I Feel. . .

...void of energy.

.... like I've had a rough couple of days.

...accomplished for finishing two writing pieces.

...like going to bed. Right now :(

...grumpy

... and sick

CAN WE START THIS WEEK AGAIN?
...

Poetry is Memories

The last few weeks, I’ve decided to take a different approach to writing once again. What prompts that I’ve listed and were going to use for stories—have now entered poetry territory.

It seems like the more I say a word, the more memories that are prompted because of that single word. Which are then rhymed and twisted around, until it’s just like I remembered it.

When Your Writing Takes a Detour (Some sentences and ramblings)

Life is full of so many things. Work, school, life in general--as well as a great number of things that could consume time. Mine is: we've had some family things going on that have worried me and kept me thinking, when I should be writing.

I only seem to write when inspired--which is often why I don't seem to give too many personal posts in one month, and somewhat why my posts have slowed down and have been put on the back burner.

Some Sentences

I rewrote the first chapter of "The Life of Alexx Craig" today. This story is also a spin-off  of one of my stories called Project X. I'm not really sure why I started this story, because I've started a lot of other stories already. Crazy? I know that!

My first love is writing. My second is playing The Sims 2, which I have often referred to on this blog. Granted, I bring this up since "The Life of Alexx Craig" is in Sims 2 style.

Nerdy

I feel progressive today--eating these babies while writing. I've written 600 words for Chapter Thirty Six of "May I". Came up with a title, from a song that I've been listening to. I have a general game plan for more of a second or third chapter (I haven't decided yet) for "The Life of Alexx Craig". Kind of a spin off from my story "Project X", as well as a completely random idea. Of course that usually happens when I'm playing the Sims 2...my other love.

You can usually see any upcoming storylines here for "The Life of Alexx Craig" and I've also started a page for this blog to keep up with any story updates. I can interact with more people, which is kind of nice--and better for visual people, like myself. The good thing that I've found out about both of these pages is that you don't have to have a Facebook account to see them. However, there is a bad side to not having one, and that would be that you won't be able to comment.

I'll still be updating (or at least having automatic posting) on twitter for the blog, but most all other updates or comments will be on those two pages. And now  I need to get back to writing; possibly eating some dinner and adding more pictures...I mean storyline ideas. A writer's work is never finished! :)

The Highlights of My Saturday

10:00 AM- Folded some towels. Apparently, procrastination is my friend because those towels have been sitting there, unfolded, for the longest time. It is also the first mountain of laundry that I have to fold. Trust me. The things I put off for writing (and other things.) :D


10:12- Sitting in bed, in my pajamas. 


10:18-Decided to read more of The Lost Hero. Only 142 pages left to go. Still on the same book that I was on a month ago. Whoops! 


10:30- Enjoyed a chocolate while reading. Valentine's chocolate. I do have to admit that I do have any chocolate left because I've kind of forgotten about it, and been sick and totally not in the mood to eat it (and I am a BIG chocolate lover--so that's saying something)

10:49-131 pages left to read in "The Lost Hero"
11:00-Listening to music and trying to get some writing done. 

11:45- 335 words written. That's all while breaking up a fight between my cat and dog. I know--epic. 

12:18- Started reading over my lesson for church. Again...procrastination, working and sickness is to blame. 

Lunch time- Found an article on Carol King & Louise Goffin who wrote the theme song for Gilmore Girls.

A Little Doodle of Inspiration

I've been meaning to do this post, but I've either been VERY busy, or sick. But I just have to say that I got my book Creative Doodling & Beyond by Stephanie Corfee on Valentine's Day. I have to say that I haven't found my doodling niche just yet (as you see from the above picture), but I'm intrigued by all the ideas that are in this book. 

The Community

Once upon a time I had this idea, to which I thought it was a little crazy. I mean . . . what's one more thing to stretch the mind a little? When I shared this idea with a couple of my figment friends-- they were nice and told me that creating a little community area was a great idea.

I've been writing for the past six, almost seven years and sometimes I feel like I just blow through life without really communicating with anyone. I know there are other writers out there who just need that little push, or wish that they could talk to other authors that in a sense--they love. 

I think it's nice to have twitter, comment and review boxes--but even at times I even think that can be a bit informal at times (or even missed after being written). So I thought . . . why not have a place where I can communicate with those who take the time to review or comment on anything that I've written. 

So, I've put a widget on the side, or you can click on "My Community" at the top of this page and either one will take you to the board. I hope to chat with you see you there!!

I Think I've Finally Found My Place

I love having different places to write and put what I write, so others can read it too. There was a time when I really wanted to keep what I was writing was private--just because some things I write about are about things near and dear to my heart.

If you're an author (or have ever written something) you know that it's even better when people respond and lift you up because of what you write. In a way . . . everyone wants to be accepted for whatever they do. It's called being human. That and I think I've finally found my place. It's called figment.com, and I don't think I could have found a better group of individuals who truly make me feel like I can keep writing. People who edge me on to write more--even though I hadn't written a poem for the longest time--I did again last night.

Not trying to turn this into some sappy post. but THANK YOU! Thank you for giving me the inspiration as a writer.

Organize, Organize, Organize!

Slowly, I'm getting around to organizing the blogs that I'm following (Artsy, cutesy...eh, you get the picture), as well as to adding those that I've been following on my personal blog (that is now closed). I decided in November that I would stop complaining blogging. As much as I was going through a hard time...that hard time kind of died and I've moved on just slightly. It seems like the only time I could blog was when I was focusing on the negative things that were pulling me down. In fact, it's amazing to see the things that come out when you're really writing from the heart--some things that you don't even expect that you were thinking of in the first place. But it is kind of fun to go back and see how much I've grown from the experience.

Ick. And I'm still sick...which isn't any fun. I feel like I did before I found out that I had tonsillitis. Sadly, I had this feeling for about eight months; colds that wouldn't go away, coughing (sometimes coughing so hard that I couldn't eat), sore throats, fevers, fatigue and of course working so much that I felt like my head was going to explode, all experienced before anyone could figure out what it was. The doctor I went to last year (otolaryngologist, an ear-nose-and-throat specialist.) it took almost five minutes to tell me that I needed to get surgery to get my tonsils out. Everything went away after the surgery, but I always get a bit nervous that it'll come back somehow.

In Lieu of a Blog Post

In lieu of a personal post (of which I haven't done in awhile), here are some things that I'm going to roll into one post--mostly because I don't feel well and haven't been for the last couple days. My concentration has seemingly diminished during this time.. excuse me.

#1-Daily Inspiration #29 

Source: leloveimage.blogspot.com via Pinterest

Writing to the Music

Source: denverpianolessons.info via Abby on Pinterest

Are you an author who has to have music playing as you write? A specific music list for the story that you’re typing out on the computer?

If you raised your hand, I’ve raised mine right along with you. I can only find myself writing in silence for so long before I have to have some distraction in the background—whether it be the TV, or music.

In the New Year!

Now that the holidays are mostly over, and as we prepare for the New Year . . . it's time to spend some time recovering. The shopping has been finished, presents have been wrapped, the cookies have been prepared, baked and received; Christmas dinner has been eaten and presents have been unwrapped.

Now it's time to enjoy the gifts that we have received, while remembering the true meaning of why we celebrate Christmas each and every year. We'll write, sing, laugh, cry, have loved ones who die, go through trials, bring in life, get married, buy a house, etc--for another year.

And so, we go on.

In the New Year, we'll stay up until midnight to ring in the New Year. Some will be drinking cider--others alcohol--while others will be out partying with friends. But whatever you're doing to celebrate: remember to be safe. I hope to see you all in the New Year! :)

I've Hit a 31,000+ Word Count. Now Can I Get Back to Work?

As Nanowrimo comes a close tomorrow, I find myself saying that I got close enough to the goal of nanowrimo. Even though I didn't actually reach the 50,000 goal... I am definitely giving myself a pat on the back [And you should too--for all that you've accomplished] for writing a story in 30 days.

I keep asking myself, "Now can I get back to work?". And when I say getting back to work: I mean business. You know . . . that fanfiction that I was doing so well on updating that I suddenly neglected; due to being eventually overwhelmed by writing and creating a story for nanowrimo? Yeah, that one. 

I'm pretty sure that even though I left a little pardoning note with the one chapter I managed to turn out this month of November, was followed by a note that I would be participating in Nanowrimo--and updates would be a little slow until December.

Can't say that my fellow followers could possibly be a little antsy, even though the chapter turned out on a good note this time and not some cliffhanger. You're welcome. 

Now back to work :)

Peter Piper, picked a bunch of peppers…

As we get down to the very end of nanowrimo, I have to say that I'm quite surprised at the outcome--but could not forget to leave out the fact that I'm panicking a little as the days dwindle down to nothing. Being able to keep up the writing for most of the time, I finally succumbed to not writing for a little bit and took a break.

So here I am . . . cramming and writing a bunch of things that have come from the creativity of my mind. I'm spending every minute tapping on the computer, and trying to write as much as I can because it’s Thanksgiving weekend. Not to mention that this week is going to be kind of chaotic.

I’m kind of afraid that time will slip away from me. In fact, I’m pretty sure that it already has, and I haven’t written as much as I wanted to in hopes of catching up.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. And whatever the plans may be in my head, aren’t the same out loud—especially after traveling for many hours and reaching destination and home on the same day.

From My Nano Mailbox

Thought I would share this with you (from my nano mailbox): 

First, congratulations on making it through week one! I hope you had a good time, and that your story cooperated. Even if it didn't. the fact that you're even trying means that you're doing something amazing.

Now, for the bad news... it's time for Week Two. Week Two is like a depressed sulky teenager. Your characters may stop cooperating with you, and just sit there staring at you dumbly. Your villain may refuse to do anything villainous. You may despair of ever finishing this novel, and wonder why you thought you could. Well, don't panic! This happens to many writers during NaNo, and lots of people get through it.

To help you get through it, here's some tips:

* Make sure you write something every day. Even if it's not as much as you need, write. Every word helps.

* Try using word sprints. Set a timer for 15 minutes, and write as fast as you can. You'll be surprised.

* Do something crazy. Add ninjas. Blow up a building. Make your characters join the circus.

If you need advice, feel free to post on the forums, or hop into the chatroom. It's been busy this year, and there is almost always someone ready to answer your questions. You can find the link on the forums. While on the forums, make sure to check out the regional calendar. We have lots of events scheduled, and hopefully there's one near you. If there's not, and you feel like organizing one, please do. And then let me know, and I'll post it in the calendar!

One last note: Today is the first 'Back Up Your Novel Day'. Nothing sucks more than creating an amazing (or at least not horrible) novel, and then losing it. So, back it up! Email it to yourself. 

Copy it to a flash drive. Set up a Dropbox account. Print out a copy and store it in a safe. Whatever makes you feel confident it won't get lost. Just make sure you have copies in more than one place.

Thank you all for being such a great group. I really appreciate how easy you all make my job.

Matthew Walker
Happy Cat Herder

----

Okay, so anything that encourages bringing in the ninjas and blowing up buildings . . . I'm all in. But wait! Do the ninjas blow up the building? Or does that require turning the characters of the story into ninjas first? I think either would be interesting. While we're at it, let's blow up a boat. Throw some fruits and vegetables at the corn. Learn how to fly while on a motorcycle. 

Now what ideas can you think of to break the Nanowrimo writer's block?  

Survival Mode

When I was walking outside in the cold winter’s night—bundled up pretty much from head to toe—my hand around the leash that kept my dog from getting too far ahead. It started off as nothing, but the mores steps I took—the more I thought about how it would be to sleep outside, and how long one could be out there before one froze.

In my mind, I added in a blow up mattress, a cabin or tree house and best of all—ten layers of blankets. Somehow, I didn’t think that I would ever be able to do that. So the next best thing was torturing my Sims.

That’s right—I’m not writing at the moment. At least not for the thing I’m supposed to be writing for. In fact, I feel like the Sim I’m torturing, and making her sell fish while she lives in a tent.

If I Haven't Yet Lost My Mind

• Planning for Nanowrimo
• Writing 'May I' 
• Writing prompts
• Writing poetry
• Keeping up a writing blog

So on and so on...

I tend to switch off between the five of these. Mostly try to keep the writing blog updated w/ blogs that will be posted at a scheduled time. I haven't quite learned how to juggle everything yet, so bear with me. 

Doing It In Style: Details of Nanowrimo

• Main characters

I have my main characters ready to go, which basically outlines the story. I don't really have a whole story in mind yet--and I'm pretty sure that I won't, until we can start writing in November.

• Sub characters

Going to keep adding to the sub characters as much as possible. Might not use all of them, but at least there will be plenty of choices to choose from--as well as when you have character details.

• Character details
• Setting details

And that's all I have right now. 

Splitting the Focus

I admit that I haven't been the best at it-- but I'm currently splitting on my focus now writing poetry, fanfiction, and now working on coming up with an outline for Nanowrimo as well, come November. It's not the easiest thing though, not just focusing on one thing.

I'll take a long period of time on one thing and when I feel like moving on, or if there's some kind of emotional toll weighing down, I'll go back to poetry to give that emotional release and so on and so on. There are also times when I don't feel like writing at all, or have the blasted writer's block.

What about you? Do you split your focus when writing?