Breaking Out The Jump Leads

Hello all,

I know it's been a while since my last post but this month has literally sucked up all my time, money and energy, what with several birthdays and a lot of expenses. It's safe to say I've been incredibly busy and exhausted, which has also - admittedly - affected my writing flow.

Now, before, when I'd struggle to find my footing in my book, I'd crumble and find myself sinking into a hole of helplessness...which never helped because I'd want others to help me when really, ultimately, it would be down to me to help myself. Which would only finally happen after months of sulking and being an emo mess.

Now, however, I have more support networks, including my editor who has naturally been on top form. She made a few suggestions as to what can help get me back into the flow of things. A change of location (which I full on support), interaction with others about my book, plot and characters, (which I can find daunting...especially online so I tend to shy away...I shouldn't really) and meditation (which actually also does a lot to relieve stress you have harboured in your mind).

I also find that after a long period of time my mind begins to get restless and my characters start harassing me, wanting their story to be told. Inspiration takes hold of me like a pair of jump leads, kick starting my flow.  In a way it's a bit like a super power...except it's one of those super powers you have no control over.

My jump leads grasp onto specific things that have some kind of similarity with my JJ universe. The Assassin's Creed game series (Black Flag) is one example along with Alice: Madness Returns, television shows like Penny Dreadful, Game of Thrones, The Originals, and movies such as Pirates of The Caribbean, Sherlock Holmes, Hell Boy, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter and Riddick.

I recently went to Rome which really helped stretch out my perspective and widen my potential plot paths. The history and the unforgettable architecture really brought the jump leads out quicker than I anticipated which I must say has inspired me to plan out more adventures to historical sites and cities...in a way I suppose I'll be living the life of my characters #Winning

Lesson to uphold: Keep feeding the mind with as much positivity as possible, whether it's art, poetry, a great movie, an encounter with a friend and be open to the inspiration it has to offer.

With love,
S.R
x