Imogen's Dedication And Thanksgiving

A selection of photos from Imogen's Dedication and Thanksgiving celebration held on Saturday 23rd February. A BIG thank you to James for taking the pictures for us!

5 Months Old

I can't believe that Imogen has now been around for 5 months! This was her just a few days old. She actually turned 5 months old yesterday, but what's a day between friends?!

A Misty, Autumnal Morning

I went out for a walk with Eloise this morning in the Pavilion Gardens in Buxton and took a few snaps with my iPhone 5.

Things I'm Learning About Writing

On July 18, I introduced this new website. The primary purpose of setting up the site was to step up the amount of my original writing and use this space as a kind of writing playground. Previously, most of my writing was short comments on links to interesting stories and news I find on the internet. Whilst I have decided to keep doing that, I have also been writing one feature length article most days.

Amazingly, after a quick check, I’ve realised that all this writing has added up to over 35,000 words in the (nearly) two months since I switched up a gear. I surprised myself when I saw it was that many!

Whilst knowing that lots of people are reading what I write isn’t the only reason I write, I do - like most writers - want what I write to be read. Interestingly, since upping the level of original writing, the number of unique visitors has more than doubled. If nothing else, that’s motivating me to keep going! And, of course, it’s nice to know that people are interested, enjoying, and - occasionally - even being inspired by what I write.

So what have a learnt since I started writing more in July? I think perhaps the main revelation I’ve had is this: the more I write, the easier it is to write more. 

Having a habit where I write regularly means that my mind seems much more prepared for writing. It’s not that I always feel creative or inspired, but sticking with the habit, choosing to write something regardless, frees up the mind somehow and, I think, opens the door to better writing.

The other thing I’ve learnt about writing is to simply start writing. The mere process of writing a first sentence - even if it’s completely removed later - opens the floodgates for me. I can have nothing but a vague idea, be very unclear about the direction I definitely want to go, but choosing to start writing anything regardless, is what kicks thing into motion for me.

Everything I write isn’t a home run of course, but the process of writing regularly means that I’m increasing the odds of sometimes writing something half-decent. And, truth be told, I’m genuinely proud of some of the articles that I’ve ended up publishing. I’m still learning, still trying to improve, and still trying to explore different approaches to how I write. I don’t think I’ll ever ‘arrive’, but there’s no doubt in my mind that the best way to keep improving as a writer is to write. And so this is definitely something I'm going to keep doing at this site.

The final discovery I’ve made is that of coming to accept there is no rhyme or reason to why some articles come together with surprising ease, whilst others, well, don’t. Sometimes ‘flow’ happens, sometimes it doesn’t. Sometimes it’s like I hardly have to think at all; the words come gushing out, almost of their own accord. Then there’s the rest of the time. The times when words, sentences, and paragraphs all seem to be conspiring against me, refusing to come together, refusing to be mastered. It’s a wrestling match where the only solution is to keep going and never give up. I won’t let them beat me!

Ultimately, these last few months have confirmed the simple truth that I love to write. I find it relaxing, and a way to process my own thinking. I love the process of shifting thoughts and ideas from my head to actual words on screen. I find writing a powerful way of expressing myself. That people choose to read the words I write is a privilege I hope never to lose sight of.

Thank you for journeying along with me!