My Book Aims

I genuinely didn't expect to have more books than Don't Eat Charlie Cheese.
I was 22 years old when I crafted the Charlie Cheese character, I was working in a pre-school, didn't know exactly what I wanted to do with my life, but I thrived making up rhymes and funny characters with the children and my co-worker (now best friend!). On my break, I used to make notes on scraps of paper or tissues I'd find in my pockets. It was exciting and sparked my interest in writing.

I would never think that 5 years later I'd have two more Charlie Cheese books, a memoirs comedy book, a poetry book and a new children's book.

It's such a wild achievement, and it's incredible to see my hard work being enjoyed by others. I am delighted I found such enjoyment with making stories, and decided that this is the future I'd see myself being happy having.
I believe I've done incredibly well in regards to getting my writing career off to a running start, although I hate feeling like I'm boasting or showing off, I do feel proud about this. I'd like to set myself new aims when it comes to books - rather than writing challenges.

My book aims are:

- Release 10 books by the time I'm 30. (Borderline impossible, but let's give it a go!)
AND
- Finish my novel. I don't have a deadline for this, but I'll be happy when it's complete.

Eco-Friendly Writing

This is a poem from my indie poetry book, Mind The Gap.
Written in 2017.
Reading through it again recently inspired me to be a more Responsible Writer. I am actively trying to live a more environmentally friendly lifestyle.

- All my writing paper is put into compost when done with.
- I am only buying recycled paper, and that's only if I really need it.
- I'm cutting down my electricity usage.
- I've cut down paper use by making phone notes.
- I am no longer buying stationary with lots of plastic.

Stepping Away From A WIP

Spending some time away from a writing project could go one of three ways:

1. Fresh eyes on a project could inspire new ideas, which could result in pushing time and effort into finishing your work.

2. You could feel it still has potential, but now isn't the right time to fully emmerse yourself in it. Put a pin in it and you can always return later.

3. You find the project is longer relevant, it has run it's course and you no longer want your name on it.

If it is the third route, don't feel guilty for cutting ties with a WIP.
Yes, you worked hard on a particular creative writing piece, but do you really want to put your heart into something you find limited?
It happens.
Some WIPs got put on hold for a reason - it's better to put time into new projects, than trying to salvage something you believe isn't going anywhere.
If you aren't sure about a WIP, go for option 2 - but if you know you're stunted, drop it, you can always cut extracts from it you feel can be used elsewhere.

Keep moving forward!
Don't feel bad for letting go of a project!

My First Writing Milestones

Being an indie writer means that you're starting from scratch, often with no financial backing at all, and you are more of a niche than mainstream.
You're winging it, basically.
There has been some milestones for me that don't seem like a big deal to others, but meant the world to me. Having no money to throw at your hard work is heartbreaking - but that doesn't mean you're not moving in the right direction.

I think the first milestone for me, was completing my first short story - Don't Eat Charlie Cheese.
I was elated when the story was done and dusted, I had been working on it whilst being full time employed in a pre-school, so I had limited time to figure out where the story was going.
But that was only the start, from there, I managed to save money to have the book illustrated by a unique artist TOMMINGS. When he sent me the first illustrations to look at, I could not cope. The character was better than I'd ever have dreamed of - I'd seen nothing like it in my life!
Charlie was alive!
I then got the first print of the book in the post - and I smiled all day and told everyone in the world (and their grandmother) that I had written a book, a real life, hold it in your hands, give it a flick through book!
Don't Eat Charlie Cheese was then discovered on Amazon! I think I cried at this point..
And from there I continued to write!

Everyone has different milestones in regards to achievements. Don't compare yourself to other writers, ever.
You did a thing - be proud!
The good thing about milestones is, they don't stop. There's loads of accomplishments you can gain - I get excited when this blog gets views! I'll be excited if my books ever win a prize, you never know, working hard pays off - even if it's a small win!

Expanding Vocabulary

In my second Charlie Cheese book, Charlie Cheese Travels The World - I went crazy with synonyms. It's always a good idea to help children learn new words, especially if you just swap in a synonym now and again.
I did this when I worked with small children too, I was never 'scared' I was 'frightened' or 'spooked' - for some reason, the kids found me using bizarre words they're unfamiliar with absolutely hilarious, but it helped them learn and understand new words, so bonus.

I try my best to learn new words. This often happens when I have a word stuck in my head, and after I cannot figure out where I'd heard it, I end up blurting out and asking what it is - usually not taking into consideration whether or not the word may be inappropriate.. Either way, I get my answer!

I like to search synonyms and antonyms when writing - as basic as that is, I find it easier than reading a word over and over to try and make it stick. Expanding your own vocabulary doesn't have to be a chore and it can help massively when writing. You can end up using words several times and it does begin to grind and you feel like a useless writer as a result.

Reading also helps with vocabulary. (It helps you write, too).
There's no shame in looking up words that seem overly complex - an author/writer used that word for a reason - so find out what it means.

Best of luck!

Trying To Write With 'Baby Brain'

For those who don't know, you do now.
I'm pregnant!

See, you couldn't even tell on my blog because my writing has been up to scratch, hasn't it?

Well, now my 'baby brain' is getting worse.
I forget words, I get distracted and I completely mess up what I'm saying - which is difficult when you're trying to be a full time writer.

I haven't lost any motivation as I try to write daily. I haven't ran out of ideas because my notes are bursting. I haven't put a pin in writing as this is my dream job and I need to continue.
I am just struggling to form a decent sentence and words don't look right anymore.

I thought my peak worst 'baby brain' moment was thinking someone was called 'Wolf Fingers', rather than 'William'. It's hard work.

I'm writing now in short bursts and taking longer breaks, it's not ideal, but I'm not stopping writing. My WIPS are still open and I'm attempting to be more productive. If you are a pregnant writer - you're doing amazing. It is hard when your brain is slowly melting. Writing will always be worth it. Keep your 'baby brain' busy.

A Novel - Making A Start

I've been toying with the idea of writing a novel for a while now, and today I made a start!

I have written up a basic idea of the story line, and made a small attempt to structure it.
It's so early in the creative writing process, but that's the good thing about a novel - no deadline, no rush - I have a long term project that I can work on comfortably and have as much time as I need to chop and change, until I deem it perfect.

There can be months of research, learning and pulling my hair out - and I cannot be more excited!
I am used to putting a pin in a work-in-progress for children's book ideas or short stories, but a novel feels much more serious - so it will hopefully be more rewarding, I'll soon find out!

It will be a writing challenge that will pull me in and out of my comfort zone, and if I still have this blog going when the novel's finished, I'll be sure to update!

Sticky Note Haiku Procrastinator

I feel the title could be my superhero name / be on my headstone without it being questioned.

If you follow me on Instagram - my handle is @thebeffyparkin - you'll know I was supposed to be doing paperwork today, something I've been putting off since the dawn of time. Obviously, I shuffled three pieces of paper then began writing..

My brain has rewired itself. I used to enjoy organising paperwork.
Now, I'm happy writing all day and making a massive desk mess. Shocking.

I'm attempting to use this to my advantage, somehow. I am hoping to create rhymes and haikus WHILST ticking things off my to-do list - and when some jobs are done, "as a treat" I can begin making notes. What an exciting life!

It has to be sticky notes - or I'm just going to create more paperwork that I'll never finish. Smart.
Here's the result of this morning's procrastination:

Collecting Material

Whilst having a day out this week, this beauty was found:

After finding this pleasant surprise, I've decided I need to really consider writing some novels..
Based in Australia.. Or Hawaii..
But it'll be a very long winded book, so I'd need to collect material, for approximately, a year?

I never thought of this aspect of writing - changing your scenery to spark ideas or research a particular place/event.
This is probably because I can find inspiration to write whilst running a bath, or having a drive, or trying not to burn pasta sauce.
I definitely need to broaden my horizons and get myself off to interesting places - to see what weird and wonderful things I could come up with! 

Here's to finding inspiration, and collecting material, everywhere and anywhere!

Filming Opportunity - Application Sent!

Submissions were accepted from yesterday. I was too nervous to even start the application process, but today I bit the bullet and put forward and idea I'd like to see be made into a short film.

You've got to take chances like this, that make you uncomfortable and nervous, because you never know. Even if I don't get it, I tried! I put myself out there! I can do this independently if I feel strongly enough about this!

As always, I will follow this up when I know - but entries close at the beginning of February, so in the meantime, lots more ideas are to be written up, storyboards need to be completed and notes need to turn into shorts and put into the prettier notebooks I have!

Keep your eyes peeled, wish me luck!

This Year I Will.. #TYIW

It's 2019, which means I am free to set new goals and aims for the year - with hopes I can complete them within the deadline.
That didn't go as planned in 2018, but I did get a lot done!
This year I've decided to set more vague goals - as my writing often takes a turn.

GOALS:

- Have another book to print. - A new CC book? Poetry? Who knows yet!

- FILM SOMETHING! - This may be low quality due to funding, but it's a step in the right direction as I've wanted to film for a while!

- Submit work into other publications! - I love using Submittable, and it's a way of writing new things to deadlines, and it's lots of fun!

Easy, right? Wish me luck!