Lloyd Raleigh
In a way, this answer is also for me, as finding time to write and create a simple, balanced life can be a challenge, especially since I am self-employed and that's what puts food on the table for us. This has meant that writing my first book has taken over a decade to complete. My first book has gone through several versions over that time and, little by litte, has transformed into a finished product. At some point, I said "it's finished." And, unlike other times I wanted to finish early, after saying that, there were no thoughts of "not really, I want to do more." Knowing when to stop is important.
So if you're an aspiring writer (I"m including myself here) and have a story you want to share with the world. I'd say the following:
Relax. No one but your own thoughts are creating obstacles for yourself. Take a look at these thoughts and just watch them come and go. Then exhale and breathe into the world. Somewhere out there is your inspiration. Breathe it in.
When writing, stay in the inspirational zone. If you aren't in it, that's okay. Go back to relaxing, exhaling, and in-spiring.
This inspiration is very different from an editorial state of mind. If you have written an inspirational section, you can tap into your editor mind and flesh out each paragraph and section.
Be kind to yourself.
Take time away from your screen.
Prepare well with plot, setting, character development. Use Enneagram, astrology, anything--even if you don't believe in it, those ways of fleshing out your character's personalities is crucial. Get into your characters' heads. Try some of the same things you're having them do (ethically sound actions, of course) to deepen that connection.
Study Stanislavski. His advice will help you create better through lines of action (i.e. plot).
Dedicate the book before you write it to something larger than yourself or your circle of family and friends. Write with that dedication in mind to inspire you.
Warm wishes,
Lloyd Raleigh
So if you're an aspiring writer (I"m including myself here) and have a story you want to share with the world. I'd say the following:
Relax. No one but your own thoughts are creating obstacles for yourself. Take a look at these thoughts and just watch them come and go. Then exhale and breathe into the world. Somewhere out there is your inspiration. Breathe it in.
When writing, stay in the inspirational zone. If you aren't in it, that's okay. Go back to relaxing, exhaling, and in-spiring.
This inspiration is very different from an editorial state of mind. If you have written an inspirational section, you can tap into your editor mind and flesh out each paragraph and section.
Be kind to yourself.
Take time away from your screen.
Prepare well with plot, setting, character development. Use Enneagram, astrology, anything--even if you don't believe in it, those ways of fleshing out your character's personalities is crucial. Get into your characters' heads. Try some of the same things you're having them do (ethically sound actions, of course) to deepen that connection.
Study Stanislavski. His advice will help you create better through lines of action (i.e. plot).
Dedicate the book before you write it to something larger than yourself or your circle of family and friends. Write with that dedication in mind to inspire you.
Warm wishes,
Lloyd Raleigh
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