Awakening the Creative Soul Within

Like so many people at this time of year, I feel a bit stretched thin. I'd like to say it's an isolated occurrence, but truth be told, this time of year always seems to pull me down. The never ending juggling act that is my life, means I've been trying to accomplish everything without sacrificing quality. Bit of a struggle...to say the least.

But, I'm not here too complain. I don't want to drum up a pity party for one. Instead I'm here to update you on my new game plan.

Recently I rediscovered a passion that I've long pushed aside - art. I have, in part, Leah Piken Kolidas to thank for this. Her Creative Every Day challenge inspired me to peel back some layers and explore.

I've always enjoyed drawing, painting, scrapbooking...basically doing anything that involves using my hands and getting dirty.Somewhere over the years I shelved these passions for later; too busy to enjoy the freedom I felt when creating art. I focused my attention on writing and that...was that. I was a writer. I attached the label and went on my merry way, forgetting all the other creative things I used to do. End of story.

Or so I thought....

If you follow my blog, you'll know that recently I lost a loved one. He was taken from us unexpectedly. Way too soon. This experience forced me turn inward, and take a good hard look at myself. What makes me happy? What am I avoiding? What am I yearning for? The labels I long ago stuck on myself, seem restrictive now. Like rediscovering my forgotten passions, I'm also rediscovering how I see myself.

So that's what I'm doing. I'm shedding those confining labels to incorporate all aspects of creativity. I've gone from being a writer, to being a creative person. This doesn't mean I'm not a writer, I am. I will always be. However now I can see that being a writer is only one aspect of me. I can no longer ignore the voice that says:

Write, Paint, Draw, Photograph, Create, Learn.....


So Angie, what ARE you working on?


Glad you asked!

I'm exploring the world of mixed media and creating lovely pieces of art. I will continue to post these as part of the Creative Every Day Challenge.

Next week I'm attending a course on editing, which I'm looking forward to. I will continue to edit my novel, and chug along with my WIP. Blog updates will be provided.

I'm also in the final stages of launching the first Write Me Happy challenge called,   22 Things. I'm keeping tight lipped about it right now, but I will say this - it comes with a fancy badge for your blog! Awesome, right? I'm working with a close friend - who is an incredibly talented artist - to design the badge. Can't wait!

When the inspiration takes me - which I hope is often - I will continue to participate in Five Sentence Fiction. A fantastic word prompt challenge that Lillie McFerrin hosts. Check it out!

And that, my friends, is the Write Me Happy update. I hope you will continue to stop by and leave comments. I LOVE hearing from all of you!

What are YOU working on?!

To Type or To Write? - That is the Question!

Simon Howden / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

 
I swear I was born in the wrong century.

I have a few legitimate reasons to back this up, but let's go with the one that led me to write this.

I love paper and pens! I love the feel of a brand new, crisp, clean piece of paper. Any colour will do. I am obsessed with journals and notebooks. I hoard them like those crazy people on hoarders hoard...well... everything.

*Note I am not dogging on hoarders or the disorder that plagues them. I'm simply making a point.

I buy paper/journals/notebooks and use them for specific topics/ideas/lists etc. I find it hard to cross write in them too. If I've labelled a notebook for writing about one story, I sure as hell can't write something else in it. If it's for journaling then you'll not find a lingering sentence from a story in it. I promise! I know...I'm seriously ill.

Which leads me perfectly in to my pen obsession. I found a pen 7 years ago that I absolutely loved using to write. Didn't matter the colour of ink but it had to be a Liquid Expresso fine point tip by Papermate. I became determined to write with nothing else. Unfortunately finding these pens became nearly impossible. Short of ordering them online - which I would have done - I decided to seek out another pen that would be comparable. FYI my new pen is made by Staedtler called triplus fineliner. Awesome name.

Okay, I'm ranting a bit here. Let's get back on to topic...Writing vs Typing.

So you can see my love of writing by hand is pretty substantial. Paper...good! Pens...GOOD! If I was born hundreds of years ago I'm sure my vote would be for parchment and quill!


Cue unforeseen challenge. NaNoWriMo.

While handwriting seems to open my creative mind that much further, the thought of writing my NaNo story then typing it up while working on a deadline...well that's just silly.
If I'm going to "compete" in NaNo I can't very well ignore the fact that typing my story up as I go is a much more effective way to use my time.

Le Sigh.

Don't get me wrong, I adore my computer - Apple of course (R.I.P. Steve Jobs) therefore making my computer using experience delightful. Scrivener has become my constant companion over the years. It's seen me through hours upon hours of copying and editing (not like plagiarism, unless copying your own ideas is plagiarism then..Guilty!)  and for that I am thankful.

BUT....

I love paper and pens. (parchment and quills seriously would be pretty cool.)

So I have accepted my fate. In November I will toss aside my good friends Black Composition Notebook and Blue Staedtler triplus fineliner and say Hello to my other companions; 7 year old iBook and 3 year old iMac.

Which method do you prefer? Does handwriting make your heart flutter or cringe? Send me your thoughts!