong mind set I suppose and too busy walking to really take the time out to sit and think. But something positive did come out of it, in that I'm fired up to find more time to write and have booked some time off to do just that, I can't wait! It will give me chance to visit and revisit all the places in my head and really focus. I sat in the library the other day and surprised myself with how many scribbled ideas I came away with after just an hour! Just watching the people around me and keeping my mind open seemed to work well, taking ideas from conversations, images from other stories and lines in books, its amazing what you can come up with.

In terms of other writing projects that I've been working on, my next column was submitted and came out this week, so have to start thinking of some more ideas for the next one! I've also gone back to some of my older stories and found new inspiration of where I can take them, Its been a really positive exercise and one that will be on going. I found it had been better to leave them, and then come back after a time, but not forget them. This has also been the case on my could be novel, my Cornwall story. Having left it for a while and work on new and old projects, I've come back to it again in the last week or so and have been really pleased with how much I've achieved on it so far. I believe its important to not just focus on one thing as a new writer, I've found you just hit a wall and really feel stuck, which is when your good writing disappears. I've certainly found it a huge positive to have lots of different ideas and things on the go, my writing is much better for it too! Still being a novice to my creativity, I'm writing because I need to, whether or not it comes to be considered to be anything in the eyes of the world, Maybe that day will come sometime in the future, but for now I'm doing it for the work itself and the feeling of creativity and inspiration it gives me. Maybe this is the place I can start to share things, when I feel  ready and see what happens?!

So to round off the month, I just want to share with you how important it is when you are starting out as a writer to make sure that you surround yourself with like minded people. Joining the writers group has to be one of the best decisions I have made in the last year or so. I get to share my works in progress with them and receive useful feedback, as well as the meetings providing me with lots of new ideas and things to remember. Just last night I went to an Open Mic night with some of my fellow group members, meeting with other local writers groups and hearing such a variety of pieces, it was a very inspiring way to spend an evening, plus I won a book token! It did help that the meeting took place in a bookshop,,,, So if like me, you feel the need to free some of the creativity within you, don't be scared to take that first step, there's an amazing world of words just waiting out there for you to come and find!

April 2015

'The world is but a canvas to our imagination'

And so we near the end of another month, this year is certainly rushing by! Its funny looking back over the last few weeks, thinking that I haven't done very much, when in actual fact, I've done more than I thought! I've found that I seem to write in fits and starts and although I attempt to do something everyday, sometimes it will only be a short paragraph and other days I can write lots and am really inspired. I get do distracted that's my problem,  what with social media or pinning, it becomes addictive, or just generally letting life get in the way! I guess the best way is to find a time that suits me to sit and write, and get the balance of everything else right. I'm still working on it!

I've tried to spend some time reading too, not just novels, but also helpful books. I'm currently halfway through Stephen King's 'On Writing' and it is certainly an interesting read, including some good and useful tips for aspiring writers, I like the way he writes about his own writing journey, it is definitely inspiring. I've read a number of different books this month, for a variety of reasons. One was an autobiography of someone starting a new life in Cornwall, so I've used that to inspire parts of my own story and research into the local areas. Others have been purely for the chance to escape, isn't that why most of us pick a book up? Each has been different, some chick lit and others more contemporary fiction, but each have inspired me in different ways. The 'To be read' pile is increasing with the purchase of some new titles, so I'm excited to explore yet more new worlds before I go to sleep. In order to better research my Oxford story and another based around a vintage shop, I've bought new books and am working my way through, taking notes. Research is an important part of the process, and the need to make sure things are correct.

I've started a couple of new story ideas, which I'm looking forward to exploring further. I've found that most of the ideas I have are based on either my own personal feelings or a kind of dream world, someone else that I would rather be, but it seems as good a place as any to start. I'm keen to also start thinking of ideas that sit out of my comfort zone, see how far I can push myself. This has been especially prevalent with my poetry recently. Last week, at Writers Group, I decided not to read anything as felt that what I had brought with me was too simple and personal and not good enough, As a writer, I believe there will always be days like that, that's what rewriting is for!  That's what got me thinking about trying some different ideas, see how I get on, so I will keep you updated!

I'm still working on trying to find my own writing space and time that works best for me. I have a desk at home (currently sitting at it to write this), but don't always find that it does the job. I seem to get inspiration and ideas at the most inconvenient times, like when I'm driving or in the shower, and scribbling is not an option. I try and get down as much as I can following these moments, but then find when I do have the time to sit and write, nothing comes and I feel flat or like I've hit a wall. I guess I still have to work on it! I've created an inspiration board next to my desk as well as sticking pictures in my notebooks to help spark something for the stories that I'm already working on, and this has proved to be a useful tool.

My latest column was published in the middle of the month and I've already started working on the next- with one less person on the rota, I seem to be submitting at least once a month now, but keeps me on my toes and good practice to be working to a deadline, just hope the ideas don't start to run dry. And finally, another useful tool that I've discovered this month is a website called 'Novelicious' and I love it! Its a women's fiction blog for both readers and writers, with lots of useful tips, inspiration and articles, I thoroughly recommend it!

So that's all for this month. Off on hols in a week, and I can't wait! I'm in need of a break and who knows what stories and poems will be stirred up, we will see....

P.S. A few pictures below, wanted to share with you some of the writing spaces that I have been using, whether at my desk, sitting out in the sun, or in the library at work! I thought you would also like to see my latest column, its so inspiring to see yourself in print, however small the publication!

March 2015

Another busy month! The weekend away at the end of February sparked some new ideas for poems on the car journey down, so very refreshing! Started an idea for a story based on one of the girls and well as notes for my poem postcards. All my friends asked about how my writing was going and that was certainly a huge confidence boost. Got me off to a good start for the month too.

I've taken the decision to try and focus my lunch breaks at work on writing, therefore the book now stays at home! It seems to be working well and I enjoy the time to try and separate myself from the work worries. I've now typed up how far I've got with both my Cornwall and Oxford stories, and it's meant that I know where I am and can now plan where I go next. New research as well as positive feedback from two manuscript evenings for Writers Group have sparked inspiration and visiting the Oxford Literary Festival last week was just as useful! Both myself and my sister made visits to Oxford colleges in order to research our stories more and get a feel for where they are set, mine in Balliol and hers in Hertford, and they were very beneficial visits, so just need to put some of that inspiration down on paper now, can't wait! Writers Group has been influential in getting me going again, when I was just starting to hit a bit of a wall and get stuck. One idea offered was a writing task on the cottage in Cornwall, to get down on paper all the visions in my head, even the smallest details, its certainly been a very useful exercise, and look forward to putting parts into my story. I've also started character profiles and planning maps for both the stories, before I get too carried away and it again has been very useful. A few of the members also commented that based on what they'd already heard of my Cornwall story, that it could be a novel. I'd never really thought of it like that, it started out as a short story, but who knows? Certainly another boost to the confidence at least!

That's what been the most interesting part, when I look back on my original idea and where the stories started, they've already changed so much and I'm still yet to find out where they are going, it's certainly an exciting journey so far, and I'm looking forward to what lies ahead.

I also took some time to type up all the poems I'd started in my notebook, and was surprised with how many were actually in there! I've scribbled a few new ones recently too, and it was good to go back to where I started, as I've been so distracted with stories recently. I've also had my most recent column published as well as working on and finishing the next one, so always something to work on! So that's about all for this month, and I shall expect more of the same in the next four weeks, just happy so long as I'm writing!

February 2015

Okay, so not quite the end of the month, but going away for the weekend and trying to get everything done! It has been a good month overall I think, and its only as I look back, I realise how much I've actually achieved. I finished typing up my 'Broken Links' story about two best friends who fall out. Its only a short story, but I'm really pleased with it. The idea came from a couple of films that I liked and I incorporated ideas from these into my two main characters. I'd made a few notes from each of the films and this formed most of my research, most of the inspiration just coming from my imagination, which, although a majority of my original stories do come from my thoughts, some require more in depth research, depending on where I want the story to go. I wasn't sure what I would do next once this story was done, but I didn't have long until I was onto the next thing! I have had two or three other ideas for short stories that I've currently started and spent time on researching so looking forward to seeing where they take me. I've had some days where I feel I've hit a bit of a wall, and not written much at all, and I've tried to fill the time instead with reading and research online, trying to spark some inspiration. Other days there just hasn't been enough time to fit in all the writing that I want to do, but I guess that's just the nature of the game.

I submitted two entries for writing competitions this month, so despite that fact that I may not win or even be shortlisted, I feel positive just that I entered. One was a poetry competition, and  I have to admit that I didn't write anything new for this as I already had a few finished poems that fitted into the theme. The other competition was for short stories, again under a specific theme, so this involved coming up with a new idea, as well as keeping within the required word count!  Following advice from a local and well known author (Rowan Coleman, thank you) I will certainly be looking to enter plenty more competitions (preferably free!) in order to try and get some of my writing noticed. It was a good exercise to work to a deadline as well as exploring new ideas, and out of my comfort zone. I'm really happy to say that some of this has also rubbed off on my sister. After months of feeling stuck and that she had lost her ability to write, she also entered both the competitions, coming up with lots of new ideas for the short story, so finally she is getting her mojo back, so long may it continue. I find that having each other to bounce and share ideas with has helped me  and without her I don't think I would be where I am now in my writing.

My next column will be published in the next week, and being given the rota well in advance allowed me to explore a number of ideas before selecting my submission. I have a whole list of ideas already in my notebook, which I keep adding too, and having written up three of them for this next column, my only reason for picking the one that I did was the time of year. Something I want to work on for the column is the voice that I use, and this hasn't come across in a couple of the ideas. Still, I'm reasonably new to this, so I would hope this would come with time and experience,

Only managed one Writers Group meeting this month, but was a good one! It was a workshop with a local author and we were given information on how to get published as well as getting started as a writer. I wasn't sure how much I would take away from this as still not sure I have a novel in me, but has certainly given me a insight and will not give up! One piece of advice that particularly stuck with me was about starting with short stories and keep entering competitions, so at least I know I'm currently in the right place. In regards a novel, I'm still working on my Cornwall story, but have tried to rein in what I'm doing, so I'm clear on the direction I want the story to go. I've been doing more research as well as reading other novels, that include similar themes and ideas that I want to incorporate. I have lots more that I have scribbled over the month to type up and its certainly not finished yet, so not sure how long it will be! I have a feeling that although longer than all the other stories that I've done, it will still come under the short story category, but we will see! I like the fact that I have a number of things that I've started, it means I can put one down and come back to it, but in the meantime, be looking at something else, keeping the mind busy! I've scribbled a few new poems in between other things too, in the hope that I don't lose the one thing that got me writing in the first place, keep all the options open! I have a fun idea of using poems as presents for friends, so looking forward to exploring that further.

So that ends another month.Who knows what I will do and where I will go next, but have plenty to keep busy with in the meantime, so long as I just keep writing!

January 2015

Happy New Year to you all!

Its been a long month, but feel that I have managed to achieve quite a bit. My second column came out at the start of the month, so that was a good positive at the beginning of the year. I have found out that my next one is not until the start of March, but have already started working on a few new ideas, so will pick from those as to what the next one will be. In order to gain some new inspiration, generally for writing, my sister and I attended a Writing Symposium at the University. It gave us a chance to hear from published writers, 1 author and 2 poets, and was really interesting, lots of notes taken on writing techniques and tips, as well as new ideas, so really pleased that we decided to go. Had a chance to talk to the author and bought one of her books too, and she gave us some lovely comments when we explained what we were doing already. Following that, I have also joined a couple of online book groups, which give people the chance to share ideas and books, as well as Q&A sessions with well known authors- the tips will keep on coming hopefully and I am finding out more all the time.

In regards to my own writing I have been feeling quite inspired. I've finished the short story that was inspired by the film and am in the process of typing it up, I'm not sure about the ending, but I'm sure as I type, new thoughts and ideas will come to light, That's happened with my Cornwall story recently. I'd come to a bit of a wall, so thought I would start to type it up and see where I got to. As I typed, the inspiration and visions started to flow, and I had to keep stopping to scribble things down. So now I am continuing to write the story using some of my new ideas and expanding on what I'd already done, so we will see how it goes.... I've also found that I write well either in the car (if on my own) or on campus, good to have a place where you know you can go and feel that you will be able to achieve something, so long may it continue. Try to write at least every day, even if its only a little, it all helps towards the end product. Because I have spent a lot of time working on the two stories and column ideas, its been a while since I've done much poetry. One done this month, and will continue to scribble ideas as they form. I put all my finished pieces and columns into a file and was amazed at how much I'd done, you forget when they aren't all in one place,

Only able to attend one Writers Group this month and was a Crime Writing Workshop, I wasn't sure beforehand, but took a piece that I had started as part of the fiction course along anyway. As it turned out, I got a lot more out of it than I expected- notes as well as positive feedback on my piece and an idea for another story! So just goes to show that I should always try and make the group, even when I'm not sure as  might be pleasantly surprised!

So that's another month done and still much to work and keep busy with. Hoping to enter some writing competitions soon too, seems to be the way to get noticed, as well as getting used to submitting work, so who knows what the next few months will bring.....