My Creative Everyday

When you write the last chapter of a book, there is a certain satisfaction, like no other chapter. This morning I completed the first draft of the last chapter, 682 words, written when nearly 30% of the book is done, but it means you know where you are going. The nagging feeling of being on a long dark road is brightened by a light at the end of it.  I began the morning by editting chapter 1. There were images I wanted to include to make it feel more real, for there to be shape and substance.  It felt natural to be edutting the first chapter to moveon to writibg the last chapter. I like a rounded ending, where you are reminded of the beginning. It feels more complete.  This week I have worked out the plot of my novel. For the last few months, i's been fun just writing and seeing where it takes me, but eventually you get to a point where you feel like you are blindly fumbling about.  At my desk, with a shawl around my shoulders and a blanket on my knees, the words cam...

It began a few weekends ago when I baked bread. I had this sense of accomplishment that I had learnt something new. The process of preparing the dough, resting it and letting it cool required patience. Most of all, it made me slow down, forget about my worries and I could look forward to eating fresh bread.   The great thing about bread is that there are so many delicious ways of enjoying it. I haven't had french toast in years and did a semi-healthy version topped with greek yoghurt, warm banana and  roasted pineapple. I confess that I did drizzle some maple syrup on top too.  These days can feel overwhelming because of all the uncertainty in the world. Monday to Friday can seem hectic, like the frenzy of seagulls when they are being fed. There is something about a Sunday which demands we be there for ourselves, to nourish, recharge and listen to what we really want. It is a day to indulge a little and enjoy the little things in life, like maple syrup.  Meditat...

Children ask why? It's a great question. As adults, we forget to ask why? We don't always question why we do what we do, or why things are the way they are. If we are told a reason, we don't keep asking why? We move on.  As writers, why is a powerful question. As we muddle through uncertain times, shouldn't we be asking why even more? Isn't the why part of the solution to making things better?  The why drives a mystery. The why keeps us going. We keep wondering why when we are absorbed in a gripping story. We want to know the answer. We don't stop asking why? We enjoy the wonder of living in the world of why? So why am I writing this post?  I read an article about 3 year olds always asking why in the Metro . It led me down this merry path of musing about why?  Why do I write?  It is who I am. It is what I love. I don't know any other way than to express myself through words, putting them together, trying to make them coherent,  shaping tgem ibto something t...

I'm always trying to improve my photography skills. It's a hobby that takes time, practise and perseverance.  It also involves taking my "good" camera out with me rather than just using my phone.  A good starting point for me was taking photographs of flowers. Fyi, not windy days are better. There's also lots of people experimenting with flower photography. I studied different images and there are many who generously share their knowledge.  I graduated to harder subjects. It helps to focus on what you love, for me, that's birds and nature's beauty.  Last year I finally managed to take some great photographs of a fox and butterfly. When your subject is nature, it means spending hours walking, exploring and figuring out where and when you will have the opportunity to capture them.  Check out my Instagram to see how my amateur photography skills have developed.  My next goal is to improve my street photography. I came across this blog article which has some...

Winter can feel long and bleak. These winter warmers have made it a little more enjoyable.  I found faux leather leggings on sale at H&M for £9. I've always loved leather. Faux leather is warm and in green you have the fab factor.  The nights are cold and I love how cosy M&S cotton rich pyjamas feel. When the temperature dropped, I thought 'Yay, I can wear them now.' I'm hibernating at home alot, so not really having a chance to dress up. A satin nightshirt from M&S is a lovely way to feel a bit more special. I go to bed like life is a little more glam. I picked up new bedding too.  While I was looking for new curtains, I ended up buying a crushed velvet Catherine Lansfield duvet cover set from Dunelm.  It's the little things that have made the winter bearable. They add a whole new dimension. The texture and colour has made it seem like I'm in a new room.  The days and nights still have a chill. The time to pack away the winter wonderful wears is not...