Flight in the Month of Fright

Good evening and welcome to another, if yet again delayed, blog entry! Below covers the musings of October from writing creativity to other branches of inspiring sources - including Autumn and Halloween. So, without further ado, lets begin!

First point of call - October the 6th has been and gone which means I am officially one year older! Twenty-four years young! I feel in a very good place right now - as you will see below - and with a lot of exciting opportunities approaching fairly soon I am convinced this next year of my life will be packed full of good times and memories I will not forget! I had an amazing time in London for the weekend where I saw the West End production of Les Miserables! The singing and stage production was phenomenal and I couldn’t help but sob at the end … and also indulge in the gift shop. The next day in Hyde Park was almost summer-like too and it was lovely to spend the day in the sun beside the Diana Memorial fountain with an ice cream. An altogether lovely trip despite the inevitable chaos of London itself. Take a look at some highlights below:

Not only this, but one of my presents included a visit to a Harry Potter themed cafe in Sheffield - The Steel Cauldron. A definite spot for budding writers and fans just to sit in the theatrics of it all and remember all this stemmed from one woman’s mind. Inspiring to say the least and a lot of fun making creatures. I was quite proud of my dragon:

Okay, so on to the most surprising news (which is ironic as this is a writing blog. Over the half term break I managed to write at least a quarter of a notebook full of my novella! I really cannot stress how much tackling and resolving a mental block and simply writing to turn on the creative tap allows the words to flow. My plot had been stuck for so long that I struggled to continue. In the end I unearthed how best to work around two plot holes and simply moved time forwards to prevent a static plot. After all, if I am bored writing it then others will no doubt be bored reading it. With term starting again the progress has slowed a little but I am definitely constantly thinking about my novella and working on it when I can after-school and on the weekend. The latter end of November sees this year’s competition winner announced and paves the way to opening next year’s competition, so I am well on my way to finishing my first draft and allowing plenty of time for further edits. Being able to write again, I feel more me again. It may sound farfetched but writing is my soul and I feel it has strengthened once again now. I am inspired, happy and feel more confident in myself again, which is a massive relief after the shakiness of the beginning of the year. I only hope if you feel in a rough patch currently, just know it is not a cliché to say this will end soon. It is the truth and you will feel so much better when you allow yourself the time to.

Speaking of positivity and creativity, I have also returned to weekly archery shoots. It has taken me a while to adapt to inside shooting, but each week I grow more and more confident and relaxed with my ability. I was even praised by fellow club members last week for how well I shoot, especially barebow (which means I shoot without using weights or pullies). I prefer it that way. Just me and the bow working together, a kind of extension of me. Its relaxing to feel the tension pull and be released. I also return feeling soothed.  For me, I also like to image my character using her own archery skills. It helps me set the mood of certain scenes: how my character feels, how the bow adapts to the movement and emotion etc. During my MA course I was told by an author I had emailed to write what you know as this is the best experience. My shooting and being surrounded by fellow archers of varying bow types, skills and abilities certainly shows that. I highly recommend the sport to others.   

The next exciting prospect arises from my school career. It is early days yet, but there is potential opportunity for me to train to be an English teacher at my school! I am so excited.  It is quite funny, really. All throughout my childhood I wanted to be a teacher, but for a few years I was focusing purely on the writing side. But, as is a true mantra, you need a job to pay the bills alongside writing. And honestly, I am adoring returning to the school environment and I realised it is where I belong. As I say, it is early doors yet but I am seizing every chance presented to me with grateful and thrilled hands. It is definitely one of the best things to happen to me, falling into my TA job. So many doors are opening and I am relishing the journey.

Now, last little thing. I thought I would add a few Autumnal/Halloween inspired images below. I love the burnt oranges and vivid reds and yellows of this season, even if it is a time of dreariness and rain. What can I say? Autumn baby through and through:

That’s it for October! Be sure to check back in for the next instalment, with November no doubt including Christmas themed moments! Until then, keep warm and safe and I shall see you another time!

All the best,

Emily