I'm Still a Writer

Ever since I had my son, the majority of my day is spent watching him and playing with him. When he goes down for his naps, I usually do housework or edit something for a client. So that doesn’t leave a lot of time for myself or writing. Don’t get me wrong, I love spending time with my son and I love that I have the ability to stay home with him. But I’m not going to deny that I miss being creative.

Normally, the only time that I have to write is at night, after I’ve put my son to sleep. But I also have to balance spending that time with my husband. So, we normally spend some time together talking or watching a TV show before he goes to sleep and I stay up to try to write. But unfortunately, lately, nothing has come out. I haven’t had a lick of inspiration lately and it’s been killing me. I spend hours looking at the computer screen, Microsoft Word open, and nothing happens. Sometimes, I try to force myself to write and it only makes it worse. Writing is my favorite thing to do in the world. It’s my passion. Forcing myself to do it makes it a chore and that is the last thing that I want. But in order to write, I have to have something to say. Otherwise it’s meaningless.

But not writing has put a strain on myself. In fact, I don’t feel like myself at all. There are days where I wonder if I can even call myself a writer. If someone asked me who I was, I’d say that I was a writer because I feel that in my soul. But can I even be considered a writer if I haven’t written anything lately? And what I’ve forced myself to write isn’t up to my standards? It feels like I’m going through an identity crisis. I want to show my son that you can have it all. You can have a job, a passion and a family. Society likes to tell us that we have to pick and choose which ones we want and sacrifice the others but I don’t believe that’s true. You can have it all and so can I.

Right now, I’m trying to hold onto the hope and the certainty that inspiration will find me again. The pressure to write has already found me but I don’t want that to distract me from what’s really important. Writing makes me feel whole and when I write, I feel like the best version of myself. And it’s incredibly gratifying to present that version of me to the world, vulnerability and all, and say that this is me.

I think that there is a stigma with stay-at-home moms. Some people believe that it isn’t hard, draining or crazy at times. Trust me, it is. I have an incredibly well-behaved baby and I know that all in all, my life isn’t difficult. But I also know that I need to be reminded most days that I’m more than just a housekeeper. I may not be the same person that I was before I had my son. I think I’m even better, honestly. Becoming a mother has allowed me to open up my heart in an entirely new way. Knowing the unconditional love between a mother and her child has made me a better person and I’m so grateful every day for my life’s biggest blessing. But I don’t want him to just see me as his mother. I want him, and the world, to see me as a writer.

And honestly, I’d like to see myself that way again, too.

Yesterday, I was watching an interview with George R. R. Martin and he was asked about his best writing advice. He said, “Write like nobody is watching because they aren’t.” It was such a simple statement but it held a lot of weight. I realized that the pressure I’ve been feeling has only been brought on by me. Nobody else is sitting around waiting for me to publish another book. Nobody has been waiting by their laptops, dying to read my next blog post. Everything has been on me. Hearing Martin say that felt like a weight was lifted off my shoulders. It reminded me that writing is a process. It’s not easy. If it was, everyone would do it. And it reminded me that when I’m inspired, no matter by what, that I should take it as far as I can because I can and that’s the fun of writing. I can push the boundaries because I choose to, because I want to and better yet, because I’m inspired to.

So I’m going to keep going at it every day because I literally can’t imagine doing anything else. I'm a writer and I always will be, no matter how long it takes inspiration to find me again.

-Chelsea

My Favorite Writing Tips

As someone that loves to write and whose dream it is to one day be a published writer, I've done my fair share of research on this topic. I've always loved to write and I can't remember a time in my life when I wasn't either writing or stuffing my nose in a book. I'm fascinated by the idea of telling a good story and having people respond to it in a positive way. I'd love to be able to write a book that someone loves so much that they can't put down. Of course, I'm no expert but I thought that it would be a good idea to compile a list of my favorite writing tips so that they could be shared with all of you. I incorporate these tips into my writing and I've found that they're very helpful. I hope that you find them helpful as well.

1. Make sure that if you are incorporating a villain into your story that they are present throughout the whole story. 

This doesn't mean that your villain needs to be physically present in various scenes interacting with your protagonist. However, the since the protagonist/hero of your story is going to spend the entire novel constantly working towards their goal, the villain should as well. Take Harry Potter for example. Even when Voldemort isn't fighting with Harry, he is still a huge part of the story. We know that he is always working towards getting stronger. Harry can feel his scar burning, further showing his connection to Voldemort and many times, he has dreams about Voldemort's actions. This allows Voldemort to be in the story without actually having to be with Harry.

2. Don't add more to the story than is necessary. 

Some writers want their word count to be higher, so they put in unnecessary scenes or dialogue. In other cases, some writers write unnecessary sequels to prolong their stories. The problem with this is that a good writer can tell their story simplistically and genuinely. If you are just adding extra things in, the readers are going to get that vibe and they won't enjoy it as much. They will know that those extra scenes or extra books were unnecessary and not coming from a genuine place. When a person reads your book, they are investing a lot of time with it. So when they read unnecessary scenes or sequels, it can upset them. I understand loving your characters and wanting to spend more time with them. But as writers, it is our responsibility to tell their stories to the best of our abilities, as efficiently and simplistically as possible.

3. Don't include unnecessary characters. 

This is kind of piggy-backing off of the last tip but this tip has been very important for me. I used to include characters in my stories that were just there because I thought that my protagonist needed more friends or siblings. But then I realized that they were just filler. Every character in your story should be necessary or fulfill some kind of purpose, even if their purpose is only to die. By that I mean, maybe your protagonist becomes depressed because of a loss or maybe an important character's death sparks a war. Either way, every character should be vital to the story, whether that person is comic relief, a love interest, an antagonist, etc.

If you're also an aspiring writer and would love to get some more tips, I have plenty more to share with you. So, if you enjoyed this, please let me know and I'll post more tips soon! Happy writing!

-Chelsea

Inspiration

Recently, I've been very frustrated with myself. I've been trying to do more writing and every day when I sit down to write, I can't think of anything that's good enough. It's like I've got perpetual writers' block or something. I've tried everything that I could think of to inspire me but I'm still drawing blanks.

And it's becoming more frustrating every day.

I'm someone that loves to write. I always have been, always will be. So it's very odd for me not to have some sort of project to work on right now. Every day that I go without writing makes me feel empty. Writing is a part of me that makes me feel whole. It's more than just a hobby; it's my life.

So I started thinking about why I love writing and what I want my writing to do. I want to inspire people. I want people to read my stories and feel something. I want to make an impact in someone's life. I just finished re-reading The Fault in Our Stars and I started thinking about how many people that book has affected. Thousands of people across the globe love that story and it touches them in ways that can't be described. That's exactly what I'm working to achieve. One day, I want my own stories to impact people in that way. That's the beauty of writing. People take things away from stories and everyone gets something different out of those stories.

Re-reading The Fault in Our Stars accomplished exactly what I had hoped that it would. It inspired me. I remembered exactly what I wanted my writing to accomplish. I remembered why I do what I do. I want people to connect with my stories and to have positive influences in their lives, just as John Green has for so many people.

I've often heard that reading a lot is one of the best ways to become a better writer. Now I know why.

-Chelsea

Starting Over

One of the hardest parts of wanting a creative career is the constant pressure to come up with new ideas. And sometimes when you do come up with new ideas, they don't work out and you have to start back at Square 1. I've been plowing through tons of ideas lately and although I've given them my best shot, none of them have worked out.

It can be very discouraging and there are some days that the disappointment feels like it's a little too much to handle. But if it was easy, then everyone would do it. I tell myself that if I do stick it out and I keep trying that it'll end up working out. Being a published author is all that I've ever wanted but it's a lot of hard work. Writing a book is harder than I ever would've thought.

I started working on a new project about 3 days ago. It's hard to tell if an idea is going to work out in the beginning but so far, I'm feeling pretty good about it. I'm trying something new and branching outside of my comfort zone. I hope that it ends up paying off but if it doesn't, that just means that I'm one step closer to achieving my dream. Every bad idea that doesn't work out brings me closer to an idea that will. And I'm confident enough in my imagination and determination to keep trying no matter what. That's what life is all about, isn't it? Chasing your dreams no matter how difficult they are?

So even though I'm starting over for about the 100th time, I wouldn't have it any other way. I love what I do and I am going to work hard for the rest of my life to make sure that my dreams do end up coming true.

-Chelsea

A Spark of Inspiration

I've been working a lot on my second novel but for a few days, I was having really bad writer's block. I really do try my best every day to write. It makes me happy and feel more productive. But some days are harder than others. It's difficult to be creative every single day and sometimes it feels like all of my creative juices have been dried up.

But then sometimes you have a magical moment where you're mid-sentence and all of a sudden, you get a spark of inspiration where you come up with a major plot twist. Then the book ends up taking an entirely different direction and you become extremely invested in your new idea. The excitement you felt when you first started writing comes back to you and you feel so proud of what you're doing. It seriously is one of the best feelings in the world.

For anyone else that's working on a novel right now but has hit some writer's block, just keep pushing through. It'll come. But remember, sometimes it does a person good to take a break for a little bit and recharge.

Happy Friday/Valentine's Day!

-Chelsea

Currently (2)

Hey everyone! It's been a while since I've updated you guys on what has been going on in my life. So I figured that today would be a great day to do just that!

• Reading: Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi. I started reading this book because it was recommended to me. I'm about a quarter of the way through it and so far, so good.
• Watching: American Idol and When Calls the Heart. I haven't watched Idol in a few years, so I figured that I'd give it another try. And as far as When Calls the Heart, I've been loving it so far!
• Feeling: Sick. I've have a fever. :/
• Excited for: The day that I actually find out where I'm moving to!
• Loving: My reading challenge!
• Writing: My second novel! 

So that's what going on in my life! Have a great weekend everyone!

-Chelsea 

Writer's Block

Unfortunately, lately I've been having a lot of writer's block. It doesn't matter if it's for my two blogs or my attempt to write a second novel. I have this urge to write every single day but it's so hard when your mind is blocked creatively.

It's not for lack of trying though. For example, the hardest thing to do, in my opinion, when writing a novel is to start it. There is something so scary about starting this new project, this new adventure and it makes it more real. And then I start to think, "What if it's horrible? What if I spend years of my life slaving away on this project and it's not good enough? What if I'm never published?" I try to block out those thoughts but they scare the hell out of me and my brain freezes.

But for the past few days, I have been sitting down in front of my laptop, with a new page open, and I've started the first few pages of my new novel. Several times. Every time that I think that I get a good idea, I go to write it and writer's block, that little thing, creeps it's way back into my head. I try to push through it and then I end up feeling as if my work isn't good anymore because it's so forced. I ended up deleting everything that I'd written, determined to find a fresh new idea to beat my writer's block.

I wish that it wasn't happening with blogging though because when it comes to blogging, you can write about anything. Everything is a potential subject. And yet, I'm still grasping at straws, trying to find new topics of inspiration. But tonight, I just said to myself, "Enough is enough. You're going to write."

So how did I get through my blogging writer's block? I wrote a blog about writer's block.

Oh, the irony.

Now if only I could get through my writer's block for my novel. I guess know what I'm doing tomorrow!

How do you get through writer's block?

-Chelsea

Blog Challenge, Day 14: 10 Happy Things

So today's prompt is to make a list of ten things that make me happy. I had a really hard time narrowing my list down to ten things but here they are! They are in no particular order!

1. Disney!- Whether it is Disney World, Disney merchandise or Disney movies, anything with the word
"Disney" makes me smile!


2. Writing- It doesn't matter if it is blogging, poetry or story-telling, I just love any form of writing!



3. My family- There are no words to describe the happiness my family brings me.



4. Reading- I love losing myself in a book, getting lost in another person's thoughts and exploring another world that I didn't know existed.


5. Movie nights- I love curling up under a blanket with some ice cream and watching old movies on the couch during the weekends. It is my favorite way to relax and unwind.


6. Learning about weddings- I just love watching wedding shows and looking up unique weddings online. They are just days when everyone is happy and celebrating. I just love seeing large groups of people coming together for love.



7. Being an older sister- My little sister, Kelly, is one of my favorite people in the world. From the second that my mother told me she was pregnant, I was so excited for her arrival. I wanted to take care of that beautiful little baby girl and I wanted to be there for her. Sometimes I overstep my boundaries but I can't help it because I love her so much. She is my best friend. She makes me want to be a better person and she inspires me to be as confident and sure of myself as she is. She is the greatest gift that my parents ever got me. I would not trade being her older sister for anything in the world. She is my greatest adventure.



8. Picturing my life as a mom- I want to be a mom so badly and I keep thinking that one day, I will be as close with my kids as I am with my mom. I can't wait for that experience.



9. My dog- My dog, Zach, and I are very close. He sleeps next to me every night and he never leaves my side when I'm at home. He is so loving, friendly and cute that I can't not be happy when I see him.


Sorry, I had a really hard time finding a picture of my dog on my computer. Oh, well. I'll just keep his cuteness to myself. :)

10. Spieling Peter and Carebear Wendy- These people are otherwise known as Andrew and Hali Ducote. They played Wendy and Peter Pan at Disneyland and were high school sweethearts. Now, they are married and living their dream life. They inspire me with their love and they show that high school sweethearts can make it work. Also, the Peter Pan couple aspect of their relationship is the cutest thing that I've ever heard.

Blog Channel, Day 6: What I Do

What do I do? Well, if I'm going to be honest, there isn't a long list of things that I do. I tend to find something that I love and stick with it. It doesn't leave much room in my schedule to find new things that interest me. Plus, normally I love what I do so much, that I don't really want to stop doing them.

However, as far as what I do to support myself right now, I have a job at one of my local restaurants. Despite my fears that I would hate the restaurant business and that I would never want to eat out again, I actually really love my job! I work at an all-you-can-eat buffet and I'm the cashier. However, there are more responsibilities than I thought I had when I got hired. I close a lot, so that means that I not only handle the money, I help stock and clean at the end of the night. However, at the end of the night, you can hear the radio better and I am able to make the night go by faster as I turn my chores into a dance party.

In my personal life, I just try to live a healthy and positive way and spread the message of living in a positive way. Whether it's blogging, writing stories, or just face-to-face conversation, I do my best to make other people happy and their lives a little brighter. Basically, I try to have a little bit of fun exploring my imagination and I try to make the world a better place as best as I can.