What writing means to me…

I recently read a short story called 'Thirst' from 'The Secrets of the Fire King' by Kim Edwards and I was literally blown away. Basically, it was a reworking of 'The Little Mermaid' story but what a difference!
There was so much more depth and resonance, revealing exactly how the heroine must have felt and reacted to her plight. There was mystery, malice and yearning and quite possibly the most powerfully beautiful piece of literature I have read in quite a while.

All part of the learning curve I find myself on in order to become a better writer. I am discovering that characters must have an 'under layer' (much more depth). Something you feel as a reader opposed to what you see. I am also learning that you have to make time to write. Something I personally have trouble with. My days seem to be filled to the brim with things I have to do, plus all the things I would like to do, that there really isn't enough time for everything.

But I want to write, so I must organise myself, prioritise what I do (and not feel too guilty about the things I don't get time for)

Most authors, I have discovered, say that all these jobs and tasks are writing enemies, and I know just what they mean. I have been trying to knuckle down and make some kind of progress with my writing, and I'm afraid I have let myself down again. I thought that if I cleared some of my outstanding jobs, I would have more spare time. What a laugh! It's a bit like trying to dig a hole in a sand pit, I'm getting nowhere fast.

So as a good friend of mine once said, 'everything is important, but nothing is very important.'

I have discovered that you have to write and squeeze life in around the edges -- not the other way around.
They say you should learn to write as if your life depended on it --because it probably does!