I fully admit that for a good long while there I was “a bit” of a tormented writer working on my play. I see that perfectly clear right now. I finally let go of the death grip I’ve had on trying to complete the play and now I’m working on my very first science fiction novel. The tormented writer is gone and I’ve been enjoying the writing process again. Yep, you read that right…I’m actually enjoying the process. Let me say it again for the back row to hear it…I really love sitting down and writing again.

No more hemming and hawing, pacing in front of my computer trying to convince myself to sit in the chair and write. Instead, I’ve been sneaking a note here, a paragraph there, 1,000 words one day, 500 words the next and it’s coming along. The story is very rough but I know it’s a first draft. The story just needs to come out first. No holds bar. I won’t even go into what it’s about yet ‘cause it’s still in the newbie phase.

In fact, that’s one of the reasons I haven’t written on my blog more consistently. Working on this story, well it’s got me working…no drama, no pitching small fits over not knowing what to do next. I just sit there and I follow the story thread. That’s it. On most days, I really enjoy it.

So what has me doing this complete 180? I’ve been reading Stephen King’s book, On Writing and his words pried open and let some fresh air into this writer’s suffocating room. It’s shaken out the fearful writer and given me a good talking to. Now every night after work, I go home, eat some dinner and then try to hit a goal of 2,000 words. I haven’t quite made that goal yet but I’ve come close with 1,700 words one night earlier this week. Then I have a feeling of satisfaction like nothing else. The reality is I don’t know if what I’m writing is even any good but at this point in the process it doesn’t even matter. I think I’m finally hitting my stride. Thank goodness, I thought for sure I would have to come up with a plan B before I opened King’s book up. Screw Plan B, I’m going home to write.

P.S. Reading happening on Friday...check out 10.23 entry for details.  Peace

All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2010 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

Serenity Now!!!

I went and walked around a bit for lunch. It’s a mild sunny day but I didn’t go very far, Times Square is packed with tourists today.* sigh * Yes, I know they are good for the economy of New York City but must they all stand in large groups of clustered walls. I am developing a new dash and slide walking method to get through the throngs of people. It just doesn’t make for a relaxing walk. Since I only had 30 minutes…I was out there just long enough to get some air, grab a quick sandwich and go back to the office. I really miss smoking, on days like this I really want one.

Anyhoo, as I was walking back to the office a woman passed me in a blue polka dot dress and Durango boots. It was a cute look, the dainty feminine dress juxtaposed against the squared toe boots. A flight of fancy and she seemed to be pulling it off as she took long strides down the street carrying with her a lime green messenger bag. She was not shy about color or making a statement. If I wore that same outfit, I don’t think I could pull it off. You have to have a certain bravado and carefree air about you to do that and get away with it. Even if I wasn’t working at a finance company, I know my tendency is plain jane black and grey clothing. Occasionally, I will have a moment of wanting color with some crazy pattern. I digress, I went off on this tangent and now I don’t know what my point is.

Ah yes, a walk around Times Square is neither relaxing nor much for clearing the cobwebs. Instead, it puts me in a bit of a bad mood. I came back grumpier than when I left. So much for getting some air. I think I may have to come up with a Holo-Band to escape for awhile. For all those Caprica fans…you know what I mean.

Peace,
L~


All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2010 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

Upcoming Readings

Hi folks,

I'm doing a couple of readings, November 5th and 13th as part of the New York Foundation for the Arts Boot Camp Arts Festival.  If you are in NYC, I

 hope you can drop by one of the readings (details below)--will be great to see you there.

You can see the full schedule of events here: (http://nyfabootcampfestival.wordpress.com/schedule/)

NEW YORK FOUNDATION FOR THE ARTS BOOT CAMP ARTS FESTIVAL

In Abundance:  Poetry Reading Featuring Liliana Almendarez and Wanda Phipps 
November 5, 2010 at 6-7pm
The Bowery Poetry Club ( http://www.bowerypoetry.com/#Event/95992 ) 
308 Bowery
New York, NY 10012
Tickets $5 at the door.

Liliana will be reading from her book of poetry, A Scorched Page.  She will read from some of her new work as well.  Her poems are inspired by nature and every day life. From folks waiting for a train to the birds that fly past her backyard, to the memories that sneak up on a quiet afternoon, they are all fair game for inspiration.

Wanda will read from her two books: Wake-Up Calls: 66 Morning Poems and Field of Wanting: Poems of Desire as well as the new work, Silent Pictures Recognize the World,written in response to static photographic images which mutate in writing into film noir scenes and dark romances. Stephen B. Antonakos will accompany her on guitar with tonal equivalents to the poems. Her work honors dailiness, the details of the personal, as well as the ecstasy of randomness that brings us all together.

and

Artist Highlights:  Liliana Almendarez, Wanda Phipps, Kate Kirtz, Ryan Murdock, and Gretchen Farrar

November 13, 2010 at 7pm
LaunchPad ( http://brooklynlaunchpad.org/ )
721 Franklin Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11238, FREE!!!

A night of poetry reading, musical performances, and a film screening.  Reading by Liliana Almendarez, Wanda Phipps (accompanied by guitarist Stephen B. Antonakos), and Kate Kirtz.  Short film screening by Ryan Murdock.  Musical performance by Gretchen Farrar.

All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2010 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.