August has been a lot like July in terms of creativity. A month to be outside, doing things rather than sitting at a desk writing. One thing I’ve been trying to tackle is the middle plot for my ongoing WIP. You can read more on my update here.
Outside of writing, I’ve been fiddling with more Canva layouts, trying to simplify the IG content I create. I enjoy playing around with visual editing and layouts, but it is a time sink which can tempt me away from doing actual productive tasks. Hopefully by having some new layouts, and putting less pressure on myself, I can get back to a happy balance between writing/content creating.
What have you been up to this month? Any successes for your creative projects?
My Posts this month
Miss any of my posts this month? You can find them all below!
Temple of Ukla (From the Archives)
“Can you not pray away the rain?” Zivami asked as he paced around the table in the centre of the tent. “That’s not how it works,” Valite replied, adjusting her cloak, “and you know it.” Zivami snorted. “Could at least try,” he said. “You’re lucky the wards are still holding up around here,” Valite said, … More Temple of Ukla (From the Archives)
Winter Evening Thoughts
Somehow it’s already three days into December, and it’s only now I’ve realised I had yet to write a monthly blog update. It’s fitting, really, given how this month has gone. I’ve read a lot more and written a lot more, which has meant my blog break I started in October has extended into November … More Winter Evening Thoughts
Expel (From the Archives)
Nainea held on tightly to her copper badge, curling up around it to stop them taking it off her. The cave floor was cold, still wet with the blood of the guards she had managed to kill. At least the badge still listened to her, it still obeyed her. But now, until she could get … More Expel (From the Archives)
Why you should read The Shadow of What was Lost
The other month, I ventured back into the bowels of a Bookshop for the first time since Lockdown. I say the bowels of the bookshop, because fantasy books are always located somewhere in a cellar or right at the back of the shop, tucked away underneath a heading of science fiction and comic novels. It’s … More Why you should read The Shadow of What was Lost
Be Kind to You (Monday Inspiration)
Writing is a creative hobby that is both individual and isolating. And there is a beauty in that, the individuality of your story is what makes it yours. And the isolation from the world is what gives your mind space to travel to far off places and create worlds so different to our own. But … More Be Kind to You (Monday Inspiration)
Writing On Caffeine – Writing Food and Drink
This month in my newsletter, Writing on Caffeine, I’m looking at worldbuilding again – and this time it’s food and drink! What your characters eat and drink might not play a vital part of your story, but it can be a key tool to show wider aspects of worldbuilding and characterisation. How your characters interact … More Writing On Caffeine – Writing Food and Drink
The Daughter’s Curse (From the Archives)
Fenla hummed as she stitched the new symbol into the cloth on the table. This one was a simple order, a quick piece of magic to ward off spirits from the mashlands. Not that the owners would be aware the spirits were attracted to anything that she touched. No one was aware, they thought it … More The Daughter’s Curse (From the Archives)
How To: Smash 50k words in a month
It’s November, which means its Nanowrimo month for many people. Good luck to those who are tackling the mammoth 50,000 words in a month, and also good luck to those who might be doing their own variation of Nanowrimo with a different word count. If you’re new to writing, or new to using word counts … More How To: Smash 50k words in a month
The First Draft (Monday Inspiration)
First drafts are supposed to be messy. They’re supposed to be full of holes and phrases that don’t quite work. The words that are in bold because you haven’t created that part of the world yet, or names of people you haven’t thought through. It’s okay if your first draft doesn’t work. Because your second … More The First Draft (Monday Inspiration)
Having Stepped away for a Moment
This month I’ve stepped away from the cycle of blog posts and updates. And actually, it was pretty damn good as a month. Sometimes, you have to recognise there is just not enough time in the day. October has been that month, coupled with the inevitable autumn cold and social gatherings starting to murmur into … More Having Stepped away for a Moment
Things to get excited about
Wheel of Time
I’ve been a fan of the Wheel of Time for many years. It’s still surreal to think that we get a live action TV series, and the first peek photos look incredible! Cannot wait for November to roll around.
MCU is back
Yes, I’m one of those people that will watch the MCU. It’s actually really nice to go to a film and kind of know what you’re expecting, but still be blown away.
The trailer for Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings and The Eternals are getting me super excited to get back to the cinema!
I’ve also been binging my way through the MCU TV shows, which have been a lot of fun (although slightly ridiculous with the forced romance plotlines – looking at you Loki, we could have just had badass Sylvie without…that ending).
Reading Update
Still making my way through Jade War, but I am super invested in the storyline now. Just need to find some consistent time to read!
Featured Image Credit: Photo by Tai Jyun Chang on Unsplash
Alex.J.Cobalt 