see you next year!

As the craziness of the season kicks in with full force I've decided to have a couple of weeks off blogging.

It's time to focus on watching Christmas movies with the kids, cooking and then gorging on lots of delicious foods, wrapping and unwrapping pressies and playing a round or two of charades.  Not to mention partaking in one too many drinks whilst doing all of the above!

My favourite Christmas tradition is watching movies, particularly The Family Man with Nicholas Cage. 

It is a reminder to all of us to enjoy what is under our noses and embrace where we are, even with all that we think we have to complain about.  That is followed closely by Miracle on 34th Street and Elf, but honestly I love them all.  By the end of the year the kids are all Christmased out and me, I'd watch Christmas movies all year!



The tradition of watching movies started when I was just a kid, every year they would play the same movies on T.V. and it just didn't feel like Christmas until I'd seen them.  That was before it became common to have a home movie collection, so unless it was on at the cinema or on T.V. we didn't see it.  I relied on the fact that I'd get to watch Superman or The Wizard of Oz or Flash Gordan.  Not exactly Christmas themes but it was not Christmas until Lois had flown across the sky with her hero!

Charades is another one.  Every year the T.V. guide comes out as we make fools of ourselves attempting to act out titles of movies and sitcoms.

So, whatever traditions, goofy or otherwise that you uphold, may you have a blast doing them.

I'll be back in the New Year.

Happy writing ;)
Emma

merry christmas and happy new year

Merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year to all of you.

Now you know why Santa really starts his deliveries down here! Nothing like easing back into the job - lol.

Thank you for all your love and support of my new little blog and I look forward to continuing in 2011.  It will no doubt evolve, as I do, so can't wait to share the journey with you.

Wherever you are and whatever you're doing this holiday season, I hope that you are with the people you love and that you are truly blessed.

Love Always ;)
Emma


Christmas is filled with story ideas, there is always something going on.  Be a present observer this year (pun absolutely intended) and see what inspiration surrounds you.

There is always a mixed bag of emotions and tapping into them and exploring others experiences will make for some interesting plots.

I'll leave you with this musical Christmas card.

Happy writing ;)
Emma 

Song of the Day

In My Place - Coldplay

One of those songs that just sprang to mind this morning, not sure why, but I love it so I'll go with it.

Enjoy.

Happy writing ;)

Emma

Picture of the Day

I'm intrigued to follow these two and see where they are going.  Maybe it is Christmas Eve and they've got last minute jobs to take care of, or perhaps heading to have a hot chocolate somewhere?  They could be work colleagues finished up for the day and have missed their bus, now they are trying to figure out how they'll get home before the blizzard that has been forecast, hits.

They could be visitors to the town and can't find their way back to their hotel.  Or one could be visiting relatives for Christmas and has met up with an old friend.

Time to brainstorm.

Happy writing ;)
Emma

Word of the Day

Sagacious - (sa-gay-shus) adjective showing keen judgement and common sense.

Song of the Day

Morning Has Broken - Cat Stevens

This always brings a wave of gratitude over me.  It also gets me in the moment, as I mentioned below, and has me see things as they truly are.

I've grown up with this song and I believe because of it have always maintained an awe and respect for life.  It is also my Mum's favourite, so Mum, this is for you xx

Happy writing ;)

Emma

Picture of the Day

A few years ago I saw a book with photos of celebrity women in it, some of which were taken underwater.  I don't remember if they were all pregnant or not, or if it was just women but I seem to recall it being a celebration of motherhood.  To this day I regret not buying it. What's worse, I don't remember who the photographer was or what the book is called, so chances of finding it again - well, it will be like finding a needle in a haystack.  If you know what I'm talking about and have the book or know who it's by please let me know.

Anyway, this picture reminded me of one of those in the book.  I love seeing fantasy worlds created in reality.  I love drawings too, but photography has definitely come a long way with Photoshop and the like and given a more artist range.

I love to daydream and just let my imagination run wild.  What does this picture inspire in you?  Remember to let the child in you come out to play once in a while, open your eyes to this world and others. 

I was lying in a hammock last night under the full moon and stars, it was such a clear night and for a split second I forgot myself, the wonder that filled me was amazing. 

When was the last time you really saw the moon?  I mean, looked at it and saw the enormity of it?  The fact that it hangs there in orbit and is illuminated by the sun whilst we sit in the shadows.  My mind boggled because I was seeing it as a child would, not in my 'yeah, yeah I've seen it before' adult way but with open eyes and heart.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, we take so much for granted and our senses get dull as we get older because it's the same old, same old, but it doesn't have to be.  Take the time to stand back and see, hear, smell, touch or taste something as if for the first time and you will begin to reawaken to life in a whole new way.  This will add freshness to your writing because you'll be able to describe things so much better.

Happy writing ;)
Emma

Word of the Day

Nereid - (nerri-ud) noun  Greek mythology: a nymph who inhabits the sea.

when two worlds collide

I am, and always have been, an emotional writer.  Which is great when they are flowing, the problem is you don't usually know you're shutting them off until it's happened, and then it can be a struggle turning them back on again.
I have been having a difficult time with my writing of late.  The content is highly emotional and at times contrary to everything I believe.  However, it is a story I feel strongly about and one that just won't rest.  I need to write it.

The problem I'm having is that over this last month I subconsciously shut off my emotions as a coping mechanism.  We have had the anniversary of a very close friends passing, a child, and I'm just not in the right head space to write what I need to write.  This conflict is creating a block, because as I'm writing about someone willingly taking their life, I'm grieving the loss of someone that didn't.

I have had to leave it and work on other things, but it is still there, constantly nagging at me, and I know I need to get back to it.

So, what do you do when your real life collides with your writing?  Honestly, I don't know.  I'm always open to ideas.  For me though, I think I just need to reconnect to my story.  Harder said than done, for sure, but I know that it will come eventually so I'm not forcing it.  It has to come from a real place, I need to feel it, so all I can give it is time.

The other reason I think there is a block isn't due to lack of emotion, rather the fear of them.  Knowing that potentially there is a flood-gate about to open and not feeling ready for that experience.

How much do your emotions play a part in what you write?  Have you read back over your work and felt like something was wrong, but you just can't put your finger on what it was? 

I know that when that happens to me it means I wasn't connected enough to it.  When I go back and rewrite, often a deeper emotional connection happens as the true meaning of the story/scene begins to seep in.  That is why rewriting is so important for me.  When I've stood back for a while and then come back to it, fresh and replenished, I can feel all the emotional holes and usually feel what needs to happen to improve them.

Time, as always, is the answer I fear.  For this impatient soul there in lies the frustration, but also the biggest lesson.

You can't rush art!

Happy writing ;)
Emma   

Song of the Day

Circle of Life - Elton John

This is the song that would probably be playing in my head as I was evacuating our home with my family (from the disaster discussed below).

Such a powerful reminder of what life is really about, and The Lion King is such a beautiful movie.

What belief your protagonist holds in the meaning of life will affect the way they react or deal with things, it's important to put some thought into them.  How do your own beliefs affect decisions you make?  Or the way you react to something?

Happy writing ;)

Emma

Picture of the Day

A common question we ask ourselves from time to time is - In the event of a disaster, be it house fire, flood, cyclone or earthquake, what would be the first thing, after your family, that you'd save?

These items above struck me as odd?!  A fan and T.V.?  Different strokes for different folks I guess, but they wouldn't be my pick.

Ask this question of your characters.  You learn a lot about people and their priorities with this question.

For the record I wouldn't go back.  Once my family was out I'd stay out.  There would be things I'd miss, sure, but even irreplaceable things are held in my mind and my heart; and honestly, I am that indecisive and run by my mood that it would cripple me to have to make such a split second decision, so I'd let it go.

We've had to start over a couple of times and you know, it's amazing what you can live without, or what you don't miss until you see it again.

Food for thought, especially at this time of year.

Happy writing ;)
Emma

Word of the Day

Contretemps - (kon-tra-tom) noun an annoying, embarrassing or unfortunately timed mishap.

Song of the Day

All the Man That I Need - Whitney Houston

Patrick Swayze and wife, Lisa Nieme dancing.

What a moving moment.  This is the ultimate love story and such a passionate performance, all the more emotionally compelling because of course we know how it ends for them.

With any love story, there is something that brings two people together.  Whether it is a shared interest or experience, something draws two souls together for a reason.  Sometimes it will be a soul connection, as is evident with these two, other times it can be to bring the worst out of each other to inevitably grow from the experience.  Think The War of the Roses.

Why are your characters together?  What will being together achieve?  Will it be an ultimate romance or a relationship nightmare?

Chemistry, positive or negative, is emotionally gripping.  It has the ability to bring out your own dreams and insecurities.  How can you amp up the chemistry in your story?

Happy writing ;)

Emma

Picture of the Day

Imagine the patience and talent this would take.  It makes our one bucket sandcastles look pitiful, but the kids still love to make them. 

Having an incredible, off beat talent would make for more intriguing story lines.  What talents does your character have?  How could you make them more interesting?

Happy writing ;)
Emma

Word of the Day

Prevaricate - (pre-varri-kate) verb to speak or act evasively.

Song of the Day

Just a Dream - Nelly

My best friend suggested this one for today, thanks Mel.

I'm in a bit of a hurry to post today so won't prattle on.  Really like the clip to this.  Enjoy.

Happy writing ;)

Emma

Picture of the Day

For a book lover this would be like climbing a stairway to heaven.  When I saw it, I wanted one!

How do your character's hobbies/obsessions seep into their lives?  Are they reflected around them?  It is one thing to mention what they like to do, but by turning it into an obsession and having it play out in other areas of their lives could add an interesting element that might be lacking.

How do your own interests impact your life?

Happy writing ;)
Emma

Word of the Day

Recusant - (rek-yoo-zant) adjective refusing to obey or submit to authority.

Song of the Day

Ebay - Weird Al Yankovic

With this crazy shopping season in full swing I've been hitting Ebay more.  I hate busy shopping centres, I can think of better things to do with my time than fight through crowds, stand in line for half and hour and drive aimlessly around a car park looking for a parking space, all while having to listen to the same Christmas carols fifty times over.

Have you ever noticed that all shops seem to have a standard CD?  Is there a "Christmas carols to sedate your customers" CD? 

Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas, and carols, I just wish they'd jazz it up a bit and, I don't know, rotate through a few.  We all know we'll be there for hours, the queues make it so, I'm sorry, I just don't want to hear Bing dreaming of a White Christmas all day while sweat pours off me because the centres airconditioner has overheated!  OK, so now I sound like the Grinch. 

You can give me Ebay any day.  I can have a cuppa, put my feet up and play whatever damn music I want, all while browsing through hundreds of crowd free stores.  Plus, there are bargains galore, and it's not even Boxing Day! 

Yes, my name is Emma Rush and I'm an Ebay addict, there, I said it! LOL

I love this song by the way, Al's a real card! 

What are your character's shopping habits?  How might that impact their story?  Do they leave everything until the last minute?

Happy writing ;)

Emma

Picture of the Day

There's nothing like juicy fruit on a hot day.  What food does your protagonist like/dislike?  How might that create an interesting storyline?

When reading or watching movies have you noticed how food comes into play?  Do your characters eat? 

Happy writing ;)
Emma

Word of the Day

Ethnocentric - (eth-no-sen-trik) adjective tending to believe in the absolute superiority of one's own group or culture and thus despising other groups or cultures.

Song of the Day

Drops of Jupiter - Train

Such interesting lyrics.  I have loved this song since its release, because of the lyrics.

It came out at a time when I was on a self discovery trip and seemed so poetic.  It evokes a whole movie for me, how about you?

Characters have to go through grow (arc) or there is no story, listening to this song, what ideas come to mind?  What journey does it take your character on?  Try to find a poetic way of telling their story to add uniqueness.

Happy writing ;)

Emma

Picture of the Day

What an awesome sight!  How amazing would this be to witness?!
How could you use this kind of experience in your story?  Has your character ever experienced a natural phenomenon?  Have you?  If so, how did it feel?  What was it like?

Happy writing ;)
Emma

Word of the Day

Benighted - (be-nigh-tid) adjective ignorant.

Song of the Day

Individuality - Area 7

There wasn't a great clip for this song, so no visual today, but this is the song that came to mind in relation to the word and picture.  I hope to raise my children to have confidence in themselves and to be who they are.  It is so important for us all to be proud of who we are and be whoever we want to be and this song is a great reminder of those things.

The lyrics were supposed to be on the clip, but aren't, so here they are -  

Individuality - Area 7

They always said that you would never be, anything.

Everything you tried to do was just a waste of time.

But you believed you could do anything you wanted to.

You made your mind up and you never looked behind.

Don't let them try to tell you how to live your life.

Don't let them hold you back, they'll never change your mind.

Chorus

Individuality, be proud of what you are.

Individuality, don't let them cut you down.

You can be whatever you want to be, but don't change yourself for society.

Don't lose your individuality.

The years go by, you find that nothing comes, easily.

And the world is full of people trying to take you down.

Don't ever turn your back on anything you've ever been.

You don't need to prove yourself to anybody else.

Don't let them try to tell you how to live your life.

Don't let them hold you back, they'll never change your mind.

Repeat chorus

There's no room for second best.

No second chance, don't fail the test.

Gotta rise above the rest.

Gotta try to make your mark.

You don't need to be so vain, no need to act so proud.

Follow the trends, don't ever stand out from the crowd.

Do you really care what other people think about you?

Does it really matter what they do, or what they say?

You've fought too hard to let them throw it all back in your face.

When their opinion never mattered anyway.

Don't let them try to tell you how to live your life.

Don't let them hold you back, they'll never change your mind.

Repeat chorus

..........

Think about your character, are they afraid what other people think about them?  Does it affect how they act?  Are they brave?  Do they have a strong sense of self?  Are they left of centre? 

Happy writing ;)

Emma

Picture of the Day

I was looking for a picture that really symbolised individuality and none stood out more than this.

There is an unlimited story potential in this shot, what is he doing?  Is he making a statement?  Are the others aware of him at all?  What will happen when they all sit up?  How does he feel?  Is he confident?  Scared?  Who will he grow up to be?  Will he get a chance to grow up?

Happy writing ;)
Emma

Word of the Day

Beatnik - noun a person who avoids or rejects conventional standards of behaviour, dress, etc.

Song of the Day

Pet Sematary - The Ramones

This is more for me than anyone today.  We watched Stephen King's Pet Sematary last night, and I love this song at the end. 

I hadn't seen this movie in so long, not since it was at the cinema.  I remember we must have gone to see it four or five times.  The local cinema used to have $5 Friday and that was where my pocket money went - every week.  We would often see the same movie until it left.  Then if we loved it enough, we'd follow it to the Drive-In, too. 

Of course that was before the cineplex and a greater selection of pics, so there wasn't really much choice in the matter anyway, but it was great.  Some of our friends thought we were crazy wasting our money seeing the same thing over and over, but my friend and I were so into movies that we couldn't get enough and didn't see it as a waste at all.  

One of our kids is going through a thriller phase at the moment, as you do, and it's great, we are getting to see all the flicks we grew up watching.  They laugh at places we used to scream, special effects have come a long way in 20 years! It's quite funny to watch them watching, actually.  I'm also enjoying hearing all the great music again, too.

As a writer it's a wonderful thought that if I write something good enough, people may want to read/watch it over and over.  I never gave that a thought back then, but I'm sure that's the best compliment we could've given King.

Happy writing ;)

Emma

  

Picture of the Day

Have you ever thought about what the world would look like to you if you saw everything in slow motion all the time?

I love it in movies how time slows and there's that "Nooooo" moment.  I have often wondered how it would actually feel to get stuck like that.  That is what this photo reminded me of today.

How can you bring motion elements to your writing?  Would the difference in pace change/enhance part of your work?  What situations would suit this change?

Just something to think about.

Happy writing ;)
Emma

Word of the Day

Netizen - noun a person who uses the Internet, especially one who is an active participant in discussion groups and who considers the Internet to be an important part of his or her life.

Song of the Day

Back To December - Taylor Swift

OK, it's corny, I know, but there's no better month to post this song and I love it.  I'm a big Taylor fan and love her way of storytelling.  She wears her heart on her sleeve and I love that.

Another break up song I guess, but hey, they often bring the most inspiration.

Happy writing ;)

Emma

Picture of the Day

OK, last weather post for a while, promise.  We are back to the rain, they said we'd only get about 3 sunny days ,looks like they were right for a change.  So it appears our kids won't be running through sprinklers any time soon but playing in the rain - naturally.

When was the last time you deliberately stood out in the rain?  Got totally drenched and laughed about it?   

Our children love to jump on the trampoline in a down pour and get wet to the bone, I love watching the pure joy they experience and it's nice to think that a rainy day, when they are adults, will put a smile on their faces as those memories flood back.

Let your characters have childish moments, when the drama gets too intense think about torrential rain and let it be so.

Happy writing ;)
Emma

Word of the Day

Somatic - (som-mat-ik) adjective being of the body.

Song of the Day

Too Hurt To Dance - Duffy

What song would your character's break-up song be?  Would they be wallowing or moving on? 

We all react to situations differently, and how your character deals with daily realities is important.  There are many opportunities for storyline when you consider this, the more intense the reaction, the more scope for story you have.  Think about it, the more dramatic you make it, the more entertaining and compelling it will be for the audience.

Putting your character under a microscope and throwing different dilemma's their way will help you find the best path to take them down.

Relationships are universal, we all have them, we've all lost them, and whether young or old, we can all relate.  Some level of your story will involve them, so it makes sense to explore how your characters will be within them.

Happy writing ;)

Emma

Picture of the Day

This looks so peaceful.  Who would be on this road?  Would they be on foot?  Where are they heading?  Where have they come from?  Is that a storm brewing up ahead?

Maybe the other side of the road isn't quiet so idyllic, since we can't see the right, maybe there is a dark looming presence in the form of a run-down house?  Perhaps there is someone else there?

Happy writing ;)
Emma

Word of the Day

Censorious - (sen-saw-ri-us) adjective being apt to find fault or criticise.

Song of the Day

Carry You Home - James Blunt

This song gives me goose-bumps.  The actual music video bring tears every time.  It's about a soldier taking a comrade's things home to his wife after he's killed in action.  James' voice has a real ethereal quality to it and it just takes you on a journey.

His albums are the kind that you can listen to and just get lost in.  He tells stories in such an emotional way, he bears his soul, and you feel it.

Wouldn't your writing be better if you did the same?  Don't be afraid to open your heart.

Happy writing ;)

Emma

Picture of the Day

The sun's finally arrived, along with the heat, at last it's looking like summer.

This is how we spent many summer days as kids, sadly our children have not had this pleasure (at least not in the last 10 years) because of the drought.  After the many, many days of rain we've just had they might finally get to experience this simple joy and make some great memories in the process.

What childhood experiences are fixed in the minds of your characters?  Why are they important?  Do they have any bearing on who they have turned out to be?  Did they have a happy childhood?  Do they have children now?  Does their own upbringing affect how they deal with their kids?

For those of you in this part of the world - welcome to summer!

Happy writing ;)
Emma

Word of the Day

Obstreperous - (ob-strep-a-rus) adjective unruly or noisily resisting control.

Song of the Day

Do They Know It's Christmas? - Band Aid

Every year since 1984 I've listened to this song.  It's on most of my Christmas albums and I guess it's become as much of a tradition as Bing Crosby, just wouldn't be Christmas without them! 

I haven't seen the clip for quite a while though, and it's been a great trip down memory lane, seeing all those artists that I grew up listening to.  Without fail, I'm reduced to tears by their power and passion and the impact they have had on humanity.

Again, think about how this would affect your character?  Where would they stand on this, or any other issue for that matter?  Get to know what makes them tick.  Above all, once you know, stay true to them, don't impart your views on them, explore theirs.

Just like people in my real life, I don't always agree with everything my characters do or believe, but I'm not meant to, I'm telling their story, not mine.  If they think like I do all the time, then I'm writing my story, not theirs.  Are you guilty of that?  Maybe it's time you had a chat with them and got to know them a bit better.

Happy writing ;)

Emma

Picture of the Day

A thought provoking image!  How does it make you feel?  What do you think of?  Who is this person?  What is their situation?

This is close to my heart, actually.  I've said many times that I'm a child of the '80's and a big part of that era was the awareness brought to us about the third world. 

This picture actually follows a theme for me at the moment.  Our family decided at thanksgiving that one of the things we would do is buy our shoes exclusively from Toms for the next year.  If you haven't heard of them, their one-for-one movement is a brilliant and heart-warming one, and it fits into our value structure of giving perfectly, so it seemed an obvious choice.  Making our children aware of others plights etc. is something we do consciously, particularly at this time of year. 

Seeing this picture today got me thinking - how would your character's values, sympathies and philanthropy affect their stories?  Would including them improve your story?  Would it give you a sub-plot idea?  There are many facets to us, do you characters hold as many, making them complex and interesting?  Or are they two dimensional?

Think about it, what is it that makes you, you?  Now think about your characters, what is at the core of them that makes them who they are?

Happy writing ;)
Emma

P.S.  If you want to know more about Toms check out their site via the flag below.  It's an awesome concept that more companies could employ.

Word of the Day

Welter - noun 1. a rolling movement, as of waves.  2. a confusion or turmoil, e.g. of thoughts.  3. Horseracing: a race in which all horses carry more weight than normally.

Song of the Day

It's Over Now - L.A. Guns

Not sure why I chose this today, it was just the first song to come to mind and I tend to go with that.

I loved (and still do) their Hollywood Vampires album, which this song is from.  It came out right in the middle of my teen years and was one of those emotionally charged albums I'd put on when I needed to feel something, anything, deeply.  You know how it is when you're 15!

Anyway, maybe it will hold a spark of inspiration for you today.  If not, just enjoy, and if you are a similar age to me, maybe it will stir memories for you, too.

Happy writing ;)

Emma

Picture of the Day

Who is this guy?  Who's he fighting? Is he fighting?  Why?  Will he show mercy?  Will he win?

Great photography btw, love the lighting of this shot.

Happy writing ;)
Emma

Word of the Day

Trenchant - (tren-chant) adjective incisive or keen.

Song of the Day

People Are Strange - The Doors

This was the first song I thought of when I came across the picture for the day.

Just another angle to look at in character development, it takes all sorts, why not delve into a less P.C. arena?  Take some risks and create a real motley crew of characters that make for great reading/watching.

This song was used in the movie The Lost Boys which I think kind of said it all about that world really.

Happy writing ;)

Emma

Picture of the Day

This doesn't seem to want to load every time so here is the link, worth a look - TONGUE TATTOO.

Something different for today.  Although this is a photoshopped image, imagine if it were real.  Who would do something like this? 

When creating characters, explore their eccentricities, what are they capable of, or willing to do?  How far would they go?  What is brewing below the surface that comes through in other areas of their lives?

Us humans are a complex bunch, your characters need to be equally, if not more complex so your readers are willing to invest in them.

Happy writing ;)
Emma

Word of the Day

Baleful - adjective menacing or evil.

Song of the Day

Both Sides Now - Joni Mitchell

This was one of the songs I'd play over and over as a teenager full of angst.  The tone and mood of it drew me in more than the words, but those words really resonate with me now, I'm old enough to understand them. 

Ironically, so is Joni!  This performance is by far her most emotional of this song.  If you watch her sing this in the early '70's there isn't the depth to it that you see here.

Think about how experience will affect your characters emotional reactions to things.  How do they affect yours?  When putting your protagonist through the wringer how will those around them react?  What does age and experience have to do with that?

Seeing 'both sides' will give your audience a deeper emotional connection to the story and give you more scope for exploration.

Happy writing ;)

Emma



Picture of the Day

Remembering the magic of childhood is often a good place to start when trying to think of fresh ideas to write about.

Remember when a bubble wasn't just a bubble!  As adults we take so much for granted that our sight gets literally dulled as we age.  Things that once excited us we barely even notice now.

Start noticing again.  Try to see something familiar in a different light.  If you have young children, watch how they react to things and try to see what they see.

Waking up to life is often the start of something big.  Once you've woken up, maybe your characters will too.

Happy writing ;)
Emma

Word of the Day

Egregious - (eg-ree-jus) adjective (use is derogatory) outstanding or notorious.

Song of the Day

Have You Ever Seen The Rain?

- Creedence Clearwater Revival

Kind of ironic really considering we are in the midst of 28 wet days for the month!  This has to be the wettest spring/summer in years. 

As a lover of cold christmas' I'm excited that maybe we will have one this year, but the general consensus around here is doom and gloom "but Christmas is supposed to be hot!".

I know I've mentioned the weather and your writing before, but it really does affect people emotionally.  How do you feel when you see a movie and it starts to rain, how does it affect the character's mood?  How can rain enhance the setting?  Think about it, when there has been a long drought - of anything - what is the best way to show it's broken?  Rain of course.

I'm sure there's a really deep and meaningful message in this song but for me today it carries the joyful feeling I have as I look out my window at the overflowing lake.  We've had a long drought - smile people, we need this!

Happy writing ;)

Emma

Picture of the Day

What's up there I wonder?  What are these worker's 'working' on?  How many more of them are there?  What happens next?  Whose story is it?

The guy on the left looks like he's holding his back for support, maybe it's his story?

Happy writing ;)
Emma

Word of the Day

Prestidigitation - (presti-dij-i-tay-shon) noun sleight of hand.

Song of the Day

Closer - Kings Of Leon

Just felt like a bit of KOL this morning.  I'm listening to their new album Come Around Sundown quite a bit while I work at the moment, although this is one of my favourites from the Only By The Night album.  Anyway, hope you enjoy.

Happy writing ;)

Emma

Picture of the Day

How cool is this?! 

What is the first thing you think of? 

It looks like an 'inspiration spot' to me.  I see lots of writers sitting in cubicles.  One gets particularly frustrated with their work and comes out here to 'get back to nature'.  See them sitting on the floor, feet on the spot, wriggling their toes in the grass.  Feeling the connection to their creative source, that flash of inspiration rips through them, they jump up and rush back to their computer.

Happy writing ;)
Emma

Word of the Day

Somnolent - (som-na-lent) adjective sleepy.

when the best thing to do is...nothing

I talk a lot about ways of stirring inspiration and developing story ideas, after all, that is what the word, picture and song are all about.  But sometimes the best thing you can do doesn't involve doing anything.

I find that carving out time for solitude and reflection are just as important as exercising my brain and toying with ideas.

This subject came to me this morning when it dawned on me I hadn't meditated in a while.  Waking from a restless night, replaying a mental list is always a good indicator! 

For me, it tends to come in fits and starts, depending on the pace of my life, but usually the time I need to do it, is the time I'm so busy I struggle to get away long enough.  After a while my brain actually feels tired, like there's a glitch in the current or something, and that is my reminder to take some time out and give my poor head a break.

Most writers are excessive thinkers, well I am anyway, and my mind never shuts off willingly.  I have a steady stream of thoughts, all day.  The second one thing quiets, another starts up, literally giving me seconds between them.  Yes, it's tiring and actually sometimes, annoying, but I've never known any different so it's quite normal to me.  Only through talking to others have I realised not everyone thinks like I do.  Can you believe there are people out there that go for a minute or more with no thoughts!  I know, what's wrong with them? LOL  I find the idea of that amusing.  I actually have to think about not thinking!

I don't meditate anywhere near as often as I'd like but when I get the time/motivation, I sequester myself away and sit in silence.  Initially, because my brain has other plans, I'll need to follow a guided meditation to shut it up, then I'll sit in silence, but if I've been doing it regularly it only takes me sitting for a minute and then the peace comes.

My logic for this is that if you don't rest the muscles you use constantly you'll wear them out.  Think of an athlete.  I wonder if you've ever thought of your brain that way before?

When I've given it a well-earned break I find that I have actually opened it up to receiving more inspiration.  It's like some well-needed clearing out has happened subconsciously in the process, and there is now a tidy desk ready for work again!

So, give you brain a break once in a while, for your own sanity as well as your creativity.

Happy resting ;)
Emma

Song of the Day

The Sound Of White - Missy Higgins

I don't usually put the same artist on two days in a row but this song is the one that comes to mind when I think about solitude.

Absolutely love her, she is a great talent!

Happy writing ;)

Emma

Picture of the Day

I already knew what I was going to talk about this morning when I woke up, so coming across this photo was quite serendipitous.  I'll offer my musings soon but for now, back to the picture.

Who is he?  Where is he?  How did he come to be where he is?  What are his family like?  Why is he there?  What will happen next?

How do you feel when you look at this?  Study your own emotional response to things.  Not just pictures but your interactions.  You'll learn a lot. 

Happy writing ;)
Emma

Word of the Day

Obsequious - (ob-see-kwee-us) adjective servile or excessively humble in manner.

Song of the Day

Nightminds - Missy Higgins

All of Missy's songs are powerful stories.  Another performer with raw emotion.

Don't be afraid to let your vulnerability show, the more vulnerable you feel, the more connected you are to your creativity.  No-one said it was going to feel comfortable all the time, but if your story calls for you to dig deep into a long closed off cavern of your mind, do it, you'll be glad you did.

Happy writing ;)

Emma

Picture of the Day

What do you think of when you see this?  A well-guided climb?  Tourists?  What do you think happens next?  Where are they?  Who are they?  Did they all know each other before this climb?

I actually saw them as a search party. 

Happy writing ;)
Emma

Word of the Day

Jocose - (jo-kose) adjective playfully humorous.

Song of the Day

Ironic - Alanis Morissette

This song has always intrigued me as a writer.  Small vignettes that create instant images that play out on the movie screen of my mind and I want to explore them more deeply and brainstorm other ironic situations.

When something is written well, it should project instantly onto the movie screen of the readers mind!  As a writer, be it songwriter, novelist or screenwriter, that should be your goal.

Happy writing ;)

Emma



Picture of the Day

Rain on Uluru - a rare sight!

Peter Carroll took these after waiting 20 years to be in the right place at the right time.  Now that's dedication to art.

As artists we need reminders from time to time that it is more the rule than the exception that creating the work that will get noticed/sold is a journey unto itself.  Most novels you read didn't just fall onto the page in a month, likewise with movies you watch.  Often times they have taken 10 years or more from the first word being written to 'appearing' on the screen!

Patience is my biggest lesson as a writer, but looking at the beautiful images above gives me hope it'll be worth the time I've invested!

Happy writing ;)
Emma

Word of the Day

Turbid - (ter-bid) adjective not clear, opaque.