Yesterday, I had two comments from two different people that made me realize how much time writing takes. I visited a friend whom I hadn't seen since October. She said she didn't see me much anymore. I always use the excuse that I've been busy. Kids, school activities, the library, house work, and helping hubby out with farming are always good excuses. I never mention that I've been busy writing. I always feel a little guilty not talking about writing, but I find it's easier to talk to strangers and online acquaintances about it. The second was a question from my eldest. She asked me why I never bake anymore, except for school and church functions. My answer was simple. The time I would spend in the afternoon baking, I use for writing instead. She proceeded to ask me if I would bake more when I get my book published. I replied I probably wouldn't, since I'll be writing my next book! The poor kid!
I wish I could see my time clock for the totals hours I've spent researching, plotting, writing, revising, formatting, etc. Writing is a lonely business, and I think it's for those who don't mind being alone at times. I remember my mother used to voice her concerns that I liked to spend a great deal of time alone. No worries, Mom. I'm was just exercising my brain and storytelling muscles.
I recently saw Josh Groban and Lindsey Stirling's video for Pure Imagination. This should be a theme song for all writers. Josh has a beautiful, powerful voice! Skip to 1:40 to get to the song.
As the school year comes to a close, I am busy editing and formatting my manuscript. It's starting to look more like a novel.
I saw The Fast and the Furious 7 today, even though I haven't seen 2 - 6. It was the first Paul Walker movie I've seen since his death. The theater was quiet as the end credits rolled. Afterwards, as I was driving home, I caught a glimpse of Heaven . . .
A picture is never as good as the real thing, but I still had to pull over to snap a few shots. The afternoon had been sunny, until the clouds rolled in, which was shortly after the movie.
I have to commend the filmmakers, and the Walker family, on persevering during that difficult time. As a writer, I have far less worries than a movie director. I could continue to write in the case of an untimely death, and I've, in fact, done so. Losing the lead cast member is another story. Caleb and Cody Walker did a wonderful thing stepping up to help them complete filming. I thought they all did a great job, and made a beautiful tribute to Paul. I have to wonder how the original script played out. I noticed that Paul wasn't in many scenes in the beginning; therefore, I'm assuming those were the unfinished scenes that they had to modify. I really couldn't tell which scenes had his brothers, but I think it was those where he didn't have much or any lines. The only time I was aware of CGI enhancement was a closeup. He looked almost otherworldly, but I thought it was a fitting scene for it. I'm hoping they'll reveal more about the revisions in the DVD extras.
I've heard many people complain about how people react when a celebrity dies or has an accident, but no one cares when a commercial airliner crashes, taking 150 lives. Of course people care! The thing that divides a celebrity from the main stream is people know who they are. There's a recognizable face to the statistic, many times bringing with it public awareness. What's more, a celebrity can touch many lives. Not only by their work, but by their charitable efforts. They not only donate to their choice charities, but they form charities, and also get their fans involved. I've provided a link to Paul's charity Reach Out WorldWide.
In closing, I recently read someplace that the most coveted role Paul Walker auditioned for but didn't get was Anakin Skywalker. I don't know if I could have ever seen him in that dark of a role. For me, he was the light shining through those dark clouds. #ForPaul
Who would you feel safer with? An experienced pilot with a dead engine, or sharing the road with someone that drinks/texts and drives? I vote for the one who looks out for the safety of others.
Mr. Ford has a long road to recovery. He deserves some respect and support rather than jokes.
I got some good advice from a Writer's Digest webinar to finish my novel. The guest speakers' advice was just get it done. It's not going to be perfect. Move on to the next book. Writing improves the more a person writes. At this stage of the game, it was the best advice for me. I'm nearing the completion of my second draft, which is gradually morphing from a script to a manuscript. I have far surpassed my word goal. Now, I just have to put the finishing touches to it, in addition to writing the cover description. This perfectionist needs to remember that it's never going to be perfect; therefore, to stop allowing that mindset to hinder it's progress. I have to eventually "Let It Go".
What are you reading? I'm learning a new language - sheet music! I have never learned how to play an instrument, and I plan to remedy that. I recently discovered YouTube violinist Taylor Davis, and came across her early video: Taylor Davis Theme from Schindler's List I have always been a fan of the great John Williams, whose music is frequently playing while I'm writing, and decided after watching this video that I wanted to learn to play his masterpieces. I would like to learn both the piano and the violin, but it seems that I'm catching on to the piano faster. Books are also a wonderful resource when learning to play an instrument. I find I remember better what I read on paper, plus I can learn at my own pace. I just have to remember not to get too consumed with it that I fall behind with writing.
I hope Old Man Winter is being kind to you. Have a great weekend!
Happy New Year! I hope 2015 will bring you joy, good health, and success. Have you made your 2015 resolutions yet? Last year, I resolved to finish my first novel, The Whisperer of Storms. I'm happy to say I have finished the story, and surpassed my word goal, but I still feel that it needs improvement. I believe I could easily accomplish those improvements over what's left of the winter. My resolution for 2015 is to self-publish my novel on paperback and eBook formats. If all goes as planned, it should be available on Amazon and Smashwords sometime this year.
I wish you the best in your endeavors and goals of 2015!
