Today's Project

I thought we'd try something new at this blog: projects. We all work on them independently. Linking/posting isn't required, but it's always nice. It's a way to keep the creative juices flowing, as well as challenging yourself to think about things you don't always think about.

So, to start this project on a positive note, write an account of the time in your life you're most proud of. Even if it's just a small, tiny moment, if it makes you happy and proud to be a human being, write it out. Even if you don't share it, even if you keep it secret -- write it out. Look back on that memory with pride and smile a warm, happy smile.

I plan on doing it too. I can't say how long it'll take me, as I've been busy (and sick), but I do plan on doing it. And I plan on making this a series if it goes over well with my readers. Even if you don't share what you wrote, feedback would still be lovely. Mayhaps you could let me know if you liked the exercise? Or you could tell others whether or not you liked it? And if you like it, maybe you can link it.

Excuses...and a Game

Okay, so I haven't blogged in awhile. But I have an excuse! And it's a good one: I've been writing. Yes, I've been actually writing on my novel and I've had so much fun that I haven't been able to put it down.

Per a friend's suggestion, I'm rewriting my novel entirely in first person. It's a big overhaul, because it changes the whole vibe, plus I've found all sorts of other things I want to add now. XD

So, instead of asking a question today, I decided it'd be fun to play a little game. It's called Choose. I think we've all played it at some point in our lives. Essentially, you're faced with two scenarios; both are either equally pleasing or equally displeasing and you have to choose which one you'd rather have/do/see, etc.

And now for the game.

Choose: Writing on your blog/website or writing on your novel/story project?

For many writers, that's a difficult choice. But it's not for me. As much as I love blogging, my writing always has to come first, which explains my absence from the blogosphere for awhile.

And now you're wondering: what does that mean for my readers? Essentially, not much. The quality will always be here. Think of this blog of a database of the own meanderings of my mind. I'm not going to update obsessively -- I could care less about ad revenue, even though it's nice. Instead, I want to focus on content and quality. Period.

I'm never going to abandon this blog -- that's for certain. Even if I go without blogging for a month, it'll still be here. I'll randomly update with something to say.

Because it's all about dedication, isn't it? I'm dedicated to writing; most particularly, my writing, since it's my career and passion. Blogging has to come after that, but this blog is part of my writing journey, so here it stays.

This is just in case anyone was wondering where I went.

Writing Tip of the Day

*Listen to music to help set the tone of your mind while writing. (Do it and you'll see what I mean.)

Cogito's Ten Rules of Writing

After many days of being very sick/ill and not posting, I bring to you a gift in list form:

1. Thou art a writer; thou shall write something every day (no matter what it is).

2. Thou shall not make thyself to be an idol (no matter how famous thou becomes).

3. Thou shall not commit plagiarism (for you will be laughed at and sued until eternity).

4. Treat writing as thy job, thy art, and thy passion; it is not your hobby, if you hope to succeed.

5. Read a good book now and again.

6. Cast out unworthy characters and raise up good characters, for thou art a writer and thus is thy duty.

7. Thou shall not be jealous of other writers; thou shall keep thy nose to the grind (and keep on truckin’).

8. Remember to take breaks when appropriate, lest thou might go insane otherwise.

9. Do unto your characters what they would do unto you – even your villains.

10. Thou must keep these rules in thy mind so that thou might refer to them later.

Tick Tock

Writers are unique creatures. For some reason, nature has bestowed upon us the ability to scribble words on paper that make sense. More than that, we are given the ability to tell stories that make people think, feel, and just generally react.

We all write for different reasons; the most common, however, is that if we don't spit out what we've got to say, we feel as though we're suffocating.

So, my question is: what makes you, as a writer, tick? Why do you write what you write?

To answer my own question, I would say what I said a few sentences before this one: I just have to. Writing has always been such a big part of me, I'm compelled to do it. If I get a story idea, I write it down. I always love to explore new ideas, places, and people through my writing and it never gets dull (well, for me, at least).

So, what about the rest of you? What makes you tick?