A place where you can be human.
As writers we can get overly focused on the story and forget all about the journaling aspects. Journaling your thoughts throughout the day or during your writing time, can really help keep you invested in the story. When I’m trudging through a rough edit session, my journal is what gets me through. I leave myself notes for the next day to remind me where I left off. Don’t underestimate the value of your journals.
Do you use a journal?
We’re going back to the basics tonight. Some things are hard, but that’s no excuse to not do them. Doing something that challenges you literally reshapes your brain. Doesn’t matter what it is. Learning to communicate better, learning a new skill, upleveling your business, having a tough conversation. It all has moments where we have to be intentional about facing them.
A lot of the time, I wish things could be easier. But that’s not really what I want. I love learning new things! I just need to remind myself that from time to time.
So I happened across this author not too long ago. He has an interesting writing style. I typically appreciate Literary Fiction but Wendig writes more Horror and Suspense. I feel super chill while reading his book titled, “The Book of Accidents.” I don’t ever remember reading this genre with such calm. It weird because it’s not so calm, I lose interest in the story. I’m invested at this point. I need to know if the guy in the electric chair really disappeared.
Writers are just so infinitely magical to me. I don’t understand how they do what they do. Even with all the writing groups and reading and workshops I’ve done, I can’t figure out how some writers capture me the way they do.
What writer’s work have you connected with lately?
Working on something creative everyday has so many benefits. There’s lowered stress. feelings of joy and accomplishment, and decompression after a long day.
Creativity can apply to our lives in so many ways. From paints and sketching to writing to theoretical ideas. It doesn’t have to be something you hate doing. Find and try different creative outlets to explore.
Anxiety does not feel good. It keeps me up all night and drains my energy throughout the day. It messes up my digestion and the list goes on. These days, I have found techniques to curb my anxiety. I implement those simple techniques into my daily grind. One big thing I had to do first was learn to say no, a lot more. (I do have to make sure I’m saying yes too!)
After taking time to heal, I learned that there’s a lot of factors that go into maintaining a healthy mind, body, and soul. Every intention is worthy in a million ways. Just to name a few ways: you’re body will function better, you’ll be able to live a rich life, and people who look up to you will have an example of healthy ways they can invest in themselves.
Always do what you are afraid to do. -Ralph Waldo Emerson
Comfort zones are nice but it feels even better to stretch and grow into new things. One of my biggest motivations that I use to push myself into the unknown is so that people who are like me can see if I can do it, they can too. I’m an awkward kid. I like weird things and I don’t always know how to end a conversation. But that doesn’t have to limit me from big things. I hope I can live a life that gives those around me the inspiration to keep going and keep growing even when they don’t feel like they’re good enough.
What kind of opportunities scare you?
Wow, this past week I have been exploring the interweb for writers to learn from. I found a wealth of information on Pinterest. At this point in my novel writing journey, I try my best to only use worksheets and advice when I get stuck. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve done a lot of writing research before I started this novel. I fully support getting help from others writers and using worksheets. While I’m writing this book, I’d like to learn to create my novels in a way that’s unique to me rather than following a set of rules that work for other writers. I want to learn what works best for me.
Have you tried Pinterest for your writing questions?
My husband sure lightens my load and loves my girls. I’m grateful for the man he’s become since the day he decided to commit to fatherhood. He’s grown in infinite ways and it just goes to show that fatherhood in marriage isn’t something innate, it’s learning to choose love over and over again above all else.
World Building has returned. I was doing it and somehow I was no longer doing it. I got lost! I’m laughing at myself while I write this because writing novels is hard. Like I have no idea where I strayed from my world building. So this morning, I pinned, liked, and followed a bunch of different things to help me stay focused.
I’m not sure why it’s hard for me to pay attention to world building. It’s important. I can see the world and feel my way through the world which is probably why it’s not in the front of my brain to talk about it.
How do you do with world building?
Even when no one else can see it but you, have a little faith. If you feel called to something, reach for it. Bogged down from the sheer size of what you’re called to? Break it down into steps. Make it fun! For example, add aesthetically pleasing things. If I needed to, I’d add Bee and Puppycat to everything. Use your favorite colors, find mentors on YouTube who have mastered the same goal follow the ones that you really vibe with. The most important thing is to show up in a way that future you can thank you for.
Jayne.press