Sunday, November 18, 2007

Where did the time go?

It seems like, these days, there's never enough time to write! Between new jobs, children being born, taking care of other children, and other distractions (yes, I'm speaking from recent personal experience here), when is there any time to get things done? Let alone update a blog....

If you run everything on a schedule, there is the solution right there. Try to schedule in an hour of "writing time." Find a quiet place and sit there with your notebook or laptop, and just put down whatever comes to mind. Try to schedule an hour, and arrange to have that be your private time, so you won't have your train of thoughts derailed by telephone calls or incessant voices whining for a cookie (unless it's yours, of course).

Time can be on your side. You just need to plan ahead.

Now, where's my calendar?

Tuesday, August 7, 2007

Why 'Written by Moonlight'?

So, why did I choose this for the title of the blog? There are two reasons, really.

The first is that I'm a night person. I tend to do my best thinking and writing in the afternoon and evening. Also, I tend to hate mornings, and prefer to sleep in as much as I can. Unfortunately, most days I'm not able to sleep in, but still, I enjoy it the few days I can.

The second is that I have tended to have an interest in astronomy ever since I was a child. I have many fond memories of lying on my back, looking up at the stars, trying to pick out constellations and identify planets. Moving out to the country, I love being able to do this again, and I'll look forward to doing this with my children, as they get older.

So, "Written by Moonlight" it is. And soon I hope to share other tips about writing with all who wish to read this!

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

A Fresh Start

This is my second blog. My first was started as a class assignment, back when I wasn't exactly sure what I was doing.

Of course, I'm still not entirely sure, but at least I'm not quite as clueless as I was then.

This blog will be devoted to writing. I am an aspiring writer and editor, and I strive to encourage others to improve their skills as well. Of course, providing encouragement is a good part of what I do, too, but I try to be realistic about it.

One of the key elements of being a writer is knowing that you're not perfect, and everything you write can be improved upon. Comments like "this is great!" doesn't do a writer much good, because that doesn't focus on anything that can be improved. Likewise, general discouraging comments like "this sucks" doesn't help either, and may only serve to discourage the writer (if they even care about such unenlightened opinions."

No, the best comments a writer craves are ones that say "this is great, and this is why!" or "this sucks, and this is why." Writers can take this feedback and use it to improve their works.

The best way to get this feedback is, of course, from other writers. Finding other writers in your area is a great way to improve your work, simply by having them take a look at it and telling you what works and what to improve. Be sure to return the favor, too.

I am hoping to update this blog at least once a week. Most of the time, it will be to provide other writing tips and hints. Sometimes it will be to discuss a bit about me and my works, and if I feel motivated, perhaps a dabble of politics (I love talking politics, for some strange reason). I may update more frequently, but mroe than likely, it'll be less often. Still, I'll try to be good about it this time!