diversions and distractions

I have a habit of coming across these things as I need them, and this one reminded me how distracted I can become with things that are out of the realms of my control. 

Life has been throwing me a few curve-balls lately. Conflicts that have caused ripple effects through other areas of my life, sending me off on diversions I hadn't planned on. Challenges that have appeared too difficult, but have actually been rewarding as I've embraced them. Even surprising me with how much easier they were than I expected they would be.

I think we get too reliant on life being predictable. We keep to the "safest" path, rather than exploring the one that's calling the loudest.

I'm getting better at this as I get older, but I've always been a bit of a people-pleaser and avoided conflict like the plague.  I would sooner see someone happy, than upset them, and consequently sacrificed my own happiness frequently in the process.  Realising you're own mortality and the value of your life (as you tend to do with age) I've become fiercely protective of my time and energies. I have accepted it is impossible to please everyone all of the time, and I'm okay with that. A certain peace comes with that realisation, and at the end of the day, if I know I've given it my best - that's all I can do.

Living each and every day authentically is the most important thing to me now. Knowing that everything comes from a loving and honest place, makes all things easier. I'm doing my best, and I'm embracing the good. The negative is just noise I'm learning to tune-out. 

Spending time on distractions means I'm spending less time on what really counts. When I resist change because it's painful, maybe it's a diversion I'm MEANT to take. That is what I'm learning. The next diversion could be the one that matters the most. It could bring change I'll end up being thankful for. Having plans it great, but opening yourself up to the unpredictability of life is liberating!

Don't let distractions, no matter how big, take over your life completely. Try to keep things in perspective, and trust that if you stay true to who you are, and you keep a kind heart you will achieve great things. Which reminds me of another great quote -

Love life and it will LOVE you back. ~ ANON

Happy writing ;)

Emma

accomplishments and goals

As many of you know I've spent the last 6 months doing an amazing course with ScreenwritingU called the ProSeries. Well, it has come to an end and I'm about to graduate, and it has been AMAZING!! I can't begin to tell you what I've learnt, but there is just SO much valuable content in this course you have to do it if you want to improve your own writing.  I highly recommend it!! Beyond the class being amazing, and all the skills and knowledge I've gleaned, I have made some wonderful friends that I know I will stay in touch with. 

Of course, like all great learning experiences, I was challenged and pushed out of my comfort zone on numerous occasions, but each time I came through stronger and stronger.  I now have far more confidence in my ability as a writer, and feel a huge sense of accomplishment now that I'm finished.  I have gained an exceptional work ethic by posting daily assignments, and although at times it was a struggle to keep up with the course, my daily life as a mother of four children AND deal with my recent illness, Hal and the guys at ScreenwritingU were more than supportive and that only magnifies the respect I feel for them and their company.  They have truly created a wonderful, caring and supportive community for writers of all things.

So, now that it's over what's my plan??  WRITE. WRITE. WRITE.

The fact that I won't be working to such a strict schedule will mean that hopefully I'll get back to some of my other writing too (like this blog), but I am adjusting my routine somewhat.  The big lesson I learnt along the way this last 6 months is that keep adding more balls to my already enormous juggle doesn't necessarily make me MORE productive! Yes, we're back to that - balance! Prioritizing and setting goals is far more productive at this point, and so armed with my goals for the next 6 months I now feel 10 feet tall, and bullet-proof - and yes, finally well again!

Next on my list is the ProSeries rewrite class, and building my library of scripts.  A rewrite on AFTER JIM, as well as finishing a project I'm co-writing with two brilliant writers, one of which I met in the PS class are first on that list!!  I'm so excited to get going and implement the skills I've learnt ;)

I love owning my talent.  That has been where the personal growth of the last 6 months has led me.  Saying I'm a writer feels GREAT!!  It may have taken me 20-years to get there, but boy does it feel liberating to not just say it, but OWN IT!  Belief in yourself is the first step to success after all.

So here's to dreams coming true, and life unfolding in surprising ways.  I'm so glad I clicked the wrong link a year ago and landed on ScreenwritingU's doorstep.

Rather than wait until you stumble upon them, click HERE and go improve your writing and knowledge of the business 100 fold - you'll be glad you did! (you can thank me later)

Happy writing ;)
Emma

check this out!

Some of you may remember my good friend, and amazing writer, Tom Reed had his STAR WARS beatsheet published on the Save the Cat website a while back.  Well I'm excited to tell you that he's back on STC with his latest breakdown FRANKENWEENIE and he doesn't disappoint!

You can check it out HERE and while you are there, why not leave him a comment of support!  As always, thank you in advance for supporting a fellow writer, it is always nice to know someone is reading your work!

I'll be back very soon. But for now, take care and ...

Happy writing ;)
Emma

where have you been?

Has it really been 6 weeks?? How time flies when things are crazy! I won't bore you with details but I've been under the weather for a while and some things have had to take a back seat for a while.

I'm still getting back on track, but didn't want to neglect you any longer than necessary so just checking in that you are inspired, living your dreams and forging ahead!!

Balance is an ever-present lesson in my life, as it seems to be with most people these days.  So I hope you are finding some!

I will be looking at a new format for my blog very soon, but for now I'll just keep posting as I'm able.

Happy writing ;)
Emma

when all else fails

So, I've finally succumbed to the germs that have infested my house for the last week!  As I've worked my tail off trying to keep every aspect of my life together, my immune system has apparently been slacking off!  Doesn't it understand I can't afford to get sick?!  There's too much to be done, and not enough hours in the day as it is. 

The simple thing to do would be to head to bed and sleep it off!  Ah, why didn't I think of that?  Oh, that's right, because I'm playing nurse to two sick kiddies, got a mountain of washing and other various mundane duties that won't do themselves (no matter how much I wait for that to happen), and I've got writing to do.  Some of which is homework, and I simply can't put it off any longer. 

I don't admit defeat often, and I won't be doing it today.  So what do I do when all else fails?  Keep looking for a solution of course!  Now, where can I get one of these?

Happy writing ;)

Emma



song of the day

The Last Day on Earth - Kate Miller Heidke

So, apparently it is our last day on earth today, and this song sprang to mind instantly. 

This song actually inspired my first screenplay, so I have a soft spot for it! I think I had it on continual repeat on my iPod for a week or more.  I never tire of it though, or the emotion that it draws.

You know, we're all making light of this being the last day and all, but seriously, if it were, have you done all you dreamed you would?  You may not have achieved the dream, but have you been following it?  If not, why not?  We tend to get in a rut and take life for granted, but whether it all ends today, tonight or tomorrow, it doesn't matter, the fact is it WILL end.  Maybe not the entire world, but your world IS finite.  Please don't make the mistake of wasting it.  Let me share my new favourite quote with you --

"Love life and it will LOVE you back." - Anon

Live life to the full, everyday.  When you do those mundane chores, remind yourself of the alternative, and feel blessed to be here.  Not every moment of your life can be a dream, but if your dream is LIFE then, hey, it just might be!!

Happy writing ;)

Emma 

part 2...the saga continues...

The Saga Begins - Weird Al Yankovic

I know I've posted this song before, but heck - I LOVE IT!! It's so much FUN and as I've said, my family are huge Weird Al fans, he's one funny dude!

Not to take away from the intelligent, and sheer genius of the second installment of Tom's blog this week, this just sprang to mind and I felt like listening to it, which in turn made me want to share it!!

Here is the link to read part 2 of Tom's epic STAR WARS breakdown!  Don't forget to leave a comment if you can.  Like all writers, I'm sure Tom will appreciate the support.  It is cool to know someone is actually reading your work!

Way to go, Tom! 

THE SAGA CONTINUES...ON SAVE THE CAT! BLOG

Hope you are all having a great weekend!  I've had a hugely productive, albeit tiring, week!  So am ready to catch my breath.

Happy writing ;)
Emma

check this out!

Here's a link I'd like to share with you all. 

 http://www.blakesnyder.com/

A friend of mine, Tom Reed, has written a fantastic breakdown of STAR WARS for the Save The Cat blog, and I'm so excited for him that I just wanted to share it with you all!!  Tom has an exceptional gift for writing the beats in such a way that you feel you are watching the whole movie!  He is particularly wise in his analysis of Fun & Games, and showing how this is woven not just into the F&G beat, but the entire movie.  I'd encourage you to take a look, and while you are there, please drop him a message in the comments, I'm sure he'd appreciate the support.  Here is part 1, part 2 will be posted next Friday.  Congratulations, Tom, you've done a brilliant job!

CLICK HERE TO READ

If you aren't familiar with Blake Snyder's SAVE THE CAT! book, I highly recommend it.  My whole perspective on screenwriting changed (for the better) when I became familiar with it (thanks to Tom!).  In fact, it not only changed how I outline/write, but changed the way I see movies, generally.  You can't help but notice the beats once you're familiar with them, and it never ceases to amaze me how often they fall right where they should!





Happy writing ;)
Emma

lost in the dark

Don't you hate it when you've got a great story brewing, you're riding that perpetual wave of creation and everything is fitting into place nicely, then BAM! - you meet your antagonist - and you freeze!

That's my problem at the moment!  I have such a clear picture of what I want to get across with this guy, but I just can't find his voice.  He's got me stumped!

Now, I think I know why this is, and I suspect many of you have had this problem with a character at one time or another, too.  I believe it's because I haven't found anything about him that I can relate to yet.

When I'm developing characters, without doubt, a part of me is firmly implanted into them.  I have a connection with them.  It's just enough that I know how they will deal with situations I put them in, and I hear their voice like it's an extension of my own. I totally get them.

This guy is MEAN.  He's VICIOUS.  He's SADISTIC. He's pure EVIL!  And right now, I just don't know how to write him - because I'm too nice! 

Firstly, I can't find a point of reference at this stage.  I'm delving. I mean, I'm no angel, of course I have a dark side.  I just have to channel it!

Secondly, and probably more importantly, I'm protecting my protagonist!

Are you guilty of that?  I'm beginning to see just how much I do it, and it's a problem.  She should be screaming for me to give her a break.  Begging me to write him out!  I should be having so much fun with this guy that I can't stop.  So why aren't I?

Because I put part of myself into my characters, and no matter how minuscule that part is, it's there.  I fear what I may discover about myself! 

You see, I've been raised to be a "good girl".  What will people think when this guy, who is probably one of the juiciest characters I've ever had, starts weaving his web of manipulation and deceit, and unleashing his venomous wrath on anyone that gets in his way?  Well, I hope they'll think - wow, this guy is a psycho and I HAVE to get this part - lol!  But what I fear they'll be thinking is - my God, this woman is a psycho!

There is my problem!  An old, buried "issue" that I must face, again.  I don't care what people think of me half as much as I used to, but it rears its ugly head once in a while.  I know what I have to do.  It shouldn't be difficult.  In fact I should be having a blast.  But honestly, it scares the hell out of me!  Why?  Because I feel like a psycho just having the thoughts, let alone writing them down, and I'm not comfortable with that!  

This is something I'm determined to overcome.  I WILL overcome. I'm learning to step out of this bubble of comfort faster every time, and it's making me stronger and more confident each time I do, but I can see why men tend to write this genre more than women. I won't let that stop me though.  In fact I will use it as my motivation to succeed.  I will face this fear head-on and explore this guy to the full.  I will find that psychotic voice, and I will embrace it.  I will face the fear of getting lost in the dark...

"Fear is never a reason for quitting: it is only an excuse."

- Norman Vincent Peale

That's right - Feel the fear, and do it anyway!

So, come on, get your antagonist out and we'll see what we're made of.  No more meek and mild. Let's have some fun.  Let's take that step, hell let's just leap straight into - the dark side!

Happy writing ;)

Emma 

BTW - I'll make this a two-part post.  Once I work out my antag, I'll share with you how I did it, and share any genius wisdom that's been given to me along the way. 

be brave, stand out

How cute is this photo?  I love the symbolism of individuality.

I am constantly encouraging my children to be who they are in their hearts, and not who they think the world wants them to be.

Now in my mid-thirties, I've had to learn this lesson numerous times and like all lessons - it's been difficult at times.  Finally though, I don't give a damn about what others think or try following the crowd anymore.  I am me, and no-one else ever will be!  This way of approach has made my life more exciting and amazing by discovering every day more about myself and who I am and giving me a freedom and piece of mind that I never believed existed.

As a kid I always wanted to blend in, children often do.  They follow the crowd and play it safe.  Being a child immigrant was tough.  I stood out like a sore thumb at school, so I quickly made it my mission not to, until eventually I was invisible.

As time went on my little safe haven of invisible bliss turned into an isolated hell.  In my heart I wanted to do things, but they would make me stand out.  Audition for the school play.  Sing in the choir.  Recite my own poems.  I had become so shy that I just couldn't.  I missed a lot of life between the ages of 10 and 16.  Six years of missed opportunity, fun and laughter, and above all - experience.

Life is all about experiences.  When it's all done and dusted what have you got but love and memories?

I made a bucket list a few years ago, forcing myself to face my fears.  It's such a liberating thing to do, I highly recommend it.  I am gradually working my way through it, doing the things I've always wanted to do.  Yes, I'm still shy, but the desire to experience the fullness of life is more important to me these days that I'm willing to feel the fear, and do it anyway.  I don't want to miss a thing!

Surprisingly my confidence is now overtaking my shyness, and I feel more empowered than ever before.  I'm not so worried about falling flat on my face these days.  I know I'll get back up, and the embarrassment may last all of a day. 

"You probably wouldn't worry about what people think of you if you could know how seldom they do."

- Olin Miller

How about you?  Do you avoid doing things because you worry what others will think?  What do you wish you'd been brave enough to do as a kid?  Or an adult for that matter.  What is written on your heart that is yet to manifest as an amazing experience?

As writers, experiences are our pot of gold, a well of inspiration.  Write from a place of honesty and connection.  Sprinkle the emotion you've felt when experiencing those things into your work.  We all have them, even me sitting there in my unseen cave most lunch breaks.  My experience was observing others, studying what made them tick, building on my imagination and knowing what isolation feels like. Of course I've had a fair ground of experiences since then, full of emotional highs and lows, but all rich with inspiration, wisdom and growth. Good or bad use your life and celebrate all your experiences.  They have got you to where you are now.

Happy writing ;)
Emma 

picture of the day

I read an article by Julie Gray in the Huffington Post this morning that sparked an intense thought - Where is this journey leading?

When all is said and done, what is this life for?

Then, as I looked for the picture of the day, I came upon this beautiful one, and it sparked the thought again.

Where am I heading? What's my purpose?  

A deep question, I know.  But since I'm Queen of the Deep, and it wouldn't be a normal day if something hadn't sent me on a dive into the exploration of life, here I go ;)

Putting all beliefs aside, including my own, let's assume death is the end.  Period.  This is it.  All you have.

I believe that my purpose, and yours, is to enjoy life with courage.  Since being hit head-on with my own mortality I have lived by the quote - Feel the fear, and do it anyway.  Explore life, enjoy it, and live it to the full, knowing you get just one shot.  All very cliche I know, but think about it.  If now is it for you, today being your last day on earth, what would you regret?  What have you not accomplished?  What are you too afraid to do? Don't make it complicated, it isn't. Just take fear from the equation and look at the simplicity of life. 

I'm not exploring grief today, that's a whole other issue.  One that I believe Julie articulated with courage and grace.  Helping people by sharing your own vulnerabilities is healing in itself.  Grief is very personal, and we all deal with it in our own way, but rather than tying yourself to your loss today, just look for a moment at YOU.  What is your story?  Who do you long to be? 

None of us really know what awaits us, but being in the moment of every day you can truly make the most of what you do have, by taking this life by the horns and having the courage to LIVE IT.

"Life seems but a quick succession of busy nothings."

- Jane Austen

Are you caught up in busy nothings?  We all have responsibilities that tend to run our lives, but don't let those busy nothings be all you have.  You have dreams, right?  Don't forget to dream, and more importantly - live them.

A while ago I spoke about hitting a brick wall with the script I was writing.  That although I felt compelled to write it, I was finding it increasingly difficult because of being forced to face emotions I didn't feel ready to explore.  Here I was, writing about someone who took their life willingly, while experiencing the enormous loss of someone that didn't.  What I learnt during that time was that sometimes there is neither rhyme nor reason for events that happen "to" us.  Life just sucks sometimes.  But learning to grow through the pain, and come out of it wearing your battle scars with pride, is possible...albeit painful.  I needed to find the courage to live my dream, and that would involve dealing with the emotions head-on.  Feel the fear, and do it anyway.

Look at where you're blessed.  What you do have.  Have faith that you can turn your dreams into a reality, one step at a time.

I decided the best gift I can give my lost loved one is to share his legacy of love.  Be the walking embodiment of that by joyously embracing life with passion and purpose as he did.

So, if your dream is to be the best god-damn writer on the planet, then look at the first step to making that a reality - WRITE.  Don't be afraid to explore the depths of emotion, that's where the gold lies and the healing begins.

God bless you all.  Anyone suffering a profound loss, you have my deepest love as you wade through the mire of your own grief, and my prayers that you find a way to live with a spirit and love of this beautiful gift of life, while honoring your loved one.

Happy writing ;)

Emma

finally...

So, I've finally got my computer back!  Well, for a week anyway.  Mr. HP still has a part to repair, but while we wait he has graciously doctored it up so we can get by - and that couldn't be done four weeks ago, why?

I won't dwell on that point.  It's just great to be back!! 

So, what's new?  Well, I'm a month or so into my ProSeries screenwriting course with ScreenwritingU and it is AMAZING.  I'm learning so much, and really enjoying the community of writers I've been privileged to meet.  There is so much talent out there.  

I've also joined a free class ScreenwritingU are giving - Philosophies of a Great Screenwriter.  There are online discussions on Twitter via #scripttip.  If you are looking to connect with other writers, this is a a great way to do it - and learn something at the same time!

I'm a newbie to the Twitterverse as they call it, but I'm having so much fun.  That, and it's been about the only thing I can do effectively from my iPhone - lol!

On the home front, well, when your almost three-year-old asks you what your motivation is, you know you've been thinking out loud too much!  Seriously.

Great to be back.  Thanks for sticking with me during these inconsistent postings.  Hopefully that's over now.

Happy writing ;)
Emma 

what's the lesson?

Still no computer!

I feel that this will probably continue to push me until the lesson is learnt.  So, let's look at what this could possibly be teaching me then.

- PATIENCE.  This is the number one lesson, I'm sure of it.  There's an on-going pattern of patience in my life.  When we are waiting for something it's as if time shifts to micro-seconds.  An hour feels like a day.  Well I've been waiting for a whole month, and I can tell you it feels like a year already.  I've been keeping my cool about it, and not focusing on it, but it's been tough.

- HOW MUCH TIME I WASTE.  Ah, the ever useful device is also my biggest procrastination tool!  When I'm supposed to be writing it's easy to get side-tracked on Twitter, or reading others blogs, visiting YouTube etc.  Anything that helps avoid facing the challenges I've hit upon.  I've been getting on with assignments, caught up on other jobs, and realised I don't need to be on-line, or even using the computer, half as much as I do.

- NOSTALGIA.  It's nice to do things the old way (for a while anyway).  I've rekindled my love of pens and paper, and anything stationery related.  I've also seen more people in the flesh *gasp* - I didn't realise what a recluse I'd become.  There are some pro's to the good 'ole days, but not enough to convince me to give up my techno ways permanently!

So, I've got a few things out of it, but the biggest surprise is probably time management.  I get a lot done in a day, so I wouldn't have thought I was wasting any.  I see now though that I really need to give myself a specific time that is for 'recreational use'.  Where I put my feet up and enjoy a good 'surf'.  I need to define what I need to be online for, or on the computer for, and then do that, but it's best to just get on with the work and then rejoin the real world.

Nothing beats real-life interactions and observing the world around you.

That said, I can't wait to rejoin my web-world either.  Thanks for your patience, and stay tuned.  I will be back daily soon, but for now I'll update when I can.

Happy writing ;)
Emma

what's going on?

What's going on? I hear you say.  Where is she?  Well let me tell you -- My computer has decided it's earned an early retirement! 

They are fantastic inventions when they are working, but boy can they throw a spanner in the works when they're not.  Especially when most of your life is on them!  Luckily from past experience I've learnt to BACK-UP EVERYTHING!  All our photos, home movies, all my homework assignments, every draft I've ever written (of anything), and of course all my kids homework assignments etc. is on that damn machine.  Honestly I don't know what we ever did without it, but I hate it right now.  

Don't be mistaken in thinking I'm not a fan of technology, au contraire, I LOVE it.  Maybe too much, and maybe that is the problem.  I feel so lost at the moment.  How sad is that?!

Needless to say, my iPhone is my only connection to the on-line world and honestly, it is kind of tedious typing on that thing, hence no posts.  Sorry guys.  My bigger dilemma just now however is that I'm currently doing the ProSeries course with ScreenwritingU on-line and frankly, I shudder at the thought of typing up an assignment post on that tiny keypad.

So, I'm destined for Internet cafes and the library until my baby comes home -- fingers crossed it's a short parting.

Funny the things we take for granted.  How would you manage without your computer?  Or the Internet?  We are so privileged to live in a time when we are all able to instantly connect to anywhere in the world, any time we like, and not leave home to do it.  I feel blessed to have a wonderful community of cyber friends, who I feel just as connected to as the ones I can sit and have a cuppa with and who will slap me when I need it.  Oh, there we go *rubs cheek*.  Yes, I know, it's just a computer!

Hope yours is working.

Happy writing ;)
Emma

happy 2011 !!!

Hello everyone, Happy New Year.  Hope you all had a great festive season. 

I'm back on deck and ready for whatever 2011 holds, and look forward to sharing my continued journey and inspiration with you.  I don't claim to know much, but whatever I do stumble upon along the way, I'm happy to share with you.

I hope that you were all blessed beyond measure over the holidays and have some incredible experiences and eternal memories to show for it.

Hopefully you gave and received some special things, no doubt a glorious combination of things you love and those that you stare at wondering "Do these people know me at all?" lol.  They are all the things you'll find on ebay over the next month ;)

So here's to a great year, filled with plenty of hard work and forward momentum, and the occasional backward step, to be sure.  Just remember that as long as you are doing something to get you towards your goal, you'll get there in the end.

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 

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

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

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.

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