Quote of the Day: Most people are other people. Their thoughts are someone else’s opinions, their lives a mimicry, their passions a quotation. Oscar Wilde
Is it even possible to have an original thought, idea, or creative work? I was actually pondering that question on my walk today. We are influenced so much by our families, communities, media, and everyone that surrounds us.
Ponder that as you read my post for the Insecure Writer’s Support Group.
It’s time for another group posting of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group! Time to release our fears to the world – or offer encouragement to those who are feeling neurotic. If you’d like to join us, click on the tab above and sign up. We post the first Wednesday of every month. You can also visit the founder Alex J. Cavanaugh for more info and links.
The question for this month is: What are your ultimate writing goals, and how have they changed over time (if at all)?
I’ve always wanted to have the books that I write published. At first, I thought that would be in the Children’s market. I have worked on two YA novels, but they weren’t quite right. I started focusing on play writing. I really like it. I wrote and produced my first full-length play locally, but didn’t try to get it published, or even produced anywhere, except for a couple times when someone locally asked to see the script. Maybe one of these times, they’ll take a chance on a new script.
Once I got my short story published in the Tick Tock Anthology, I started to think again about writing a novel, this time for adults, that is a little darker. We’ll see what transpires. This summer is full of many wonderful opportunities, including getting cast in a local community theater production of Church Basement Ladies. And, I’ll be sending my babies off to college in the fall. Then, we’ll see how disciplined I am about writing, and what I end up working on!
Mary Aalgaard as Karin in Church Basement Ladies, Brainerd Community Theater at CLC. July 19-27, 2018. Photo by John Erickson
Of course, I realize there is no such thing as an original story line, but there are certainly new ways to tell it. My own unique blend of characters, setting, actions and interactions. You can do it, too!
Go. Create. Inspire!
Journaling Prompt: Where is your creativity taking you?
Go for that darker story and see what happens!
Have fun in the play.
Thanks, Alex!
Tick Tock has darkened some of our ideas, hasn’t it? Good luck with that idea for a novel and that play.
Yes. It awakened something in me.
Sounds like you have a great idea for a novel – it’ll be interesting to see how it percolates after your summer! Have fun!
Yes, like a good pot of coffee, I hope.
Ooh! Into the novel world… Here’s wishing you fire behind your fingers. Enjoy!
Love that imagery, Crystal. I’ll be smokin’ the keyboard come fall!
Mary, you really should pursue other stories. You’ve had a little success – move forward.
Thanks, Diane. I will.
Keep on writing. You’ll publish when you’re ready.
Thanks, J. Will do!
Where is my creativity taking me? For me, this is such an appropriate journaling prompt, Mary.
For the past few months, I’ve wondered about the inter-relationship of different creative forms… and how they impact each other.
As a musician (I read, sing and play), crafter (I sew and crochet from patterns and also without patterns), writer-in-the-making and poet wannabe, I’ve now decided to try something in the drawing/illustration field. It’s the one creative form that I haven’t touched on.
My first Zentangle class is this Saturday and I’m so excited.
I think I should take some notes on the experience.
Happy 04th of July to you!
Michelle, We have so many similar interests and talents. I also love doing Zen Tangles. I’d like to take a drawing/sketching class some time.
Yes, we do!
By the way, my first Zentangle class was fabulous! 🙂
I’d also like to take a drawing/illustration class at some stage…
Try that darker story, you never know what happens 🙂
Thanks, Rachna. I will!
Have fun in the play! And good luck preparing to get those kiddos off to college. Focusing on writing when they’re gone sounds like a great place to put your energies – hope you love playing in the adult arena.
Thanks, Nicki!
Happy writing and have fun with that novel. That is what matters. Happy IWSG!
Hi Mary – you’re always so busy with your plays … but now your nest will be empty as your littlies set off into the adult world – good luck to them … and good luck for settling in with your dark novel – cheers Hilary
Write what you want. It will keep you inspired. Best wishes!
Darker is always better, in my opinion. Can’t wait to see what you come up with. Thanks for the post, and happy writing to you!
You should definitely pursue that darker story. When I finally started going after the “dark side”, my creativity completely shifted. I found a rusty voice all covered in clay that I didn’t know was in me. I can’t wait to see where it will take you!
~ Jen
I think it’s great that you’re contemplating writing a novel again, Mary. Can’t wait to see what you come up with!
Have you ever thought of writing a play for Fringe Festivals?
Thanks, J.H. I have thought of Fringe. Someday, I’ll have a play at Fringe.