Keeping it going...

I went to a writer's conference several years ago, and it was fantastic! I remember that one of the speakers talked about the importance of doing something creative everyday in order to keep the juices flowing. While I totally agree and think that's an awesome idea, I have to confess and say that I don't always do that. I just get easily distracted with other things and the creative side of me gets shunted to the side.

I keep up with a certain unnamed television program, and I recently discovered a page that allows fan fiction. Now, if I were a snob, I'd just make fun of the sorry attempts that some people make, but really, at least they're writing! So, I've found myself submitting little things...it seems silly, but I can't help but remember that admonishment to do something creative everyday. So, that's my excuse...I'm stretching my creative muscles.

Creatively speaking

I see faces in the trees and dogs in the clouds and sometimes, when I look just so, it seems like there's a little man in the flowers. I have a pretty active imagination. I almost always see things that aren't there when I look at everyday objects. Don't worry; I'm not crazy. I think I'm just still attuned to that child I was once long ago. I have really vivid dreams as well. I really think these dreams and images are just reminders that I have this well of creativity in me dying to be released onto the page. I just have to open the floodgates and believe that I can do it. That I have it in me to write something interesting, something that will impact those who read it. I don't always feel that way. Too often I criticize myself for not writing the way others write...either in style or in usage. But, isn't God a creative god? Doesn't he like creativity in the world? Look at all the different people that populate this earth. We are all so unique. Perhaps my dreams are just a reminder that God has uniquely created me to be me.

Ladies Book Club

Some ladies and myself from church have started a little book club. This month we're trying our hands at a little mystery, old school: Agatha Christie. Agatha truly is the grand dame of mystery. We're reading Death on the Nile, and I'm finding it quite enjoyable.

Her style of writing flows quickly (she's all about the dialogue with very little extra exposition), and she's created a number of interesting characters. In fact, as of chapter 6 we still don't know who the victim is intended to be. We were able to spot a number of potential victims as well as potential murderers. This is shaping up to be one crazy, dangerous cruise down the Nile!

I love sitting around talking story with people, so this has been a great opportunity to enjoy a good book and deepen some friendships along the way. And, who knows, maybe I'll keep reading Agatha's books. She wrote over 80 stories!

Chapter 32: A new direction

I went back in my editing process of W.t.W.W.Y.N. and changed it up a bit. I also completely changed the direction of the story. Hopefully this will reap myriad benefits in character development and moving the plot along. My original #32 was boring and lacked energy. I felt like the characters had run out of steam a mere 50 feet from the finish line. That is not the way a story should feel. But, now with a little danger and fear, I've ramped up the story and given the characters more to do. I'm really hoping this will help me to push through to the end of this particular story. I want to know how this ends, and I want to see it happen. Soon.