Kate Mosse is one of my favourite writers. I really became lost in her historical novel Sepulchre, one of my favourites.
In a week when I've been very despondent about not being able to write due to our renovations, it was cheering and uplifting to read her recent article in the September issue of Writing Magazine (UK) about the hard work involved in writing.
She advises people to write every day, no matter how limited their time. "Five minutes a day - every single day - is better than no minutes a day."
I also loved her description of characters. "I think, rather than standing there with your hand in the small of your character's back, pushing them forward saying do this and do that, as if you are the conductor of the scene, you need to have a character who turns around and holds their hand out to you and who says follow me and write down what I do. That is what you are aiming for."
And so for this Magnificent, Marvellous, Mighty Monday post where I feel totally overwhelmed by renovations and chaos in Little Brick, it's important for me to remember I can't always meet my own high standards and write for several hours minimum.
Sometimes five minutes is all you can achieve, but it's important to seize that five minutes and get something down. Thanks, Kate, for the inspiration. Her new book is The Winter Ghosts - such a lovely title and a book I can't wait to read.
Hi Josephine, I'm making notes of your recommendations. I have to say, though - Kate is right. When I went for a short writing course, our teacher stressed to write every day, no matter what. "Don't even think about what you want to write, otherwise you will focus too much on how you write. Oh, and don't bother too much about grammer in the early stages.." he'd say.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear that you are still inspired and hope that your renovations are over quickly!
xx
Yup - I've given up on my 50,000 words in November and am now aiming for SOME words in NOvember. It's the best I can do at the moment. I love Kate Mosse too - Sepulchre kept me going in hospital last year.
ReplyDeleteGood advice from Kate there...I need to try and follow it...I have little bouts of inspiration and drive and then they wane and fade...I should read something of hers - for I have not. xxx
ReplyDeleteIt's funny how creative people are perfectionists and probably their own toughest critic. If you do not give up ... you get there. Simple really.
ReplyDeleteI'm going through a funny phase at the moment where I am imagining everyone else's life is better than mine ... celebrities, bloggers, the girl next door. I am sure it will pass.
Keep trucking. x
Hello Josephine
ReplyDeleteYou have me intrigued and I shall look up the book that you recommend so highly. I know of her but don't know anything about the type of stories that she likes. You do sound like you are working really hard and could do with a "pick me up".
In a way I do understand how you feel at the moment. I have been feeling quite overwhelmed at times by all the work that has to be done in our house. Boxes every where, ironing falling behind...As I write to you now, I am in my work room surrounded by boxes waiting to be emptied and put away in the right place. I can't wait for all to be tidy. I can't work as well when it's like this. I need order and less clutter around me to feel creative.
It is fustrating not to be able to have time to make creative things such as crochet or sewing. BUT I am staying postive reminding myself how rewarding it will all be when it is all done! It is only temporary even if it's not happening as fast as I'd like it to be ;-))
Off to find out more about Kate Mosse now.
Take care
Hope you manage to find a bit of spare time to yourself...
Isabelle x
I just wrote a response but I don't think it was accepted! So if you get two from me... oops! I was saying that I love the advice of writing for at least five minutes a day...
ReplyDeleteI am wishing you the best in your move! xoxo
I am so pleased you have been inspired :) By the way has your little parcel got to yet, I hope so and I hope you are happy with everything ;)
ReplyDeleteHugs
X
Ohooo Josephine your thank you words are far more beautiful then anything I could ever make. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a lovely, heartfelt comment. Has certainly made my day :) I hope you don't mind but I have listed some of your feedback on my sidebar of the Blogshop, I couldn't not let those lovely words not be read. Thank you again, my love to you all and I am so happy I bought a little smile to Daisy's face :)
ReplyDeleteHugs
Mary
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Brilliant advice Josephine...it is all about keeping your writing alive and that means every day, whether it is 5 minutes or 5 hours. xv
ReplyDeleteHello my darling, how is my favourite blogger, I hope life is treating you marvelously. As you know mine was a bit topsy turvy of late, but is slowly returning to normal. I thank you for checking in on me and for the kind comments you always leave behind, you are a dear friend. I am now off to read the posts I've missed on your blog.
ReplyDeleteTake care
Love & Hugs
Duchess