This month’s topic: What have I learned from writing? And what are my goals for 2014 and further
into the future?
I believe by writing I have learned more about myself. This is especially true when I write
fiction. Just as I learn much of the
inner workings of the authors I read, people will be learning about me (which
is rather an uncomfortable feeling) when my thoughts are put onto paper or
screen. Of course, this is not one
hundred percent the case all of the time.
However, just like an actor, my writings are filtered though my points
of reference and life experiences, and this is what, I believe, makes up a
writers’ ‘voice’. Therefore, morals,
ethics, and thoughts are exposed for all to see. This gives me a unique way to focus in and
draw upon my emotions/experiences, which helps me intensify an emotional
scene. Yet it also gives me an
opportunity to go to the opposite end of the spectrum and develop a character
with an entirely different point of reference and, therefore, a very different
motivational focus.
I have, or I should say: I am still learning to budget my
time. Not only do I have a full time job
but also like everyone else, I have family obligations and commitments. Once you are a writer, you are always
exceptionally busy. I actively serve as
a board member for a writer’s group; I judge writing contests at local,
national, and international levels. I
meeting monthly with another writer to brainstorm, I guest blog, well you get
the picture. . .and I write. Constantly. I have a Sony recorder, a voice app on
my iPad and iPhone—which I seldom employ.
Why? Because the act of putting
pen to paper activates the brain into a free-flow mode. I scribble in notebooks, scraps of paper, index
cards that I toss in a basket on my desk.
Then when I’m ready to plot my novel, I sort, paper clip into some
semblance of order, and get down to the business of writing.
What are my goals for 2014 and beyond?
My Zombie novella is almost complete. My Zombie stories are minus blood and gore
(think: “Warm Bodies” with a focus on ‘warm and fuzzy’).
I currently have an anthology in the works. One of the stories has a television production
focus. I had a wonderful time conducting
fieldwork. Living in southern California,
Hollywood, Disneyland, Universal Studios and Sea World are within easy driving
distance. I am also blessed with friends
in the industry, who were kind enough to
answers my questions.
I have a YA/Tween series and an audio novel in the works for
this upcoming year. I plan to enjoy life
and continue to develop my craft as a
writer. Why do I write--because it is so
much fun. When I am not writing, as my
family knows, I am miserable (or at the very least, cranky).
Connie Vines
A big “thank you” goes out to Robin for including me in this
month’s blog.
