I love words and phrases.
Words that make sounds; onomatopoeic words. Words that conjure up emotions. Words that inspire your imagination.
I love to read and discover new words and build my vocabulary.
I love to write.
It's a wonderful way to step away from the hustle and bustle of a busy life.
It's meditative and calming. When I write I feel my heart rate drop ... in fact, I can feel it slowing down this very moment.
It fires up my happy hormones. For me, writing is a joyful activity.
When I work on my current novel or a short story, I am transported to a new world. Stepping inside my character's skin, venturing into a new world is a wonderful experience.
My imagination is ignited.
Every time I write, I am developing my craft. Writing is my mojo.
And as imagination bodies forth The forms of things unknown, the poet’s pen Turns them to shapes and gives to airy nothing A local habitation and a name. – William Shakespeare (from A Midsummer Night’s Dream)
Words and their origins have always fascinated me. In Year 6, my teacher, Mr Pigott also loved words. Each day he shared a new word and its origin. There was a different word every day. I discovered 280 new words that year.
Etymology is the study of the history of words, their origins, and how their form and meaning have changed over time.
Writing is cathartic. A purging of stress and tension.
Writing can be your mediator. Writing down what is upsetting you helps you to see conflict in a new perspective. Seeing the words on a page can help you make an informed decision away from heightened emotion.
Writing is meditative. Writing before bed can be just as soothing as reading. It quietens you and prepares you for sleep.
There are many resources that can help you be a better writer. You can keep a journal, start a blog, enter writing competitions. There are some fabulous courses to develop your skills as a writer. I have completed a number of courses with the Australian Writers Centre and Queensland Writers Centre. The internet is full websites and blogs that are very helpful in honing your writing skills, connecting with other writers, and sharing your work. I have listed my favourite websites below.
For me, writing is where magic happens.
Autocrit - Online editing
So You Want to be a Writer Podcast
Medium – articles on writing
Jane Friedman Blog
Well-storied Blog
The Creatives Journal – written work