Autumn at Polesden Lacey, Surrey |
There have been times when I haven't felt like writing, but more recently I've learnt how to keep it going (who knows how long it will last?!). Keeping up the inspiration helps during those periods when I don't fancy it; so that when I do, words flow more easily.
Taking a walk
The change of seasons can’t fail to inspire; especially the change from summer to autumn and winter to spring. If the sun's shining, I take photos on those walks and upload them to Instagram or Pinterest; and use them for scenes, blog posts or general inspiration. A recent trip to Polesden Lacey inspired the theme for this blog post.
Reading an engaging book
Sometimes I read parts of books I’ve read before, those which have inspired me to write my novels; recently A Room with a View and Mansfield Park.
Writing
in cafés
How many times have I talked about writing in cafés
on this blog…? I’m
going through a café-writing phase at the moment and have a favourite one I keep turning up to, always hoping for a table tucked in the corner. Sometimes I set the timer on my phone if I'm not in the mood for writing.
Visiting
a scene
For me, that’s going to see the paintings which inspired
book 2 and eighteenth century country houses.
Going
to a writers’ conference
I’ve attended two this year and feel more inspired than I have for years. Click here for my posts on them.Going to a class
This week I went to Sue Moorcroft’s Short Story Workshop at the Guildford Book Festival. Sue Moorcroft writes novels for Choc Lit, is a past vice chair of the Romantic Novelists' Association and editor of its anthologies. Sue also writes short stories, serials, articles, writing 'how to' and is a competition judge and creative writing tutor. Find out more here.
Sue’s reputation as a great teacher precedes her and I came away inspired to write more short stories and submit them to competitions. Sue talked about creating engaging characters, viewpoint; and how to plan and go about writing a short story. She gave us many handy tips, including to use few characters and to make the first page as good as possible. I can’t wait to find a quiet moment to apply Sue’s advice to a short story I’ve written. If you get the opportunity to go to one of her classes, take it!
Sue is running a course at Arte Umbria in July 2015, which I’d
love to go to as it sounds like a dream-writing and Italy combined. We’ll see...
Returning here soon! |
Soon I'll be returning to a cottage I visited with writing friends in the spring. This will be an opportunity to get stuck into book 2 and move it forwards. And I can’t wait to take an autumn version of the above photo.
One more thing...
If you write historical fiction, and don’t know already: the Historical Novel Society ("HNS") posts links on Twitter and Facebook to interesting articles and posts on history and historical fiction; plus information about upcoming events such as the Harrogate History Festival. You can follow the HNS on Twitter @histnovsoc and find the Facebook Page here.
If you write historical fiction, and don’t know already: the Historical Novel Society ("HNS") posts links on Twitter and Facebook to interesting articles and posts on history and historical fiction; plus information about upcoming events such as the Harrogate History Festival. You can follow the HNS on Twitter @histnovsoc and find the Facebook Page here.
All great ways to encourage inspiration, Anita - love that photo of the autumnal tree!
ReplyDeleteThanks Rosemary! Love the autumn colours.
DeleteThese are all great tips and tricks Anita! I could definitely use a little more inspiration - for me I think the most important thing is to read. Reading always inspires me, it gives me new ideas, it makes me look at the world a little differently. It also spurs me on! If they can do it, surely I can too:)
ReplyDeleteThanks Melissa-of course you can! Then you can change your user name to Published Life ;-)
DeleteI really enjoyed reading these tips too. I haven’t experimented with writing in cafes, but would like to give it a go. It sounds like a really great way to remove oneself from all the usual distractions – and possibly to get inspiration from overheard conversations too!
ReplyDeleteAnd what a choice of cafes you have in Cambridge Clare! The Copper Kettle used to do amazing roasts and chocolate fudge cake, and what a view of King's College.
DeleteThanks for such a positive mention, Anita. It would be LOVELY to see you at Arte Umbria if you can possibly manage it. xxx
ReplyDeleteYou're very welcome Sue, really enjoyed your workshop! x
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