Dear Me 2008

Dear Me,

My Goodness – How can it be another new year already? Tempus Fugit and all that. Okay, you made yourself some writing promises at this time last year and you know you didn’t fulfil them all. Well, dismiss the guilt; you’re not alone and only human after all. Besides, a new year isn’t the time to be looking back and dwelling on regrets. On no my dear, this is the time to dig deep into the positivity pot and set new goals. Something you learned from last year is to keep those goals realistic. Life will always throw in the unexpected to keep you away from your aspirations, but if you stick to the things you know you really want to do in the field of writing, rather than what you feel you ought to do, the better the chances of success.

Something you still maintain from your letter last year is that working with and for others is an inspiration and helps take away some of the loneliness of just being a simple writer. So, let’s stick with tradition and list five things you know you really want to write and the source of the motivation.

1. You know and many others have told you, your own son has presented you with the most unusual and potentially fascinating story. Who knows? This could be your opus magnum and lead to publication. Okay, there’s no settled ending yet, but you have started writing this story and I think this year is the time to continue developing it. That shouldn’t be so difficult, even for a butterfly brain like you.

2. A new idea has been formulating recently after a friend shared a personal story with you and showed an interest in you recording it on paper for posterity. It’s certainly an interesting tale and even if it was only shared between the two of you it would certainly bring a sense of achievement. Besides, needing research would be a good excuse to spend more time with this friend you’ve come to enjoy so much. Just don’t drink too much wine between you while you’re researching.

3. This one sounds a bit morbid but it is something you intended to do after reading a wonderful obituary here on WDC written by a dear friend. You do feel the time has come to write your own funeral speech and in a way it could be fun. We all know we have to go at some stage and you do want those left behind to enjoy a little laughter at your send off don’t you? Don’t give them the chance to make up things about you or offer morose thoughts. Write the speech you feel you want to hear (I’m hoping you’ll still be there in spirit) and know it will cause amusement on what might otherwise be a gloomy day.

4. It’s also time to develop and research the novel you started after reading one of your favourite author’s stories. It inspired an idea in you; an idea other’s think is original and potentially an intriguing tale. Keep thinking of the unexpected success of the author who motivated you to begin this project. You never know, it could bring you a winner too but if not it would be a deeply satisfying achievement.

5. Of course, any writing year would not be complete without the involvement in WDC. Blogging and encouraging other bloggers, creating the unofficial Newsletter, reviewing and entering contests are as much a part of your daily life as eating chocolate. And just as pleasurable. Make this year the one in which you learn some new techniques on the site too and try out some of the many and varied activities available.

So, that’s it for this year and hopefully there’ll be time and inspiration to fulfil your goals. If not, then at least you’ll have this here for future reference and can use it to give yourself the proverbial kick in the butt whenever you resemble a sloth. Okay, go hang around in your tree for a while now you’ve managed to finish this and think positive thoughts.

Love and Scribbles, Scarlett