A Little Stressed?

     Do you ever get stressed while writing? Even though you have everything planned out perfectly and have the urge to write, do you feel your temper rising with every word you type? It has been happening to me quite often. In fact, it is happening to me right now as I continue writing the Amulet Series. When this sort of thing happens, I suggest: stop writing and a) pick up a sketchbook and doodle, b) read a book, c) watch a movie, d) go for a short walk to clear your head, or e) simply drop everything, sit back in your chair, close your eyes, and relax for a few minutes. The more stressed you get while writing, the less you can write and the more you want to bang your head on the keyboard. I don't suggest banging your head on anything. Your head holds precious ideas but you shouldn't stress out while trying to put them into the material world. So, take it easy. Write slowly and don't be too hard on yourself about deadlines.

~Aris~

Support an Author and Artist

     This week, find an author and artist(or two that you already know) and support them via advertising, following them on Facebook, and telling them what you love about their work. Everyone enjoys to be told that their work is greatly appreciated and sometimes, entertainers have bad days. By supporting them, you could be making their day. Get to know them and ask them questions about why they started writing or drawing. What drove them to begin such a career? If they don't have a career of it, ask them why they only write/draw part-time. Maybe it's for financial purposes and they don't enjoy it at all. Perhaps they absolutely love doing it but they don't make enough to support themselves completely with writing or drawing. The next time you pick up a book and thoroughly enjoy it, find out more about the author and artist. Then find a way to send them your thanks. We're living in an age of technology where most people meet on the internet. Take full advantage of that. :)

~Aris~

Guardians of the Glacier #8: The Scholar

     Under the vast wealth of draining knowledge in the world, the Scholar grew up absorbing as much of it as he could before it would become lost forever. Thus he spent the entirety of his childhood achieving the highest level of education money could buy, learning from the most respected minds the world could offer. For eight hours a day he would listen intently to the scholars he wished to someday be, while spending the remainder of his free time in the library and visiting history museums. He was a boy with an appetite for information and a retrospective hunger that slowly began to starve.

     Eventually his hometown ran out of food for thought and he exhausted all the resources that had been fueling his mind’s stimulation. And so he decided to travel the world in order to expand his horizon and acquire the knowledge he craved. But as his travels and studies continued, so did his realization of the truths behind the facts. He had dedicated his life to learning, but the world would never do the same. And even if he could teach the people everything he had come to know, they would still refuse to change their ways. They were simply too stubborn to admit their wrongs. Thus as he continued his studies, he did so much more woeful than he had prior in his life. He was still excited to learn, just a lot less believing in that it actually mattered. Nevertheless he stuck with his passion and treaded along the all but deserted path of worldly enlightenment.

     Unavoidably, his travels brought him to the farthest reaches of the land and the Frozen Abyss. The town of Kaltbury had one of the last libraries he had not yet been to, and it was rumored to have some of the rarest books and documents still in existence. And so he booked a room at Jazmin’s Tavern and prepared for a lengthy stay of reading and research. Since he arrived at the inn, he has spent most of his time talking to the Witch, who is the only other person at the tavern who views the world in a similar manner in which he does. During his time here he plans to make the most of his stay, but little does he realize that he too just like the knowledge he has dedicated his life to obtain, will soon become lost forever…

Copyright © Kool Aid Demon

A Few Questions to Fellow Writers

     This week, I asked a few of my fellow writers a few questions as follows: When you were a young writer, what advice do you wish you had received? What advice do you have for fellow writers who are either new at writing or have the same experience as you? If a writer gets the hated Writer's Block, what do you suggest they do?
     Caroline Laxon-Abbott replied: "Read widely, not just the genre you're interested in. Subscribe to a writer's magazine for a year. Keep writing. Visit your local library and check out how-to writing books (again outside the genre you wish to write in) plus it's cheaper than buying the books (unless of course you constantly keep handing it back in overdue). Don't just read the bits about how to write that book but how you're going to get it published as well. Last of all, accept the fact we are still all learning the craft and no one person knows everything. ;-D"
     Ralph E. Laitres replied: "I am not young, but I wish I had paid more attention in school... especially English...... as for writer's block... walk away for a day and do not think about the writing... forcing it will make it worst. I got serious about writing in 2007 at the age of 46. but I have dabbled since my youth... now at age 50, I can say I am going to be an author... but I am a NEWBIE. I am here to learn from those who have already walked down this road."
     Gina Roeder replied: "I've always wanted to be a writer since I was in grade school but was discouraged from it because it wasn't a practical way to make a living. So I guess to any inspiring writer I'd first offer my devoted encouragement. Next I'll tell 'em to keep writing, every day, even on the days when they don't feel like it because that's what the pros do. A writing instructor once told me that a professional writer is like a prostitute, they do it even when they don't want to. As for writer's block, well, I'm experiencing that right now. I started working on something else just to keep writing. It usually helps. The key is to not get discouraged."
     Never stick to just one genre. Spread out, learn everything you can about the writing world, and share what you learn with your fellow writers. You're never too old to start anything, especially not writing. Never, never let anyone or anything keep you from writing. If you want to write, write. Yes, at some point in time, you will get discouraged but do not let it be a long-lasting situation. It is your life and if you want to be an author, do it! There will be plenty of people to support you, even if your closest family and friends don't. There is always someone who will spend the time and energy encouraging you. Much thanks to Caroline, Ralph, and Gina for allowing me to use their comments as examples to encourage other writers.

Copyright © Aris Lisvacor, Caroline Laxon-Abbott, Ralph E. Laitres, Gina Roeder