Resolutions Failed Already

I didn't make many promises to myself at the start of the year but the one I did make has already come to nothing. What was it? To make sure something gets posted on this blog EVERY WEEK.
   Already it's the last week in January and this is only the second post. I blame the winter weather. I don't do Winter in the same way I don't do Mornings. In fact, as I get older winter is taking over from mornings as the leader of my 'don't do' list. Winter AND mornings put together are a nightmare.
   I can't help it. I try to be cheerful. I have lots of warm clothes, a big pile of eco-friendly fire wood. I have a nice warm coat, fleece-lined boots, woolly hats, scarves, gloves, but the cold still gets to me. Emotionally, I mean. It's like my brain and will-power seize up. I want to go into hibernation. I'm sure I was a hedgehog in a previous life, or a bear.
   It wouldn't be so bad if we could be assured of some sunshine and warmth when the summer comes. If the summer comes. Last year it started quite well. Spring was reasonable. We had a few really warm days in March. So warm, in fact, I went and bought a small patio table and two chairs. It has to be small because we have an extension built on what would have been the patio but I managed to find a spot under the yew tree on the raised part of the garden to put the table and chairs and really looked forward to working out there all summer. Can even just about pick up the wi-fi signal for the internet, although the mobile phone doesn't work in the garden, nor does the hands-free house phone.
   I think I might have managed five days. Other than that it was too windy, too wet or too damned chilly to sit in the garden last summer. It feels like the grey skies have been a permanent fixture sapping all energy and enthusiasm for anything. The only difference between last summer and this winter is the temperature, it has got colder in the winter, but summer never actually got hot.
   So I will revise my resolution and start from NOW. I will post more regularly. Honest.
   BUT what would you like me to talk about?
   Over to you dear reader...
 

Write with Enthusiasm

It is impossible to tell anyone what style of writing they should use. Everyone is different. That’s what makes writing and reading so interesting. But the main thing is to write with belief in what you are doing. Your enthusiasm for the idea or the story will then be transferred from the page to the reader. Your style of writing could be identical to one of the great writers you admire, but if you have no joy in writing who will want to read it?

   Some people ask ‘how long should my book be?’ The answer is simple, especially if you are writing for ebooks. How long is your story? If it is factual – how long before you have explained what you want to tell the world? If it is an anecdotal look at life – how many tales do you want to tell? Do these takes hold your attention, make you smile or chuckle?  

   As long as you can hold the attention and the enthusiasm of your reader length doesn’t really matter. What matters is whether you are enjoying what you are doing. If writing has become a chore then that will show. If you can’t be bothered to write why should your potential readers be bothered to read.

    So put your heart and soul into your writing and inspire your readers!