Moving On

I had a great week after half term when my friend and fantastic author, Jon Mayhew, came to visit Cornwall and spent some time at my children's school. Chatting to him moved my mental focus on with the WIP and having done a fair bit more planning I have managed to relaunch the novel. This week alone I have written and additional 4000 words which is huge, as I have not written anything for over a year. It was the wake up push I needed and although Jon probably did not know his visit had this impact on me, I am so grateful that it did. So now the word count is over 30,000 words and we are heading towards half way which is exciting. If I can keep this focus then I will be finishing my first draft well within the goal that I set at the start of the year. It feels good to be writing again and as I am also reading it to my youngest at the moment I can already see places for improvement change and sharpening of the characters which is also positive. Liking the half full approach that I am having at the moment!! I feel this is achievable and not a crazy thing to do, unlike the penguin in the picture!

What Inspires You?

This Saturday we enjoyed the amazing experience of seeing the Olympic Torch pass by our door and go through our village. A local lady carried it which must have been a wonderful experience that will give her a precious memory. It was inspiring to see the whole community out to celebrate the torch coming through. There was a feeling of warmth, community and celebration which has been absent from our country for a while. It also got me wondering what inspires people to be creative - whether it is to write, paint, sing or dance. What experiences cause us to be moved to respond creatively? I am often inspired by my surroundings. The natural world in all its splendour and diversity inspires me and I have drawn on it regularly for my novel. I am also inspired by history and the landmarks left that are reminder, such as the mine ruins at Wheal Peevor. I am also inspired by the achievements of the ones I love and those who battle adversity to overcome and achieve a goal. Inspiration is part of our soul and what makes us who we are. I enjoyed the wonder of seeing three birds of prey on my journey home from the leisure centre this evening, a stunning sunset and a long fluffy cuddle with my rabbits. These things today have inspired feelings, emotions and ideas. I want to be able to communicate these feelings in my writing so that those who read it may be as inspired as I am. I wonder - what inspires you?