Insecure Writers Support Group: Into The Place Where You Dream

 



Happy November!

I can't believe this year is already up, but I guess it's a good thing when 3/4 of it has been in quarantine. Here's to a better 2021, even though we still have December. On the bright side, November is also the start of the Holiday Season, beginning with Thanksgiving, my favorite "2-day" holiday (gotta finish those leftovers)!

How is everyone doing with NaNoWriMo? I've successfully gotten through the first 3 days! I think having a publisher to answer to put a fire under my butt. Ha. I'm taking it a day at a time, because if I think about the fact that I have 27 more days to write 1,667 words (well a little less, because I'm actually averaging 1,735 words right now, and the website lowers the bar daily when you write over 1,667) EACH DAY, I will go into panic mode. I'm also writing with a group of other writers in a bigger group called Black Girl Gamers. I joined maybe a month before my mom passed, so these ladies have been a big comfort to me this year. If you're trying NaNoWriMo alone and struggling, try to look for some friends who can join you and support you through it. But also, it's okay if you don't reach 1,667. I have to tell myself that, too, so I don't get disappointed in myself. The important thing is you're writing.

All right, onto this month's question: Albert Camus once said, “The purpose of a writer is to keep civilization from destroying itself.” Flannery O’Conner said, “I write to discover what I know.” Authors across time and distance have had many reasons to write. Why do you write what you write?

Robert Olen Butler said "Art doesn't come from the mind. It comes from where you dream." I'm a big dream writer. I dream vividly, and in color, which is apparently rare, but I know many people who dream in color, so I have questions. Anyway, I write to share what sick and twisted thoughts are in my mind, and to create worlds others can escape into from time to time. Sometimes you can find a moral. Sometimes, meh. As a black woman writing fantasy, I also want younger black girls who love fantasy books and video games that it's okay and they're not alone in what they love.

Why do you write what you write?

5 comments:

Jemi Fraser said...

I assumed everyone dreamed in colour! Interesting - going to have to check with my family and see if they do!
Yay for you and your stories!! Every child needs to see themselves represented in all varieties of the arts. I remember having this discussion with my students WAY back when I started teaching and we were discussing main characters. Thankfully, the options are improving, but there is a long way to go!!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

That's great you are kicking NaNo's butt. Just one day at a time.
I rarely dream in vivid color...

Natalie Aguirre said...

I'm glad you found a group to support each other during NaNo. Good luck! I'm not doing it but I'm trying to write or edit every day during November.

Sarah Foster said...

Good luck with NaNo! Glad you've found a great group where you can find support.

Fundy Blue said...

Good luck with NaNo! I'm trying it for the first time this year. I've never had a dream that wasn't in color.