Putting Pen to Paper

27 May
Writing

Writing (Photo credit: jjpacres)

Putting the pen to paper, AKA free form writing

I’ve been itching to do this for so long.  I can longhand write anytime, anywhere. Yet I still feel the need to type out the words for them to count as writing. I remind myself  longhand writing does count. In fact it feels more creative. Raw. Uncensored. It’s amazing what junkyard thoughts and brilliant nuggets of words show up on the page.

Putting the pen to paper is like meditating. Words flow out. My creative genius presents itself and the writing emerges. Is free form, writing a waste of time? I don’t think so. In fact, I’ve decided to include it with my daily writings. It limbers my brain–like a warm up before the event.

I dug out my morning pages. I took Julia Cameron’s  The Artist’s Way journey almost three years ago.

 

I wrote my morning pages religiously for over six months. The scrawled writings surprised me. I read angry paragraphs, pity parties, and jealous stories (which I didn’t realize at the time of writing).  I also read inspiring words, heartfelt memoirs, and rib tickling anecdotes.

Here’s to Putting Pen to Paper!

How do you connect with your creative genius?

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Quick Drive By

19 May

Making a quick drive by. Coffee’s brewing. Time to get ready for our District 52 Spring Conference today. I’m to be the Evaluations Speech Contest Toastmasters, plus, I need to meet everyone at 6:00 a.m. to help set up.

I’m looking forward to my regular writing schedule again. Keep sending those blogs : )!

 

Janet

 

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I’m Back, Changes & Gratitude

12 May

I’m Back!

I’m almost finished with the craziness. My fingertips are itching to type non-stop. I miss blogging and reading everyone’s blogs. I miss writing about the main characters in my novel, Stevie and Adam and their surrounding events. 

Outside of Writing Realm: I’ve almost completed earning my Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) Designation.  I’ll be the Evaluations Toastmaster on May 19th at the District 52 Spring Conference in Glendale, CA; I’m wrapping up my final responsibilities as Club President at Toastmasters 4 Writers in Burbank CA,  and Division E Governor in Downtown LA, District 52.

Life is about change–expected and not expected. I am truly grateful for all the changes taking place in my life.  I agree with my fellow Toastmaster colleague, Ricky Powell–the Happiness Guy–about being grateful. Gratitude opens many doors; it takes the weight of stress off your shoulders and opens your heart. Ricky writes down three things he’s grateful for everyday. It’s a wonderful exercise. I also use the “Magic Rock” exercise as my anchor. I hold it in my hand and think about something that I’m really grateful for the day–every day. Tonight, I held the rock and gave thanks for ending of my Toastmasters responsibilities and my job. Then I gave thanks for the  new opportunities that await me.

My last day of work is on June 29th. I am no longer sad that my job is coming to an end. I’m focusing on getting a new job–a career–something that is challenging and fun. I’m also finishing up the first draft of my novel.  Rewrites are on the horizon.

I’m joining a writers group; or possibly a salon. I’ll keep writing, blogging and job hunting and enjoy the wonders of life.

What are you grateful for? What changes await you?

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To my fellow Writers & Bloggers

15 Apr

Dear Fellow Writers & Bloggers,

I wanted to let you know that I haven’t disappeared and am not overlooking your blog posts. They inspire me to keep on writing :) .  I promise I will be more interactive as soon as I wrap up my barrage of events.

Looking forward to reading your motivating and creative blog posts.

Sincerely,

Janet

Writing is Like Exercising

15 Apr

I’ve been extremely busy for the last two weeks and will be for the next month. Now more than ever,  I need to practice what I preach. In addition to working full time, being a wife and a mother, I’m a Toastmaster: where I am a District Leader and President of my home club, Toastmasters 4 Writers. 

I’ve missed a couple of novel-writing days last week. I made an honest effort not to beat myself up. Looking at my writing from a positive perspective, I’ve given several speeches in the last few weeks–I’ve been writing speeches just about everyday. Then I gently reminded myself that writing is like exercising.

Credit-sampson-annoited-tech-resources.com

If you stop exercising, your muscles will atrophy–degenerate. Something similar takes place in writing: When you start missing your sessions, your creativity becomes stifled. Your muses vanish.  That said, I need to pick up where I left off to continue my adventure in writing my novel, Intrigue. 

Credit: didyouwearthat.com


How do you keep on top of your writing when life happens?

Like Minded Multitasking Writers

4 Apr

Many writers write full time and make a decent if not incredible living. Most others write part time, hold jobs, have kids, participate in outside activities such as church, taking care of an elderly parent or have an online business.  Yet millions of writers dream of making it big–which is fine. But even more writers make little or no money; they write anyway. The common bond? We write because we love it. We enjoy working with our muses, the solitary time, the moments or hours of creating, editing and sweating. We write because it is our labor of love.

While I enjoy my labor of love and do make time to write–I sometimes feel like I’m being pulled in many directions. I tell myself, You will write no matter what. Just write!

I want to create with people who are in the same boat as me: busy writers who are writing their first novels and want to successfully complete this task.  I do not intend to write short stories right now–I can and have done this.  Completing the novel for me is like finishing a marathon–I will get to the finish line. But it would fun and inspiring to arrive at this destiny with other first time novelists.

I have a question for you.  How does a super busy person (like myself) go about finding a supportive like-minded writers group? So that she can keep on top of completing her novel–complete the process from writing, to editing, to publishing it.

Thanks for your suggestions.

Janet

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Updated: Lucky 7 Memes–Be Sure to Check ‘Em Out

28 Mar

The other day, I chose and put links for my Lucky 7 Memes. I apologize for not being very computer literate. Below are their websites. Check ‘em out.

Five Reflections, where you can read well crafted and descriptive haikus and short stories. See http://fivereflections.wordpress.com/

On Being a Teenage Writer. Mac is a genius. I love reading his blog and getting his perspective on things from a teen’s perspective. See http://onbeingateenagewriter.wordpress.com/

JenniferEaton.com Jennifer knows her stuff. I appreciate her tips and honesty. See http://jennifermeaton.com/

I like  reading a quick 30 Minute Fiction:  I appreciate Nick Roylnd’s blog. Here you can add your fictional works and interact with other writers. See http://30minfiction.wordpress.com/

Brian’s blog called  “An Inked Life” shares original and unique short stories and his experiences as a writer, a father and husband. Sorry, I believe Brian’s starting up a new website–Brian please advise your new website.

If you are ready to Nail Your Novel,  then be sure to read British extraordnaire Roz Morris’ blog.  She’s a novelist and ghostwriter–and provides lots of useful writing advice. See http://nailyournovel.wordpress.com/

Be sure to check out Abominations. Novelist Marc Schuster’s writings resonate with me. I can’t wait to read The Grievers–coming out May 2012. See http://marcschuster.wordpress.com

All of you rock and inspire me to keep on writing. Thanks again Kirsten from A Scenic Route and Write A Book With Me. Go to: http://ascenicroute.wordpress.com and http://wabwm.com

Hopefully these will work. Happy Blogging.

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