On your mark, get set...

NaNoWriMo!

It's that time of year again.  National Novel Writing Month.

• Where writers put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard on November 1st,
• let go of fear, judgement, and doubt
• and allow the words of a new story to flow through
• until you complete a 50,000 word novel by 11:59:59 pm, November 30.

Now, I know you're thinking, That's impossible. I could never complete an entire novel in just one month, especially with holiday travel and family drama. I counter your argument -- one can do anything if you trust in yourself and take a leap of faith.

Oh, a simple kind of life

In a small Washington town, my friend Caroline and I had ventured into the local grocery before hopping on the Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad - the longest continuously operating steam train in the Pacific Northwest. 

I could not stop laughing when I saw the above bag of cat food on the shelf.  Don't you just love small town simple living?  No fancy, shmancy brand names or ridiculous fuss and frills.  You know exactly what you're getting.

no doubt, appreciate the simple things in life,

PlayWrite
http://sonjathomaswrites.blogspot.com/

Do one thing every day that scares you

This past weekend I attended the Toad Hall Writers and Illustrators retreat near Salem, Portland.  A place to connect with fellow children/young adult writers, sit in classes where I actually pay attention, and maybe even sneak in some writing.

I am NOT a public speaker.  The thought makes my skin break out into red splotches.  But I pushed myself past my comfort zone and participated in the Open Mic Newbie Night.

After several light-hearted, humorous pieces, I wobbled up to the podium and changed the tone with my young adult dark fantasy.  I forgot about my racing heartbeat and the judgement from faces staring at me.  I read for about five minutes.

The applause enveloped me with love.  I did it!  I took a risk and faced my fear.  Not only did I read in front of an audience, but I shared my creativity, something that came from my heart and soul.  And I survived.

“Do one thing every day that scares you.”- Eleanor Roosevelt

 

Stare fear in the face and stick out your tongue.
PlayWrite
http://sonjathomaswrites.blogspot.com/

Keep Portland creative, uh, weird

Where in the world...

...can you witness 160 nonprofessional dancers perform a 30 minute line dance?

...can you sleep in until 9 am on a weekday and consider it waking up early?

...stumble upon street art on practically every corner?

...do people ask "what are your passions?" instead of "what do you do?"

...can you get Pear with blue cheese ice cream? (and it taste good?)

...do the cars have eyelashes?

In "Stumptown," "Beervana," "Rose City," "PDX"...my new home, Portland. 

Inspired by Sunday Scribblings prompt #339 Creative

Keep Portland Weird.

PlayWrite
http://sonjathomaswrites.blogspot.com/