A couple of days ago, fellow WOW’ster Heiddi wrote a post called, ‘Feeding Your Spirit to Feed Your Writing’, reminding us if we do so, our writing benefits immensely. Two of Heiddi’s suggestions really resonated with me and I examined what that means for me.‘Review your accomplishments’ is first on the list. Heiddi suggests that remembering the things you’ve done in the past, whether writing-oriented or not, reveals your strengths and capabilities.
Thinking about this year, I wanted to explore screenwriting and signed up for ScriptFrenzy back in April, the screenwriting equivalent to NaNoWriMo. I managed to make it a little past the halfway point of 100 pages by the end of April, not bad for my first time, and want to finish up by the end of the year. I also went on my first writing retreat at a nearby retreat center. Taking the time for a long weekend focused on writing was what I needed and I returned rejuvenated and eager to work on new ideas for projects.
‘Go back to hobbies that you enjoy’, number three on the list, is a favorite. So is music, which refreshes me. Sometimes as I listen to various songs, a lyric or two inspires a character or story idea. I’m becoming more interested in filmmaking too and was part of the production team for a film project with a non-profit I’ve volunteered with for some years. I worked the camera, did lights and makeup, and hope to assist with editing. I’d want to continue developing these skills and like to see this turn into more than a hobby.
Bottom line, keeping our spirit fed keeps us and our writing vibrant and productive. Something to ponder as we finish up the year.
Thanks for the reminder, Heiddi!
2 comments:
Good post. I signed up for NaNoWriMo for the first time this year. I have made a point this year of going back to do more reading, something I neglected in order to write. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Sheila,
Hope you accomplished your goals for NaNo. I, too, didn't read as much as I wanted to this year as a result of writing. Here's to more reading for the both of us next year!
And thanks for your comments!
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