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This is an introduction of me to the writing world. |
I have dreamed of becoming a famous author or journalist ever since I was a small child (circa age eight). I had a habit of creating characters to incorporate into stories large and small, and sometimes starting novels. I never finished a novel because I am easily distracted with new ideas/projects, as well as life situations. After high school, my writing habit slowly but surely died down until I rarely made time to write anymore. This journal will be a step back into my once favorite hobby. It will be a learning and growing experience. I invite you to join me and feel free to comment! |
The writing exercise for this lesson is to choose two genres or sub genres from those discussed in this lesson. One should be something you would like to write, the other should be a genre that doesn't appeal to you. Write a brief report on each, explaining why you would or would not feel comfortable writing in that genre. If I knew I was going to be published and that my book would actually sell, I would have to say I would write a fantasy novel. I love fantasy, from the writings of J.R.R. Tolkien to more modern authors, a good fantasy sparks my creativity, and inspires me to write, as well. I enjoy reading many sub-genres of fantasy, including simple fantasy, ghost stories, paranormal, horror and science fantasy. I think it would be fun to write a horror-fantasy novel, such as one about a vampire or werewolf. At this point in my life, I would not be interested in writing a mystery or detective novel. I do not believe I have read enough to be comfortable with trying to create a new scenario in this particular genre. However, I would not exactly rule it out for the rest of my life, either. Jen I Am Jen Be Me And No Other One Is Jen |
My favorite form of writing is fiction. I enjoy creating new characters, and building their histories and their lives. I find it fascinating to discover new worlds, people and even time periods that lie within myself. It is empowering, inspiring and just plain fun to write about things that have never before existed except in my mind. Eventually, I would like to create something truly original, if any such work exists. Jen I Am Jen Be Me And No Other One Is Jen |
Did you ever really listen to Broadway musicals? I love the common theme of freedom and going against the system that runs through them. When I need to be inspired creatively, my favorite muse is a good musical. I always feel uplifted and ready to write, or just to face the day, after listening to something like "Wicked" or "Les Miserables" or even "Evita." Who wouldn't? It's just nice to lose yourself in a fantastical world of music when life gets crazy. Try it sometime. You might surprise yourself and learn something, even if you think you hate musicals. Jen I Am Jen Be Me And No Other One Is Jen |
Although I'm still a newbie here at writing.com, I have read several articles on reviewing and I'm finding one thing to be true of all of them. They all say that reviewing helps in the writing process, and they are all right! I find that the more I review, the more I see what I like as a reader/writer, and what I do not like. Afterall, didn't someone once say, "Every writer is also a reader," or something to that effect? Also, the more I review, the more ideas I get for stories of my own. I'm also considering revisiting some of my old ideas and reconfiguring them to be submitted for review. As soon as I get the chance, I'd like to start that process. It will have to be after next week, though, because next week is, surprise, surprise, Christmas and my sister's wedding. I will be very busy with those two events tying up my time. Jen I Am Jen Be Me And No Other One Is Jen |
My sister is getting married December 29, and I am the Matron of Honor, which means I have to (surprise, surprise) write a speech. So, I was asking someone in my office for advice and she told me to write two speeches and choose the best parts from each one. So here are my Matron of Honor speeches: Speech #1: For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Jennifer and I am Cherise’s big sister. Growing up, we were like most sisters, enjoying time together at some moments and arguing at others. I remember both of us dreaming of our weddings when we were little, and using Barbie dolls to act them out. Of course, being a good big sister, I always made her be Ken, while I got to be Barbie. As we grew into our teenage years, it was clear that pretending was no longer enough. I was surprised when my little sister was the first one to have a boyfriend and the first one to be kissed. That was one of the ways that we were not typical sisters. Even though I’m the “big sister,” I was the one looking to her for advice on boys. Even now, I admire her for her wise choice of a husband. I found a couple of verses that say what I wish for her, and for Jason, for the future. The first one is just for her. It is Song of Solomon 2:4- He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love [for love waved as a protecting and comforting banner over my head when I was near him]. The second is for both of them, and it is just a reminder of how precious love is. Song of Solomon 8:7- Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it. If a man would offer all the goods of his house for love, he would be utterly scorned and despised. May the two of you always follow the path of God’s will and the path your own hearts, and may those two paths always be intertwined. Speech #2: Today is a day of beginnings, of love, and of thankfulness. I am Cherise’s big sister Jennifer, and I was given the joy of being the Matron of Honor for the day. It has been such a beautiful thing to watch Cherise and Jason grow closer as a couple! When Cherise talks about Jason, she reminds me of the bride in Song of Solomon 2:16, who said, “My beloved is mine and I am his!” Jason, too, reminds me of scripture in how he looks to Cherise as his match. Genesis 2:18 says, “Now the Lord God said, ‘It is not good (sufficient, satisfactory) that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper meet (suitable, adapted, complementary) for him.’” I am happy for both of them! I hope that you both will always seek God’s will in your life together, and that your future together holds joy and gladness! Jen I Am Jen Be Me And No Other One Is Jen |
Before anything else, let me say that I got the idea to create this journal because I am currently enrolled in an online college writing course. It's just a basic writing course, but it has me thinking of how I've neglected my love for writing over the past few years. Even though it's been a while, I don't want to completely let that part of myself go. I'm sure anyone who considers themself a writer would understand this sentiment. As I contemplate the steps it will take to become a better writer than I was before, several things come to mind. First, what do I like to write? Fiction? Poetry? Short stories? Novels? I feel like this is something I need to decide, but part of me thinks I should just leave this open. Second, who will I be writing for? Myself? My family? The general public? I guess this just depends on the project. For example, this journal is for myself AND the general public. The third and toughest question, how will I overcome the dreaded writer's block? This is something that every writer has struggled with at times. I, however, have struggled with it all too frequently in the past. Usually it comes about out of the fear that my work is not good enough. I guess you could say I'm a bit of a perfectionist. I need to know that my writing is clear and my message is easy to understand. So here I am at a crossroads, nervous and excited about re-entering the world of writing, where a blank page is just a step away from becoming the incarnation of my wildest dreams. Oh, and by the way, yes. I do know I tend to be wordy. That is something that will not change, but it doesn't bother me. Jen I Am Jen Be Me And No Other One Is Jen |