Wednesday, January 20, 2010

A BRAND NEW CHAPTER

Today I’m starting another blog journey! Thank you for joining me!

You see, I am a novice writer, somewhat socio-phobic, but I have a real story to tell. I am busy writing this story - my book - with the hope of completing it this year.

The story itself won’t necessarily be revealed in these pages, but rather the process of its writing. It is a daunting project. It is massive, but already fully shaped in my mind. I know that getting it down on paper is going to be fraught with obstacles and since it's my first real attempt to write, Im hoping that you, my blog readers, will help to become my support structure.

My wish is also that, as a reader of this blog, you will become actively involved in it. As I share my journey with you, will you perhaps consider offering me advice, guidance and encouragement during its process?

Please feel free to write whatever you wish in the comments section of this blog:
If you hate my style, please feel free to say so!.
If you have a suggestion, include it!
If you have a question – ask it!
If you are inspired – show it!
If you want to encourage – do it!

So lets begin...

When I woke up this morning, the world looked entirely different. I opened the curtains and peered into the breaking dawn outside. It was going to be one of those 'gloomy' days. I took one more look at the misty setting and climbed back into bed to sit and absorb its atmosphere.

It had been raining all night yet the rain was still pelting down and the sun seemed behind schedule. Buckets of water were streaming off our roof, gurgling down our gutters and damming up onto an already waterlogged lawn. Only some birds were audible amidst the storm, and my dogs - in the corner of the bedroom - were totally lost in dreamland. I resolved to take in this gift I had been given - the inspiration for the day...RAIN!

You might ask:"How can such a day be an inspiration?"

Well, whilst I was sitting there, under the warm duvet, I remembered that section of my book that involved rain. The puzzle pieces of that part of my story seemed to slide together - clearly revealing that it was time to write it NOW!

Normally, I would get up out of bed, have my shower, do my usual duties and become distracted in the plans for the day, but since I have the privilege of prioritising these things I thought I'd try out something new.

I grabbed my laptop, opened a clean page and began to write...

I wrote for an hour and a half, hardly stopping for a breath. Questions I'd previously pondered seem to instantly answer themselves. That specific chapter was taking shape...and quickly! Scenes linked beautifully together, sentences flowed and my mind and creativity was soaring.

Eventually nagging obligations started calling and guilt got the better of me. I simply had to put my writing aside and tackle my day. I know its going to be difficult to schedule my writing to coincide with my daily routine but I also realise that I have to GRANT MYSELF PERMISSION for it to happen.

My story is really a collection of stories in chronological order. It could be termed 'factional' - half fact and half fiction. Each individualised 'short' story is a completed work, but together they form a whole and reveal a much greater picture. The beauty of this construction is that I can write it in pieces and not necessarily in the final order. Today's experience demonstrated to me that this is entirely possible and practical.

So what do you think? I know many of you are experienced writers... how do you approach your books? What are your sources of inspiration? Any suggestions?

Must go and write now!...will be back again soon!
Take care and reap the day!
C

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Glad to be the first to comment! You go Caryl - I can't wait for your book! Love you - Margie

Cocorue said...

I am also awaiting to hear/read your story/stories and know that I will enjoy the 'journey'

Allow yourself to enjoy it too and thankQ for sharing your life ......

Warm regards,
lilian
xoxo

Anonymous said...

Yay! my friend....this is so exciting, can't wait to see the progress. Happy writing, let me know when you need a break and we can catch up over a cuppa.
Much love - Lorraine

Golden Woofs! SUGAR said...

Woof! Woof! My mom is so excited to read your journey of writing your first book ... hoping to inspire her to pursue her dreams to write a book too. You said well ... "Grant yourself permission" Wish you all the Golden Luck, Woof Sugar

Deborah said...

That is so impressive being able to write a book! I am so looking forward to following your journey, it will be a nice escape for me.
Thank you so much for including us.
I am 100% sure it will be awesome!
xxoo
Deborah

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

You know we'll be back

again
and again
and again

Best of luck!

Clive said...

I'll be following you every step (word)of the way!

Really looking forward to it!

regards
Fiona

houndstooth said...

Sometimes, you just have to take inspiration where it comes! Most of my ideas happen in the shower for some reason. I keep telling myself I'm going to put a dry erase board in there so I can remember them all!

Valerie Cummings said...

You go girl! Will be checking back on your progress!!! Hugs Valerie

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

Today sounds like it was a great start. We plan to come back and see how things are going. We wish you all the best in your awesome journey.

Anne said...

In Ireland, there is a poster with about eleven photographs of famous male writers, only one female writer and the reason is TIME - not an absence of FEMALE WRITING TALENT those eleven males had a woman doing the sort of jobs that started to nag at you this morning. Remember to put aside at leat two hours each day for your writing; from what you have written and the way you are being inspired you have the talent, take time to write each day.
Anne Byrne, Dublin

Piappies World said...

We are here to follow your journey in finishing your book. And we look forward as your story unfolds.

Lots of piappies support from us to you. Weeeee

-Fudgie, Princess, Frappie, Mocha, Sugar, Scrappy, Bullet & Mommy