The Way Writing Is Supposed to Fee

Sometimes I just like to write for writing's sake. Just to keep the creativity and thoughts in my head fresh and rolling. I can't allow anything to get stuffy up there. I gotta write...and I gotta make sure that I write like I wanna write.

Writers must understand that writing doesn't take too much energy. Not unless you are composing something for class, a presentation, or competition. If you are writing on your own terms and time, take your time! Make writing a laid-back and comfortable experience. FEEL FREE. And writing should be a freeing. One must never feel trapped.

Writing should feel the way hot syrup looks drizzled over a stack of pancakes---smooth. It should feel equivalent to honey rippling through a scalding mug of tea---unstoppable. Writing should be and feel therapeutic. And if you consider yourself to be a writer, writing should definitely be done.

The moment you get the inspiration to write, write. Jot your exciting ideas on the nearest and clearest paper you can find. Without keeping track of your motivation, you can immediately lose the thrill for writing.

The moment you get "writer's block," take a moment to think about why the "block" is even there. What's stunting your thoughts from flowing? I highly recommend taking a break and later writing about your block. If you have absolutely no inspiration and are completely exasperated from having nothing to write about, read an interesting article, go outside for fresh air, or pick and entertaining show on television. Give yourself another day to get inspiration. Above all, don't lose sight of your desire to write.

If you are not inspired, seek inspiration. If you can't find inspiration, create it.

HYPER BISCUIT!

My energy is bouncing off the walls, right now, and I don't know if it is because I ate an amazingly chewy, gooey biscuit from my job's cafe upstairs or that something good is coming my way. I look at everything from a spiritual point-of-view. We don't get feelings for nothing. I'm not feeling giddy about and for nothing.

The Lord has created us little bitty human beings with the ability to have emotion. I am so grateful, too, that I have a choice with how I feel. Someone told me, after hearing me vent about a breakup, "You are in control of how you feel." While I could have looked at that as an insensitive response, I have been motivated by it. I may never forget that bit of advice. So, whenever I am downtrodden or burdened by something, I remind myself of what I was told. I create happy feelings. I make myself excited.

But today, I don't know what it is, but then again, I do know why I am feeling so refreshed and upbeat. I am extremely encouraged. I feel like something great is going to unfold for me---and soon.

This joy that I have.

The world didn't give it.

And the world can't take it away.

The biscuit made me feel like this.

So the Lord must have been in that biscuit.

20s & 10 Cents

The 20s. I must admit that this has been the most interesting decade of my life...not that I've lived that many. As a woman in my late 20s, I have been able to reflect over my youth and early adulthood with gratefulness that life has improved for the better. I recommend everyone to reflect. I think it's wonderful and fruitful.

Reflections keep me going. They keep me humble, too, because I can always think about how far I've come and what obstacles I've overcome. There are some memories that I choose to forget and pretend never happened, but there are always tons more that I can remember. 
 
I loved when I was 12 years old. Despite the fact that I was called a nerd and was teased for my zeal to be the best teacher's pet I could be, it was at that age that I realized I wanted to be a famous writer. I wanted people to know me, my name, and my writings. I wanted the whole world to see me through my creativity. I wanted them to read my short stories and feel emotion. I desired literary criticism and attention from everyone. I made it my mission to get that attention, too.

It's amazing how most people are driven in their youth. They are eager to make the most out of life as children. When goals seem to be impossible and out of reach, they see the possibilities. Unless they are hindered by adults or particular means involving legalities, finances, or reliable transportation, they boil with excitement to do the impossible. One thing that I wanted to do when I was a child was sponsor a baby in Africa. I dreaded seeing the commercials of them crawling on the ground with flies all over them. The advertisement requested only ten cents a day. I thought, I have that! I have some change! My heart yearned to give to that child, but I was held back. Not only was I not old enough to call, with 18 years old being a requirement, I did not know what more I could do. I didn't know how long I could give the money. I really didn't have that much change and I didn't have a piggy bank, but I knew that I had ten cents.

 

I Will Read Your Writing for FREE!

SOMETIMES YOU WANT A READER.

I am dedicated to assist aspiring writers to hone and improve their craft. All this month, I will be giving FREE READING REVIEWS!

Entries must not exceed 5 pages. You will receive my feedback, including necessary suggestions. I am interested in reading short stories, anecdotes, and essays. Send your entries to: 

thebrownorange@gmail.com.

 {Please share this opportunity with your #writer friends.}

Check out my website: www.thebrownorangebooks.com.

Eh...Cloudy Skies...

It’s not always easy being a librarian, since we have so many roles that we have to play. Along with other leaders, we help the world to go ‘round. We are the mediators, counselors, regulators, educators, and researchers of the world. We have to ensure that those we serve leave out with their library needs met. We don’t just check out books, we collaborate with other educators and coworkers about assignments. We have to “put up” with disgruntled library users as they wait in line to be assisted. So much on our literary plates.

We often have to “turn the other cheek” when we are wronged because librarians are classy individuals. You won’t find us in a shouting match with other people. It’s just not in us to be disrespectful. Now, I’m sure that there are some tangy librarians out there who have little patience for nonsense, but overall, we like to keep it together. We like to stay calm. That isn't the easiest either because we, too, need to vent.

Maybe I’m feeling like this because it’s cloudy outside…or maybe not. 

Extremely Refreshed, Thank Goodness

I woke up in an extremely good mood today! A large chunk of me is hopeful, for some reason. I love waking up feeling like this. I enjoy getting out the bed with a renewed mind. It just means that I am nearing my contentment with where I am.
-
I normally do wake up in a good mood. I get up peacefully, thanking the Lord for waking me, and then I trudge to the bathroom to wash my face. This morning, though, I awakened with feelings that I am even closer to my dreams. Goapele's song, Closer to My Dreams, seemed to have been playing softly in my head.
-
You know that good feeling you get when someone tells you that they have a "surprise" for you? That's how I felt and still feel right now.
-
I'm grateful to be alive. Grateful that Jesus has given me another chance to make today count.
-
I wanna make today voluptuous with positivity, optimistic thinking, and encouragement. I am not where I am for my own benefit. I am there for others. Got it.

The Nerve of Me to Save Money

I'm no financial guru. I don't come from a line of financially wealthy family members. I don't have a whole bunch of people that I can ask to borrow money. No one that I can think of to teach me how to save. And I don't have any retirement funds saved. I'm a clean slate. Most financial knowledge that I have has been acquired through books, television, or what I overheard someone else say. I'm literally on my own with financial knowledge.

I've gotten comfortable with that.

I love to read and learn. As an African American, Black, brown-skinned, or whatever-kind-of woman, I have learned that blaming others for my lack of knowledge will only set me back further. The nerve of me to reach 60 and be mad at someone else for not teaching me how to save money for retirement or how to begin investing!

After going through graduate school, I accepted the fact that if I wanted to get anything, I would have to go get it myself. Totally fine to me! It helps that I enjoy learning and education. If I didn't, I would be lazy and not make efforts to want to seek information.

But I reached a point to where I want to know where my money is going. I want to "save for the future." If I can save $1000, I can do anything. That's my thought process. I wanna see my future dollars build!
So, through a friend's recommendation, I downloaded the Mint app. I realize that most of my money goes to food! I wasn't shocked. I'm a foodie. And being a foodie is what is making me "broke-y."

Yesterday, I started a Roth IRA (retirement account) through Fidelity. After reading about roth's, I knew that that particular one was for me. There are traditional IRA's and rollover IRA's (look em up online). So...I set it up on the computer, which was super easy, and MADE myself debit $25 into my first-ever retirement account. The whole rest of my day was refreshing. Some people will laugh at my $25, but watch when my money builds to $250,000! I will be the one laughing last then...or first. However you look at it.

I praise Jesus for this enlightenment. He is making it all possible. I will be wealthy in my finances soon. I'm claiming that. But I will continue to be wealthy and rich in faith, love, and optimism.

The MORE that Is to Come!

Well, as I subconsciously count down the days until I see my sweetheart, I am excited about the possibilities and positivities to come. [Yea, I made that word up. Why not?] I am planted in the present, but my mind is preparing for the future. Not that I’m all geeked-up for tomorrow, but I’m happy about the blessings to come. For some strange and awesomely faithful reason, I feel that something BIG and GREAT is about to happen. Something that I have never experienced before. And it feels good, whatever it is. Maybe I just had a good sleep last night and finally got in contact with a child in last night’s dream.


For years, I have dreamed about either babies or children. I would see them in the distance. Sometimes they would look at me, while other times, they would be somewhere near me. They would never speak. The contact is never there…not unless through touch [I’ve held babies in my dreams]. But last night, I dreamed that a little girl and I were talking to one another. This was amazing because children don’t ever speak to me in my dreams. At least not verbally!

So…as a result, I awakened, refreshed and ready for the day.

I am making time for separate enjoyment beyond this employment, constantly looking for something to break up my life’s routine. Beautiful endeavors are approaching…and I just wanna be ready with they get here.

Stay inspired and encouraged. Keep your mind fresh and make room for the MORE to come!

Sitting...Here...

My mind is all over the place and I feel a bit detached.

Anywho, hey, everyone. I am taking this blog a whole different direction. At first, I wanted it to be solely for aspiring authors, but I wanna open the window a bit. Yep. I'm taking this thing to a whole 'nother level.

The last blog was in 2010. Maybe around this same time. So...here I am again.

I look forward to blogging on here, too. And revamping this thing.

Check out my career blog, doingmycareer.blogspot.com. I feature young adults who are working in their careers and handling business! Contact me, if you'd like to be featured! My email is on here...somewhere.

look in the mirror

i look in the mirror very often. i look at myself not only to view my appearance, but to get ideas. so much is exchanged between me and myself when i look in the mirror. my reflection gives me ideas for songs, i say encouraging words of affirmation, and try to analyze my soul. i look at my eyes and try to find something in them. this may seem odd to the next person, but this is how i do. everyone has something that boosts their morale. one action i take is looking at my reflection.

the mirror is amazing. it exposes one to the depths of oneself. it offers viewers a look into the past, present, and future. it opens windows to one's hidden areas. when it is time to write, take a look in the mirror. record what you see. you will see more than your own reflection. you may see fear, insecurity, confidence, joy, or pain. you may see hurt, anger, healing, or recovery. everyone sees something different.

there is someone who may not see anything at all. nothing more than a reflection. i encourage that person to look deeper. stand in the mirror longer and gaze at what's gazing back. do not be afraid to see something you do not like. do not be afraid to stare at yourself. you may get more than what you expect. you may get something good.

become one with nature

i am obsessed with the great outdoors. i love trees, flowers, grass, weeds, bodies of water, animals, and fresh air. i love going outside and allowing the sun to warm my skin. i don't mind turning my face in the direction of it's rays. i love rain, sleet, snow, and hail...even though the latter can get scary. i love all of God's creations. some bugs frighten and disturb me, but i appreciate them at a distance.

i have realized that i get most of my inspiration from spending time outdoors. whenever i write a short story or poem, i am always inspired by something i see outside. i have to include something about the natural settings, whether it be about leaves or dust. my characters always see something from outside.

all writers are unique. each has something that inspires creative writing. in my case, it is going stepping into the fresh outdoors. i love to look up at the sky, for it the only creation i know that cannot be taken in completely because it is so immense.

when you get a moment, go outside and spend time in an area that will possibly give you the inspiration to write. perhaps it is outside a coffee shop, at a park, or on your front porch. allow the breeze or warm sun to cloak your face. have your pen and paper ready. close your eyes to absorb the sounds and atmosphere. you will be surprised at how inspired you may become.

watch television

you will be surprised to know that television can give you many ideas for something to write. many people would say stay away the television. i would have to agree, but don't stay away for too long. the commercials, movies, shows, etc., would easily stimulate a writer's mind. i compare looking at television to going outside only everything is behind a glass screen. too much television gets in the way of a writer's focus sometimes. it takes up too much time. however, some writers can focus with it on. if i'm writing, i would have to have total silence.

what's your favorite show on tv? whatever it is, find it and watch it. look beyond the actual show and think about what the people are saying. listen to how the script was written. watch the characters' facial expression. these should give you ideas with how your characters can look. rather than describing basic emotions, such as happy or sad, you can write that they are severely disgusted, surprisingly angry, or something different. make your characters original. television should give you a boost.

you do not have to have your own television. you can get access to one at a grocery store or another public place. find it and take note. even if it's only for writing purposes.

write about the unusual

to get the creative juices flowing, a writer must be willing to go beyond the norm and write about what most people do not think about putting on paper. when i was in middle school, or maybe early high school, my youngest sister used to write about the most random things. she would think of an item and write a poem about it. i stole that idea from her and saw how amazing it was to pick something out-of-the-ordinary and suddenly become creative.

for instance, i wrote about pillows and worms in two different poems. i dedicated a poem about one random thing and instantly, my imagination soared. i could not believe it. what i am saying is that if you feel as if you need something new to write about, look around you. do what many writers are not doing and pick something out and write about it. describe it until you cannot describe it anymore. let the reader taste, smell, see, feel, and hear what you are detailing.

there are no boundaries to creative writing. even if you do not want to be creative and you want to be serious...well...that's another book for you to read. anything you write should be some form of creativity. it is something that you have developed and created. it is your creation, so that makes it creative. find something, such as a crack in the wall or a DVD cover, and write about it. you will be surprised at what comes out. be bold. be different.

be optimistic

when no one else sees your capabilities, you must continue to see them. notice that i said continue. if you see yourself at your very own book signing in the next five years, claim that and nothing less. i call myself an optimist because i am very positive when it comes to my aspirations. i take my dreams seriously. i love to aim high and nothing lower. of course, i have had doubtful moments, but when that happens, i take it all to God. i refuse to carry the burdens on my own...or at all, without consulting my Heavenly Father.

i urge you to dream and dream big. i read in a book that ideas are nothing until they are acted on. ideas are easy, but one really puts in the work when actions are involved. i love to hope. some people don't like to hope, but everyone has their own niche. having faith and hope can give you the boost you need to get your goals accomplished. if you are nonchalant about where you want to be and what you want to do, then expect everything you go for to reap the same. your accomplishments will come to you slowly and you will not have much reason to celebrate.

as a writer, it is up to you to believe in what you can do to get that pen or pencil to glide across the paper. it is your responsibility to believe in what you can do and go for it. do not expect others to love everything you write. whether your work has tons of support or not, you must be confident in your abilities. let your actions speak for themselves.

eat healthy

you will be surprised to know that how you eat affects how you perform. i am a witness that greasy, fried foods will make one sleepy and tired for no reason. whenever i eat fast food or junk, i am amped for a moment, but my body gets lazy and i would later want to go to sleep. but when i eat fruits, baked dishes, or vegetables, i am energized and ready for the next best thing.

writers need good fuel. they need great nutrition to think. our brain is essential to our existence. without a brain, we would scribble raggedy lines all over the page with no direction. we would type one letter all across the screen. creativity would be out the window and everything would not make sense. this means that we should make a point to feed our mouths and minds with wholesome foods.

not only is physical food significant to our literary health, but so is mental. we need to open our minds to receive uplifting and positive words and knowledge. anything that will not benefit our brain's health needs to be discarded. it does not have use for us. therefore, all forms of junk food should be avoided. if we do gobble junk food with our mouths and minds, let it be in moderation.

uplift others

i feel so rejuvenated after friends and others tell me that they are doing great in their endeavors. oddly, i feel accomplished when they tell me that they are overcoming obstacles and reaching success. that serves as a fuel for me. i love to know that people are happy and making things happen for themselves. i let them know that i am happy by extending genuine words of encouragement or accolades. i don't envy them because of their success. if anything, i push them even further to get to the next level.

so what, if they have more of something than me! i am too happy for them to be jealous. their accomplishments only serve as modes of drive for me. their drive pushes me to be more driven. i look at successful people's lives and love that they are remaining focused on greater achievements in life. i love that they will not let anything get in their way.

when you uplift other people with sincerity, it should do something good for you. it should open your eyes to your own possibilties. you won't be coveting the person or trying to be exactly like them, but if you really are serious about getting your writing recognized or published, you would want to keep good spirits for those who are where you want to be. once you get to the top, would you want people to envy or hate you for getting there before they do? be mindful of your joy for others. it will either hinder or motivate you.

reminisce

memories are vivid and can very easily stem storytelling and writing abilities. whenever someone asks us to tell them about a moment that happened a while ago, we are often able to precisely give every detail. in many cases, your creative juices can be stimulated through memory. just as you can make a past story flowery through voice, you can do the same on paper. you can write a poem, short story, or novel with the same ability.

if you are to become an astounding writer, you must be able to make words flow on paper. they must be written with the intent to interest the reader. if you are stuck in a situation where you do not know how to pen the words on the paper, pause to reminisce about an event that happened to you some time ago. think about a time when someone made you very happy, angry, or sad. notice how you can remember various features of that event.

as you write, keep in mind that you can be jusr as precise or detailed in your writing. use your imagination and make it vivid, so that the reader can visualize what is happening. if you want the writing to be factual, definitely share your thoughts. make your writing so realistic that readers will feel as if they are in your stories.

be fearless, be daring

never did i think that i would have an interest in writing nonfiction. i was always the poet and short story writer. i didn't want to be anything else. i had made it up in my mind that nonfiction was boring and that i would stay as far away from it as i could. i was happy with poetry and short stories. i didn't really think about writing a novel. i thought that that was too big of a move. i was content with onely two genres. nothing more, nothing less.

little did i know, i was limiting myself from stretching my literary abilities. i was too complacent with how things were. i was afraid of going beyond my capabilities because i thought that i wouldn't be able to succeed. i assumed that nonfiction would not allow me to be as creative as with short stories. i also thought that novel writing was too big of a project for me. i concluded that it was from from my league and without trying, i kept a distance.

do not assume that you cannot write in a particular genre because of how difficult it appears. have you tried it? do you know what it is like to write a poem, short story, or novel? before you avoid writing, give it a try. as you continue to read these chapters, be sure to open your mind to try something new.

i actually love to write nonfiction now and i am also enjoy novel writing. i did not think that i would be at this point, but in time, i have allowed myself to try new things and be daring with writing. i believe that a real writer is fearless. he or she will not be afraid to explore what many consider to be boundaries. there are no boundaries with writers.

write for a good cause and write with a positive purpose.

something new

in every way, i try to make sure that i break the day-to-day humdrums of life. if i were to perfectly follow a routine, i would wake up, get ready for work, go to work, come home, eat, go to class, go back home, sleep. i refuse to be a machine or some sort of a robot. what's funny is that not all robots are following a structured routine, either! some are configured in a way that they will do different things. i will not allow a robot to out-do me!

i try to remain inspired and keep my life refreshed with all kinds of in-betweens. sometimes, i would mix up my normal daily activities and do something else. this will keep me from thinking that "time is flying" and it hinders me from wasting too much time. i admit to wasting time, but i make sure that i am productive in some kind of way.

i am obsessed with reading now. i am so glad to be back into the books like the good old times. i don't want to lose that desire to read ever again. i want to fulfill and hone it. i want to keep reading close to me. i am so grateful for libraries and the experiences i have had in them. i am grateful for the library jobs that i had and have right now. i am forever surrounded by books and book titles (i have to do inventory), so i am hardly given a chance to make reading a memory. my advice to you is to switch up your routine of things so that you will not get bored with yourself. every day is a new day, so there is no reason for you not to do and experience new things. keep your life fresh!

push yourself

i have always had self-discipline. beyond writing, i have always pushed myself to do what i am supposed to do. i have a very convicting spirit. my self won't allow me to do anything wrong without feeling a slither of guilt. i have the kind of conscience that will present the consequences right before or after a particular action. when writing is involved, i naturally tell myself that i can do it. i was not always this way. i have wanted to give up plenty of times before now. however, after reading the Bible and various other books, i have acquired stronger optimism and positivity for my capabilities. i have learned that if no one else pushes me, i must be able to push myself. i must be about to tell myself that i can do whatever i want to do. thanks to the support of my family, friends, associates, elders, and many others, i am able to perservere and do what i love. i am able to immerse deeper into writing.

nevertheless, there are some people who do not have much or any support at all. there are some who are all alone, scavenging around in search of a serious reason why or what he or she needs to write. there is someone out there who is wondering if their writing is any good or worth reading. i am here to tell you that your brain's fruit is worthy to be shared. it is your creativity, so why not? anything you create may inspire another to create, as well.

a while ago, someone told me that i am in charge of my own emotions. well, i am telling you that you are in charge of your own drive. you determine how far you want to go. if you want to be a serious writer who does not want to be lax toward writing, but willing, you must tell yourself on a daily basis that you can do it. i have heard that some things are not for everyone, but perhaps that is because they do not try hard enough to make it for them. be sure of your abilities. if you want to be a writer, you are already one. your job is to forge forward, seeing nothing but possibilities, which there are many. trust yourself to push yourself. you can and you will be the best writer you can be!