'Short Stories Verses Novel Writing'

Although I have all these ideas for novels, I find myself thinking of short story topics instead of trying to develop my book. Lost in the world of short stories, I risk working on my novel ideas, which, if I do not put down on paper soon, I will go crazy.

Maybe these ideas haven't stop brewing yet. At the moment I am spending a great deal of time procrastinating (as we know I am a big procrastinator), rather than doing.

I like writing short stories and I am sure no matter what I write, it all contributes to my development as a writer. However, this can be annoying!
I sometimes think 'I get in my own way' hoping that the story I am working on will be perfect. I must learn to keep writing instead of thinking of the perfect story; or what I think is perfect!

My desk is full of notebooks that are consumed with ideas that one day may see the light of day; I just want to concentrate on one thing at a time!

I did say I wanted to treat my writing as a job so that I could make sure I would write something every day, but at the moment I don't have a quiet environment in which to work.

Obviously, short stories, is where my head is at this time and I need to follow it to see where it takes me.

Edward Young (English Poet 1683-1765) said:
'Procrastination is the thief of time'

'A New Year of Writing'

It is upon me to embark on another year of studies and most of all another year of developing my writing skills. I am looking forward to getting my hands dirty this year; pushing my pen to the limit and rescuing those tid bits from my brain that can be the starting of a great story.

What's in store; I haven't a clue! I will however try to do my best and hopefully come out of it with some good results.

I heard a young writer say once that she treats her writing as a job; my New Years resolution is to do just that! I want to spend as much time creating as possible and I hope that I can juggle all the study as well.

If I proceed with this concept, I will have to work at my writing everyday. This is going to mean a lot of sacrifice. My family will have to get used to the added noise of my keyboard as I try to put into practice this philosophy.

It has been hard to get into a rhythm over the break, but I am hoping to conquer my demons and proceed with vigour. Look out! Triumphant I will be!

Norman Vincent Peale (American Writer and Minister-1898-1993)once said:
'All successful people have a goal. No one can get anywhere unless he (or she) knows where he (or she) wants to go and what he (or she) wants to be or do'

'The Adaptation'

Constantly I am surprised at the film Industries idea of adaptation. I am in the midst of reading 'Under the Tuscan Sun' by Frances Mayes. I have had the DVD in my collection for many years and I consider it one of my favourites, however I am always disappointed by the lack of accuracy.

Although some characters have been changed and the true recollections of Frances have been romanticized, I now look at one of my favourite films in a new light. I see how much differs from the book and I sigh. I am not oblivious to the time constraints of film or the demands to make a narrative marketable, but I wish that some books could be adapted without too many changes.

Frances' journey was not as easy as portrayed in the film and she was already in her relationship before buying 'Bramasole' which differs from the film. It is clear that to have your book adapted to the big screen would be wonderful, so I guess there must be sacrifices for success.

My opinion is that some stories are drastically altered to be marketable to the viewer; I guess it is like editing. Publishers edit books to make them marketable. Obviously film companies do to.

How much of the true story has to be cut before making the film version?

I open the title page of my secondhand copy and I am excited at the prospect of reliving Tuscany's light; there on the page lies a tribute from a daughter to her Dad:
Dear Dad,
Auguri e buon Natale.
With best wishes, Anthony and Ana Maria
Christmas 1997

Don't you just love picking up a book that has a past?

It is within these written lines, a story becomes possible for adaptation. I wish the whole story could be told!

'Holiday Inspiration'

A new view, brings with it the inspiration to write. What is it with a change of environment that sparks creativity? It may have been the fresh ocean air or the superb view but I am spurting out ideas from all depths of my mind. It has helped break that deadlock you feel when it has been a busy year of studies.

There are many things that contributed to this burst of excitement; the prospect of new worlds; the amazing relaxation you feel when you have arrived at that one destination that hits your soul. You can breathe from the inner parts of your lungs and exhale the words needed to create your next piece of work.

I am revived and ready to spend the break exploring and discovering where my ideas take me. I want to read all those books on my shelves, walk in the gardens, and most of all, write my next story.

To all those writers who have writer's block or are struggling with an idea; spread forth your wings and delve into a new destination for inspiration. I absolutely recommend a reviving break to get those creative juices going!

Seneca- Roman Philosopher(4BC-65AD) said:
'Travel and change of place impart new vigour to the mind'

'Step by Step Guides'

I have been reading this book called 'The Art of Creative Writing' by Lajos Egri.The ideas behind creating a wonderful piece of writing are clear and concise. Unfortunately, what if you are the type of writer who experiences some of what another author suggests, but not all? Are you not a prolific writer in your own right?

There are many helpful books on writing out there and don't get me wrong, this is a good one, however I am just questioning the validity of step by step manuals. Yes, in the right context these books can be helpful, especially the ones that inform you of new trends and contacts. Isn't writing all about reading? (It hones those research skills that all good writers have).

I sometimes feel as a writer that if I don't have shelves full of step by step manuals teaching me the best way to become a writer, than I am not a good writer. I understand the importance of supporting fellow writers, and having shelves of books that interest me, but bankrupting myself because 'how-to' guides are considered imperative, I do not think is the answer.

Well you may think differently but I agree that again in the right context they are useful, but good writing for me is 'practice'. Practicing the craft I love, helps me develop my writing; with mistakes comes building character and experience.

Lajos Egri's book is one of the good guides, one of many that adorn the shelves of book stores. While I am spending my money on books that are suppose to show me how to become a good writer(according to the views expressed by such authors), I am not spending time on writing and developing my own work.

So fellow writers, lets just practice our craft, send off submissions, and along the way avoid bankruptcy!

'Trust The Good Writer In You'

Writing analytically compared to writing creatively, has deemed a much harder task than I first thought. I am doing well, but trusting my analytical skills and my developed arguments, is much more perplexing.

Studying Film and Literature is fun and exciting, informative and useful for the evolution of my writing. I am unsure at times, if the little voice inside my head is a hindrance or that it keeps me grounded and determined to do well. Do all you writers out there feel the same or is it just me?

I find it very difficult to trust the good writer in me and progress past the doubt. Again I think this comes back to taking a complement and running with it. Finding my inner opinions and pushing them to the front of my essay writing is a skill I will need to improve on. I usually rely on the experts to back up my opinion; instead I must use them to only emphasise my argument.

What do you all think? Is 'trusting the good writer in you' a skill we are supposed to already possess or is it a learned skill?

Norman Vincent Peale (1898-1993) once wrote:
'Plan your work and work your plan'

'Imagination'

I sit by the computer looking at all the books on my shelves, all the authors before me, contemplating my next story. Waiting for a visual cue for the next character who reveals themselves to me. It is fun, just to know that an intriguing plot and setting will come to the forefront of my consciousness.

I hadn't finished University for the year and my mind has been running wild with fields of sunflowers and a picture of the English country side in the '20s. Funny that! Considering I wasn't even born by the English countryside in the '20s. This is what I mean by my imagination running wild.

I find comfort in the fact that every writer has an imagination that takes them off into another realm, leave the present for a second and delve into the past or the future. I find myself disconnecting from the present in order to develop and journey alongside my central character, no one talk to me while I am out walking with my protagonist! I am sure my family think I am completely insane.

The only problem with being in this kind of mode, is the solitude in which a writer must be, to work. My imagination flows easier in the quiet, the peaceful essence of a silent house, gives inspiration to the characters in my mind.

Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862) once wrote:
I had three chairs in my house; one for solitude, two for friendship, three for society.

It is clear that his characters blossomed in the solitude. His imagination prevails in the silence. I guess my imagination does too!

Imagination, spring forth and take me walking through the sunflowers and the English countryside.