Well, having spent a lot of time sleeping (hooray for naps and vivid dreams!), I found myself rather restless. I will admit that it would have been a good opportunity to at least start on my homework, but I chose to do something a bit more creative and which piqued my interests a bit more.
I watched videos on YouTube!!
What a great way to waste your life...
Not only did I watch hilarious animal videos, but I also was drawn to videos of Christopher Paolini. Since I've been reading his books, obviously he's been on my mind. And to be honest, I hadn't really seen any videos of him... Until the other day. Now, it doesn't matter if you love or hate his books, but you have to admit that he's one good public speaker for his age. Having taken a public speaking course in the Spring--learning how to speak in front of an audience--I was genuinely impressed by how he's able to command and maintain your attention. I watched several videos of book premiere's/signings and I've seen a handful of interviews; so can I just say, I have a serious crush on the guy? I mean, he's the perfect age and he doesn't live very far from me! (Who would have thought?). Not to mention how "down to earth" he seems. Dang smart, but down to earth.
You have to love those "celebrity" crushes, right? The kind you know would never work out in a million years, and you'll be lucky to even see the person (let alone actually meet them) in this lifetime! But, this is a vain wish of mine for the future. Perhaps one day will shall cross paths... But I kind of doubt that... Then again, where is my faith?! (LOL!) =P
Anyway, amongst all the interviews and all the fan-based questions he answered, the main repeated question was: "What advice would you give to an aspiring writer?" or "What has been the most difficult part of writing this series."
In answers to both questions, he tackled something that I have heard numerous authors say (including two of my favorites: Lisa Mangum and Colleen Houck). This is a problem I know that I struggle with terribly...
The answer to the questions?
Write.Every.Day.
Over and over again I have heard that those three words are the key to reaching success and being a good writer.
This is not something I have been very good at in the past. I tend to be a procrastinator, and therefore lack the self-control to get things completed. However--I will admit--when I was writing nearly everyday, I did feel more productive and had an overall sense of "well being".
Writing is one of my cures for life. If I'm struggling with a problem in my life, I write about it. If I'm happy and excited, I write about it. If I have a crazy idea for a story pop into my head, I write about it. I have come to realize that if I don't write about it then the idea/inspiration will slip away and I'll be left wondering what that crazy thought was all about in the first place. Also, if I don't write everyday (if I miss a day) my inspiration slowly slips away. I think this is why Paolini (as well as many others) really emphasize this point; if you don't write, you lose your motivation to write. This is certainly true in my case.
So lately I have been re-asking myself, "Why do I write?"
I originally thought it was because I had a story I wanted to tell and characters I wanted to share with the world. But if this was truly the case, why have I not made more progress on my stories?
Why do I write?
Is it an attempt to escape? Run far away from my current situation--whatever that situation may be?
Perhaps it is like what Paolini has said, "Writing is a way that you explain the world to yourself."
Or like I mentioned earlier, do I simply write to "cure" my life?
I will continue to ask myself this question as well as try to write at least something once a day. I think I will feel better emotionally (and creatively). Besides, who knows what may develop!
In the words of one of the heroes in my life who I greatly admire:
"I was made for more than this."
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