WRITING WITH THE WAVES

I just returned from the most amazing retreat in Costa Rica.  While taking Qoya classes (dance yoga for women) with the amazing Rochelle Sheik, we talked about life being just like the ocean.  To go for a lovely swim, you have to navigate big waves, little waves, no waves and maybe, if you're super unlucky, a tsunami!  The ocean is always changing, just like life.  I love this analogy for writing too.  Some days you will be writing on a still ocean and inspiration will flow out easily.  Other days you will hit big waves that are tiring and seem impossible to swim past.  But as long as you know that's just the ebb and flow of the ocean, you continue on.  So continue on and relax knowing it's all just part of the plan.  

CONGRATULATIONS TO MY STUDENT ALISON FOR WRITING HER FIRST NOVEL!

Can't wait to read about the fairies, Alison.  What a magical world we are about to enter.  Well done and congrats on your achievement.  xxTemp

CONGRATS TO MY STUDENT ANDROMEDA FOR FINISHING HER SECOND NOVEL TODAY!

Can't wait to read it, Andromeda.  I'm sure it's full of wonder, excitement and science, just like you!

A KID'S IMAGINATION CREATES HIS VERY OWN ARCADE

9 year old Caine loved arcades. So he decided to build his own cardboard arcade.  What an innovative and inspiring kid.  Watch the film below:

CAINE'S CARDBOARD ARCADE

CONGRATS TO ELISE ROBERTSON

A big congratulations to my student Elise Robertson for completing the first draft of her first novel.  Reading it today, Elise!  Can't wait.

CONGRATS TO ED DONOVAN

A big congrats goes out to my lovely student, Ed Donovan, for finishing his first novel today.  A huge accomplishment.  I can't wait to read it, Ed.

ALL ART IS INSPIRATION

Writers block occurs.  It just does.  When stuck, go to other art forms to reboot the brain.  I love getting inspired by painters.  El Mac is an awesome artist.  This video on his mural painting trip to Vietnam is fascinating.  I love that paint in other countries is different?  Who knew?

THE NUMBER ONE SKILL TO BEING A GREAT NOVELIST

People say novel writing can not be taught.  But I don't believe that.  What can't be taught, is self respect and intuition.  This is KEY to being a great writer.  You must trust that your work is valuable, entertaining and interesting.  But how do you do that?  Writing a book is scary!  The whole way through you doubt and reconsider every word laid down.  The key is eudaimonia.  Finding your golden self.  Trusting that all your quirks, eccentricities and weirdness is integral to telling your unique, fabulous story.  Once you understand that,  your writing can soar.  Here's a link to more on Eudaimonia:http://www.oprah.com/spirit/5-Things-Every-Happy-Woman-Does