Simply..what to say....

3/2/2018

Don't laugh! Who knew I had so much to say that I could write a daily blog for eight years (I didn't!).

In previous Writing Months (notice the capitals) from 2011 - 2015, I have had fun blogging about finding good places to write, about advice and amusing tips from famous writers, about good first lines of novels, and last lines....

If you are new here I should point out that I only write in Februaries (!) so have been writing my novel for just 5 months in total. See here and here and/or under Simply Write.

This Writing Month I think I will quote from the book which got me started on this crazy idea. Chris Baty started the creative writing experiment National Novel Writing Month NaNoWriMo in 1999 with 21 participants. It has evolved into a world wide movement with about 400,000 participants in 2017!

Have any of you tried it? Are any of you writers? Do you write morning pages, a journal, a blog, articles for magazines, novels? I'd love to hear from you - do join the friendly group of commenters here :-)

20 Comments

cathy

3/2/2018 04:31:56 pm

I'm a letter writer...whether people want to hear from me or not. sometimes I think I should just journal & save everyone from my missives.

Freda

3/2/2018 04:46:43 pm

Cathy most people are very touched to receive a real letter! I bet they all save them too. Keep writing.

Mary

3/2/2018 06:04:40 pm

Heard of NaNoWriMo, but never joined in. I am a writer...of sorts. My work life revolved around writing: grants; reports; legislative testimony; constituent letters, etc.. Sadly, I have often been called upon to write eulogies. I do journal and have done so (off and on) since I was a teen and recently returned to writing morning pages. Used to be a prolific letter writer, but raising four children--for a number of years on my own-- took a toll on that activity. And, I do add my "two cents" here most days.:)

Freda

4/2/2018 02:04:56 am

And I'm so glad you do (it's worth more than two cents too!). I wonder if you've kept all those journals and if your morning pages are helping plan your new retirement life..

Madeleine

4/2/2018 03:54:54 pm

Could I be the only one who doesn't know what 'morning pages' are?

Madeleine.x

Gail

4/2/2018 03:43:07 am

I write articles for various newsletters.
Yearly, the trickiest thing I write are weekly ads attempting to adopt out cats from our sanctuary’s care. Must be short, informative, and ATTENTION grabbing. My ad competes with 200 -300 other cat ads vying for a limited number of good adopters.

Freda

4/2/2018 01:54:51 pm

That sounds like a real challenge Gail

Julia

4/2/2018 05:54:40 am

How interesting to hear how all of us are using our abilities and our words! For many years, i contributed to a forum about teaching yoga, for teachers around the world. And yes, (no surprise to many of you here), i can find myself “journaling”, ie thinking out “loud” on the page, when i am writing to someone...it is an amazing way to access what is hidden in “there”! (Freda..i still think there is a book right here, within your blog!)

Freda

4/2/2018 01:57:22 pm

Isn't it interesting? Many more people keep diaries or journals than I realised.

Linda

4/2/2018 06:53:51 am

I have a novel in my head - it's probably best if it stays there! Years ago I was all set to start a job as a journalist, but changed my mind. I'm not sorry, when I look back.

Freda

4/2/2018 01:58:27 pm

I am curious about what you did instead and whether that novel is still in your head Linda..

Cristiana

4/2/2018 10:47:41 am

So curious to find this question as I was writing about ...writing today. I do not see myself as a writer these days, but I used to write for a magazine and even enter a few contests with short stories in the past (feels like a long past), along with journaling (is it a verb?) for most of my life. Nowadays, I mostly write work related documents of all sorts, with the ocasional post on my blog. But it's funny that regardless of how much or little writing is being done, there's always a feeling of wanting to write more...

Freda

4/2/2018 02:01:17 pm

I wonder if it is the most common means of self expression? You have an interesting writing history Cristiana (and yes, it's a verb).

Lucille link

4/2/2018 12:34:30 pm

Congratulations on keeping us informed, entertained and inspired for eight years.
I was a children's commissioning editor for many years and I think maybe that has rather worked against the idea of my ever submitting anything to a publishing house. I see the 'slushpile' beckoning especially as I now fall into the category of fond grandmother with a highly receptive audience for my little stories. So many manuscripts came with a ringing endorsement from friends and family.
But then again. . .there's always the exception
https://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2007/may/23/theshockingtruthaboutthes

Freda

4/2/2018 02:03:30 pm

Oh dear. I won't think about slushpiles...I feel I am getting to know you all a little better through this subject!

Lotta

4/2/2018 02:46:07 pm

Love writing! As well as the blog I have phases of morning pages, I often write things out if I'm stressed, or for clarity, or just for joy! Occasionally poetry (and now haiku!), and there are a couple of books in my head... When I was clearing out the other day I found the first book I ever wrote... Aged 9... It's all stapled together with little illustrations and my 'publisher's' name on the back!! I've been involved with book design and layout in the past, and the self-publishing process too... The most tedious things I've ever had to write have been estate agency particulars... :-)

Freda

4/2/2018 08:21:17 pm

What a find! The self publishing industry on the internet has opened up new opportunities it seems...Our heads are so full!!

Madeleine

4/2/2018 04:01:04 pm

How interesting to find out that everyone here seems to write in one capacity or another!

I have a half-written book in a box somewhere (on teaching music). I also have a collection on notes on a book for raising children naturally, a children's book in verse and several sketches for other books.

I am ALMOST at a chapter in my life where I might consider finishing one of these projects. I love to write, but like many other women became side-tracked by children and work. I have just cut down my work load to allow more time to garden and play the piano, and just get my life back in balance.

Madeleine.x

Freda

4/2/2018 08:25:09 pm

How wonderful to be working towards a better balance Madeleine and to have all these projects to look forward to! If you google Julia Cameron Morning Pages you might find yourself doing that too. It has been fascinating to read of everyone's writings...

Madeleine

5/2/2018 12:43:29 pm

Thank you for enlightening me about morning pages - it sounds fascinating and is something I would like to try.

Madeleine.x

Simply..what to say....

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