Better the Second Time Around

In my last blog, I mentioned that I hadn't written anything since 2007 but I didn't say why.

I've been a temp/contractor for over ten years. During those years when an assignment was over, I'd take a few weeks off then look for a new one. I love the idea of temping. Because the jobs were only temporary, I felt free to write, to think about my writing and often depending on the job, the freedom to write in the office during slow periods. It never mattered that the assignment was one, two or even three year just the idea of not working as a permanent employee made me feel unfettered.

But in November of '07 when my contract job was over I found myself out of work for four months. During that time, I was evicted from my apartment and ended up staying with my friend's son sleeping on an air mattress in their home office for almost two months.

People may think that with four months of being out of work you have lots of free time to write and in a way, that is true. However, I was so choked up with fear and anxiety about being out of work, I could barely find the strength to write on my blog. I did however continue writing for a dating advice website.

Those three years had not lessened the desire to write just the ability. Finally back on my feet, I'm still a bit shaky. And now I'm challenged with a new fear. Do I still have what it takes to become a successful writer?

While looking through my writings from only a few years back (my novel is finished, a screenplay, short stories and some poetry) I am amazed how lyrical I was; even questioning if those lines really came from me.

So for the last few months I've written in small doses--a poem here, an outline there; afraid to go full blown but still pushing myself to get back to where I was or to be even better.

I'm sure I'll get there but some days, I wonder.

Buried Alive

December, 2007... The last time I’ve written anything on my blog. I've gone through a few journeys during these almost 3 years; some that have increased my faith and made me stronger, while others have completely tore me down to a mere shell. Both have made me aware of who I am as a person--stronger and more passionate than ever before about life and the goals I have dreamt of achieving. During these voyages, I've completely buried my writing. Like treasures that float down with a sinking ship, my God-given talents have recessed. By resurrecting this blog, I hope to once again be where I used to be. Writing daily and enjoying that excitement of seeing those black words prance on that white background.

This blog was and still is intended to help writers communicate about their writing struggles. Life can stop you dead in your tracks, knock you on your ass, and keep you from that goal of writing daily.
The ability to write; my passion and love for writing during those times was still alive; struggling to be liberated; to break to the surface.
Am I completely free yet from these struggles? No, but I'm fighting to get back to where I was; a born storyteller, dying to share with the world the stories that are constantly floating in my head and are looking to make their debuts on a bookstore shelf or an HBO special.

Therefore, my promise is to take it one day at a time, to not beat myself up during this struggle and to share those struggles.

Here’s to doing this together…

Reading is More Than Fundamental

One of my fondest memories growing up besides eating mudpies was reading. I always had a book in my hand. Even in school when the teacher would call on someone to read, I would be the first to raise my hand.

My parents, specifically my father were also advent readers and I remember how we would sit in the living room reading our books. I remember loving to read way before I realized I wanted to be a writer.

Recently, I came across a bio about one of my favorite authors Mary Higgins Clark and the moment when she decided to become a writer. Someone told her to write what she loved to read. She discovered she loved reading mysteries, which is why she is one of the number one mystery writers in the country today.

You cannot be a good writer unless you have a passion for reading. Forget about the excitement that comes from reading a great novel (I know it’s good when I’m sad that it’s ending), but also what you can learn from reading a good book.

Whether you’re a fiction or non-fiction writer, reading your genre can help you in a few ways. It can motivate you to write, it can help you be more creative with dialog and character building and in the end, help you to become a better storyteller. You can also identify and target agents and publishers who you know are interested in your specific genre.

It was easier to pick up a book when I lived in New York because I was constantly riding either the metro or subway. In California, it’s a little more challenging because I drive more and though I’m often busy working on my various writings, I still try to make time for reading. I have what I call my summer reads; where I will read a certain amount of books before the season is over or read more when my schedule slows down.

Reading a good book always gets my creative juices flowing whether I’m reading a how-to book from Joel Olsteen or reading a simmering southern cuisine from J. California Cooper. It keeps me apprised of what is out there while also giving me the motivation to get out there myself. So make sure you take out the time to read not just for the joy of it, but because of the lift it can give you. You never know when someone will want to read one of your books for the same reason.

Writing is a Career, Not a Hobby

This article is targeted to the friends, family, and associates of someone who is aspiring to be a writer. I recently reconnected with a friend of mine after a few years. We spoke for awhile catching each other up on what's been happening in our lives. I shared with him my experiences since I've moved to Southern California, along with the many opportunities and goals achieved in regards to my writing such as the film I co-wrote, 'Spin' that's been in more than a few film festivals and has won an award, my finished screenplay and my novel. I then decided to email him links to where he could read some of my writings including this blog.

His comment was "I think that you are a good writer, and that journaling and sharing are great activities."

The word activity threw me. I've never thought about my writing as an activity. It also made me think of my other friends who don't understand the work or the hours it goes into becoming not just a writer, but a successful one.

After a full days work, I must take a few hours no matter how tired I am to write either on my screenplays, short stories or novel. Then I search the web to see if there might be some freelance writing jobs that can pay me enough to where I can concentrate on my writing full-time instead of working in an office.

Then I search for writing contests or blogs where I can enter some of my writings or write for a blog to get my name out there as a writer and to bring in a little more money. There is also the searching a writer must do to keep themselves in the know like what's the latest in the world of publishing, screening writing, etc.

Plus, there is also the mailings and emailing of your sample writings and resume which can bring on a stream of rejections. Does any of this sound like it might be just a mere activity?

My friend back east might not understand the hours I put into my writing and why, but my friends here in California should. Just as much as I respect them for their jobs and careers is the same respect I want for mine.

So when your friends and family need a few hours a day to write or even weekends, please remember they're not just working on a hobby, but they are trying to build a career.

What are some of your writing struggles?

The Journey to Creativity

We are definitely living in a world where patience is no longer an admired virtue and immediacy is the name of the game. Dial-up is out and DSL is in. Snail mail is passé and text messaging and instant email is the fastest way to connect, and we no longer mop, but Swift clean.

Last week, I was flipping through channels and came upon this infomercial advertising this new equipment that allows you to create music. After the creator showed the well-versed host what the average person could do, she said excitedly, “Wow, instant gratification to creativity.”

Why would someone want creativity to be instant, I thought? Isn’t the process of creativity; the inspiration, the vision, the conception all a part of the journey?

This made me think of writing and how often it can be a very slow process. I know that there are sites that show you how to complete a novel in 30-days and in away I could see it being helpful, however for me it would ruin the progression.

Writing a novel or a screenplay can be slow, but necessary for the development of the story. Flushing out your character descriptions, your chapter outlines, along with drafts and many edits, could lead to a few years before you even see your piece come into fruition. For me that's part of the journey.

Don't get me wrong, I like that the world keeps progressing. Most of the time I like to use my Swift instead of a mop. But I know that if I really want a thorough cleaning, I need to use a regular mop or even get down on my hands and knees so that I can reach every nook and cranny.

The same goes with writing. There are times where I might not have enough time to spend on my writing say for instance if I'm working on an article for a client. Regardless, I still have to make sure it's letter perfect and eye catching to the readers. But when it comes to my creative writings I take my time because I want my reader to take their time when reading my stories so that it won't be just an instant gratification read, but a long simmered experience, a fulfilled and satisfying type of gratification, way after the story is over.

What type of writer are you?

Knowing Your Writing Voice

Recently, I started writing for an online dating and relationship site. Always excited when I have the opportunity to share my writing with a larger audience, I quickly told my network of writing friends to check out the site.

Unfortunately, that excitement was short lived, when one of the writers stated that my article among other things did not have my voice and suggested that topic be my next article on my blog.

Not one to run from criticism, I asked my writer friends (those who would give me honest feedback) to give me their critiques. All said they loved the article including the publisher.

But still the comment "know your voice' stayed with me and I wondered what does it mean to have a voice in your writing.

I believe everyone has a style that they bring to their writing. I also believe if you are truly a gifted writer, your voice can change based on your audience, based on the genre or based on the person you're writing for.

I know that my writing has a style that is often lyrical, comical, always personal and always introspective. But when it comes to having a voice it can be dark, controversial, thought-provoking and moving because I can pull from many periods in my life.

My writing is not one-dimensional, but many. It is not based on one color, but is a multitude. It is not based on a simple backdrop, but many settings. Restricting yourself to one voice can limit you in your writing.

Just like when writing a screenplay or novel, you have many characters and each of those characters must have a different voice based on their gender, race, or even their cultural background. Would you want to write everyone with the same voice... no of course not. So why should your writing be any different.

Your thoughts...

Lonely but Never Alone

I grew up as an only child, so for the most part, I've always managed to entertain myself. My parents liked to take long road trips on the weekends, and often we would end up at a place that had nothing but adults so I had to find ways to keep from being bored.

As I became older, and started working in corporate America, I found that companies wanted someone who was a team player, so I had to conform. And when I eventually wanted a career instead of a job, my first choice was to become a singer. However, whether you're a part of a group or a soloist, you're never alone. You're either surrounded by background singers or musicians and of course your audience.

But when you decide that you want to have a career as a writer, you've probably come to the realization that there will be many days and nights of isolation and unless you've decided to co-write a novel or a screenplay, being alone is the standard existence for writers.

Because I grew up as an only child, the thought of being isolated when I decided to switch my career goals to writing did not bother me in the least. I can't write when there are others around, because I need complete peace. Often I may stay at work when everyone leaves instead of going home. My friends constantly ask me why I choose to write at work and when I try to explain to them that the constant walking of my neighbors above me, the passing by of loud music from cars, the sound of music or television coming from a neighbor's apartment or even children playing on the streets can become a distraction for me, some don't get it.

So mostly I crave the loneliness, but there are a few times where it becomes unendurable leaving me a little gloomy.

That's when my characters come alive and I spend hours with them and eventually they become my best friends and the loneliness disappears.

So next time you find yourself getting a little dispirited from your writing seclusion, talk to your characters. Just like spending time with your friends and family, it can help you find out many things about them including; their personalities, traits, likes and dislikes and basically what makes them who they are. Then the solitude will disappear and as a bonus you'll end up with richer and more rounded characters.

How do you handle the loneliness of writing?