It’s the end of another month, and in April, I kept up promise last month to be brave and try new things. It’s been another month of adventures!
The end-of-month round up, ‘Previously’, is organised by Miss Cole, with lovely banner by Carrisa Taylor.
Previously in Writing
This month was CampNaNoWriMo, a writing event where you set your own goals and work with a group of your most eccentric mates to meet your goals together.
My writing goal was 30k, and the project in focus this month is still DIVIDE. It’s been a real experience, going back to a project from 2013/2014.
if you’ve been following this blog for long, you’ll know I get worn out hard when doing rapid redrafts. Rewriting the same project multiple times in a year, or two years, is incredibly hard on me but often necessary.
Coming back to a project after two years apart from it, though? Turns out I love it. It’s so refreshing, coming back to these old friends and familiar faces and worlds with a stronger grasp of my own writing style. The change in my ability is immediately visible, and oh man, it feels so great!
Previously In Art and Music
Alright, so I can hardly compete with my life changing first-ever-singing lesson from last month, but I did do something else new and exciting: my first ever choir lesson!
Bolstered by my ongoing singing progress and improvement, I finally found the courage to join the local community choir. It’s been amazing fun — the Forres Big Choir is an amazingly supportive community, with really wonderful and fascinating people. I’ve been hugely enjoying getting to know everyone.
It’s been so much fun exploring the local singing scene, learning new styles of music, and getting to know new people.
Out and About
I’ve been out and about a lot recently, including a lovely trip to the Cawdor Castle gardens, which makes great story inspiration. Makes me think of high-society ladies walking around and hatching schemes.
Meanwhile, while we have sunny evenings to enjoy, Mac the Labrador has been practicing his off-lead commands, to great success:
(He’s there! A barely visible white fluffball, below the second lampost from the right.)
Next Time In Goals
My monthly goal was to hit 30k words. Sorted! I’m on track to meet this goal by month end.
Next month, I’m aiming to finish DIVIDE, get it out to beta readers, and go back to a shiny new first draft I started earlier this year. Wordcount goals are 20k — 30k.
A Word of Advice
Do what scares you. I’ve been doing a lot of things lately that are scary as hell: not just rock-climbing and choir stuff, but more everyday stuff, like talking to strangers and going for a sports massage.
I picked up a new road bike this week! I learned how to cycle for the first time ever(!!!) last year but lost a lot of my confidence after my bike spontaneously disassembled itself mid-journey.
It’s been nice getting back behind the wheel, riding along the path where I had the crash, and getting my comfort back. I’m looking forward to putting my new wheels to good use.
Miss Cole says
Sounds like April was a great month for you. Yay!
Going back to a project after a two year break sounds wonderful. Like being embraced by a dear old friend ^_^ Congrats on hitting your target.
Your bravery is super inspiring. I should really follow your lead… Hmm… What shall I do…?
Tracey Joseph says
Gosh, your pictures make me wish I didn’t live in the city. I do hope you hit all of your goals, and I love your advice this month!
Carissa Taylor says
Oh I so hear you about letting projects sit. Almost always when I get really stuck I feel like the only thing that helps is distance. That’s when I can really rip things apart and get re-inspired! Congrats on CampNaNo! I have about 2K more words to go to meet mine! Hopefully I can accomplish that in the next 17 hours!