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 |  This is a continuation of my blogging here at WdC |
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This will be a blog for my writing, maybe with (too much) personal thrown in. I am hoping it will be a little more interactive, with me answering questions, helping out and whatnot. If it falls this year (2024), then I may stop the whole blogging thing, but that's all a "wait and see" scenario. An index of topics can be found here: "Writing Blog No.2 Index"  Feel free to comment and interact. |
| Clearing The Mind To Write Brief one today! I received an email about writing that wasn’t (a) abusive or (b) trying to sell me something. In part: “…quick question which I’d like to ask. I was curious to find out how you center yourself and clear your head prior to writing. I’ve had trouble clearing my mind in getting my thoughts out. I do take pleasure in writing however it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are lost simply just trying to figure out how to begin. Any recommendations or tips?” Well, first, I thought, at least this person’s writing eventually. What’s 10 or 15 minutes? So, I thought to myself, that’s an easy one. And I sat down to write a response. After 10 to 15 minutes of my own I realised it wasn’t as easy as it sounds. So, what do I do to clear my head when the words don’t come out? We’re not talking about writer’s block here, just about when you have trouble getting started for the day. Writer’s malaise, shall we say ("20240517 Combatting Writer's Malaise" ), only on a smaller scale.When I was younger I’d go for a run or a quick bit of parkour (though we didn’t call it that back then – we just did gymnastics wherever we could). As I got older this was replaced by a walk. Outside, away from any distractions. Sometimes I find a quick cat-nap (or nanna-nap) helps. I read a book on a totally different topic or in a totally different genre to anything I have been writing as of late. I watch bad television (soap operas I find work really well, because even if it is over-exaggerated, what you see are emotions and situations that could break you out of your writing malaise). Or I watch old black and white and movies; the lack of colour just allows the mind to wander a little easier. Or, finally, I will draw a picture instead. Just doodle, scratch around on a piece of paper, and let the ideas come out in a different format. Or play guitar. Basically, a different art form. However, maybe your mind just needs that time to meditate before it can get around to writing. Why force it? It’s not like you’re not writing at all! So, something I hope helps. All of those things at one time or another have helped me break through for that first spurt of creativity when I’ve needed the prod. There is one other thing to do which is have a day off, but I am a firm believer in writing something every day, so I don’t feel that is an option for me. But for others, that is yet another alternative. |
| External Writerings March 2025 That time of the month where I list the writing I have done for Weekend Notes (and any other places that could be bothered publishing me online). Songs, and even films this month, and a few columns because there was a good incentive, which I got  . Remember, you do not have to listen to the songs (though I would be grateful if you did), but every look at the articles from a different IP address with no ad blockers helps me out in my increasingly desperate attempts to make money as a person who writes.Songs about memories (not remembering). My favourite songs from that surprisingly good year for music, 1975. My favourite films from 1985, a year where I spent too much time at the cinema. Songs about the sky, the early years. Songs aboyt the sky, more recent years. Songs about listening. My review of some music of a band I have only just discovered – Halflives. I really recommend them.And there we go, 7 articles for this month. Hope you find something you like. And if you have any ideas for music (or even film, though my film knowledge is not as extensive, or book, but ditto here as well) columns, leave a suggestion in the comments below and if I have not tackled it already, I would love to give readers what they want. |
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