When writing, I’ve realized the need, or want for validation never goes away, it only grows. I want someone to read my thoughts that turned into ideas and then developed into a story. I want their opinion on my story. I want to know how can I improve, what can I change, what is unclear, is there a better word that fits? I want everything that have to say because I can sit and stare at my screen my hours and make no progress. A fresh set of eyes that believe in you, is what I need. I love editing; my favorite part of the whole writing process, hands down.
Recently I have discovered em-dashes, and I love them — I have no clue if I am using them correctly, but I love them. See, did I use it correctly then? Commas and semicolons will only get me so far, every once in awhile, I need to spice up my grammar. I need to learn how to use grammar rules correctly. When does an apostrophe come after a plural noun? I have no clue, but I would like to know.
I have learned that when I am writing, I need to play thought invoking music, if I am listening to music. The sound needs to be low enough that the music is a background noise and not at the forefront in my mind. The type of music is either instrumental or sad. Why sad music? Sad, or mellow music puts my thinking cap on and the words come easier. ‘Happier’ music, or more upbeat tunes, is not the most ideal to plug into because I will want to go jam, go dance around the house, and belt out all the lyrics. Not ideal is I want to get work down. So, sad music connects with my emotions and I can relate to my characters better. I’m in the right headspace to write when listening to slower, emotional songs. It’s a little weird because normally I try to steer away from sad songs; not with writing!
I really do love writing. Escaping to a world you have created is empowering; you are the one wielding a magical wand, known as your fingers, to create something beautiful, and I think that is pretty amazing. I am excited to see what quarter two has in store and what I will learn and be able to grow myself.
Write with Alice 