Menna Van Praag's Blog, page 24
March 23, 2014
“There is a modern day philosopher’s stone – being in this moment. And what it does is transform ordinary, mundane lives into exquisite magnificent lives.” – Ariel & Shya Kane
HOPE is out in paperback tomorrow! Exciting times! I’ve waited a long time for this moment. It’s lovely &, of course, fleeting 
However, luckily joy doesn’t wait in the fulfilment of our dreams but is available in every moment. And, when we enjoy the mundane moments as much as the magical ones, then we will have truly fulfilled all our dreams 
Pic: my springtime office
March 22, 2014
“Security is mostly a superstition. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” ― Helen Keller
I used to think I was safe if I lead a little life that avoided anything remotely dangerous or daring. And then, one day, I was walking along the road and a chimney stack fell on my head. If that’s not a sign from above, I don’t know what is. I look it to mean that there was absolutely no point in hiding – physically or emotionally – because safety was an illusion. After that I began risking my heart & reaching out, I smiled at strangers, I went travelling, I did daring things that had scared me silly before. It was wonderful. Now I believe that, since we’re never safe, we might as well live life to the full!
Pic: @pastlejourneybook.tumbler.com
March 21, 2014
“I feel very adventurous. There are so many doors to be opened, & I’m not afraid to look behind them.” ― Elizabeth Taylor
Courage. Without it nothing is possible. With it everything is possible. Things you can’t even yet imagine. I know this to be true because it’s true in my own life. I used, many moons ago, to be terrified of pretty much everything: speaking to strangers, being noticed, the blank page, travelling anywhere, sharks – bit of a strange on that, since on an average day the nearest shark is probably at least a few thousand miles away, but there you have it. Today, I wouldn’t actually seek a shark out, but I’m not scared of much anymore, just the things that might actually kill me The point is that being afraid leads to shrunken life, bleached of colour & joy. The way to overcome fears is practice. Do the things you think you can’t do. Start small. You’ll soon be shocked at how brave you become…
Pic: the door to my favourite Venetian stationery shop
March 20, 2014
“There is no great writing, only great rewriting.” ― Justice Brandeis
Writing is rewriting. & rewriting & rewriting. The secret of good editing is, in my experience, being willing to change absolutely everything in order to make a more brilliant & beautiful story. It’s being open to other ideas that may well be more inspired than your own. During draft six of HOPE, my agents suggested cutting out half the characters. I confess, I was momentarily horrified. I didn’t see how it’d make the book better. But they were right, and it did. Being able to say yes is a great thing, in writing & in life…
Pic: something new I started on the train – I do love writing on the train
March 19, 2014
“We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” ― E.M. Forster
Focus on what you want & apply courage, passion & dedication to making of your dreams a reality. And, at the same time, let go. This seems like a paradox but isn’t. Never get so fixated on your imagined future that you don’t see all the possibilities life has to offer. This is important because, no matter how grand your dreams, you still only have a limited vision of what magic awaits you. When I started writing, I only wrote screenplays, I didn’t think of novels. But none of my film scripts sold & someone suggested I try my hand at novels. I ignored them. Then someone else said the same thing. So, I started paying attention to the signs, & never looked back…
Pic: @ language-is-love.tumbler.com
March 18, 2014
“The formula for success is simple: practice & concentration, then more practice & more concentration.” ― Babe Didrikson Zaharias
Very few of us are born geniuses. Even those blessed with great talent still spend a lot of time perfecting their skills. The first draft of Pride & Prejudice was turned down by the publishers by return of post. A few years later Jane Austen gave it another go, proving that even geniuses need to practice, as do we all. My own Hope Street went through 12 drafts before finally being accepted by a publisher. So, if you’re currently in the midst of many rejections, take heart!
Pic: little O practising his art
March 17, 2014
Two new books!
I’ve collected together my 33 favourite inspirational posts in a special edition ebook
It’s not for sale but it’s free to anyone who pre-orders the paperback of HOPE STREET this week!
Just email me your receipt: menna@mennavanpraag.com & I’ll send you the book, along with a lovely little secret something extra – exciting!
March 16, 2014
“My most valuable trait is tenacity, but what’s got me where I am now is courage.” ― P.D. James
It’s a truth universally acknowledged that whatever you want to do in life, especially if it’s extraordinary, you will need tenacity & courage to do it. Whenever I read the story of someone successful who struggled in the wilderness for a good while, I feel so inspired. I know what dedication it takes to keep writing/auditioning/whatever when all you’re being told is “no”. I know what reserves of faith you have to draw on not to sink into self-doubt. If this is you right now, allow yourself to be comforted by those of us who have been there before. Even the greatest successes in life have known desperation & despair at some point in their lives, probably many times. Remember this & keep hope alive in your heart!
Pic: springtime = time for ice cream!
March 15, 2014
“Self-pity in its early stages is as snug as a feather mattress. Only when it hardens does it become uncomfortable.” ― Maya Angelou
Disappointments are a frustratingly common fact of life. My own life regularly doesn’t meet my desires, but I’m lucky to be surrounded by people who pull me away from self-pity before I sink too far in. I do the same for them. Self-pity is seductive, wrapping its soft arms around you until you fall asleep, & you must be strong against it. Because, if you sink into this particular feather mattress for too long you may never wake up. So, whenever I suffer a disappointment, when I feel like giving up, when I feel the strong pull of self-pity, I call my husband or friends I know will talk me out of it. Then I pull myself out of bed and get to work.
Pic: yet another beautiful stationery shop: Legatoria Polliero in Venice…
March 14, 2014
“Aim at a high mark and you will hit it. Not the first time, not the second and maybe not the third. But keep on aiming and keep on shooting. Finally you’ll hit.” ― Annie Oakley
Whenever I watch ice skating I gawp at the television as athletes spin & twirl. Occasionally they fall & I’m always so impressed by how they instantly get back up & finish with aplomb. I’ve always loved ice staking, because it’s such a beautiful metaphor for life. The skaters, like all athletes, have to aim at their marks thousands of times, overcoming fear of failure or injury. And, if something goes wrong, they can’t take a moment to pout, they have to throw themselves – with perfect precision – into the next spin. They remind me of how it’s possible to triumph over the urge to wallow in self-pity but instead keep living your life with full passion. Personally, self-pity when things go wrong is my natural inclination, so I need all the reminding I can get Because one can either pout or twirl, but one cannot do both!
Pic: it’s springtime at my favourite cafe – Afternoon Tease, Cambridge – it was lovely sharing cake, hot choco & inspiration with you Bec
