Cleaning Out Clutter

As you may know, I recently graduated college and moved home. I found myself unpacking things that had been either at college or in boxes in our basement for the first time in three and a half years.

And I realized I had a lot more stuff than I thought.

This was most noticeable in my bookshelf. I unzipped my small suitcase (yes, I pack my books in a suitcase, don’t judge me) only to find I had no room on my bookshelf for them.

So I began the terrifying and slightly painful task of choosing which books to keep and which to get rid of.

Now, I’ve always been one of those people who hoards books. I love getting new ones and I hate giving away old ones. So this is a project that my mom tries to encourage me in every few years. And every time, I’d manage to part with five or six books. Unfortunately for me, I had at least fifteen books with me at college and and a full bookshelf with not enough room.

I eventually managed to weed out books I no longer read or need, as hard as it was. And it was a bigger stack than I thought it would be.

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Books, CDs, notebooks…I cleaned out a lot of things.

It might have been hard to let go of my precious books (even if they were ones I didn’t particularly like), but there was something satisfying about rearranging my bookshelf. I had the space to reorganize my books and now I have space for the new books I will inevitably buy in the future.

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Doesn’t it look nice?

I cleaned out a lot of clutter after moving home. I got rid of old and empty notebooks (I hoard notebooks like a squirrel hoards nuts), CDs that have long since been uploaded to my computer, and clothes I don’t wear anymore.

It’s not easy, clearing out things that I’ve been used to having or have even become attached to. But it’s left me feeling refreshed, like I have room to grow, new opportunities to explore.

Until next time, word nerds!

How to Create a Writer’s Room Anywhere

Today’s post was written by the lovely Katelyn Bolds, a friend and fellow Taylor grad. She wanted to share some tips on creating a writing space for those of us who love words. Thanks Katelyn!

 

Some writers can write anywhere. They keep a journal in their backpack or tote bag filled with colorful journals and pens they didn’t get for free. Whenever the mood strikes them, they can sit down and write.

I am amazed at what a gift that is. But after wasting hours being distracted and having “writer’s block”, I have learned that creating a writer’s space is an art. People who can write everywhere are simply good at tuning out distractions. It can be learned with practice, or avoided by creating a dedicated space. While I do not have a spare bedroom or even a broom closet to dedicate as my writer’s room, I used these tips to create a writer’s room anywhere.

Continue reading “How to Create a Writer’s Room Anywhere”

Recent Discoveries

Due to traveling, holidays, unpacking, and general chaos, I was unable to film and edit a video for you this week. But I still wanted to share about an author with you. However, I ran into a problem.

I got three different books for Christmas and I can’t decide which one I’m most excited about.

I’ve started reading two of them and they’ve lived up to my expectations so far. So I figured why not tell you about all three of them? It’s a new year, I haven’t posted in a while, and I hate picking favorites when it comes to books.

Book 1: “How to Write Science Fiction and Fantasy” by Orson Scott Card

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This is the one I haven’t started reading yet.

I haven’t read anything that Orson Scott Card has written before, but he’s very well known as as prominent sci-fi writer (he wrote the Ender’s Game series that was recently turned into a movie). I’m excited about this book because while I own a lot (and I mean a lot) of books on writing, I don’t have any specifically on fantasy, which is silly. Fantasy is my favorite genre to read and it’s the genre I write.

So I’m pretty stoked to have this book.

I’ve flipped through it briefly and it has all sorts of great tips for world-building and structuring societies and all that fun stuff.

Though I can’t make a sure judgement on it until I’ve read it, it’s always a good idea to have writing books geared toward your specific niche.

2. “The Ocean at the End of the Lane” by Neil Gaiman

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One of my new favorite authors.

I can’t tell you how many people have recommended both this book and this author to me. This is the second Neil Gaiman book to come into my possession (I got an illustrated copy of two fairy tales he retold for my birthday).

I’m about two chapters into this book and I’m enjoying it a lot. From what I can tell so far, it’s a sort of adult version of a fairy tale, modernized and rather dark.

As soon as I finish it, I’ll let you know what I think of it.

3. “Wonderbook” by Jeff Vandermeer

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It’s so pretty!

This is probably my favorite Christmas present. It’s so many different things; a compilation of advice from famous writers (like George R. R. Martin and Neil Gaiman), exercises and charts to spark ideas and help you work through blocks, and beautiful illustrations to inspire you.

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A helpful chart
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Isn’t it just lovely?

I’d say this is a must for all writers.

So did you discover any good books over the holidays? I’d love to hear about them! Leave the title, author, and a brief description in the comments.

Until next time, word nerds!

Endings and Beginnings

Happy almost New Year’s Eve!

I know I’ve been rather absent lately, but I promise I’m back to my regular schedule.

There’s been a lot going on in my life lately, so I’m taking this post to let you know what’s going on with me and to check in on those New Year’s Resolutions I made earlier this year.

The biggest, and most recent, development has been that I finished my last semester of college earlier this month!

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Hooray!

I’ve been applying for jobs across the country, so I could end up in any number of places. It’s really pretty exciting.

So in regards to the goals I set for myself this year.

1. Edit book manuscript. Well, technically I did this, but I didn’t get a whole lot done, sadly. I got good at finding time to write, but I didn’t make editing a priority. So that’s still on the to do list.

2. Publish at least four short stories. I expanded this to include any publications after realizing my internship would involve writing articles. I’m happy to say that I was published well over four times this year in various publications.

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3. Finish a second book manuscript. This was my failure of the year. I switched projects halfway through the year and got incredibly busy with school and work. But I did make progress, which is better than nothing.

4. Consistent blogging schedule. I think I did pretty well with this (except for the last month or so). For a while you guys were even getting three posts a week!

Looking back at my original resolutions, I realize that I’ve been been making videos a part of this blog for almost a year now. Have you guys liked seeing them? Or are they weird?

Anyway, I just wanted to thank you for your patience with me and the time I had to take off. I will try my hardest not to be gone for so long again.

Until next time (and it will be soon, I promise), word nerds!

A Brief Word

Sorry.

It’s both a brief word and applicable to this situation. I know I said I was going to come back after November was over. But I’m going to take an extra two weeks.

I hate to be a lying liar whose pants may or may not combust spontaneously, but I have finals next week and a lot of homework due this week.

I don’t think my pants will catch on fire, but just in case, keep your distance.

I promise to give you all a nice long update on my life and a few installments of my short story as soon as I have free time again. Pinky swear.

Until next time, word nerds, thank you for your patience with me.