Today is the first Wednesday of the month, which means it’s Insecure Writer’s Support Group day!
I want to start off this post by letting you all know that FULL DARK is celebrating it’s 3rd anniversary! It’s a benefit anthology where all the proceeds go to the Gary Sinise Foundation, and we’ve donated over $200 so far! Right now, it’s on sale, so if you haven’t read it yet, be sure to pick up a copy on Amazon or at Barnes & Noble.
After last month’s dip into a downward spiral, I’ve managed to pull myself up somewhat. I’ve actually started writing in Book 2 again! For a while there, it was flowing smoothly, but now I’m stalled out, trying to figure out the best place to work in a particular incident. I think I figured it out as of last night as I lay in bed, trying to convince myself to fall asleep because this time change has left me dragging at work. But you know how brains and thinking can be. I won’t know if I’ve really figured out the story incident until I try to write it at lunch today. But I can be hopeful, that it’ll work… unlike the last 3 times I tried to work it into the story.
On top of working on Book 2, I’ve also returned to my weight goals. I’ve lost 10lbs since the start of October, bringing me back down to my weight at the start of the year, but not down to my pre-pandemic weight yet. I’ve managed it through a combination of a couple of eating lifestyles. I’ve returned to the 16:8 plan (where I fast for 16 hours and then eat during an 8 hour window) and I’ve added in the 5:2 plan (eat normally 5 days out of the week and reduce calories down to 500 2 days out of the week). I’m also using my calories wisely, foregoing my daily 110 calorie Red Bull and drinking tea with no extra additives instead. I’ve also increased my amount of daily walking and have my son asking me every day if I’ve gotten my 6K steps in.
I also did my first art commission! The marvelous Chrys Fey reached out to me and asked if I might be willing to try my hand at her character, Avrianna Heavenborn.
It’s inspired me to return to art basics and focus on mastering figure drawing, which in turn ignited my mind with a side passion project that I visualize as a digital art book of my writing world. But to get there, I need to be able to consistently produce character art, plus move into environments. I don’t particularly enjoy practice work like this, but I think it’ll help me improve in the long run.
IWSG Question of the Month – Albert Camus once said, “The purpose of a writer is to keep civilization from destroying itself.” Flannery O’Conner said, “I write to discover what I know.” Authors across time and distance have had many reasons to write. Why do you write what you write?
I’ve long since had a group of characters in my brain, their story vivid, though some of the details change over time. I write because of them, to bring them to life. I might not be a prolific writer, or even a good writer. I don’t respond well to prompts and contests make me cringe. But someday, I’ll get my books done, and maybe others will enjoy them as well.
Why do you write? What do your goals look like now that the year is almost over? What’s some of the good stuff in your life?
About Insecure Writer’s Support Group
You can find the sign up for the IWSG here. We owe Alex J Cavanaugh a huge thank you for thinking this blog hop up.
I bet others will definitely enjoy them! Words from our hearts always find similar hearts to enjoy them 🙂
You are multi-talented! Hope those words keep flowing!
Sounds like you’re on a good track overall, Loni. Excellent!
Now that the weather’s a little cooler here, I’m taking more walks. Up next, a bike ride. Gulp! It’s been a long time . . . . 🙂
I love what you did for Chrys. Avrianna looks great!
Glad to hear you’re working on Book 2 again. I stalled out in my Book 3, but I have a month to ignore it while I fumble around with NaNoWriMo.
And, for what it’s worth, I think you’re an excellent writer.
I love your artwork for Avrianna. Nice! Glad you’re writing and drawing more. Also good to hear about your health (more tea, less Red Bull, steps, etc.). I have Full Dark but will share since it’s on sale. I can’t believe it’s 3 years old already. Kudos on the $200 raised! (Is that a new cover?)
It is a new cover! And dang it, now I see I need to update my sidebar. Doh!
Good job in pursuing your weight control regimen. I’ve gained about 10 lbs since the beginning of the year which I’m not happy about. I should have your discipline!
I’ve had a set of characters playing in my brain for many many years but haven’t written much about them. Maybe it’s all just part of my own mental playground or maybe someday I’ll do something with all those lingering ideas. I’m kind of indifferent about it all these days.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
That’s a great amount of steps – good for you! Keep at it.
You juggle your job, family, health, writing, and art and I am in awe.
I love the artwork you did for Chrys! Such a fun idea – love seeing characters come to life like this.
It seems you’re off and running, Loni. So many positive things that you’ve undertaken and achieve, and during a very challenging year at that. Kudos to you.
That’s awesome that you’re working on Book 2 again and doing well on your weight goals. I’m trying to lose weight, also. I was doing great until the pandemic hit!
You go! I love that piece you did. You might have noticed, I don’t do a lot of people. I like making monsters! (and other stuff) I’m glad your doing better. I’m writing for the first time in some time.
Now, to work on my pandemic pounds as well. Grrrr You’ve inspired me.
Your art blows me away. I’m glad this month is a little better and congrats on diving back into your writing. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
Your artwork is amazing!
You and I do the same thing. When I’m stumped on how to work through a scene, I usually dwell on it at night. Sometimes it pops into my head, and other times, it takes days, weeks….
I have 5 pounds to shed, but every time I lose a pound, a couple of days later, it finds me again…Hahaa BUT, you’re doing great on your weight loss! Keep it up!
Way to go on all of your good things! I need to try that type of diet plan. I struggle with attempting the “forever” sorts of plans.
Happy writing, even if it isn’t fast, is good writing. 🙂
You’re a good writer. Prolific is overrated. Your artwork looks amazing.
So glad you’re doing better. And that’s awesome you got back into your weight program. Your artwork is great. Glad you’re getting back into it.
The commission looks amazing! I’m stunned.
It’s nice to have the stories in your head come to life through words on paper.
Your artistic talent blows me away.
I often beat my head against a wall (figuratively), trying to figure out a plot issue, and then – boom – it comes to me when I least expect it. I live for those moments of inspiration.
Good luck with both your writing and non-writing goals. 🙂
I hope you were successful at constructing the perfect scene, Loni. I sympathize. I’ve been working on the ending to my WIP for too long. Try to get some sleep, eh.
Looks great!
So many great things! I’m so happy for you! Good luck with the continued writing of your book two. Also, your artwork is amazing – as always!
Warmly,
Elsie
Sounds like you’ve had a bit of a breakthrough – hope it keeps up. The artwork looks great. I’m very envious of multitalented people!
A big congrats to all the Full Dark authors and a round of applause for that awesome donation so far!
I forgot to add your artwork of Avrianna to my IWSG blog post. 🙁 (I’m sorry! I’ll add it to my next one.) I put it in my newsletter, though. And will be adding it my website. 😀 I just love what you did. Avrianna looks amazing. And I’m really glad creating her inspired you.
And I’m glad you’re writing Book 2 again. Keep it up!