Feminist WIP : Art / Poetry / Creative Writing

My latest WIP is a pro-women project.
I've written some feminist poetry in the past, but this time I want to dedicate a whole project to it.
I've been drawing as my creative outlet lately and as a result, I have enjoyed making feminist art work.
I have also started working on poetry and creative writing, I write more when I'm passionate about a subject. I'm excited to come back from my writing break to get it finished! Watch this space!

I'm Trying To Write A Musical ...

What on earth was going on when 'Let's write a musical' popped in my head?!
Why did I decide 'Yes, brain, this is a good idea'?!

I'm running with it, this is the same unpredictable brain that has created many wonderful stories and jokes, so who am I to question it? It'll be funny, either way. I love that this idea just came to me, and I didn't just brush it off as nonsense - you won't know if you're any good at writing something new until you give it a good go.

I only have a basic plot, a title, and a few themes bottled that can be used for songs.
I've already made a healthy start on it, and by that I mean it has it's own Word document, is titled and saved. There's also a tune in my head that I need to turn into a comedy song, so I'm looking forward to that.
I need to get cracking!

I am planning on the musical being a comedy/horror theme. I can write comedy, and I have written short stories in the past with a horror twist - I can thank some episodes of Inside No 9 for this inspiration, so hopefully I can mash this experience together.. Which somehow results in a musical (?!)

Novel Research : What Are Other Indies Up To?

I've only mentioned 'research' when I first started my novel - which is still nowhere near finished, please don't question it - and when I discovered you can use it as an excuse to take lots of trips and your husband has to be supportive...

Whilst being more involved with the Twitter's writing community, I've noticed a few patterns and themes within people's queries or pitches. Young Adult and Sci-Fi seems to be what people are looking for / writing themselves.

And I have no idea how to write YA fiction, and I worry too much about plot holes in Sci-Fi stories to even attempt - so as you can see it's off to a good start.
The second most popular genre I've found is Fantasy. I can't write that either.
I cannot for the life of me get into fantasy, books nor television, my brain just doesn't accept it.

BUT - if all of these other indie authors are writing YA, Sci-Fi and Fantasy, then why would mine stand out? Why shouldn't I jump on the band wagon? Shouldn't I be working on something else entirely to distance myself from already popular genres?
YES, I should.
Right, I'm almost out of options. Lots of indies are strong with Sci-Fi or Fantasy. So, the best thing I can do is play to my strengths. I can write comedy, so that's the direction I'll send my novels in. It's always good to stand out - especially if you'll be out of your depth if you attempt something you're not knowledgeable about.

Do your research! It's good to know what's popular with other indies, so you can decide if you're diving in with them, or stepping back to rethink.
The writing community is very friendly so making a query will not go unheard!

Indie Writer : Dealing With Imposter Syndrome

I've posted twice about experiencing imposter syndrome. There's genuinely a horrible feeling of playing pretend when you're trying to follow your dreams and getting nowhere fast.
I've seen a few people posting about it in the Twitter Writing Community, which is comforting to know I'm not the only one, but it's also awful knowing that so many talented people feel like this when it comes to writing.

It can come in different forms, feeling like you're not being taken seriously as a writer, looking at your own work and thinking it's absolute rubbish, thinking your work will be overlooked because you're 'a nobody', or even when looking for writing jobs and not applying because you're not a household name.

Writing is hard, it always has been and it always will be - and unfortunately, Imposter Syndrome seems to follow not far behind whenever you start a writing project.
Yet, it's not permanent. Whenever I get excited that work was accepted, or I run with a new idea, or when a project is finished, it goes. Know it's not forever, it never shows it's face when you're on an up - I know it's often a long time between good news, but point stands, enthusiasm seems to curb the idea you're an imposter.
Chin up, crack on, and understand it's temporary.

The Macroodelzig - Out Now!

The book is finally out in the world, and I cannot be happier! I've spent a lot of time and energy getting feedback, making promotional posts, and attempting to advertise the book as much as possible this month.

The Macroodelzig is only available from two websites at the moment, but I will make a seperate post of all of the online bookstores in the near future.

Please follow the hashtag, #TheMacroodelzig, on social media and give some feedback on Amazon as and when you can - that would be amazing!

Where to grab the book early:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

The Macroodelzig - Super Sneaky Snippet!

I just had to make a small, flick through video to promote my children's book, The Macroodelzig!

It's very short, but it shows the amazing artwork - by Tommings - and this is the first sneak preview video I've ever made, so I love it!

Please give it a view / share / like / comment etc! The book is coming soon, so let's hype it up!

> > The Macroodelzig Sneak Preview < <

Happy International Women's Day!

Shout out to all the female creatives out there making a living!

Celebrate all of the women in your life today (and every single day ever) by supporting their work, and promoting their business - trying to make a name for yourself as an indie is hard enough without there being a gender bias.

Today is a day to celebrate your favourite female artists, poets, writers, musicians, comedians, mothers, scientists, medical staff etc, etc.

I've written a poem about female empowerment in my book, Mind The Gap.
Give it a search on the blog for a link, if you're interested!

How To Support Indies - FOR FREE!

Not a bad deal, is it?
Imagine having lots of means of supporting your friend's dream, without having to spend a penny!
Well, you can - and you should!

What you can do to help indie authors:
Review the books on Amazon / Like their Facebook page / Share news posts / Share images of their work / Like their posts / Invite your friends to their social media pages / Ask for the books to be stocked at your local library / Ask your local bookstores to stock the books / Talk about their work on your own social media / Tell your other friends about them.

What you can do to help indie illustrators:
Like their social media pages / Like the artwork that they post / Share and comment on images they share / Invite your friends to their social media pages / Talk about their work to your other friends / Recommend them to people looking for artists / Share and credit their work on your own social media platforms / Create fan art and tag the original artist / Attend exhibitions or shows they may put on.

All. For. Free!

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.

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!