When I was in Year 7, my English teacher gave my class an assignment - to write a letter to our future-selves that we would open in our final year of high school. At 11 years old, I remember thinking it was a strange concept. I couldn't imagine myself five years down the line as a 16 year old young adult, ready to take on the world. What would I want to say to myself? What would I want to know? I remember writing that letter so clearly, and also the day I opened it. Its a memory that I've always held very dear to me. So when I came across this tag on my Bloglovin feed, I instantly jumped right at that opportunity. What better what to honour that memory than writing another letter to my future self. I'm also at a significant point in my life where anything can happen, and with that, you can't help but wonder where life may take you. So without further ado, here is the letter I'm sending to my future self 10 years from now ....
NaNoWriMo has been the perfect platform to write the story I didn't know how to write. By committing myself to put pen to paper, I've been able to write fragments of the story I've envisioned for so long. The story, that I've had so much trouble putting to paper, is slowly working its way towards the image in my imagination. I know more than half the things I've written probably will not make the final draft of novel. Not everything I have right now will make the cut; so much will be changed! But those words that I hold on the page are a starting point, and isn't that worth something in it's self?
Throughout this process - when I've actually had the opportunity to write-, I've found it really hard not to edit for a number of reasons. Editing is where the magic happens, where words that initially have no meaning or just don't run smoothly become lyrically awesome. Where raw ideas are polished and primed. It really is like music to the ears, when you hear those words climb off the page and perfectly encapsulate the moments you see enfolding before you. And that magic does not happen the first time round! This je ne sais quoi happens the second-third or even fourth time around, where you're whizzing through the words, and polishing the raw material into a masterpiece - prepared to wow the reader. It's so hard for me not to edit during this experience, because editing adds so much more value (and sometimes more words too!). It's where a simple expression can become legendary - worthy of being quoted one day. But without the foundation of words on the page, editing is not possible. It simply can't happen. That is one of the most important lessons I've learnt along the way, and is one I hope to remember long after the end of NaNoWriMo 2014.
For all of you participating in NaNoWriMo, have you been feeling the same pinch? Let's talk about our experiences!
Throughout this process - when I've actually had the opportunity to write-, I've found it really hard not to edit for a number of reasons. Editing is where the magic happens, where words that initially have no meaning or just don't run smoothly become lyrically awesome. Where raw ideas are polished and primed. It really is like music to the ears, when you hear those words climb off the page and perfectly encapsulate the moments you see enfolding before you. And that magic does not happen the first time round! This je ne sais quoi happens the second-third or even fourth time around, where you're whizzing through the words, and polishing the raw material into a masterpiece - prepared to wow the reader. It's so hard for me not to edit during this experience, because editing adds so much more value (and sometimes more words too!). It's where a simple expression can become legendary - worthy of being quoted one day. But without the foundation of words on the page, editing is not possible. It simply can't happen. That is one of the most important lessons I've learnt along the way, and is one I hope to remember long after the end of NaNoWriMo 2014.
For all of you participating in NaNoWriMo, have you been feeling the same pinch? Let's talk about our experiences!
From it's original synopsis, I was expecting The Raven Boys to be a paranormal romance about a girl named Blue and her forbidden true love with a boy, who would die from her kiss. But that is not what this story is about. The Raven Boys is about how Blue's life gets turned upside down when she meets the infamous Raven Boys, who are on an adventure of their own.
I decided to pick this book up after a recommendation from a friend. I've heard some pretty incredible reviews of things from the online book community, so I decided to see what the fuss was all about. For majority of the novel, I found myself rather de-attached from the story. But once I reached the turning point of the novel half way through, I found myself feeling drawn into the mystery and suspense of the story. While The Raven Boys has some enjoyable moments, - I'm sorry to say fans of the book - I found myself far from impressed with it. This book did not live up to its hype at all, and was overall pretty disappointing.
I decided to pick this book up after a recommendation from a friend. I've heard some pretty incredible reviews of things from the online book community, so I decided to see what the fuss was all about. For majority of the novel, I found myself rather de-attached from the story. But once I reached the turning point of the novel half way through, I found myself feeling drawn into the mystery and suspense of the story. While The Raven Boys has some enjoyable moments, - I'm sorry to say fans of the book - I found myself far from impressed with it. This book did not live up to its hype at all, and was overall pretty disappointing.
I love to write. It's my passion and my favourite past time in the world. I could list all the reasons why I love to write, but since I've already done that earlier in the year, I'll tell you a little secret. Ever since I was 14, I have always always dreamt of publishing my own novel some day. It's a long term dream of mine! So when I heard about NaNoWriMo several years ago, - the ultimate month of novel writing - I couldn't help but feel so excited about the possibility of it! Imagine being one step closer to publishing your own novel .... Just the thought gives me chills!
In the past, I've always been put off with participating as November is literally one of busiest times of the year for me - with essay writing, deadlines, upcoming Christmas and birthday plans. But this year - as a last minute decision - I thought I'd put those excuses aside and at least try. Honestly what's the worst that could happen? I told myself, 'Instead of trying to reach the goal of 50,000 words, I'll aim for 30,000. 1000 words per day give or take. That seems manageable.' And so far, it's been going pretty well. I made it through the week with almost 7000 words right under my belt. To say I'm feeling good is an understatement, but ... it did not come easy I'll tell you! This is literally the thought process I went through this week ...
Day One: A proud 1000 words - yay. I'm off to a good start. I'll have myself a little snack.
Day Two: Just about reached 2000. A little bit trickier than yesterday, but I got there. Awesome!
Day Three: I've got the urge to major edit everything I've just written, and I don't know if I can shake it. Must resist ... must resist ...
Day Four: I'll try and get a few words in before bed ... I'll just nap for two seconds ... just resting the eyes ... zzzzzz
Day Five: Gotta make up for yesterday. Double take; I got this. Sorted. Not as poetically awesome as day one though ... Editing will make this all sound awesome in the end ...
Day Six: Can't think of what to say ... Guess I'll skip this scene and move onto the next ... and the next ...
Day Seven: Finally, the scene I've been waiting to write forever has arrived ... let the juiciness begin!
Overall, I'm really happy with the experience and enjoying how it's going so far. Can anyone else relate? If you're taking part in this year's NaNoWriMo, tell me how it's going. I'd love to hear from you all!
In the past, I've always been put off with participating as November is literally one of busiest times of the year for me - with essay writing, deadlines, upcoming Christmas and birthday plans. But this year - as a last minute decision - I thought I'd put those excuses aside and at least try. Honestly what's the worst that could happen? I told myself, 'Instead of trying to reach the goal of 50,000 words, I'll aim for 30,000. 1000 words per day give or take. That seems manageable.' And so far, it's been going pretty well. I made it through the week with almost 7000 words right under my belt. To say I'm feeling good is an understatement, but ... it did not come easy I'll tell you! This is literally the thought process I went through this week ...
Day One: A proud 1000 words - yay. I'm off to a good start. I'll have myself a little snack.
Day Two: Just about reached 2000. A little bit trickier than yesterday, but I got there. Awesome!
Day Three: I've got the urge to major edit everything I've just written, and I don't know if I can shake it. Must resist ... must resist ...
Day Four: I'll try and get a few words in before bed ... I'll just nap for two seconds ... just resting the eyes ... zzzzzz
Day Five: Gotta make up for yesterday. Double take; I got this. Sorted. Not as poetically awesome as day one though ... Editing will make this all sound awesome in the end ...
Day Six: Can't think of what to say ... Guess I'll skip this scene and move onto the next ... and the next ...
Day Seven: Finally, the scene I've been waiting to write forever has arrived ... let the juiciness begin!
Overall, I'm really happy with the experience and enjoying how it's going so far. Can anyone else relate? If you're taking part in this year's NaNoWriMo, tell me how it's going. I'd love to hear from you all!
The Fault In Our Stars tells the story of two cancer survivors Augustus Waters and Hazel Grace, who fall in love for the first time. I'll confess - I was pretty nervous about seeing this movie adaptation. Not because I had no faith in the director Josh Boone - as I loved his previous movie Stuck In Love -, but because I know the story. I was so desperate to see it, and yet reluctant to have my fangirl heart ripped to a million pieces of feels. But it was well worth it. This adaptation was not only faithful to the story, but it provided an added depth that I was really not expecting. It was a touching tale that perfectly encapsulated the characters of Augustus Waters and Hazel Grace.
For all of you who haven't seen this film, you seriously must! This is a story that needs to be told and shared. It perfectly shows that these teenagers are not just cancer patients. They are just not defined by their condition – but their heart and soul. If you take anything away from this story, that should be it!
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