Big Ambitions

I have big ambitions for the coming year.

I need fresh ideas for my blog–posts that both share my journey as a writer and also inform.

I’ve been blogging for a while.  I should be a pro by now.  Ha. Where to begin?

Here comes the “big ambitions” part.

To keep the creative juices flowing, I plan to make use of:

• • The 4 A.M. Breakthrough approach.  In his book, subtitled Unconventional Writing Exercises That Transform Your Fiction, Brian Kiteley writes, “Writers should trust that they have trained their instincts well and not think at all.  Practice makes for better instincts.”  His book aims at “demystifying the process of writing” and his exercises are meant to help make the writer realize “it is possible–and even fun–to write fiction.”  Exercise 1:  Write a fragment of narrative in paratactic style. 
  • The Daily Writer, by Fred White, subtitled 366 meditations to cultivate a productive and meaningful writing life.  Regardless of genre, he says, with writing “you are wielding that most powerful, mind- and spirit-enhancing tool that civilization has ever invented, the tool of language, and you are doing so in ways that illuminate people’s lives, sometimes improving their lives in practical ways, while at the same time aesthetically delighting them.”  Exercise for January 1: Compose an allegory, keeping in mind that each of your characters represents an abstract trait.
  • Writing Down Your Soul, by Janet Conner. According to Janet, “There is a voice inside you.  There is a Voice inside everyone.  Whether you hear it or not, the Voice is there.  Whether you acknowledge it or not, the Voice is there.  Whether you ask it for help or ignore its guidance, the Voice is still there.  Waiting.  It is waiting for you to stop, if just for a moment, and listen.  The Voice is always there, guiding you, encouraging you, loving you.”  This book is about connecting with that Voice.  Step one:  Show up.
  • John Truby’s The Anatomy of Story. 22 Steps to Becoming a Master Storyteller.  In Truby’s own words, he will:  “Show that a great story is organic–not a machine but a living body that develops; Treat storytelling as an exacting craft with precise techniques that will help you be successful, regardless of the medium or genre you choose; Work through a writing process that is also organic, meaning that we will develop characters and plot that grow naturally out of your original story idea.”  Starting point:  Developing your premise.
  • Romancing The Ordinary, A Year of Simple Splendor, by Sarah Ban Breathnach.  I’ve already gone through this book twice in previous years.  I’ve found that her daily passages offer ideas that grab me and get me writing.  January 1, Truth or Dare.  “Can I challenge you to a dare?” she asks.  “Today, stop praying for anything other than the life you have!  Join me as we tear up that list of resolutions.  You don’t need them anymore.  All you have is all you need.  But more than that, all you have is all you could possibly want.  If you don’t believe it, stick close by me this year and I’ll prove it.”

I have my Mead Composition books ready.  I’ve purchased a box of my favorite pens (Precise Needlepoint Rolling Ball V5).  Big Ambitions. All await.

Oh, and I also plan to revise at least two of my novels, start an exercise routine, and spend more time working on my yard and with my family.

Wish me luck.