A writer writes about writing
The Story of YOU – http://wp.me/p3F8vG-oE
I wanted to share an interesting article I read this morning. As writers, we write (fiction, nonfiction, biographies, etc). We tell stories to others, but what about OUR story? YOUR story? What stories are you telling yourself over and over?
Think about it. Ruminate. Then, maybe, write a new story.
Fanny T. Crispin
Whatever you’re writing, never lose that sense of wonder.
Since January 1 of 2016, I have taken a writing hiatus. I’m sure a lot of writers/authors/bloggists probably just gasped in alarm at that statement. But I feel accomplished in what I’ve done. I’ve published two books with another on the way and have made good progress with my blog. Unfortunately, I found myself in a dull state of mind. I had lost my wonder with words.
It’s a depressing feeling for a writer. Words are what define me. I’m proud of my title–I fully own it now. So when I’m plugging out words but feel completely blah about everything, uninspired, without wonder, I started getting sick of writing entirely. To top this off, I was receiving critiques from readers, fans, and peers. Critiques are essential. They help us grow. But I was already struggling so they almost hindered more than they helped. So I decided to take a break.
I can honestly say it’s helping. I still keep a bedside journal and I jot down thoughts as they come to me. I write down story ideas and the like. I feel like my head is clearing, the storm is calming, and I’m coming back to a center of focus. It’s refreshing.
* * *
In this day and age, there are opinions everywhere. Some good, some bad, some kind, some harsh. There’s an old saying that you have to weed out the advice that pertains to you and forget everything else. But that’s getting harder to do. People are overrun by advice.
So I’m not going to recommend anything today. I’m going to finish with this thought: my hiatus has been a positive affect on my life.
This has been,
Fanny T. Crispin
So NaNoWriMo is in full swing, and…I am in a killer reading mood. Yeah. I wrote a bit during the first week but fell off the horse quickly. This will be the first mark against my perfect November record. I’m not crying. I’m not even stressig over it. The reason I have a perfect record is because the third year I didn’t participate at all because I was afraid of that score. This year, the fear was there. It was. But I signed up anyway. I’m not going to finish and I’m okay with that.
My writing commitment is not as strong as some people say it should be, but…
I published two books.
I have a third book finished and ready for editing.
The only person I have to report to is myself. And that’s something I want you to realize, too. No matter where your writing history is, you write for yourself first. Sound too narcissistic? Tough, kid. You’re going to realize how many people will jump at the chance to tell you their high and mighty opinion. How egotistic is that? They’ll also tell you what you’re doing wrong. But that’s not their place to say.
NaNoWriMo is fun. It’s a community of writers inspiring and encouraging other writers. But I’m going to bow out of this round and catch up on some old friends (Jules Verne, Ray Bradbury, etc), but writing is in my blood. I can’t go long before I whip out the notebook. And, hey, I made GREAT headway on a new story! That counts for a whole lot.
If you’re in the Rockford area, you can come out and see me this December at the Beloit Library Author Meet and Greet.
Fanny T Crispin
It’s officially November, friends. Here in the midwest, we are enjoying crisp, autumn days with fiery displays of color on the trees. It might rain one day. It might be a glorious sunny day perfect for sweatshirts and hot tea.
This year for NaNo, I’m struggling to feel committed to my word count (to writing at all, really). I’ve taken to finishing knit and crochet projects as procrastination. I should be really inspired. This is the time of year to take off in a glory of feathered words and fly across the pages. Sadly, such is not the case.
My writing buddy for the year suggested a relaxed NaNo–breaking the rules a bit. In her mathematical genius, she said we should write 417 words a day…because that would be exactly a quarter of the traditional NaNo. I’m about 30 words shy of that on Day Two.
Hey, can I count my blog?
I have a volleyball game tonight, then I’ll curl up in my bed with a good notebook and get to work. One friend recommended writing before bed as a way to curb my insomnia. After about an hour, it actually works. 😉 So my first NaNo year, I wrote every morning at 6:30. This year I’ll write every night at 10:30. Wish me worthy writing.
Here’s my recipe for you:
First thing we make you feel better
Next stop, we pull it all together
I’ll keep you warm like a sweater
Take my hand and hold on forever -Rob Thomas
Fanny T Crispin
How many social websites are you logged into? Three? Four? Ten?
Why?
Well, this one is for work references, and this one is for family and friends. This one I enjoy for the recipes, while this one inspires my creativity…
I recently deleted my Facebook account. No, I didn’t simply deactivate it to take a break. I deleted my account permanently. After fourteen days, I won’t be able to log in. After ninety, Facebook will diligently delete all the pictures, posts, and messages that have accumulated over the eleven years I’ve had Facebook. It’s been eight days now, and I can say I don’t miss it. I really don’t. I’m having these annoying withdrawal effects (oh yeah, don’t think those don’t come.) My thoughts are geared for status posts. Every picture I take makes me wonder who will “like” it and whether they’ll comment.
I have had every friend tell me, “You need to Snapchat with me!”, “Follow me on Instagram!”, “Are you on Twitter?” But every friend has a different social interest, and they have at least four that they frequent.
Listen. These are all great, fine, and dandy. There’s something for everyone! And now people are slipping through the cracks because half of their friends are over here and the other half are over there. I got an Instagram recently just to follow the Bristol Renaissance Faire. I don’t actually like Instagram. I think it’s dumb. Facebook was so much better, but Facebook is gone. I also have a Twitter, and I usually use that to keep updates of my books. That’s what Twitter is for. Short and sweet updates. Listen, friends, my social media of choice is e-mail. Do you remember email? Right now it’s probably a spam bucket for all your media pages, but there was a time not so long ago when friends and family would write lengthy letters–including pictures!–to update you. It was glorious. Faster than mail by post, but just as nice. I love my email account, and I would love it if you emailed me. If not, well, I’ll see you on Twitter.
Facelessbook,
Fanny T Crispin
Written Things 