To me writing a diary, or journal, is about senses; I’m capturing my memories using my senses as well as my thoughts. This is one of the reasons why I handwrite my diary; even though I type quicker than I write I like the sensation of pen on paper and believe it helps my thoughts flow. I’ve written a diary on and off since I was eleven and have used a variety of diaries and Continue Reading …
What is your writing legacy?
So you write everywhere. You write on the computer, paper and any random paper you come across. You’ve got novels, articles, screen plays, journals and short stories. You’ve got pieces finished, unfinished and barely drafted. You understand where each piece is filed, but does any one else? If you were to die tomorrow would people be able to find all your writing, and would they do what you want with it or just bin it? Continue Reading …
Finding the time to write…how?
It is easy to say you want to write, but it is much harder to find the time; or find the time when you feel inspired or motivated. Frequently when I feel inspired to write (like now) I feel guilty that I should be doing something else like tidying, cleaning or looking after baby! Recently I’ve been reviewing one of my old journals and notice this is not a new challenge. And that was before Continue Reading …
Making writing resolutions
With Christmas almost here it means the new year and the traditional time for making resolutions is not far away. I’m not a fan of new year resolutions because I believe it adds too much pressure and you are more likely to achieve the outcome if you set well developed goals at a time appropriate to you and not necessarily defined by a calendar. However, having said that, this year I have a desire to Continue Reading …
Writing a novel in a year (or shorter)
Do you want to write a novel and either can’t find the time or don’t make much progress each time you sit down? If so you may benefit from a writing programme that provides ideas and structure for each writing session. My husband knew I was not finding much time to write and although I made some progress each time I sat down I got frustrate because I didn’t feel my writing was cohesive. So Continue Reading …
Nanowrimo – deciding whether to participate
Its the first of November and that means two things; it’s time to grow a mustache and to write a novel in a month. As I’m challenged in the facial hair area, I concentrate on Nanowrimo. At first it sounds daunting, writing 50,000 words in a month, but after thinking a bit harder the enthusiasm kicks in and you think yes I can write 1600 words a day, so you sign up and then reality Continue Reading …
Are you a writer or reader first?
Do reading and writing always go together? Many times I’ve read the advice that if you want to be a good writer you need to read a lot. But does it work the other way; can you get more pleasure from reading by writing lots? I love reading; in fact my love of reading is greater than my love of writing. I like to read a variety of topics and formats. For instance I’m currently Continue Reading …
What are your fantasy writing locations (and do you use them)?
Do you have a place where you’d like to write? Do you have a favourite place to write? How do they match to where you usually write? My fantasy is writing in the middle of things going on around me; I’m so desperate to write I’ve just had to stop and get my pen out. When I see this in my head I’m sat on the stairs at school (I think this maybe an image Continue Reading …
NaNoWriMo 2007 – just over a month away
The National Novel Writing Month starts on 1st November when thousands of people will aim to complete a 75,000 word novel in 30 days. I participated for the first time in 2006 (I think this is the main culprit for my keyboard letters wearing away ) and was a winner, meaning I completed the challenge. I am intending to participate again this year, although it is going to be more difficult writing 2,500 words a Continue Reading …
Personal history; what records are we leaving in the digital age?
I’ve had a lovely long weekend at my parents and had the opportunity to catch up with lots of family I haven’t seen in a long time, including sisters, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. A topic of frequent conversation was tracing the family tree because my sister and several other family members have been working on ours for many years. It is amazing the information available to trace your family back generations, including their livelihood Continue Reading …