Writing Advice Time - Do Not Give Up!

"If I waited till I felt like writing, I'd never write at all."

-Anne Tyler

For me this is true and it isn't. There are moments where I'm just itching to write. I can almost feel the words trying to claw their way out of my brain. It's one of the reasons why I always make sure to carry around a small notebook and pen with me. I learned my lesson the hard way. There's nothing worse than being stuck on a beautiful beach with the sound of the waves acting as the background music to the most epic new story springing forth in your mind and have absolutely NOTHING to write these ideas down in (not even a phone because you decided to be free and one with nature without any restraints from the outside world - NEVER AGAIN - I'll enjoy the ocean with my iphone in my back pocket).

But then there are also times when I just do not feel like writing, at all. Sometimes just the thought of having to write makes me feel like my body is breaking out in rebellious hives. That's when I'll Netflix binge or hang out with friends or while away hours on Tumblr, anything to keep my mind off of the fact that I should be writing but I'm not. My advice for those moments is DO NOT GIVE UP. Binge on Netflix, hang out with friends, spend way too much time on Tumblr, but then sit back down at your computer or in front of your notebook and write...write anything. Start with a grocery list or a letter to a friend and go from there. Some of the best scenes I've ever written have come from moments where I was simply writing nonsense just so that I was writing something. 

Just because you may not feel like writing doesn't mean wonderful, engaging, informative work can't be done. You may surprise yourself.

Writing is hard - Tip #2 to make it a little easier

Writing is hard. It's frustrating. And sometimes we feel like we really just can't do it. We might as well give up because obviously we're never going to finish. That is an awful feeling. So, I'm here to continue sharing the tips that help me keep writing; keep cranking out my books even after my of "I can't do it!" doubt.

My tip for today is - Have Your Own Writing Space

• Have a space that's designated as just yours and just for writing. A place where your comfortable and relaxed. A space where your brain can be free to simply focus on your work. Years ago I started writing The Protectors Saga in my parents house, in a little nook with a desk, a light and bookshelf where I could tuck myself away and tap on my computer. I made it mine. Decorated it and added things to make me comfortable. To this day, that is the spot where I go back to in order to write my Protectors Saga. I'm there so much that my parents decided to keep my bedroom as it was instead of turning it into the mini gym my mother had longed for once I moved out. I've also been blessed with a two bedroom apartment and an understanding boyfriend who let me turn our small walk-in closet into my own personal tiny writing space. He only threatened to move all his kicks back in there on the few occasions he walked in and caught me watching Netflix instead of working on my books. The closet is small, but that's all I really need. I can shut the door to my tiny hideaway and let my mind and imagination wander to the places I need it to. Carve out a place of your own. Even if it's no bigger than a closet, it's yours. 

Writing is hard - Tips to make it a little easier

Once again a Supernatural gif perfectly sums up my life. Writing is hard. It's hella hard. There are days when I'll literally be sitting at the computer for 5 hours straight and only a sentence will get written. Those days are terrible; they defeat you a little bit. Still, I've somehow managed to write six books in just under four years. I still feel like I could do better. That I could do more. I imagine all writers feel that way, but I'm still proud of my accomplishments.
There are some tips and tricks I've picked up along the way that have helped me keep going; to shake off the doubt and the ever looming writer's block. Some I've discovered on my own. Some I've borrowed from other writers. Now I want to share them with you. Just because I know how difficult in can be to be stuck in your book. It feels like you're pounding your head against a brick wall. So if some of what works for me can work for you...I am more than happy to share. I'll share a tip a day. I actually don't have that many so this won't last much past April.

My tip of the day is - JOIN A CREATIVE WRITING GROUP

• Seriously, I held off joining one for a long time. I had a terrible experience with Creative Writing classes in college. They just weren't for me. I took every little criticism to heart. It ended up changing my writing style so much that I felt like I didn't even know who I was as a writer anymore. But I had a lot of writer friends who swore my Creative Writing groups. So I decided to go on to Meetup. I'm sure most of you know what it is, but if you don't it's a site where people of similar interests in your area can form groups and then meet up in person. I joined Meetup and found a Creative Writing group that actually seemed pretty cool. And wouldn't you know it, my friends were right. It's a group of people you can discuss ideas with, bounce storylines off of, see if something is working or if maybe you really should scrap it. Most importantly, I've found that people in these Creative Writing groups give each other support. They know the troubles and hardships of being a writer. They know how passionately you feel about your work. They're going to encourage you to keep going even when you're beating your skull against that proverbial brick wall.

If you have any tips or tricks you use I'd love to hear about them :)

Character Fashion...Amalthea

I love to take fashion inspiration from some of my favorite tv/movie characters. I made a post earlier about adopting creativity into multiple facets of one's life. And one way I love being creative is in my fashion. My closet is an ode to different characters, all taken into modern wearable outfits. I save my true costume garb for Ren Faires and conventions! Today I’m feeling very Amalthea from The Last Unicorn…one of my all time favorite 80s fantasy movies.

If you like any of the items above and want to get your Amalthea on…just click on the item below…

Purple Dress
Bow Cardigan
Unicorn Heels
Unicorn Ring
Unicorn Purse
Unicorn and Horseshoe Earrings

Dance Away the Writer's Block

We all hit little road blocks while writing. They happen to me all the time. Sometimes it seems like I can't get through an hour of straight writing without doubting myself or second guessing a scene. If I go more than 5 minutes without being able to move on I simply step away from the computer put on a song I can shake my little ass to and dance...just dance. It clears my mind, gives me a nice boost of endorphins and gets me out of my head. Then after the song, or perhaps two, ends...I sit back down at my computer with a usually clearer head and clearer path.

Here's one of the tunes I've been using to help with writer's block lately - 

Mushu says I live!

New content coming soon...I promise! This blog shall live again.

HALLOWEEN Month - Cute Zombie Tattoos

Last year I did a post about Zombie Tattoos because I love zombies and I love tattoos. So I decided to do another Zombie Tattoo post this year, but this time I'm focusing on the cute adorable zombies tattoos - the ones in a moment of inebriated weakness I might actually have permanently inked on my body.
So here are some of the cutest zombies ya ever did see -

Marie Antoinette zombie...classy yet horrifying

Zombie Cupcakes will always be one of my favorites.

My Little Pony Zombies are freaking adorable.

Snow White zombie. I like that this one isn't afraid to go a little more creepy than cute.

Disney's Belle zombie - with Chip! I love it.

Another My Little Pony Zombie. The colors mixed with the fact that she's truly freaky
made me fall in love with this tat.

Hello Kitty Zombie. The intestine coming out is just that added bit of gross-out that got
her added to my list.

This will ALWAYS be one of my favorites. ALWAYS.

Pooh Bear Tattoo. The little Brainz Hunny pot is a cute addition.

Adorable little bird zombie. Love the worm coming out of the
abdomen.