Well here I am writing in my own lil world with my lil tiger writing buddy. Remind me to change my calendar to December? I usually forget to do that til at least half way through the month.
So here's a question for you. When was the last time any of you sat and wrote something out with a pen or pencil that wasn't a check or a school assignment? If you asked me this about 3 months ago I'd have to really think about my answer.
I love to write still in notebooks, especially in script. I remember doing worksheets after worksheets of penmanship back in school years ago. I guess now it's a dying art. It's so easy to just write an email, talk on aim, or Facebook. But I think how people write shows you some of their inner character. No two people write things the same way, making it a unique quality that everybody has inside themselves. That's why I've paid a lot of money for famous people's autographs. hehe. Many of the best novels & stories of the world were written without computers. Charles Dickens wrote allllllll his books out by hand, AND didn't have a ball-point pen. I honesty can't imagine.
What brought on this question was my Writers's Group. It is going to be a sorta Workshop for writers who need feedback. I've mentioned it before & this was my second meeting. I can't wait to read one of my stories to them to get feedback. This group is also helping me write my zombie novel. From my last post about this I've organized a lot about it. I have a few key scenes written out that I just can't wait to piece together. The group's people are very friendly, very appropriately opinionated, & give such sound advice. It's giving me a push, that I so need in several things in my life right now. You gotta hold a baby up to teach them how to walk. The mama bird has to push the baby bird out of the nest one day or it'll never fly.
On the back covers of novels there is usually a clip of the book to give you an idea of the novel. Well here's my opening lines for my back cover about a girl after the zombie war. What do you think?
To do this novel, I'm basically drawing from life experiences. No, I've never been in a zombie attack BUT I've worked in an office that was going out of business where each day there'd be fewer and fewer people working there...and people just left their belongings in their desks after they left. The reason? I will never know. Drawing on memories & making up a story is something I've been looking forward to, so I'm going to working on it, lil by lil. I dreamt of being a writer one day...well now I'm going to try.
All you creative minds out there...remember to pick up a pen one day. It may feel weird at first cuz your used to typing, but do it. You might re-find an enjoyable art.
Title is from Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance".
If you ask, I'll cut you free..."
- Grizzly Bear, "Slow Life"
30 comments:
The kids in the district I'm in don't even get taught to write in cursive & I bet old Dewey of the Dewey Decimal System is rolling over in his grave...these poor kids don't know how to alphabetize, let alone find a book in the library!
Great post! :D just keep writing & Iove your blog
have a beautiful day x
I've kept a journal for YEARS and am just starting to go through them. There's something about pen and paper that is great.
I also love getting a letter in the mail and still try to send a written thank you note.
I can't believe Steph's comment. How sad. Kids aren't being taught to write in cursive? Ugh. Really great penmanship is a thing of beauty.
Love the snippet for the back of the book.
Hi Melanie! I still write in my journal up to now. I love seeing my handwritten notes (though my penmanship sucks big time) in my journal.
When I was younger I had several journals hand written with songs snipets just the way I blog now. Sadly those are all gone now.
I had 3/4 of my first novel written before the twins were born. It got shelved never to be finished. I keep talking about starting a new one. I'd really like to find a local writers group too.
I don't write much by hand these days, because I have a medical condition that caused muscle deterioration in my hands. Not the end of the world, but my hands cramp up at the drop of a hat when I write anything longer than an address.
Penmanship is a dying art. I love love love to write. That's why I keep a journal. I don't write in it as much as I used to though. I have always loved writing in cursive, it just always looked pretty neat. Sadly, like what Steph mentioned, kids these days aren't taught to write in cursive anymore
wow a writers workshop! how daring, I admire you. I'm much too selfconscious to share any of my fiction writing with others. sadly I've become more silent with age, but maybe you'll inspire me to break out of it. the novels sound cool, i like the blurb on the back, unexpected and edgy
Melanie, the snippet sounds intriguing. When your book is done I'll buy it if you get published. If not I'd still like to read it.
Y'know what I think might be a great giveaway someday? If you get published you could offer an autographed copy of your novel, perhaps with an original handwritten page. That would be pretty cool if you ask me.
Love the pic at the top of you doing one of the things you do best.
Oh, and for some reason I always smile when you say 'lil'. Like now. :)
B
I write very little these days. I'm not in school or I don't work a job that involves writing. I do miss it at times. Much of what I write is done on the computer. It is interesting to think about all the books that were originally written by hand. Good luck with your writing. I'm sure your zombie book will be great.
I used to write like EVERYDAY! Now it's like NEVER! I might want to pick it back up again. I think that would be nice.
Great post. I like to write in journals and notebooks too, but I don't do it nearly as often as I should. Thanks for the inspiring post about this hopefully not-dying-art. :)
I am a list-writer. I like to write lists in notebooks, and my husband is always asking me why I don't just to it in excel. I like to write long lovely lists in script. And whenever I do get to writing an actual story or something, I turn to my trusty notebook, too.
This song plays non stop in my head at all hours of the day....
I write lists everyday at work, and love crossing off and throwing away, then constructing a new one.
I also still have about 13 notepad/ journals from when I was in high school. I find them to be worthy of buying a fireproof safe! ha :)
Love,
Nicolette
GREAAAT post :)
Really enjoyed it! I will be tuning in to see how far this story goes :)
Also to comment on the handwritten front! I love writing things! I write loads of little scenareos that I would like to be in. Like a little parallel world :) Its quite funny! Also im starting a quest to find a nice penpal because I think its fun to write letters and decorate them and stuff :) Anyways im goiing on abit haha Great Post! Nadiine xo
http://nadinesadventurex.blogspot.com/
I'm the same way, I love to write. Not just coming up with stories, but the act of actually writing. It's strange, isn't it?!
I have always still written, I love to write and now that I am far from home, even more. I write all the time to my family..and in journals! I am glad you are going back to the roots ;)..
I enjoyed reading your post. It makes me wish I had more time to sit down and actually WRITE. Physically write. Most of my writing today consists of note-taking, which just doesn't compare to the days when I used to sit down and compose hand-written poems and short stories. I also have nearly thirty journals (mostly spiral notebooks) that are all handwritten. It is just...simply wonderful to do such a thing.
Also, thank you for stopping by my blog. I appreciate your comment and am glad that you like my taste in music!
It is true! My students don't know how to write in cursive anymore! I write in a journal and miss the written word! Great post honey! Thanks for the comments on my post today. You have to check the movie out! It's a classic. Kori xoxo
Wow! I wish you tons and tons of luck :) I love the premise, it's definitely a book I would pick up especially because of the zombies ;) I am so shocked about the belongings bit. It seems kind of scary and surreal.
Awesome! My partner, the Lovely C, still has all her journals and stuff. I agree, writing by hand is a dying art. Kind of like trying to buy my kids shoes with actual laces and not velcro. Are we becoming more lazy as a society? It certainly looks that way. Especailly when younger people are texting and chatting on the computer. How much longer does it take to spell out "Please" instead of "PLZ" and "C U LTR" instead of the full phrase. Grrrr. Pisses me off. Anyway, I love that you write, and collect autographs. I do as well. Keep up the great work.
so glad you pick up a pen and take the time to write! and a writers' workshop is just the place for you! FABULOUS! so glad you are doing this.
writing is not my forte. but i could stand to try and make some art instead of being such a chicken shit and avoiding it all the time! :)
I use to love to write. You've inspired me to pick up my pen!
You got me there, Melanie.
I never write much with a pen, a shopping list maybe.
Secretia
i wish i could command my finger to rite on a piece of paper (at least), but dunno why, i'm so lazy to do thatthing. But still, I wish you luck for ur writing, and hope one day u could publish a book from ur writing ...
Hello babe! ;O) Myself I'm useless writing with a pen or pencil, my hand doesn't coordinate anymore! I write worse than a doctor... the only thing I can still do is drawing... and I am happy with that! ;O) You know? I have the feeling the next Pedro Almodovar (I am a big fan) movie will be about zombies too... ;O)
I've journaled ever since I was a young girl. I can't journal enough! It is so therapeutic and helps me be positive when I am not and helps me put things in perspective. I love to journal. So glad you do too! :)
Bonjour! Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving your sweet note. I love writing in notebooks, I always keep one tucked in my purse just in case inspiration strikes - at least that is the plan! Take care.
I journal almost daily. I LOVE to write, write , write :) It really calms me and helps me settle allthe thoughts in my mind :)
Can't wait to read your novle :) If you need an illustration for you book cover, hit me up, I'm a graphic designer!
:)
Post a Comment