So, after much deliberation, I've decided to do NaNoWriMo this year. Life is a mess and I'm constantly stressed, but I've realized something. Doing things I love (like writing) helps my depression. So I should be doing those things--and writing 1,667 words per day sounds like a pretty good way to keep me happy, creative, and getting things done.
Writing-wise, here's where I'm at. Sorcara's second draft is done and currently being read for critique (I wanted to start editing it in early October, but obviously that didn't happen). I've written about 1,500 words of my new WIP, Girls and Galaxies. The next logical step is to use Girls and Galaxies for NaNo, yes? Yes!
I have no idea how I'm going to pull it off. Then again, I guess that's always been part of the fun of NaNoWriMo! It's risky, it's busy, and it's so SO exciting!
Here's a synopsis of Girls and Galaxies, for anyone interested:
Kalani Paoa's grandmother was the one who first made extraterrestrial contact, after a school dance in Kalapana, Hawaii. Now Kalani, graduating high school, has to rethink her life goals when she's placed on a commercial space cruise liner instead of an exploratory vessel for her internship position. On the ship she finds worlds she could never imagine, friends she never would have befriended, and an intergalactic love with a certified space alien princess.
Sound exciting? I hope so, because I'm really thrilled about this story! I know it's going to be a wild ride that I'll really enjoy taking!
If anyone wants to add me as a writing buddy, click here. I'm happy to chat about our novels and cheer each other on! Happy writing!
Showing posts with label motivation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label motivation. Show all posts
Sunday, October 30, 2016
Wednesday, September 28, 2016
Opinion: Why Nicki Minaj is a Positive Role Model
Everyone has an opinion on Nicki Minaj. Some people think she's awesome and fun, some people think she's a disrespectful idiot, some people think she's a "slut", and some people even think she's part of the Illuminati. Me? I think she's an awesome, feminist role model. Here's why.
The first time I ever heard about Nicki was watching her performance of Roman Holiday at the 2012 Grammy's. It was loud, theatrical, over-the-top, and totally wild. For young me, it just honestly freaked me out. Her shocking, abrasive style has created controversy and divisiveness among music fans all over. Often people wonder, with such rapping, singing, and acting skills as she has, she feels the need to dress in tight, revealing clothing, wear loud makeup, and dye her hair different colors. Here's what it is: Nicki Minaj has never, and never will, bend to the male gaze.
As a female rapper, almost unarguably the best in the game, Nicki Minaj didn't get to where she is today by doing what people want her to do. She could sing beautiful ballads and always rap about romance, keep her hair its natural color and pose in classy lingerie, she could film music videos where she's rolling around on a bed being filmed with a soft-focus filter, she could never rap about sex and never swear. But to do that would be to sacrifice who she is as a performer, and who she is as a performer is someone who is going to be completely, unapologetically herself.
Nicki never says she's something she's not. She never says that her music is made to have some deep, higher meaning (though much of it is poignant, inspiring and powerful). She often talks about how her music is made to have fun. She is a strong advocate for the idea that (as seen above), women can party and have fun, as long as they put in their daily grind.
And Nicki Minaj has always put in the grind. Read any interview with her, and you know she micromanages her brand to no end. Nothing goes without her say, and if it does, you know someone's going to pay for their mistake of not running it by her. Her image is something she curates herself, and it is something so unapologetically genuine in its wild exaggeration that you almost can't help but feel confident, because her confidence is so palpable.
Nicki doesn't stand against women and feminism either. She's described herself as a feminist, which is more than you can say for many female celebrities in this day and age. Her songs often talk about being a powerful woman with an empire. At concerts, you hear her calling out, "Where all my independent women? Scream if you're a woman who don't depend on a man for nothing!" She tells her younger fans how important it is to go and get an education, and not to worry about men. She speaks openly about her experience with abortion and her childhood with a difficult father. She doesn't take shit from people who patronize her. She calls out people when it comes to issues she cares about, like racism and body-shaming.
You can be a feminist and wear sexy, revealing clothing. You can be a feminist and rap about sexual situations. Nicki Minaj is such a great role model because she is exercising the right women have to wear and be whoever they want--you don't need to be "acceptable" to society's fashion, sexual, and musical norms to have your voice heard. You can just be unapologetically you.
I could go on about how awesome Nicki is forever. Her raps are well-crafted and creative. Her fashion is groundbreaking. Her online persona is incredible and genuine. Often, her music is a subversive spoof of whatever we think it is (contrary to popular belief, Anaconda is an incredible middle finger to the male gaze and what we think women should be). Her empire is self-made and so interesting to read about.
So yeah. She swears. You can see her boobs and butt. She makes you uncomfortable. Keep being uncomfortable; she's enjoying every second of it, and educating women on how to be confident badasses in the process.
Sunday, September 25, 2016
I'm Past Patiently Waiting: The Most Motivational Hamilton Quotes
If you don't live under a rock on a deserted island in the middle of a different dimension, you've probably heard of Hamilton: the Musical. A transformative performance about America's history, Hamilton follows the life of our first treasury secretary--with rap music. It's become the musical of a generation, getting kids excited about history, diversity, and music.
Every time I listen to Hamilton, my heart soars in a way that it rarely does. The music is inspiring and motivational--it makes you feel like you can do anything you set your mind to. Hamilton's story is one of facing adversity openly and aggressively, with a determination to achieve your goals no matter the cost. Each character faces their own struggles; there's someone for everyone to relate to! No matter who you are, Hamilton makes you want to create.
Today, I've decided to curate a master list of inspiring Hamilton quotes: print them out and place them in your place of work. Be your own community's Hamilton!
1. You could never back down; you never learned to take your time.
2. He looked at me like I was stupid--I'm not stupid!
3. I'm a diamond in the rough, a shiny piece of coal trying to reach my goal; my power of speech: unimpeachable!
4. Don't be shocked when your history book mentions me.
5. I am not throwing away my shot.
6. I'm past patiently waiting! I'm passionately smashing every expectation every action's an act of creation. I'm laughing in the face of casualties and sorrow--for the first time I'm thinking past tomorrow.
7. 'Cause I've been reading Common Sense by Thomas Paine; some men say that I'm intense or insane; you want a revolution? I want a revelation, so listen to my declaration.
8. Dying is easy, young man. Living is harder.
9. I will never be satisfied.
10. Love doesn't discriminate between the sinners and the saints; it takes and it takes and it takes; and we keep loving anyway; we laugh and we cry and we break and we make our mistakes.
10. Death doesn't discriminate between the sinners and the saints; it takes and it takes; and we keep living anyway: we laugh and we cry and we break and we make our mistakes; and if there's a reason I'm still alive when everyone who loves me has died, I'm willing to wait for it.
11. I am the one thing in life I can control. I am inimitable, I am an original. I'm not falling behind or running late. I'm not standing still I'm lying in wait.
12. Don't do a thing. History will prove him wrong.
13. My name's been through a lot; I can take it.
14. Look around at how lucky we are to be alive right now.
15. Oh, let me be a part of the narrative of the story they will write someday.
16. History has its eyes on you.
17. You have no control: who lives, who dies, who tells your story.
18. Immigrants--we get the job done!
19. When you knock me down I get the f-ck back up again!
20. You'll blow us all away.
21. Man, the man is non-stop!
22. Why do you write like you're running out of time? Write day and night like you're running out of time? Everyday you fight like you're running out of time!
23. How do you write like tomorrow won't arrive? How do you write like you need it to survive? How do you write every second you're alive?
24. There is no more status quo; but the sun comes up and the world still spins.
25. You can write rhymes but you can't write mine!
26. When you got skin in the game, you stay in the game--but you don't get a win unless you play in the game. You get love for it, you get hate for it, you get nothing if you wait for it.
27. If you stand for nothing, what'll you fall for?
28. I've got to be in the room where it happens.
29. We'll teach them how to say goodbye, you and I.
30. I wrote my way out.
31. When my prayers to God were met with indifference, I picked up a pen, I wrote my own deliverance.
32. You and your words flooded my senses; your sentences left me defenseless; you built me palaces out of paragraphs; you built cathedrals.
33. I'm not afraid; I know who I married; just let me stay here by your side--that would be enough.
34. I will not equivocate on my opinion; I have always worn it on my sleeve.
35. What is a legacy? It's planting seeds in a garden you never get to see.
36. I ask myself, "What would you do if you had more time?"
Every time I listen to Hamilton, my heart soars in a way that it rarely does. The music is inspiring and motivational--it makes you feel like you can do anything you set your mind to. Hamilton's story is one of facing adversity openly and aggressively, with a determination to achieve your goals no matter the cost. Each character faces their own struggles; there's someone for everyone to relate to! No matter who you are, Hamilton makes you want to create.
Today, I've decided to curate a master list of inspiring Hamilton quotes: print them out and place them in your place of work. Be your own community's Hamilton!
1. You could never back down; you never learned to take your time.
2. He looked at me like I was stupid--I'm not stupid!
3. I'm a diamond in the rough, a shiny piece of coal trying to reach my goal; my power of speech: unimpeachable!
4. Don't be shocked when your history book mentions me.
5. I am not throwing away my shot.
6. I'm past patiently waiting! I'm passionately smashing every expectation every action's an act of creation. I'm laughing in the face of casualties and sorrow--for the first time I'm thinking past tomorrow.
7. 'Cause I've been reading Common Sense by Thomas Paine; some men say that I'm intense or insane; you want a revolution? I want a revelation, so listen to my declaration.
8. Dying is easy, young man. Living is harder.
9. I will never be satisfied.
10. Love doesn't discriminate between the sinners and the saints; it takes and it takes and it takes; and we keep loving anyway; we laugh and we cry and we break and we make our mistakes.
10. Death doesn't discriminate between the sinners and the saints; it takes and it takes; and we keep living anyway: we laugh and we cry and we break and we make our mistakes; and if there's a reason I'm still alive when everyone who loves me has died, I'm willing to wait for it.
11. I am the one thing in life I can control. I am inimitable, I am an original. I'm not falling behind or running late. I'm not standing still I'm lying in wait.
12. Don't do a thing. History will prove him wrong.
13. My name's been through a lot; I can take it.
14. Look around at how lucky we are to be alive right now.
15. Oh, let me be a part of the narrative of the story they will write someday.
16. History has its eyes on you.
17. You have no control: who lives, who dies, who tells your story.
18. Immigrants--we get the job done!
19. When you knock me down I get the f-ck back up again!
20. You'll blow us all away.
21. Man, the man is non-stop!
22. Why do you write like you're running out of time? Write day and night like you're running out of time? Everyday you fight like you're running out of time!
23. How do you write like tomorrow won't arrive? How do you write like you need it to survive? How do you write every second you're alive?
24. There is no more status quo; but the sun comes up and the world still spins.
25. You can write rhymes but you can't write mine!
26. When you got skin in the game, you stay in the game--but you don't get a win unless you play in the game. You get love for it, you get hate for it, you get nothing if you wait for it.
27. If you stand for nothing, what'll you fall for?
28. I've got to be in the room where it happens.
29. We'll teach them how to say goodbye, you and I.
30. I wrote my way out.
31. When my prayers to God were met with indifference, I picked up a pen, I wrote my own deliverance.
32. You and your words flooded my senses; your sentences left me defenseless; you built me palaces out of paragraphs; you built cathedrals.
33. I'm not afraid; I know who I married; just let me stay here by your side--that would be enough.
34. I will not equivocate on my opinion; I have always worn it on my sleeve.
35. What is a legacy? It's planting seeds in a garden you never get to see.
36. I ask myself, "What would you do if you had more time?"
Sunday, January 10, 2016
Life is a Balancing Act: My New Year's Resolutions
Hey everyone! I hope you all had a lovely Christmas, or a great time celebrating whatever you do over the winter season. I certainly did, and with all the lazing time I had over today, I decided to write my New Year's Resolutions. School is back in swing now, so it has certainly been difficult to get started on my resolutions, but I thought that'd I'd share them with you all and hopefully inspire you a little bit!
1. Write at least 10 minutes a day.
I've recently been dealing with some pretty bad depression, and basically all my passions have fallen by the wayside because of it. However, I've noticed that when I do write, I feel happy and productive and it tends to inform my mood for the rest of the day. I like this resolution because 10 minutes goes fast, and it leaves the option to write for longer if I'm particularly feeling it. I tend to average about 300-500 words in ten minutes, so writing 1,000 words every two days is pretty hefty and productive! So far, I've been doing fairly well on this goal, and it's making me feel enthusiastic about my hobbies again.
2. Practice violin at least three times in the school week and once on weekends, for at least five minutes each time.
This is another passion that has fallen by the wayside for me--with so much homework going on and the like, it's been difficult to take the time to do some quality work with my instrument. I decided to not get quite as ambitious as committing to violin every day, instead just focusing on a couple times a week. This will hopefully start to improve my skills again, and get me more passionate!
3. Read 15 books this year.
School-required reading has recently gotten in the way of my individual reading time, and losing this main form of relaxation has been really taxing on my energy. My goal last year was 50 books, and I just barely hit 13, so I'm deciding to create a slightly more modest goal this year.
4. Meditate at least three times a week.
I am a very "on" person, constantly thinking and worrying and planning. Therefore, I'd like to work on creating space in my life where I can reflect or simply quiet my brain on a regular basis. In a previous article about good apps for self help, I talked about the app Stop, Breath & Think, which is a free meditation app that provides guided meditations. I find it incredibly helpful, and it has tons of guides for various emotions you may be wanting to settle.
5. Continue to work on my mental health.
Last year, one of my goals was to "figure out my mental health", and in 2015, I got a counselor and started to really come to terms with my mental illness. After a period of improvement, I was hit hard by depression this fall and winter, and have been grappling with it continuously. This year, I want to keep working with it and also continue speaking out about it.
6. Worry less about what other people think and do. Focus on you and those you care about.
With the onset of my depression, I've gotten incredibly paranoid and stressed about other people's issues and what they think of me. This year, I'd like to start thinking less about other people in a negative or self-esteem-destroying manner, and instead focus on lifting people up and spending time with people that lift me up.
7. Simplify. Don’t say ‘yes’ to everything. Focus on what makes you happy, and what needs to be done to get what makes you happy.
If you know me, you know that I'm one of those people that feels like they have to do everything, or else they're somehow a failure or losing or quitting. This year, I want to make myself feel okay with doing less and focusing more on things I truly am passionate about.
Well, there they are, folks! What do you think of my New Year's Resolutions? Are there any that you could apply to your own life? And what are yours? Please feel free to comment on or share this post with people you think might enjoy my resolutions, or tell me about your own. Together, we can make 2016 happy, relaxing, and adventurous!
Good luck and much love,
Kekai
1. Write at least 10 minutes a day.
I've recently been dealing with some pretty bad depression, and basically all my passions have fallen by the wayside because of it. However, I've noticed that when I do write, I feel happy and productive and it tends to inform my mood for the rest of the day. I like this resolution because 10 minutes goes fast, and it leaves the option to write for longer if I'm particularly feeling it. I tend to average about 300-500 words in ten minutes, so writing 1,000 words every two days is pretty hefty and productive! So far, I've been doing fairly well on this goal, and it's making me feel enthusiastic about my hobbies again.
2. Practice violin at least three times in the school week and once on weekends, for at least five minutes each time.
This is another passion that has fallen by the wayside for me--with so much homework going on and the like, it's been difficult to take the time to do some quality work with my instrument. I decided to not get quite as ambitious as committing to violin every day, instead just focusing on a couple times a week. This will hopefully start to improve my skills again, and get me more passionate!
3. Read 15 books this year.
School-required reading has recently gotten in the way of my individual reading time, and losing this main form of relaxation has been really taxing on my energy. My goal last year was 50 books, and I just barely hit 13, so I'm deciding to create a slightly more modest goal this year.
4. Meditate at least three times a week.
I am a very "on" person, constantly thinking and worrying and planning. Therefore, I'd like to work on creating space in my life where I can reflect or simply quiet my brain on a regular basis. In a previous article about good apps for self help, I talked about the app Stop, Breath & Think, which is a free meditation app that provides guided meditations. I find it incredibly helpful, and it has tons of guides for various emotions you may be wanting to settle.
5. Continue to work on my mental health.
Last year, one of my goals was to "figure out my mental health", and in 2015, I got a counselor and started to really come to terms with my mental illness. After a period of improvement, I was hit hard by depression this fall and winter, and have been grappling with it continuously. This year, I want to keep working with it and also continue speaking out about it.
6. Worry less about what other people think and do. Focus on you and those you care about.
With the onset of my depression, I've gotten incredibly paranoid and stressed about other people's issues and what they think of me. This year, I'd like to start thinking less about other people in a negative or self-esteem-destroying manner, and instead focus on lifting people up and spending time with people that lift me up.
7. Simplify. Don’t say ‘yes’ to everything. Focus on what makes you happy, and what needs to be done to get what makes you happy.
If you know me, you know that I'm one of those people that feels like they have to do everything, or else they're somehow a failure or losing or quitting. This year, I want to make myself feel okay with doing less and focusing more on things I truly am passionate about.
Well, there they are, folks! What do you think of my New Year's Resolutions? Are there any that you could apply to your own life? And what are yours? Please feel free to comment on or share this post with people you think might enjoy my resolutions, or tell me about your own. Together, we can make 2016 happy, relaxing, and adventurous!
Good luck and much love,
Kekai
Saturday, December 5, 2015
Book Review: #GIRLBOSS by Sophia Amoruso
Recently, I was watching the Youtuber Jenn Im talk about her monthly favorites, and in the video, she talked about the book #GIRLBOSS by Sophia Amoruso. I've always admired Amoruso's clothing site Nasty Gal from afar; as a teenage girl with no source of income, her clothes are a little out of my price range! However, a book is something I'm always very willing to splurge on--though my boyfriend did in fact buy this for me, always happy to support me becoming even more badass than I already am. :P
#GIRLBOSS is an autobiography/memoir/how-to by Sophia Amoruso, the CEO of the million-dollar fashion company Nasty Gal. In it, she chronicles how she grew from a hitchhiking hipster with a shoplifting issue to being in charge of a high-powered company--in only 8 years! If that's not inspirational, I don't know what is.
For me, #GIRLBOSS was incredibly motivating. The way Amoruso writes is highly relatable and fun to read. She talks a lot about her experiences and how the mistakes she made helped her grow into the person she is today. I have a lot of trouble being confident in my skills and getting started on things, and Amoruso does a really good job encouraging the reader to go out and achieve their dreams of being a girlboss without becoming too heavy-handed. The book seems to be a little bit more geared towards other women who are working in business, but I found it to be applicable to things that I was interested as well!
I would highly suggest this book to anyone looking for a inspirational, feminist, and fun nonfiction book to read over the coming holidays!
-Kekai
I would highly suggest this book to anyone looking for a inspirational, feminist, and fun nonfiction book to read over the coming holidays!
-Kekai
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Best Apps and Websites for Motivation, Inspiration, and Self-Help
Hi, my friends! Today I'm back again, this time with a couple specific sites and apps that I use to help me stay motivated, inspired, or productive. For me, productivity has been a real challenge (maybe I'll talk a little bit about that in a different post sometime!), but I've found that a combination of things have really helped me on the way to improvement, including quite a lot of websites and apps! Here are the ones that I've found most helpful. They're in no particular order. :)
1. Vent
Vent is a social network app that's basically made for VENTing about things that are upsetting or frustrating you. I've been using this app for a couple months, and found it extremely helpful for when I'm upset but feel like there's no one I can turn to at the time. The community there is very supportive, and it's easy to reach out to people about their problems or yours. The pretty aesthetic doesn't hurt, either!
2. Studyblr Tumblr
For those of you who don't know, there is a sizeable community on Tumblr made up of studyblrs, which are blogs dedicated to learning and studying. People who run studyblrs post pretty pictures of office supplies and notes, helpful masterposts, and generally support each other in the quest to be productive academically. Studyblrs are actually what initially inspired me to start being more productive--their pretty pictures make me want to work harder! I started my own studyblr myself a month or so ago: it's princessclassics, if you're interested in giving me a follow!
3. Stop, Breathe & Think
Stop, Breath & Think is an amazing meditation app that I just got recently. I've been interested in meditation for a long time; as someone with anxiety, I thought it might help me to ground when I'm stressed. With the help of Stop, Breath & Think, I've gotten started. SBT is highly comprehensive, with many guided meditations that you can access for free, all tailored towards your needs (I know there are extra meditation packs for paying customers too). They also have a self-meditation timer, so you can track un-guided meditation. SBT tracks your progress, awarding you with stickers and encouraging you to create a streak of meditating daily. It also keeps track of your total time using the app for meditation, which I find highly motivating. Meditation can be helpful for anyone--it helps you collect your thoughts and calm yourself down.
4. Habitica
5. Lifestyle Youtube
In my quest to be motivated and productive, I've found myself drawn more and more into Youtubers--not only is the site a place where I can relax and watch funny things, but I can also watch videos that motivate and inspire me to do good things. I also keep a running bookmarks page of videos about being happy or that make me happy. A couple of my favorite Youtubers that inspire me are Aspyn Ovard, Anna Akana, Jenn Im, and Bethany Mota!
Well, there you have it! There are my top five apps and websites for motivation, inspiration, and self-help. If you try any of them out, or use any of them already, feel free to leave a comment telling me which ones you like best! Feel free to share this post with anyone you think might find it helpful!
Thanks guys!
Kekai
Total Word Count: 14,036
1. Vent
2. Studyblr Tumblr
For those of you who don't know, there is a sizeable community on Tumblr made up of studyblrs, which are blogs dedicated to learning and studying. People who run studyblrs post pretty pictures of office supplies and notes, helpful masterposts, and generally support each other in the quest to be productive academically. Studyblrs are actually what initially inspired me to start being more productive--their pretty pictures make me want to work harder! I started my own studyblr myself a month or so ago: it's princessclassics, if you're interested in giving me a follow!
3. Stop, Breathe & Think
4. Habitica
Habitica is an app that is self-described as "Your Life the Role Playing Game". Basically, Habitica uses the style of an RPG to get you enthused about starting and ending good and bad habits. As you level up, you can accessorize, add people to a party, and do many other traditionally RPG activities. You level up by completing habits and gaining mana! I find myself looking forward to completing tasks, so that I can level up.
5. Lifestyle Youtube
In my quest to be motivated and productive, I've found myself drawn more and more into Youtubers--not only is the site a place where I can relax and watch funny things, but I can also watch videos that motivate and inspire me to do good things. I also keep a running bookmarks page of videos about being happy or that make me happy. A couple of my favorite Youtubers that inspire me are Aspyn Ovard, Anna Akana, Jenn Im, and Bethany Mota!
Well, there you have it! There are my top five apps and websites for motivation, inspiration, and self-help. If you try any of them out, or use any of them already, feel free to leave a comment telling me which ones you like best! Feel free to share this post with anyone you think might find it helpful!
Thanks guys!
Kekai
Total Word Count: 14,036
Friday, October 2, 2015
How to Keep Motivated and Inspired
Hi everyone! Sorry for the lack of blog posts as of late, totally my fault, but the first month of school has been super hectic. It's not like a ton of people are reading this, but I feel bad anyway. :P I'll try my best to update once a week; I have a long list of posts that I can make now, too!
Nonetheless, I thought that today I might talk about something that I know is difficult for all of us: keeping motivated and inspired. I think one of the hardest things while writing is coming up with ideas, sticking to an idea, and actually putting your idea into action. So, what do? I've separated my list into those three sections.
Coming Up with Ideas
1. Dedicate a Pinterest board or a Tumblr tag to writing inspiration, and post anything that could possibly inspire you there. When you're hankering to write something but don't know what to write, check there.
2. Listen to a song you enjoy, or a song you've never heard before, and try to come up with a story related to it.
3. Create an "inspirational" playlist, and listen to it while you brainstorm ideas.
4. Just START WRITING, sometimes the best way to get ideas is just to begin the process--then at least you KNOW your brain is in a writing mood.
Sticking to an Idea
1. Dedicate a Pinterest board or a Tumblr tag TO ONLY YOUR NOVEL. Continually update this page with things that remind you of your story, characters, or your story's setting. I find that doing something like this keeps me super inspired about my story all the time, because I'm always seeing things that show me a new facet of my story.
2. Set a time that you're going to write. Stick to it.
Putting Your Ideas into Action
1. If this helps, outline your story or create a character sheet or character map. Use a bubble map to brainstorm your idea in more detail.
2. Start writing! Write every day. Write as much as you can, but if you really can only get a sentence or two on the page, that's better than nothing.
3. Don't give up! You came up with this idea, you've worked so hard to get it going, and it's going to be worth it when your novel is complete!
I hope that these tips helped at least a little bit. I find things like pictures, quotes, and music very inspiring and motivating to me, so I thought I'd share those ideas and a few more with you. Feel free to comment telling me what you do to stay inspired, or if any of these ideas help. I'll write you all next week! Thanks for reading!
Happy writing,
Kekai
Sorcera Word Count: 13,860
Nonetheless, I thought that today I might talk about something that I know is difficult for all of us: keeping motivated and inspired. I think one of the hardest things while writing is coming up with ideas, sticking to an idea, and actually putting your idea into action. So, what do? I've separated my list into those three sections.
Coming Up with Ideas
1. Dedicate a Pinterest board or a Tumblr tag to writing inspiration, and post anything that could possibly inspire you there. When you're hankering to write something but don't know what to write, check there.
2. Listen to a song you enjoy, or a song you've never heard before, and try to come up with a story related to it.
3. Create an "inspirational" playlist, and listen to it while you brainstorm ideas.
4. Just START WRITING, sometimes the best way to get ideas is just to begin the process--then at least you KNOW your brain is in a writing mood.
Sticking to an Idea
1. Dedicate a Pinterest board or a Tumblr tag TO ONLY YOUR NOVEL. Continually update this page with things that remind you of your story, characters, or your story's setting. I find that doing something like this keeps me super inspired about my story all the time, because I'm always seeing things that show me a new facet of my story.
2. Set a time that you're going to write. Stick to it.
Putting Your Ideas into Action
1. If this helps, outline your story or create a character sheet or character map. Use a bubble map to brainstorm your idea in more detail.
2. Start writing! Write every day. Write as much as you can, but if you really can only get a sentence or two on the page, that's better than nothing.
3. Don't give up! You came up with this idea, you've worked so hard to get it going, and it's going to be worth it when your novel is complete!
I hope that these tips helped at least a little bit. I find things like pictures, quotes, and music very inspiring and motivating to me, so I thought I'd share those ideas and a few more with you. Feel free to comment telling me what you do to stay inspired, or if any of these ideas help. I'll write you all next week! Thanks for reading!
Happy writing,
Kekai
Sorcera Word Count: 13,860
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