How do you find Inspiration?

You don't. Same as trying to find enlightenment. You just don't. It's not like these things are sitting in a treasure box somewhere and you can say, "Hey everybody! I found Inspiration! And Enlightenment! They were sitting here this all time!"

Nah, doesn't work that way.

You don't find Inspiration, you achieve it. You earn it. If you've put yourself in a conductive environment, Inspiration will come to you. This is why many authors over the years consider Inspiration to be a real entity. It's also called "muse."

So, where the hell is my muse?

I'm not in the best state of mind. I need to adjust to new meds and I haven't been sleeping well. Last night was a bit better than the night before, but I'm a little out of it.

I spent most of yesterday thinking about chapter 5, plotting things and making notes. That process is usually a lot faster for me, I'm a tad slow. Which is probably an understatement.

Whenever my muse comes to me, it often makes a liar out of me. That's why I posted all of the above. Go on, Muse, make a liar out of me! I dare you!

On another note, I've been recommended Circalit to upload my screenplay. The admin just got back to me and sent a link to a document detailing the advantages to Ciralit. No copying of text, printing, etc, allowed. I can adjust who I want to view this screenplay. Lot of safety features.

So I'm feeling less paranoid about this. I'm thinking about uploading the opening scene, which isn't in the manuscript (novel) that I have in circulation. That way, the manuscript is still never seen before (a strict rule for traditional publishing) and just the opening scene doesn't give anything away for either the manuscript or the screenplay. I guess this would be a tease of sorts, but I just want to share with all of you :)

I'll keep you updated ;)

Where's YOUR entry?

It's September 1st, are you getting your entries ready for the Halloween Contest? Remember, you only have until Oct. 30! Get your entries ready :D

I'm looking into possibly posting my screenplay online. The idea makes me VERY nervous, but I'm being brave and looking into it. What I'm thinking is posting an excerpt only, maybe keep the title hidden, or use a generic title. "Screenplay" by Lily. Something like that. I would really like some feedback, but the question for me is, at what cost? Feedback is wonderful, but theft sucks royally, and eliminating chances of having this script picked up sucks even more. I'm just not sure. Well, I'm looking into it.

In the meantime, I've gotten back to work on chapter 5. Can you believe it? I'm already on chapter 5! That's so cool. I love the fact I can write fast and I'm not the type to take years just to produce a single chapter. If I were that type, I would get so frustrated with myself. I love writing fast :)

Since I've gotten far enough with this one, I'm finding it's the same case as chapter 4. Too much for one chapter, move on to next chapter. More than likely, at this point, it would be best to just keep writing regardless of chapter number.

And here I go, diving back into the story...

(Don't forget to get your entries ready and submitted to the Halloween Contest by Oct 30).

Once upon a time, there was a girl named Lily...

First, I apologize. I hope no one thinks I've abandoned my series. I'm sorry if anyone got that impression.

Second... I wrote my very first screenplay!!! And I love it!!!

Yes, I had to say that.

I'm creative, I always have been for as long as I can remember. I was the kid who did crazy things like make sculptures out of tissue, cutout snowflakes out of old school papers, and origami out of napkins when I was bored. I even tried writing screenplays when I was 14, but that didn't work out because I still had a lot to learn. People would tell me I'm weird, I'm lazy, I'm not focused enough, blah blah whatever.

Here's the deal. I'm just naturally creative. Honestly, I couldn't help it even if I tried. (And I don't want to try). Everyone has their thing. Some are really good at math and grow up to become bankers. Some are good at building things and become architects. Me? I'm creative. I make things up out of nothing. And no, that's not being weird. That's being creative. So I've grown up to be a writer of fiction. No surprise there.

I'm an artist. Always have been. I know, I know, the word artist has such a negative connotation. That's only because there have been many people who call themselves artists, but aren't. Thus giving the false idea that all artists must be full of shit. That guy at the cafe who is always loudly talking about creating his next masterpiece of an oil painting? Not an artist, he's s poser who just like to talk. Real artists have something to show for themselves. A book, a painting, a poem, or a screenplay. Real artists work their asses off and finish their projects no matter what. Real artists don't just talk. They DO.

On the flip side of the coin, there have been many people, authors, painters, designers, etc, who work their little buns off but never create art. Thus giving the impression those who work hard can't be real artists. Also, see above.

Contrary to popular opinion, being an artist isn't all it's cracked up to be. It's often thankless work. No one remembers your name, but at least they never forget your work for what it is - real art.

What defines an artist? How can you tell a person is a real artist? Simple. Passion and dedication.

So rest assured, even though I've been working on a screenplay, not only did I finish it, I will finish my series.

Because I'm an artist :)

I have the Attention Span of a Suicidal Goldfish

What am I up to? I'm still ironing out the maps. Yes, there's more than one. The image I posted yesterday is just an artistic version, copyright me, and doesn't give anything away.

I'm also teaching myself how to write a screenplay. I've always wanted to learn, it's a long-term goal of mine. It's a lazy, rainy Saturday, so I'm writing a screenplay.

Ummm, yeah, I don't really have anything else to say.

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As you were.