Kelly Deeny

Day Twenty-Two of the 111 Day Writer’s Journey: Writing Prompt Wednesday

DAY 22: Writing Prompt Wednesday

In my prior roles as Team Lead and Writing Group Facilitator, I used writing prompts as a way to stimulate creativity. I handed out a photo prompt. Sometimes I asked everyone to write individually, while other times I split the team into pairs and asked them to come up with a story based on the image. I listened to them share their creations, impressed by what they could achieve in a short period of time. What I enjoyed most, and why I continue creating writing prompts, is the variety of creative ideas that spring forth.

So many people tell me that they are not creative, but I consistently suggest that they just haven’t given enough credence to what they enjoy. I am a writer, but I am one who thrives on inspiring other writers. In that vein, I give you another installment of WRITING PROMPT WEDNESDAY!

#WritingPromptWednesday What will you create?

Use the image above as creative inspiration. Draft a short story, poem, song, or in-depth article on environmental issues.

Have fun and keep writing!

Day Twenty-One of the 111 Day Writer’s Journey

DAY 21: Clear Skies Ahead

If you haven’t already noticed, I use a lot of sky/clouds/sun pictures in my blog posts. This fascination took form when I made a conscious effort to notice the beauty around me.

Whether setting or rising, the sun adds rays of inspiration to my day. I am so struck by nature’s beauty that I can’t not try to capture it in digital form.

Images like the one below add extra bursts of motivation and inspiration to this writer’s journey. I hope that in sharing them on this forum that they do the same for you.

Day Twenty of the 111 Day Writer’s Journey

As I journey towards turning “writer” from a self-proclaimed label to professional title, I’ve decided to give myself a focused challenge. Each day, from now until January 11, 2016, I hereby pledge to focus on my writings: novel, screenplay drafts, stage play rewrites, TV pilot scenes, etc. Documenting my progress each day will help keep me motivated, inspired, and determined to keep moving forward. If so inspired, join me along my journey by documenting your own!

DAY 20

Twenty days in…phew…91 to go! My first thought was to analyze the first 19 days and my level of success in achieving my Writer’s Journey challenge goals. I struggled a bit with that assignment because I am keenly aware of my habit of focusing too much on what I didn’t accomplish instead of that which I did. So, tonight’s entry serves as part reminder/part motivator to keep moving forward in my journey.

I’ve spent almost every day of this challenge writing, though the time length varied.
When I had unproductive writing days I admitted as such.
My motivation to focus on my fictional work led to new story ideas and character development.
I found my play!

I may stumble, tire, or pause to fret about what lies ahead or came before, but it’s just as important for me to celebrate the present. Tonight, I’ll do just that for after I hit “publish” on this blog post, I’ll focus on my other entertainment interests – music and television.

Motivational Monday Poem: Paving the Way

Paved with intentions, some stronger than others

The road keeps you moving forward

Like a ruler measuring your distance

Don’t look back to see your progress

As you could lose your footing

And miss a step

Journey on til you reach a milestone

Acknowledging the ardous path

You’ve tread

Day Nineteen of the 111 Day Writer’s Journey

Day 19: A PET Peeve

I came to a stunning conclusion today: I’ve neglected to include pets in any of my fictional work. Given that my YA novel focuses on nature, family, and spirits, how could I have missed such a vital element?

I am a firm believer in the healing power of a beloved pet – primarily canines or felines. I grew up with dogs and cats seem to love me. They provide me with love, comfort, and companionship though times of joy and sorrow.

I’m still baffled at how I overlooked such an important aspect of family. Today, I jotted down ideas of how to include these beloved animals in my novel without it coming off as forced.

Inspiration truly makes its presence known in the quietest of moments.

Day Eighteen of the 111 Day Writer’s Journey

DAY 18: A Genealogy Clue

My interest in genealogy research continues to inspire me. Today was no different. I learned more information about a possible clue in finding our rumored Native American lineage: a name passed down from my great grandmother that turns out to be a city in Northern Michigan.

I immediately went into family history detective mode, and I became fascinated with the idea that I could be one piece closer to completing the puzzle.

My journey moves forward even when I look back towards those who came before.

Day Seventeen of the 111 Day Writer’s Journey

Yes, I missed yesterday’s entry (Day 17). I thought about it…drafted an entire post…all in my head. Then I decided that sleep was more important than staying up late just to ramble on about how I didn’t really have any writing updates. You’re welcome!

So, today you will get two entries. Let’s get started with Day 17 and check back later for Day 18…

DAY 17: HOME-WORD BOUND

I feel at home when I am singing in the car with the windows rolled down.
I feel at home when I am reading stories to my nieces and nephews
I feel at home when I am holding a baby
I feel at home when sitting at my computer, my fingers dancing across the keyboard
I feel at home in upstate Pennsylvania, the home of my maternal ancestors
I feel at home in a theater, the lights dimmed and the music reverberating through my soul
I feel at home sitting on my couch watching a TV drama series
I feel at home with my feet up, sipping a nice cup of tea
I feel at home within the comforts of Mother Nature’s beautiful children

Home isn’t just where my heart is, it’s where my artistic spirit resides!

Day Sixteen of the 111 Day Writer’s Journey

DAY 16: Writing Jewels

My journey as a writer shifted a few ye

ars back when I blended that beloved skill with a newfound love of jewelry making! Art tells a story regardless of the medium you choose. After I started to feel comfortable in my jewelry-making skills, I realized that some of the pieces I created inspired short story ideas, and so COLOUR DE PENDANT came to be.

I’d refer you to my Etsy page, but I don’t have anything new up there. So, instead I’ve included links to some of my writing/jewelry entries from my website,COLOURDEPENDANT.COM.

Since I’ve been so focused on my writing as of late, I haven’t made a new necklace in months. And that’s about to change…especially since craft fair season is quickly approaching. Oh, and I did work on my play (both versions) tonight after work. It shouldn’t amaze me at how prevalent art (in it’s various forms) shows up in practically all of my fiction. I am a writer, but I am also a singer and jewelry designer. I am an ARTISTIC SPIRIT!

Day Fifteen of the 111 Day Writer’s Journey

DAY 15: Try Again Tomorrow

Another day under the weather = a lack of writing. However, I was determined not to miss an entry in this Writer’s Journey.

My goal tomorrow is to focus specifically on my fiction pieces. Another day = another opportunity!

All the best,

Kelly

Day Fourteen of the 111 Day Writer’s Journey

As I journey towards turning “writer” from a self-proclaimed label to professional title, I’ve decided to give myself a focused challenge. Each day, from now until January 11, 2016, I hereby pledge to focus on my writings: novel, screenplay drafts, stage play rewrites, TV pilot scenes, etc. Documenting my progress each day will help keep me motivated, inspired, and determined to keep moving forward. If so inspired, join me along my journey by documenting your own!

DAY 14: Sick Day

As I stayed wrapped up in covers on this beautiful fall day, my body demanded rest and rejuvenation. So, I obeyed. It could’ve been very easy to forego all sense of productivity on this sick day, but I chose otherwise. I rested and then pushed myself to get up, eat lunch, stretch my aching muscles, and write.

I finished the blog post I’d started late last week, 3 TIPS FOR BLOCKED WRITERS, and did some career planning. I got up from my chair every half an hour or so to keep the muscles working – making hot tea, grabbing a snack, or going in search for a warm blanket. I remained focused despite the occasional nudge for more rest, needing to feel productive even though my productivity wouldn’t earn me an income for my day’s hard work.

I miss the freedom and flexibility of spending my days writing from the comfort of home. What don’t I miss? The lack of income. This is the reason behind the 111 Day Writer’s Journey. I am challenging myself to write every day even though I may be tired, frustrated, and the destination far off. I am a writer, one who would prefer to add the term “paid” in front of my title.