Cracking the writer's block . . .

One of the occupational hazards - so to speak - for writers is the onset of writer's block! You will not see any Public Service Announcements (PSA) for this affliction- afterall, with writer's block one would not have the words to write the PSA...laughs! (Sorry, I could not resist!)

OK, maybe it is NOT serious enough for celebrities to do a PSA. But, if you- yes, I mean you- suffered from this you would want help! Or, are you already one of the silent sufferers?

It is time to speak out about this malady. I will admit I have been struggling with a mild case of writer's block the last few weeks. I know I have written before about how an idea forms in my mind and then just grows, like a small seed blossoming into a Spring flower. Well, my seeds the last few weeks were just rolling around, not quite pushing through the dirt to bloom. This is frustrating when I want to write!

It happens to all artists at some point, whatever the medium. And for a variety of reasons. And the antidotes can be just as varied. I know of one person who likes to get in the car, crank up some tunes and just drive to open the mind. A walk in the park might work, or perhaps visiting with family and friends may be another's solution. Both the cause and the reversal can be mysterious....

So, the moral of this blog would be not to panic if your words, or painting, or song just is not there. It happens to all of us at one point or another. And just as quickly, the spark will flash or the seed will bloom, and you will create again. I know that just a few a moments ago I was sitting here wishing I could write a blog that was way overdue...

Secrets One - The Series

Celebrating the people . . .

I am writing this in waning hours of Valentine's Day. While some look at it as strictly a holiday for lovers, I have always celebrated my family and friends, as well.

This got me to thinking about the various friends over the years. With some people that I meet, I just know that something clicks, and we are going to be friends. Opposites really do attract, or at least some on my list of friends would indicate that. Others, there may be something that just doesn't hit right. Those first impressions are just not right for whatever reason. I really have to laugh because there are a couple of those kind of encounters that developed into really close friends, or as I like to say friends for life.

When one thinks about it, our relationships with other people are multi-dimensional. These layers include how we initially met, what are the common interests that connect us, where we live, where we work, experiences we have together, and so on.

As a writer on the current project, I have a whole set of new friends- that live on paper...and in my mind! Laughs! The creation of the character is just like a new friendship, there are a variety of beginnings. It can be unexpected, music can be an inspiration, or the character can be connected to another. As a writer, I have an advantage in that I can write the character with the traits that I want him or her to have. (Don't you wish sometimes that was possible with your friends?)

Some characters are immediately likeable, others will grow on you! They, too, should be multi-dimensional. That is the challenge for any writer- writing characters so that readers can identify and connect with through various emotions and layers of personality. Sometimes the characters are like those friends that take awhile to be friends. A character may even be one that a reader loves to hate! I would have to say that developing characters is one of my favorite parts of writing a novel.

Naming the character is also really interesting and fun to me. I tend to do a lot of research to find meaningful names for the character's personality or purpose in the novel. I thoroughly enjoy it!

May you enjoy your family and friends, real and imaginary! (Of course, I am referring to any writers out there!)

Secrets One - The Series

Loving this new year . . .

I always welcome a new year, and I am happy that our calendars now show 2010!

Like many people, I sometimes feel that time passes much too quickly, so it is not that I am celebrating that aspect of it. I appreciate each and every day, and try to make the most of each and every one because none of us have a guarantee of another.

Someone once asked why I always tell my son that I love him when I talk to him on the phone, or when I am leaving to go someplace. My question was, “why not?” I try to always let my loved ones know what they mean to me as often as possible, and each day is new opportunity to do that.

There is an old wives’ tale that the first three days of the New Year forecast the first three months of the year. I have to laugh at that one! New Year’s Day here was very mild, so one would think the whole month should be, too. Wrong! There have been several days of zero temperatures or below. So, weather forecasting is also not why I am glad to see the New Year.

I am neither into the numerology nor the superstitious beliefs surrounding the New Year, either. And, by the way, I do not believe that the world will end in 2012. I am glad to get that one out of the way, early on! Laughs!

It is really quite simple- I welcome the New Year because of the 12 months of new opportunities that stretch out before me. I am a very visual person, and seeing those new calendar pages remind me that anything is possible on those blank pages.

The squares marking each day are also blank other than the occasional pre-printed holidays. How exciting to anticipate what the New Year will bring to fill those squares! There will be many happy events that occur this year, and most likely the unavoidable sad events, too. The year 2010 will be its own unique story.

Each of us can embrace the New Year – and each day and month in it- to make the most of those new opportunities- live and love life to its fullest.

And, of course- write to the fullest!

Secrets One - The Series