Afternoon writing, links and Mozart

Today was meant to be for packing for our weekend trip to Cardiff, Wales but I did some writing instead. I thought that the packing could be done later, when I was less alert (I'll probably pack the most stupid things though!). 

I wrote 418 words in this afternoon's session. Most of this is done to the Mozart playing in the background and also the Cold relief tablets. I've still got this sinus and ear ache since November (currently on my second prescription). 

An American College has collated the top one hundred creative writing sites. The original link came from the Six Sentences newsletter. Its a great way to find some new sites and to also have them listed all in one place. I like to keep a tidy, organised bookmark section on my laptop and so now I can have this one link. 

Total: 7406 words

24 Years Young

Friday was my birthday and I got alot of goodies. The boyfriend got me an iPod Shuffle, small enough to fit in my pocket and to take to the gym, Mum and Dad contributed money towards my digital camera and I also got some money. I purchased books, of course! A trip on Saturday to Cambridge and I came away with The Cleft by Doris Lessing and America Unchained by Dave Gorman. I see birthdays as my personal New Year and I would rather set myself goals now instead of January. 

I am going to make sure I write every week (2-3 times), improve my writing, continue submitting to magazines (this will involve writing some shorts) and also keeping the habit! I would love to be halfway through writing my novel by this time next year. I know that seems like a small almost laughable goal but I want writing to be enjoyable, not a chore. 

I'm currently reading Douglas Adams' Life, The Universe and Everything. Its the third title in the comedy science fiction series of the HitchHikers Guide to the Galaxy. And this quote about the guide (written by hitchhikers about the workings of the galaxy. Earth's entry is simply - 'Harmless'), reminded me of the ups and downs of writing. 

"The history of the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is one of idealism, struggle, despair, passion, success, failure and enormously long lunch-breaks."

Word Count: 6651

Midweek writing

A mid-week evening writing session has helped me tack a few more hundred words. 

I also scribbled some opening lines to a short story at lunchtime. Its funny where inspiration catches you. I used to write a lot on long train journeys, just after bath time or when I am about to go to sleep. Feeling relaxed helps loosen the writing muscles. 

Total: 5792 words

A new groove

This weekend has been a success. 

I have written 641 words of a first draft for the second chapter of my novel. 

This was after blowing all the lights upstairs, accidentally know a pint of water all over the floor, taking over a hour to install my old printer to a Mac computer and dusting down the desk. 

It may not be a lot in the scheme of things but I have actually feel like I am moving forward. 

Having a target actually worked. 

Total: 5251 words

winter hibernation

There has been much writing happening around these parts over the past few weeks. I feel unable to communicate the idea swimming in my head or the idea gets muddled, blurry and then fades away. And the longer I left it, the more frightening the blank page became. I didn't feel creative just dead inside. There were a few tears because half of me knew I could do it while the other half was resisting.

But then I started reaging extracts from Judy Reeve's "A Writer's Book of Days" and things started to make sense. Reeves says that if a writer has a 'block' they should try being creative in another area. Try something different to find that release. So out came my cross stitch and I spent most of last Saturday morning sewing. And I started to feel better. I wrote three pages in the afternoon.

There are other habits that need changing too. I've been going to the gym after work and just coming back wanting to write. I'm going to start going back to the gym at lunchtime. Also I need a designated area for writing, not at the dining table (so that each meal time, I have to pack away my paperwork and laptop) or laying across the bed. Also I think I am so still worried about marking my new laptop or getting smears on the keys. I need to also install my printer and print off some writing and get editing too.

I have been indulging 'scrabble' quite a few times over the past month. It really does get you thinking about alternative words and language. I am becoming addicted!

I know I am late with the snow pictures but I've only just got my phone back from being repaired:

So this weekend lets write!