On Writing, Failing, and Pressing On...

I originally wrote the following on November 3rd. I thought I'd published it, but found it among my drafts this morning, so here it is... While reading posts on Facebook this week, I noticed a cousin had posted about writing her book. I started to write a comment in response to her about her plans, but found I was making it all about me and my writing. Funny how that happens. 

Instead, I decided to share some thoughts about my writing here. I started my first book when my oldest son was a toddler, with my mom cheering me on. I got stuck and never finished it. Maybe it's an unfinished jewel or maybe it's just nonsense. Next, I started the second book idea. Then the third. I decided instead to write a series of short stories, some from my imagination and some from my memories. I wrote those. I wrote some poetry. I started yet another book. You see where this is going... Yep, no where. 

I think a combination of factors plays into my failure as a writer. I'm hyper critical of my own writing. I lack motivation and discipline. I get distracted by everything and by nothing at all. Anyway, after reading her post, I felt inspired to revisit some of my abandoned projects. I decided to start by taking a look at my most recent book. It took almost an hour to find it on my computer. I'd given it a ridiculous name. While looking for it, I found some of those short stories and decided to polish a couple of them up.

Time has a way of giving a new perspective. I found I still loved some of the stories. They just needed some tweaks here and there, which I did a bit of. Everything holding me back can be worked on and overcome. It's just a matter of making up my mind to do it. A new day, a new start, and a renewed inspiration for an old love... writing.
© 29Nov2017 ajjahner

Writing Again...

Over two years ago, I decided to give up on my writing dreams. Life just seemed so complicated. I didn't have the energy to invest. I have an odd assortment of short stories and the beginnings of a couple of books. One in particular, was close to my heart, but somehow it seemed to slip away from me.

The past few weeks, I've had a renewed urge to write. I've dabbled a bit more on this neglected blog. I've revamped the files on my computer, placing the writing folders in a more orderly set up. Everything but actually sitting down and writing, until today.

For the past couple weeks, I've been haunted day and night with old story ideas and a few new ones. My dreams have been full of people I've never met and crazy stories that are begging to be told. After another night of restless dreams, I got up today and began by reading through the chapters I'd written. The spark was still there. I did a bit of editing and refining, and then it was time to start typing. I'll admit, I didn't get more than a few hundred words, but it felt so right to be working on it again!

I love writing! I love stories! Whether I am ever published, is not the question. The question is, why haven't I been doing what I love? Life is just too short too set aside the things we love, the things we are meant to do. So, I will keep writing! I'll try to keep you updated on my progress, as well as sharing a few thoughts and stories with you once in a while.

Leaving you with this thought... Find your dream and follow it!

© 12NOV2015 ajj

Mid-January Already...

This month is racing by.  I didn't make any official resolutions this year, but did start a diet and exercise plan.  I want to redecorate several rooms in my home.  I'd also hoped to do some writing every day.  I'm doing well on my health goals, but not so much on my redecorating or my writing.  Between the busyness of life, and fighting off a winter cold, I haven't gotten much done.

Do you ever have those moments when you are flooded with new and exciting ideas?  I have had so many stories racing through my head this week, I just need to sit down and start typing them out.  I spent a lot of years worrying about offending people with what I wanted to write about, so I just set it aside.  I wrote a church newsletter, did a little blogging, but I never got to the work I really wanted to do.

Some days, I've felt like I waited too long.  Today, I am inspired to try again, if for nothing other than my own satisfaction.  The people and places that live in my head seem to be begging to get out, so we will see...

Day 19 - Beginnings, Stories via Television

I have always loved stories.  It started with hearing family tales and having books read to me; progressed to doing my own reading and creating my imaginary worlds; then moved into television and movies.  I love all forms of story telling, but today I'm taking a look back at television.

The very earliest programs I remember were Romper Room and Captain Kangaroo.  The Captain was a particular favorite of mine, and of the characters on his program, I remember Mr. Green Jeans and Mr. Moose the best.  It had stories, skits, songs and more, and was fuel for my already active imagination.

Later on, there was I Love Lucy, Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color, Lassie, Art Linkletter, and more.  There weren't endless hours of TV viewing in my childhood.  Time in front of the set was limited and many programs were watched by the whole family.  My love for comedy, animal stories, mysteries, and action films started back then.  Television expanded my universe, much the same as radio did for the previous generation, and the Internet has for today's youth.  Television sometimes gets a bad rap, but for me it provided a forum for entertainment, learning, and keeping in touch with the big world that existed beyond my little town.