Inspiration

Today I had to update the blog for my school's literary magazine. Since we're currently soliciting submissions, I thought it would be nice to post some links and pictures to encourage the inspiration process. For me, inspiration comes in the form of my drive to continue to write until I get published on day. But, I also like looking at random words, reading those cheesy inspiration quotes, and taking advice from other writers. So, I have three wonderful websites and three gorgeous pictures to share guaranteed to get those creative juices flowing.

Cures for Writer's Block: http://www.absolutewrite.com/novels/writers_block2.htm

Thoughts for the Day: http://homeinsteaders.org/

Unusual Words: http://users.tinyonline.co.uk/gswithenbank/unuwords.htm

The Retype

I've spent a lot of time on this blog praising the notebook and pen. Firstly, let's just appreciate the irony because this is obviously a completely virtual blog that I could never share by way of ink and paper. However, it is true that all the work that I've done over the past few months on Guardians hasn't left my notebook yet. Honestly, it's easier in some ways- both to think on paper, and logistically it's easier to carry around a notebook than my laptop. But now, as I near a time where I'm going to have to do some typing I've been considering the value that writing on a computer has. Transferring my work from paper to screen allows me to edit what I've written without actually going back and editing. The process also helps me refresh my memory. Right now I haven't been writing in chronological order and sometimes it gets hard to keep track of the sequence of events. Typing everything helps me remember what is actually going on in the plot. So, as much as the keyboard can produce a mental block, it also has its merits and yes, is necessary. And instead of fighting against it, I might as well embrace it, and all the good I get from it.

Short Stories

Firstly, hooray for posting in a semi-timely manner! Secondly, to the point. Whenever people ask me if I write short stories I usually respond with something along the lines of "hell no". Why? Because all the short stories I've ever read (usually for English) involve depressing plots where at least one character dies. That's not fun or entertaining. But recently I've been introduced to the sub-category of fantasy short stories. Now, these are wonderful. They are condensed versions of the fantasy novels that I hold near and dear. In some ways, it is harder to write a short story because you don't have as much space but at the same time, you don't have as much space so you don't have to think of as many things to write. (I really hope that made sense). Anyway, I was struck with inspiration when I was at MoMA (museum of modern art) last Sunday when I saw a sculpture and the placard next to it said that one of the materials was light. I loved the idea of light being an art material and I decided to write a story about a potter who works with light instead of clay. Hopefully I'll have part of it up in the Construction Zone soon. Anyway, I think that's it but before I go, here are two short story books that are amazing!
Happily Ever After- edited by John Klima
Tortall and Other Lands- Tamora Pierce

And...We're Back!

The fire is back. Somehow, writing every day FINALLY got my creative spark flowing and I'm writing poetry again. Strangely though, the way I'm writing poetry is different than anything I've done before. I'm not quite sure if it's because I'm more conscious of how others view my poetry and I'm afraid to go back to how I wrote in high school, or if it's simply because my writing style has developed. Frankly, I'm hopeful that it's the second reason, because I'd rather know that I'm growing as a writer rather than think that I'm bound by my fear. And in fact, if I do choose to assume that I'm developing a new writing style I can make it mine. (Sorry if that sounds confusing). Anyway, this new style is one where I am much more conscious of every word that I write and I think that my poems will shape up to be more concise. (Unlike my blog posts). I don't have anything finished yet, but when I do I'll post it in the poetry section. The main point is that I'm so happy to have regained some type of creative spark because I thought that college had extinguished it. And now that it's back I'm going to keep writing so that it doesn't go away.

The Notebook

Firstly, unlike most females on the planet I haven't actually seen the notebook. Secondly, to the actual point of the post. I love notebooks. I collect them, carry them around with me, and write in them constantly. I even wrote my admissions essay about them. And, as I mentioned several times before I like writing in a notebook WAY better than typing. (Unfortunately though, I can't blog on a notebook. Believe me, if I could I would.) Anyways, the point is that there is something about going back to the basics that really gets my creative juices flowing. It has been a whirlwind writing Guardians on paper and I really feel like I cans see the finish line. It's a really exciting and somewhat scary feeling and I don't know what will happen next. But I do know that whatever does happen, it will take place in my notebook.

--This has been yet another corny ending (and bad joke) sponsored by Hilana Ezekiel--

Anniversary

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!! To me that is, and my ever-changing relationship with this beautiful blog of mine. Because let's face it, not including this one, there have been 18 posts total. But, looking back on my whirlwind senior year of writing and my insane first semester of college, I just have to say that it's amazing that anything got written at all. Now, anniversaries are special days and times for reflection (as if I didn't do enough of that already) so let the musings commence. 
One: I still love writing. I love it more every day I do it, which is great because I'm pretty sure I want to make a career out of it. 
Two: Senior project was wonderful because it totally forced me to admit that I want to be a committed writer and made me think about my routine and where writing fit into my life.
Three: I like all types of writing and I've decided that once I actually have stuff that I like I shouldn't panic. Instead, I should just keep pushing forward and figuring out ways to actually become a published writer.
So, in a year I've learned so much about myself, and really crafted an identity through my words and reflections. And the best thing is that to end this blog I get to use a corny metaphor. My life is a book that I'm writing and I'm so excited to start the next chapter.

An Old Trick Revisited

Even though I always say that you don't have to be in the mood to write, but luckily this past week all I've wanted to do is work on Guardians. I haven't typed a word in weeks but my notebook keeps filling out. Since I'm not typing anything I can pretty much go in whatever order I want. And this is actually the best thing that I can do because what I write is dictated by my mood. I even have some sentences that I've stopped midway because I've had an urge to write another part of the story. It's really liberating to be able to bounce around and just write whatever I want. And I think it's helping the story to come together as a whole.