Gliding Towards an Upwards Surge

A huge happier hello and welcome to the next edition in my online platform! As you can no doubt tell, this entry is going to be full of exciting events and prospects. From writing mindsets to next steps, below promises to be an explorative read proving there is always a rise after a fall. So, without further ado, let us begin…

First of all, I shall disclose the drastically positive effects of bettering one’s mental health in respects to writing output. As previously mentioned, I allowed myself a plentitude of breaks and moments of reflection to ensure what I was writing and feeling alongside my career suited me. It has taken a while, but I can officially confirm that I am finally putting pen to paper once more. I can’t really explain it, but after attending a job interview recently I returned feeling more motivated than I have in the five month interim since I last worked fully on my novella. As soon as I arrived back home, I was instantly pulled towards my headphones, my beautiful gift of a pen (as you will have previously seen in December’s blog entry) and notepad with a determination to see my plot expanded and the words continued. I wrote more in those two hours than I had in a very long time. It felt, and feels, so amazing to feel like myself again. It only goes to prove ridding yourself of what misdirected you towards doubt possesses drastically positive results. Of course, I am not saying this wayward path was not necessary as experience is and will always be beneficial, but I am glad the break has offered me greater opportunites writerly, personally and in terms of career too. I am unsure whether this current boost in writing means I shall have a completed novella for the competition deadline in June, however I have not - if you will excuse the pun - written this off yet. All I know is I am working through each plot deadline with the aim of writing the best first draft I can. After this, I shall merely see where this places me and my work. Besides, writers are always told the first draft does not need to be perfect, it just needs to be written. I forget this a lot of the time, with my often perfectionist attitude meaning I overlook this extremely helpful guidance. I am still learning what it is that makes a successful writer, not just a published author. I will get there, as I am sure we all will eventually.

Speaking of that source of rising inspiration, I am extremely happy to announce my success in being chosen for a new employment venture! Of course due to security and safeguarding reasons I cannot share exactly where on here, but I can tell you I am more than excited to see where this next chapter in my life shall begin. There are so many positives that I am honestly struggling to find negatives, if there are indeed any at all! I am just so overwhelmed and ecstatic to finally feel like the pause button on my life which has been held firmly for what feels like so long has finally been released. This experience is bound to be one I shall relish, both for my career aspirations and for the inspiration the interview itself offered me. I cannot wait to see how employment with such a worthwhile endeavour shall better, among many other things, my passion and creativity in the near future!

Now then, on to other aspects of this month. I have always stressed the importance of meeting up with friends and family and engaging with nature as guides to aiding with creative and positive flow, with this past month being no different. Whether it be celebrating birthdays of friends and loved ones or going on days out to inspiring landscapes, there really is nothing better than to physically step aside and engage yourself with fun for a while. Especially if you are someone involved with sports, taking the time to attend matches or training - or, in my case, shoots for archery - stepping away and occupying your mind with other fun activities is the best feeling. Take it from someone who enjoys her own company, cuddled up with a fleecy blanket, headphones and a good book - whether her own or another’s - the outside world really does you no end of good. You will thank yourself for it. In the meantime, here are some images from my latest outdoor adventure to Creswell Crags, one of my favourite walks accompanied by a very interesting museum on our Ice Age ancestors (and gift shop of course):

Essentially, as the really tasty (not sponsored) donut on this month’s blog image shows, you are what you eat and I am going to consume all that aids in my happiness. Treating yourself to indulgences whilst remembering healthier food to maximising writing optimism, all will result in a happier, better you. As you will have seen from my more recent blog entries, it really does work for me. I hope it does for you too.

This is where this entry ends. I hope reading this excerpt of optimism has provided you, reader, with your own spark of motivation. If not, no need to worry. You will get there!

Be sure to keep an eye out for April’s particularly exciting entry, where I shall be no doubt delving into the further boost in creative inspiration after visiting the home of one of the greatest children’s book series’ of all time! (No spoilers…although I imagine many of you will have guessed where).

Keep well! Until next time,

Emily