Keeping A Journal

   One of the most common piece of advice I get from other writers is to keep a journal. "Record everything" they always say. By keeping a journal and recording everything you are learning how to write down emotions, write effective dialog, and describe things which are all needed skills for a successful.
   And keeping a journal is no problem, right? Well, if you're anything like me then it is. I like to keep journals traditional and keep them in book form. I hate digital journals. It just doesn't feel as personal to me. When I see a journal, I see it in a personally chosen book and hand-written. But if you're a busy person then how do you find the time to write a detailed recollection of your day that isn't digital and doesn't keep you up to ungodly hours in the morning?
   You don't or barely do. I would be up until the endless hours of the morning, struggling to write out everything I felt I had to write and half the time my entries were flat, lifeless, and rushed. When I reread them I would give up trying to keep a journal.
   After many tries and failed attempts some advice that finally solved this problem for me came in the form of a simple Tweet on Twitter and it's huge writing community. And now I want to share it with everyone.

   Don't try writing your entire day down in a journal. Pick an incident from that day and write about that but write it in details as if you are writing a story-- include dialog too. Use these daily journal entries as a way to fine-tune your writing.

   So I tried it. I picked one incident that day and wrote it down like a story. And it worked! Suddenly, I'm able to keep a journal when before it had seemed like an impossible task. More and more entries are being filled in and my journal is growing with each new day while my writing skills improve.
   This trick worked perfectly for me and I hope by sharing it that it helps some others out there, writers or not. Even if you're just a busy person trying to keep a journal, I hope this bit of advice I received can help you out in turn.

   Happy Writing, Writers!

- Siddy

Upcoming Updates?

   Hello, readers. I plan to update the blog soon with a new name and layout. Along with my own maturing I feel the blog must mature with me. So I'll update the layout and name in the future eventually. Probably shortly after New Year's if all goes well.
   But it'll be done when it's done. With any luck I might be able to get Arcane and her crazy skills to help me out with it. If I can get her to help then the blog will look amazing.
   I hope everyone's Christmas season is going well. Mine has been full of trials but what can one do? We'll see what happens and how everything goes after the holiday seasons. What do you guys all want for Christmas? I, myself, couldn't ask for much. I got everything I needed and wanted this year. I have my new netbook, Toshi, and a nifty android cell phone. I had the best NaNoWriMo of my life thus far and a first draft ready to be edited as soon as I can manage to print it out.
   It's been snowing almost nonstop here. I'm waiting for it to drop down cold enough so I can toss boiled water outside and watch it turn into powder and steam. Knowing my luck, it won't drop down that cold now that I want it to. If it does drop down that cold I'll post pictures and try to post video of it.

   I have my desk cleared and cleaned up and did some writing tonight. I'll do more before the night is over. I like how my desk looks but I can't wait until I have an actual desk so I can have leg room but for now my dresser/desk will do perfectly. Here, just to share it with you all... This is a picture I took and posted to my Twitter after a writing mishap and my light bulb busted while I was settling in to write:

   I have my sketchbooks up there too from working on Christmas gifts for my parents, so it looks a little cluttered. I was also considering getting a second lamp for the other end of my desk but we'll see what the future holds.


- Siddy

NaNoWriMo is Here!!

   Well, it's been here. And where have my blogging post been? Neglected. We're into the fourth day and I hit 15,000 words. I think it's my best record so far! These last two days I've written 5,000 words or just under that.  I might not hold to that tomorrow because some laundry has to be done but we'll see what happens. Write or Die has been extremely helpful, along with @NaNoWordSprints on Twitter. And as always write ins are useful.
   My story is going good so far and kept pretty close to my outline-- which I think is a miracle in itself. I'll hopefully post a synopsis soon and maybe even an excerpt. When I do, I'll post a link and a post letting everyone know that I posted them.
   But for now I'm going to head off to bed and get some sleep as a reward.

Good night. And keep writing, Wrimos!

Twitter, Tea, and Gifts

   I've been working on figuring out how to work Twitter the last two days... I seem to slowly converting to social networking things of the sort... When I finally sign up for Facebook, then I'll admit defeat, hehe. So, anyway, between working out Twitter, dealing with family issues, and working on Arcane's birthday gift, I'm beginning to think there isn't enough tea in the world to keep me going.


... My next step will be to turn to coffee... And Gods know we don't want that to happen.


   I'm determined to meet my goal of eighteen short stories for Arcane's gift. I failed to finish the story I was writing for her last birthday (and I will finish it eventually; it's a full length novel) so I'm going to finish this one. But.... I'm going through my English Breakfast tea like crazy... :<


   Until next time,


- Siddy