Five Strengths, Four People

Thanks to Gabe, here comes a meme. But the meme happens to be about writing so that's not so bad, right?

First, go read his entry, then you'll understand. I feel a lot like he does lately. I haven't been writing much here or otherwise (cough cough, the novel). I blame that partially on work because it's been chokingly busy lately, partially on Warriors Orochi because it is my favorite game ever, partially on Micah because I'm getting married next week, and partially on Tom Doherty & Associates for not responding to my book proposal in the timeframe their website says they will. That's right, no response. That hurts the motivation.

But I'm going to keep writing, for sure, as soon as life calms down a bit. For now, onto the meme. My goal here is to list five of my strengths when it comes to writing. I'm not even sure I have five strengths to list.

1) It's something I've always wanted to do
Unlike the many diverse directions my life has taken, writing has been a fairly common theme since I was younger. I haven't necessarily been writing stories (like the Castlevania or Wizardy ones I posted awhile back on this blog) but I can't remember the last time I didn't have a notebook and pen nearby. Fiction, Fantasy especially, have been on my mind even when I wasn't reading books actively. I've always had a burning desire to do things "my way" when it came to Fantasy, sometimes pulling back the enjoyment of video games and other activities. I feel like since it's been something I've dreamed of for so long, it must be something I'm meant for.

2) It's something I can do
As a correlary to item #1, it is important to note that I have written a novel. Regardless of whether it has been published yet, I finished a project. With writing, I have done this. Maybe only once so far, but that is better than not at all. Writing is also free; it doesn't cost me a monthly membership fee to be able to blog or journal or novel (if that can be used as a verb at this point).

3) I know other writers
It helps to have a support group, even if they're not keeping me honest or asking me how the novel is coming. It's good to know that Gabe experiences the same struggles and that Cuyler is a kindred creative soul. It's even helpful to know that Micah has a great interest in books and literature and enjoys reading what I write (and doesn't do it solely out of obligation). I read writers' blogs and I read writing books to bolster my own knowledge base and keep my spirits up for when I will be one of those people.

4) I am creative
Now, I may not have a great story on this point like Gabe does, but I feel like I am a very creative person. My brain is constantly alive with new ideas to the point where I have to write them down just to give them an outlet. I like doing things differently. I like marching to my own beat. I like figuring things out; creativity goes hand in hand with problem solving, and I'm all about the solutions. I notice quite a bit when reading a novel that I would have done things differently than the author (and I don't mean this in a good OR bad way); that's just my creativity talking.

5) I can be incredibly focused
I know how to write a novel. I know it is hard work, scheduled time, and avoidance of other obligations and responsibilities. It is typing for hours on end, racking your brain for dialog and having vivid dreams about what your characters will do next. If you can't focus well on a single task and shut out the outside world, I believe writing a novel is impossible. I'm actually rather glad that Starbucks makes you pay to use their wi-fi; it's one less distraction.

Wow, I got through them all. Very impressive!

Since this meme is for both artists AND writers, I am going to tag Zhu, Princesse Ecossaise, Micah, and Stephanie.

Complaint

Moving to the new building at my day job has not resolved my bathroom problems. Does anyone else have to deal with cleaning crews closing the bathrooms every single day during hours while people are actually in the office? What is the point of this? Not to mention I ran into another urinal-loogie-hawker. Gross. I'm ready to give up going the bathroom entirely.

I want to be writing but I have been busy doing everything else as well as playing my PS2. How can I do anything else when I have Warriors Orochi?