I forgot to be a writer first.

I started my first semester toward the degree of English/Creative Writing a few weeks ago, and I have noticed that I already put it on the back burner. Just to continue writing for my blog. To continue with a bunch of short stories.

This is wrong.

I should have put my degree first. How am I going to learn more about my talent/craft if I'm not applying myself fully with school? How am I going to get better if I'm just flying through the class?

So I'm starting today. I'm making changes for the better and I hope that you guys who are here with me while I go on this journey to creativity. It may mean less stories for you to read but then it could mean better stories in the near future.

I'm supposed to be applying what I learned to these short stories so you and I can see me get better. This is not what I was doing. I have become frustrated and my writing has turned into a full time job rather then something I want to do. It's turned into something that I have to do.

I would sit in front of my computer, with the TV on, my mother in the background, FB and Twitter up and running.  My Microsoft word would be blank and within an hour I would only have one sentence.

I forgot to be a writer first for myself.

I'm going to start dedicating a certain time everyday. I'm going to setup some type of ritual to help me get through it. Maybe lighting a candle then blowing it out when I'm done. Turning on my nature music only when writing. Something to help me get in the mood and try to break from from blocked ideas and distractions.

I was told in my Intro to Creative Writing class that we should keep a journal of our experiences with writing from here on out. Write for ourselves not just for others. That's they way I started out, keeping journals as a kid and, throwing "ideas" together.

So here it is my online Journey to creativity. Here is where I will keep this journal so that we could all experience it together. Hey, we might even learn something together. Yesterday was the first time I picked up my required readings for class and actually learned something.

Creativie writing is not an easy way to get rich.

It's not a way to vent personal feelings.

It's about learning to pay closer attention to the world and human experience.

It's about practice with words, those experiences, in a way that makes them alive in the reader's mind.

I'm focused now. More focused on the aspect of writing, then just writing. Who wants washed out stories, plots they have heard of before, an author who is writing for quick cash in the pocket, or a paper full of cliches, heard it all before right?

Well Im making a change, turning my direction. Toward a brighter future, a better plot, memorable characters...... Success in writing.

MsTiptress