EGD

I’m glad I have Awesomepants to tell me this every now and then. I know he reads what I write because he quotes lines from here. Like yesterday: “Baby, I’m the ‘husbandit’.” At least he knows he can’t steal my chocolate. I think.

So far, I haven’t forgotten to blog.

I do feel half-confident about writing what I do sometimes. Just as soon as I do, I remind myself that this is my space. I don’t make tall claims and if I do, you have permission to smack me.  Yes, I have grand ideas but don’t we all? Larger than life starts with smaller than small. My ideas take cues from scribbles on a notebook and a brain that I do wish I could shut off sometimes. I’m not sure if this is how most of you write (is it?), but Edlyn was dropped on her head as a baby.

I’d love to make this post an “idea sharing” one. I’m not a new writer so I have some idea of what works for me. This isn’t for me. Rather it’s for those who want a voice. I’m going to write what I think is good advice and you can share some comments on your own experience. What is your opinion on using Twitter, Instagram, facebook for self-publicity? Are comments/likes really that important? How important is good photography? You get the point, right? Since I’ve yet to reap the benefits of such information, you-who-are-more-worthy, your words will be appreciated.

Cool, okay…1. 2. 3. GO.

HOW?

There are three rules for writing a novel. Unfortunately, no one knows what they are. W. Somerset Maugham

Just begin. I don’t know what finally clicked in my brain but I’m glad it did. I’ve always wanted a blog but constant comparison and demon fighting stopped me from feeling worthy. It’s hard but as soon as you find how cathartic it is to share an honest story, it’s hard to stop.

Everybody has a story. Tell it in the way you know best. If you can talk, you can write. Unless you’re 1. Then I’m sure talking is a bit hard for you too.

You don’t always have to be Miss Universe with a world peace plan. If you look through this blog, you’ll see what a see-saw I am. People might not like your voice but someone is bound to relate. You can be an inspiration, just the same.

The best blogs are perfect but for them, it’s their job. They probably had to work a lot to get there and yes, they now have hired help. You don’t need all of that. All you need is your voice. See how we keep coming back to that?

Inspiration? My favourite inspiration is happiness. When something as simple as a walk outside takes my breath away, I can write so much better because I feel so much more creative. Life is 10% of what happens to you and 90% of what you make of it. So yes, you can also make beauty out of melancholy. Your words will be your guide.

Sometimes I feel I have nothing to say but if I sit on it for a bit longer, I feel I’m a lot more able to come up with something. It’s always better than nothing. Tea always helps. And music. Maybe a cat in your lap. The last one is totally optional.

Read like crazy. If you want to write like a champion, eat like one. The best food is a good book. My favourite authors have a very conversational style of writing. Right now I’m reading “Sex and the City”. Just kidding. I’m actually reading “Istanbul” by Orhan Pamuk. Reading books such as these help me be a lot more uncomplicated with what I want to say, knowing that something so magical can come out of it.

Most importantly: Don’t forget to write.

I won’t, dearest boyfriend. I won’t.