by supertwigs | Feb 14, 2011 | Books, Creativity, Writing |
2300 words or so today. It was a major breakthrough when I figured out what that little yellow note said. It is so much fun to watch my characters develop out of thin air. For anyone who has ever considered writing a novel, this is such a fun way to do it. I am amazed at how it is just happening. All of the things I have read about the process of writing are echoing in my mind. Especially Anne Lamott’s assertion that “plot grows out of character.” What better way to test that than scrambling together a novel plot in a month.
In other notes, I seem to be developing Blogger’s Arm. Let’s hope it doesn’t develop into a real RSI injury.
(This could also be a result of a rather unscheduled fall I took this weekend, attempting to walk to my car. I am starting to truly believe my assertion that I am a klutz. I never really wanted to, but this, well. The giant purple bruise on my knee speaks for itself).
by supertwigs | Feb 13, 2011 | Books, Creativity, Goals, Photography, Writing |
A few weeks ago I started reading, The Creativity Book, by Eric Maisel. It is a step-by-step weekly guide to bringing out your own creative potential, and helping you work on a specific creative goal throughout the year. So far, I am really enjoying it, and I have already attempted to create a few habits based on its suggestions:
- Make sure to carve out an hour each day for yourself, and your creative pursuits (usually at night after the kids are in bed).
- Take a few moments every morning to drink a cup of tea, sit and think of/repeat a dream you’ve always wanted to accomplish (Currently: “I have always wanted to write”)
- Make space in your home & your bookshelf for your creative projects
Okay, and it’s the last one that has been the most challenging. I never have trouble with the bookshelf, as it is always littered with way too many books that I am trying to read simultaneously. All of which, in some way, are influencing my journey towards my dreams. But the workspace is another story. I am supposed to find a space in which I want to sit and, well, muse.
So, looking around my house I found a tiny corner of the couch. It’s covered in cat hair and littered with toys most of the time, but it’s there. And, if I’m careful, some mornings I even avoid the cat puke on my way there. It isn’t much, but there is a nice lamp beside me, and there is space for my notebook on the coffee table. I am starting to find it enjoyable, because of the reading and thinking that goes on there. I wouldn’t say it is sacred, but it will do for now.
I have dreams of converting our garage of horrors into a useable space, and then a photography studio. A personal goal for another post. And when I do, because I am now bound to accomplish the things I write about here, or be shamed by my readers (see how that motivates me!), I will take some nifty before and after photos and post them, too. Yes, I just used the word nifty. Sorry about that.
So, for anyone reading this who has a creative space they love (or some tips for creating an impromptu studio in a garage!), I’d love to hear about it.
And anyone following my 30-day novel challenge: 4500 words and counting. I added a cool 2000 words today, but got stuck on a yellow sticky note. What will it say?!
by supertwigs | Feb 12, 2011 | Books, Creativity, Goals, Writing |
I recently decided to try reading, No Plot? No Problem, by Chris Baty. It is an intense introduction to writing a novel. Precisely, writing a novel in 30 days! No problem, right?
I procrastinated for months, thinking I’d like to start when the time was right. And finally decided on the month of February.
The idea is this: you have no idea how to start writing a novel, you really want to write a novel, but you’re stuck, and you procrastinate. That sound familiar? Well, it is to me.
I’ve always wanted to write, and I’ve always enjoyed writing. Whether it be high school poetry (some of my best writing, obviously), university papers (I actually did enjoy writing these, usually), or press releases and reports for work, I find the writing process enjoyable. But since I stopped writing poetry in high school, and embarked on a long post-secondary career, followed by a professional one, I have never taken the opportunity to do much creative writing.
I always figured I’d be a writer. Dreamed of it. Wanted to write children’s books. Or novels. And so here I am. Since Musings is all about me accomplishing my dreams, I figured I’d start off with a bang. Tackle one of the hardest ones.
So, No Plot? No Problem. The idea is you devote one month to writing a novel. Choose a month, and focus on it, hammering out 1600 words/day, and ending with a 50,000 novel. Not a good one – but a finished one. Or at least a finished draft. If you want to join in, by the way, NaNoWrMo (National Novel Writing Month) is in November. The book is full of great ideas, and great humour, and may possibly even get you through the process.
I started writing my speed novel on Feb. 3rd (already behind schedule), and I have only written 2500 words. So, you see I am already behind. I started with no idea what to write about. Tried one idea, hated it, and am now working through another. It’s about a single mother who has just lost her husband. When I told my husband what it was about, he said,
“creepy.”
It’s taken me awhile to get my confidence up again. Doesn’t take much when you’ve been procrastinating for months, okay, years.
Tonight, I have been interrupted while writing this at least 5 times by my wakeful 3 year-old who refuses to stay asleep.
While writing this, note, not my novel. Ahem.
Anyways, while writing this I did just realize one thing. I haven’t given up (just had to edit out the word, yet, here). No, I haven’t given up. So. Excuse me while I follow my passion.
P.S. I credit the idea of reading this book to Gretchen Ruben and The Happiness Project (another worthy read). So, now, at least I have someone to blame when – if – as if! – I fail.
Hi! I’m Kelly Woods, writer, mother & librarian. I write about beauty, creativity, green living and lifestyle design to help others live a life of inspiration, too.