Diversity in Journal Writing

Through the lifespan, each decade, every relationship, and all experiences provide a wide range of topics to expand upon.  About twenty years ago I found myself in a precarious situation and met a counselor whom suggested I begin a journal.  The purpose of the journal was to write out my daily activities, feelings, and discuss them with her.  This concept was not just a good counseling tool but, is a method often used by writers.   Begin a journal - pick a topic or let your creative mind run freely. Do not focus on spelling or grammar - that will come much later.

Deadlines

I can't think of one person that likes a deadline.  Perhaps the 'dead' is something we just can't find a positive meaning of.  I'm thinking about my first writing I started in August of 2009.  That means I have worked on writing this book for five years.  It is a lively writing - certainly not 'dead' by any standards.  There has been a positive response from all I have read it to.  Perhaps, I should view it's completion as reaching a goal of a 'finish-line' as opposed to the 'deadline' and the word 'finish' is more palatable to the grey matter of my brain.

Embellishing

"You have to learn to lie," - so said a wise man to me a few years ago.  Embellish he said. Expand on your writing by adding details to make your writing more palatable to your reader.  For instance:  The man and woman sat by one another.  An embellished version:  The dark-skinned man shifted his rotund body against his attractive, female companion.  The mental imagery created by each one of these statements is quite different. In the first statement - the mental imagery is impersonal.  In the second statement - the mental imagery becomes personal; romantic.  I am focusing on embellishing my writing of my Aruban vacation story.  The result:  the story is developing more than just characters and I am getting closer to my goal to publish my first book.

Focus On the Positive

I was communicating with my eldest today.  She is a remarkable young woman.  Her company merged with another company - her position will be eliminated - she's uncertain as to which career path she will follow next.  I suggested she write down her criteria for a desired job focusing on the positive and minimize the negative.  All tasks whether they are:  personal, job related, or writing a book are not necessarily fun.  The key:  focus on what you want and follow through to your well deserved success.

Review It - Again

So...I decided the murder project is a bit too dark for me right now.  This morning I realized the timing for this type of writing wasn't today.  I am in a positive and creative mode.  I am back to working on my first writing about a humorous family vacation.  A lot went wrong.  No one died in this book. My multi-faceted personality of many talents - as reflected in my writing topics - is a wonderful extension of my life.  And, when the time is right, I will revisit the darkness and embrace it.