Between the Cracks

Time passes by unnoticed. Our sense of ‘just the other day’, compared to the reality of how much space has actually fluttered by, is distorted. At least, that’s how I feel most of the time.

I often felt like I could have been more productive in these past two years but I also realise that all the so-called ‘time off’ and ‘taking a break’ was in fact, a time of recuperation and healing for me. During this time, I reviewed my lifestyle, my diet, my goals in life and what’s important to me…building the foundations for my future.

While on this self-imposed sabbatical, I published my first novel, studied for a year with the SA Writers’ College, launched my author website, became healthier, (slightly) fitter and started to regain my focus. Granted, this is a long-term journey and I am only beginning to walk this path.

I guess it wasn’t actually a break. Seems I accomplished quite a lot after all, just shifted my focus. Time to shift focus again…

With my first novel out of the way, I’m now starting work on the sequel. The first book was just a warm-up and I hope all that I’ve learned thus far on writing stories, will reflect in the next book.

So even the cement that holds the cracks together is important on some level. Let’s not dwell on what could’ve, should’ve or must be. Live in the moment, do what’s right for you in that moment and just live your life.

Cover for my first book, with art by +denzil roos.

Now that we’re all caught up, let’s see what the future holds. ♥

The Art of Distraction

It's not really and art, it's second nature. Here I am trying to write the first chapter of my new novel and low and behold - I'm not getting very far.

My day started on a less than positive note when, after failing to get any decent sleep during the night, I was rudely woken up extra early by a power drill grinding its way into my patio wall. Granted, I'm in the process of having a roof put up but did they have to start so early and so - loud!? 

Regardless, I got up, made tea and turned on my PC. By the time I had finished getting dressed, all was quiet as construction halted due to a missing componant. Typical, I thought to myself. I was finally alone and took the opportunity to work on my first chapter.

I managed to write a page or two before I got hungry for an early lunch. Most likely because I had an early breakfast. Chuffed with myself for getting some writing done, I rewarded myself with an episode on the TV - one I've been patiently waiting to watch to find out what happened after the previous episode's 'to be continued' tease.

Lunch done, episode watched, time to get back to my chapter. Or so I thought. As I sat down to write, construction resumed in the form of a delivery. The panels for the roof were being dropped off. I dealt with it, got myself a drink and returned to my computer.

A familiar sound alerted me to a new mail. So I stopped and checked if it was anything interesting. I rarely is, yet I check, hopeful I guess. While I was at it, I decided to check if there were any new posts on my forum, perhaps some interesting tweets, anything new on deviant art. I promised to make it quick so that I could get back to my writing. I was actually eager to continue my story.

Several hours later, more tea, cookies and at least three random and unannounced visits to my house, I eventually get back to my novel only to realise that I have less than two hours to bath and get ready for our weekly family diner.

How does this day end? Well, after getting ready, I sat back in front of my computer and wrote this post. Even though while getting ready, all I kept telling myself was 'while you wait, work on your chapter'. In fact, I drummed it into my mind to do just that and yet, here I sit writing something completely not my novel.

It's time to leave and as I head to diner, sit through the family drama and try to eat some food, I'll keep telling myself 'when you get home, work on your novel' although, I know very well, that won't be the case. I'll get home, watch another episode and feel bad for not getting much writing done, make myself feel better with a few more cookies, then go to bed in the hopes of getting a decent night's sleep while pondering in my half asleep daze why life is how it is.

Another day gone, another day awaits. Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy! What strange adventure awaits me next...  :-/

The thing about writing...

Don't let the fact that you are bad a spelling or grammar stop you from writing. You will never get better at it unless you start somewhere.

I was lousy in school with creative writing, so much so that I almost failed my English class - and it's my first language! Granted, I grew up in a mixed language environment that included Afrikaans and German.

My point is, I am a very creative person, files and books full of ideas for characters and stories. Yet, due to my poor performance in school with regards to English studies, I lost any confidence I might have had to write and actually let people read it. I was a decent student, good in all my other subjects, even won awards for computers and geography - but English was the bane in my life.

The teacher was no help either. In stead of helping me she simply told me to learn to spell! It was not my content so much as it was my spelling and grammar. Of course, some of my stories were a little way out sci-fi fantasy and I often felt they were misunderstood. The teacher wanted real life drama and poetry. To each their own was a concept they did not understand.

Regardless, years later I happened upon some information regarding my family. It turned out my spelling was only bad because I suffer from mild dyslexia! I had all the letters correct in my words only, I got their order mixed up. This is when I turned over a new thought pattern and decided it was high time I began writing and publishing my works.

Thanks to technology and word processors, I was able to write and have the machine correct my spelling and even help me with some grammar. I am still not very good at it but I do believe that I have come a long way since.

So don't let the little things get you down, stop wasting time and move past them. Had I known then what I know now - I would have began writing a lot sooner.

(Reposted. Originally Posted Monday, June 15, 2009)

Another thing I've added to my plate!

When blogging first became popular I thought I might give it a try. So I sat down, opened a fresh new document and typed "My Blog" and the date.

That was 29 November 2006. I have not typed another word in my blog since.

What happened!? Honestly I chickened out. I thought to my self 'who would read this?' and 'what if my thought are so silly that people laugh.' Well, that was just some of the things I thought and so I convinced myself to rather not bother.

Years later, my friend overseas showed me her blog and I thought to myself 'hey, that's not so bad, maybe I can do this'.

So here I am, blogging. Just another thing on my already over full plate that I have taken on. We shall see how this goes.

If you are shy like me and lack total confidence in almost everything you do, suck it up and try something new. This is me stepping it up a notch.

(Reposted. Originally Posted Saturday, June 13, 2009)