- I started a newsletter. I have seven lovely sign-ups, will there be any more? And if they are, will they read it, or just send it to their spam? Do I have enough information to fill a newsletter? Does anyone care?? The box to sign up is over there, on the right, you know - if you want to -------> --------->
- I haven't written anything for ages. I know I'm in the thinking phase (don't laugh - this phase is important for me, I'm not a sit down and write xxx words every day type of writer). At the moment I have vague images of a man who's a writer, a hotel, an explosion, and a feeling I get when I hear a specific song. I've also been really inspired by some old photos of my local area - a young photographer has superimposed old and new photos of the same scene, and I know I want to use that. My hometown (the city I now live next to) has some of the most amazing buildings which were left to decay (or bombed out of existence) during World War II. I'd love to bring them back to life in this next book, but I'm not sure how.
- Hubby is away on tour (I might have mentioned it). He arrived in Europe on Monday - and so far, #2 son has bumped his head three times, and woke up last night feeling sick. Things really do fall apart when he's not here!
I think that's everything. It's probably enough, isn't it? I could probably splurge a lot more onto the page, but it would end up as wanton self-pity and end in copious amounts of tears.
On a positive note:
- It's not going to rain today
- I looked in the mirror and noticed one of my 'problem' areas is finally improving!! (It's only taken 10 years, early days really!)
- Some scientist somewhere has suggested we might have another lovely summer this year
- I haven't eaten chocolate for five days
- I'm off to have coffee with a friend today
How are you? Tell me your positives, I want to feel happy today!
Sounds like you have some interesting ideas brewing! Can't wait to see where they lead you!
ReplyDeleteI don't feel positive this morning - I have actual client work to do which is delaying me from writing. :(
Lol, those ideas have led me all over the place, and back again, in the last two days!! I hope get some writing time soon :-)
DeleteI try to schedule my IWSG posts as they always creep up on me if I don't.
ReplyDeleteIt's spring! That always makes me feel positive and as though good things might be about to happen.
I usually schedule too Patsy, but the last couple of months, I haven't even thought about it. Perhaps I'm no longer insecure... (excuse me while I laugh hysterically!)
DeleteSpring is a lovely time of the year, isn't it?
Looking forward to reading your newsletter Annalisa. Good luck with your new project, it sounds like you've got plenty to mull over.
ReplyDeleteThere's nothing to share at the moment, so it might be a while :-) And yes, I've definitely got a lot to think about.
DeleteI my case, the thinking phase is important, otherwise I'll end up with a lack of originality and depth.
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree, Vanessa :-)
DeleteHaven't eaten chocolate for five days??? I can't make it five hours :)
ReplyDeleteEmbarrassingly, two hours after I wrote that post on Wednesday, I had two of the most gorgeous chocolates in the world. And then, on Thursday, I had two more :-)
DeleteNot bad, you have more positives than negatives!! I think all of us go through the not-writing phase for whatever reason. I'm just coming back from a dry spell (due to real life, not lack of ideas) myself.
ReplyDeleteI hadn't counted, but you're right, that's pretty cool! Happy writing :-)
DeleteHey, there is much to be said for a "thinking" phase....I know exactly what you mean. Best wishes on the new project.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mark. The danger is when the thinking just leads to more thinking, but luckily that's never happened to me... so far :-)
DeleteI'm with you on the "thinking phase" and I love when I get "a feeling" from something. Always makes me stop and pay attention. :)
ReplyDeleteYes, I'm definitely paying attention!
DeleteI seem to be in a non-stop "thinking phase" these days. Every time I think I'm out of it I end up right back to it. Love your ideas you shared here though. And I'm looking forward to receiving your newsletter - good luck with it!
ReplyDeleteI'm doing quite well with my thinking. Although my ideas have taken such a turn that the whole original idea might end up totally useless, and possibly used in a later novel... Not sure how I manage that!
DeleteI love the thinking phase! I like to picture scenes in my head before I write them down, get a good feel for what needs to happen.
ReplyDeleteYes, I see images too, or sometimes, I just picture myself writing words.
DeleteHere's to lovely summers! Anything has to be better than this crazy winter weather.
ReplyDeleteIt's been reported that we have a 75% chance of a hot summer, so I'm stocking up on jumpers because I know how it works in Britain! :-)
DeleteI love it when ideas are bouncing around in my head! I'm hoping for another lovely summer too. I've got serious cabin fever from this horrid winter. Today I'm happy to have some time to myself this morning while the boy is in school. I also submitted 7 short stories to various places the other night. So I'm getting back on the submitting horse again. It's a bumpy ride, but it feels good to do so. :)
ReplyDeleteWow, 7 short stories!! Good luck with them. It feels good to have something out there doesn't it? I'm trying to write some shorts, but they're not coming to fruition either.
DeleteHi Annalisa - well I sure hope there are no more bumps on the head, or bouts of sickness .. not what you need with only one pair of hands around: Good luck.
ReplyDeleteAs to bringing your town back to pre-bombing life .. that could be quite informative .. and yes isn't today gorgeous ... here's to lots more blissful spring and summer days ..
Cheers Hilary PS had a mental aberration with the above deleted comment!
I've deleted the above comment :-)
DeleteLuckily no more bumps, which is just as well, because he really doesn't have anymore space! I've just discovered that there's going to be a huge festival of history in May all around town, so I'm really looking forward to that!
Gosh - that should be so interesting .. and local. I think there are more and more places that are putting up exhibitions and festivals re pre the Great War ...
DeleteI was always amazed to think that where the land has been changed due to the excess bombs being dropped to the west of Penzance .. they were meant to go in the sea! Now the craters have been naturally taken over and shelter many sub-tropical plantings .. and eg palms which rise high above the crater!
There will be lots of history this year .. I don't know whether Eastbourne is doing anything .. there's an Ancestors exhibition in the Redoubt .. which is fascinating but goes back to Roman times ...
Cheers and I hope the family enjoy the festival .. Hilary
Writing about those bombed buildings would be cool!
ReplyDeleteSorry things are falling apart. It will be all right.
The latter end of the week has improved, thanks Alex. I have a feeling if I write about the bombed buildings, I'll spend all my time researching :-)
DeleteBella Andre, a very successful author (she's a hybrid author with a mix of self-pup and traditionally published romance series) says she only sends out her newsletter when she has a new book out. Otherwise, she uses her time for writing. She puts out several books a year, so maybe that doesn't fit you, but it's interesting advice.
ReplyDeleteYes, that's what I plan to do - I definitely won't have enough news to make it a regular occurrence!
DeleteYou haven't eaten chocolate from five days? If I go without it for two days it will be a miracle.
ReplyDeleteAs I confessed in another comment, I caved within 3 hours of writing this post. But it was impressive while it lasted, wasn't it?? :-)
DeleteLol! I posted mine after seeing someone's on FB, too! Glad I'm not the only one!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the 'thinking' stage. I have that, too. :) It'll all come together when it's ready. :)
I'm reassured by how many people agree that thinking is a legitimate part of the writing process - I feel less like a failure. So, thank you!
DeleteYou haven't eaten any chocolate for 5 days?! I am impressed. I ate some a day ago.
ReplyDeleteAnd sadly, 5 days seems to be my limit, or I jinxed it by mentioning it! Chocolate is too good to abstain for long.
Deleteno rain and lots of thinking is good. The thoughts shall sprout like the spring flowers ahead. Fingers crossed that nothing else happens while your hubby tours. Believe me, I know how that goes - Ray is gone for a weekend and I"m ankle deep in water. Keep looking up. It's all good.
ReplyDeleteYes, I remember your woes, Joanne. I personally think the kids save up all these problems just to test me! Several sunny days have been forecast... in a row :-)
DeleteSorry things are falling apart. At least you have some great story ideas.
ReplyDeleteThings always fall apart when I'm in charge... I think I might be the weakest link!
DeleteYour thinking phase sounds very productive... lots of ideas swirling about... sounds exciting to me!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your thinking phase!
HAPPY WORLD READ ALOUD DAY!
Writer In Transit
Thanks Michelle. World Read Aloud Day, that's awesome.
DeleteI have a thinking phase, too. It's not very long for sequels, but it's best if I can stew on new ideas for several months. Hope #2 son is OK.
ReplyDeleteSeveral months, yes that's the timeline my subconscious works to. But then I see other authors who seem to have brilliant ideas every week, and I feel slow and awkward. It's good to know I'm not alone :-)
DeletePositives: It rained today (we're in a profound drought). I keep asking, and I keep getting, words. I'm on a tear. My daughter had a grand time splashing in the puddles, and when told it was raining jumped up and down and asked if she could take her umbrella to school (it has ponies on it).
ReplyDeleteGlad you've got rain at last. It's been a terrible few months, the people who need it most don't have it, and the people who were flooded at Christmas in the UK are still wading through their houses in some cases.
DeleteI gave up Facebook for Lent, and already I feel better. And I met with my accountant and I'm getting a bunch of money back on my taxes. And it was a glorious day, a little chilly but bright and sunny. I had a very positive day!
ReplyDeleteI use Facebook to connect with friends and family - it's a great non-invasive way to keep in touch with people who have busy lives, because they can reply in their own time (plus, I'm a bit of a phonephobic!) so I'd never be able to give it up, but it's great you feel the benefits. And tax rebates are always a good thing - spend the money frivilously ;-)
DeleteI think the thinking phase is important too and it sounds like you've got some great stuff to work with there. Hope things are OK with #2 son and things look up soon!
ReplyDeleteFingers crossed the ideas will all sort themselves out soon! As for #2 son, nothing keeps him down for long :-)
DeleteI wish it wasn't raining here! I wanted to go on a walk today, and then the sun vanished... :/
ReplyDeleteIt must be hard having the husband out of the house, especially with kids! Good luck.
I hate it when you wake up to a beautiful morning, and then slowly, as you're getting dressed, the sun disappears and the rain clouds come rolling in. Hope you've managed to see some sun by now :-) I'm pretty spoiled most of the time, because Hubby works from home a lot, so he's always around - any problems we sort out together, but on my own I'm a ditherer. And then... I'm expected to be a PlayStation expert and fix problems!!!
DeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteI hope your coffee with a friend was relaxing, I do love to catch up with a friend over a brew.
I've got a stinking cold this week, so I've booked myself in for a nice holistic massage in 10 days time. That's something to look forward to and make me smile.
Regards holding the fort on your own, my advice would be to try hard to get at least two early nights. Maybe snuggle down with a good book? You'll feel all the better for it. Take care.
It was good to catch up with my friend, thank you. Colds are the worst, because you always feel you should fight through it when you really want to hide away, wrap yourself in a blanket and declare yourself 'properly poorly'. I hope you enjoy the massage - I could really do with one of those myself! I'm trying hard to get an early night, but it hasn't worked out that way yet.
DeleteThinking phase; I like that. Mine tend to be flights of thought mixed with procrastination, all of which I'll forget before I get anywhere of worth. Best of luck for son #2 and here's to a great weekend. X
ReplyDeleteshahwharton.com
Oh yes, the forgetting phase is almost as prominent as the thinking one. I never keep thoughts in my head for long :-)
DeleteI wish I had more thinking time! I would start exploring your thoughts about the old buildings. Personally, I'm a huge fan of old structures!
ReplyDeleteI would love to think I could do them justice. I'd definitely need a lot more thinking time if I went down that path!
DeleteOne time when my husband was away, a mouse came to live with us.
ReplyDeleteI hope you're feeling positive today. And I hope you're out of the thinking and into the writing phase soon!
I found a slug half-way up my wall yesterday. No idea how it got there, but #1 son took charge :-) And I'm still thinking, but I've moved on to looking through pepping up old short stories to submit to competitions. One went off yesterday!
DeleteGreetings human, Annalisa,
ReplyDeleteYes and finally, I have arrived! :) Aha, you noticed something popping up on "Farcebook". IWSG aka "I Was Seeking Gary." Great stuff and I know my human is most flattered. He thanks you.
I'm sure that photos will most certainly inspire your writing. I tried to convince Gary about a thinking phase. No luck with that. Arf! Arf!
On a pawsitive note, it was rather sunny and pleasantly warm on the weekend. Must take my human for a walk.
Pawsitive wishes,
Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet superstar¬
It's beautiful weather at long last, Penny, I hope you enjoyed your walk. Thanks for visiting, woof woof woof :-)
DeleteHi Annalisa, hope you have been enjoying this lovely weather the last few days, it really does lift the spirits. Let's hope that scientist is right and we are in for another nice summer. It sounds like you have some ideas for writing projects, allowing a little thinking time is a good thing. Photos can be a great source of inspiration can't they.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely made the most of it today - Plymouth Hoe after shopping this morning, and a round trip around town to buy yoghurt this afternoon!
DeleteI signed up and I read the first newsletter.
ReplyDeleteNo chocolate? Are you ill? Do you need an intervention.
I write the same way...as tory has to gel in my mind before I can start. I need to have a feel for it, ya know?
Believe me, Liz, I more than made up for the chocolate since I wrote about it here...
Delete