Saturday 7 September 2013

A mini-update


I'm not quite back yet, but, in the manner of opening the windows in a guest room before Great Aunt Doris’ imminent arrival; I've given the blog a bit of an airing.

There have been a few changes.

I've decided it’s time to say goodbye to my Novice Novelist title. I love the playful alliteration, but have also been thinking about the message I'm sending into the universe with that title, and the message I'm sending to myself. I know – a bit hippy-dippy – but I believe the tags we give to ourselves are important, and it’s important to listen to what we are truly saying. It’s so easy to be subconsciously negative, and this creates barriers to our heart’s desire without us even realising. I don’t want to be a novice novelist – I want to be a novelist. I’ll always continue to learn and grow, as that’s what humans do, but it’s time for a bit of positive energy.

I've also added an About section with a list of published work to date, amongst some other bits. Once my scanner stops doing its best impression of a breeze block with buttons, and starts remembering its mission in life, then I’ll upload the articles; it’ll be nice to have them all in the one spot. I’ll also add some details of my illustration adventures. The Grand Plan for 2014 definitely involves getting some art back in my life again.

My 9-5 work is still very busy, and I'm still searching for that elusive work / life balance, as ever. As for the novel – the rewrite / editing continues – mostly I'm really happy with how it’s progressing; sometimes I want to throw the keyboard out of the window and jump up and down on its cruel blank innards…and then make a necklace out of them – that will teach you, keyboard! Don’t mess with a writer who is also into steam-punk jewellery.

Well, I think that’s it for now. Great Aunt Doris should be very comfortable here in the interim. She is very fond of Steely Grey colour schemes and is partial to Courier font (and a courier or two, so I've heard, in the Tales of her Exciting Youth Vol One).

I hope your writing, or art, is going really well, and look forward to catching up with you all soon.

J x

13 comments:

Maria Zannini said...

Good for you.

I've never been overly fond of cutesy blog titles.

Your author name, on the other hand, will show up constantly in Google searches.

I'll trade a clever title for more visibility any day of the week.

D.J. Kirkby said...

I think this is a step in the right direction!

Dewena said...

Very nice. Be proud of that great name. Unforgettable.

Anne Gallagher said...

I've made a few changes on my blog as well, so this "new" attitude must be in the air.

Your new header looks great.

Debbie Coope said...

Embrace change, they say. It's a good thing and clears the mind.

Nick Wilford said...

Nice to see you. I like the new look. If that's a collection of your interests at the top, it's a great mix!

Unknown said...

Big step, but I think you made the right choice. It's good that you're changing, it means you're growing. I've just recently merged website and blog for similar reasons and stopped using my pen name (Nahno McLein).

Good luck with your novel writing.


Nico @ Leaf ♦ Pub

Rose said...

That makes totally sense to me- I liked the name too but I agree it's not what you are anymore.

Work life balance, what's that?

Jenny Beattie said...

Brilliant. How lovely to see you back.

Unknown said...

Yes, I was told to ditch the title in order to use my writing name, it works for me, but must admit that the title I first used, The Cake and Custard Bookshop, appealed to me so much that it is gradually creeping back in other guises. :0)

Misha Gerrick said...

I like your blog title, and the reason why you changed it.

I changed mine recently as well, because I sort of realized I was about to publish the first book the blog had been named for. :-D

Jayne said...

Hi Maria – Thank you, and yes, most definitely. Visibility is key.

Hello DJ – I really hope so. Crossing fingers!

Hi Dewena – Ah, thanks so much. Lovely to hear.

Hello Anne – Cheers! Yes… perhaps we’re all in the same zone.

Hi Debbie – They do indeed, and they must say it for a reason.

Jayne said...

Hello Nick – Thanks! And yes, it is, although I should have also added ‘reading’ in there, how could I have left that out?! I like to think it’s a given. Like breathing.

Hi Nico – How nice to see you. I’ll pop by to your blog shortly. And good luck to you, too!

Hello Rose – Thank you. As for the work / life balance, I’m beginning to think it’s imaginary.

Hi Jenny – Aw, cheers very much!