writing

The choice is yours...

Submitted by Diliny C.
on Friday, 12th February 2010 - 18:13
writing
dream

An enlightening blog entry about a musician who decided to follow the 'safe' route and go to university.  These days I have been considering my options while I wait for news from recruiters, whether good or bad, and wonder what it is that I truly want to do with my life. 

Many of my friends and family may not realise that I put the career of an author on hold long ago at the request of my parents.  Their dream was that each of their daughters hold a profession so that they would never want for anything.  The price of a career was marrying later in life than I would have liked (though admittedly I didn't meet my future husband until later in life).  As well as the price of putting my dreams on a purpetual shelf where I could look and admire but I could not touch.  There is a reason that most of my 'scribbles' are from almost a decade ago and somewhere along the way I forgot that I was only aiming to get a profession - for in my childhood mind, I had permission to pursue my dreams only after that stage.

So now as a professional I have opportunities opening up around me and some would think me a fool not to take the offers.  In my 'older age' I have a much higher standard for my quality of life and for the amount of time I have for my family and friends.  For me it was never that work factored as foremost - but instead the relationships that have been tempered by time and experience.  I turn to myself and see my dusty dreams on the shelf and I don't see any reason why i can no longer pursue them.

The dream may be pushed aside for a time, but if you are only listening to the nay sayers then you will never have tried.  As a wise man in my life reminded me - "Don't judge those who try and fail; judge those who fail to try."  If I succeed at most things I turn my hand to (hand eye co-ordination and most memory tests being standard failures) - then it goes to reason taht if I turn my hand to my dreams - that there is in fact the possibility of success.

Given a generous timeline - and a goal - there's always a chance!

has been bitten by the writing bug... ;)

Submitted by Diliny C.
on Friday, 12th February 2010 - 15:54
books
writing
Feeling inspired after a talk with my supportive husband and am in the mood for writing.  A new story on my mind and for once - I have nothing to interrupt the momentum!  All I can say is that this will be a long one.Looking forward to this Valentine's weekend.  Not sure what to expect but planning to spend some time with Steph. Nothing else knew to report.  I suppose no news is also good news!

Self-published The Adventures of Choukie!

Submitted by Diliny C.
on Thursday, 11th February 2010 - 12:07
books
writing
blurb

Finally self-published my second book - of which I would like to send the profits to either the Save a Sato organization or the Worchester Animal League (without either of which I would never have written this story).  It's loosely based on what factual details I was able to obtain about Maya's history.  It's a children's book though issues like death and abandonment are featured.  A BIG THANK YOU to Eun-Ah Park for being my editor on this!

Two versions depending on if you want the limited ed. square book featuring a picture of Maya or the text only version of the book... The text version is way cheaper than the other! (under $10.00)

 

Finally put up the Storyteller site! :D

Submitted by Diliny C.
on Tuesday, 2nd February 2010 - 13:42
writing
storytelling
One small step at a time...Am very happy to have finally posted SOMETHING on my storyteller section of this site.  I've dug up several poems and stories I wrote ages ago.  I've many ideas in my head for stories - and hopefully now that the foundation is there, I'll go ahead and get them out.

Started writing "The Adventures of Chouki"

Submitted by Diliny C.
on Wednesday, 25th November 2009 - 16:02
writing

Began writing a new story, unsure how it will pan out but more than 3000 words down!

Looking forward to my first American Thanksgiving.  Still need to do quite a bit of baking!  Making the usual delicacies to take to Lisa and Julian Rex's house tomorrow.  Visiting Newburyport for a second or third time!

Re: Nanowrimo - failed miserably as have gotten side tracked with reading books, house affairs, hunting for cars, and looking after the gorgeous Maya!  Nevertheless, haven't given up hope yet!

National Novel Writing Month (userid: dmdealwis or orchidilla)

Submitted by Diliny C.
on Sunday, 1st November 2009 - 19:52
nanowrimo
novel
writing

Started writing for the month of November!  Decided to take part in the National Novel Writing Month.  Their website is excrutiatingly slow (or it's my internet connection).  But somehow with a strange mixup - I can't access my original userid "dmdealwis".  So until it gets sorted out I'm using "orchidilla". 

Working title: Hairy Legs

Genre: Young Adult

Word count to date: 655

I think those of you who know me may realise that it's going to be a semi-autobiographical tale of my experiences when I came back from three years of life in Sri Lanka at the age of 12.  So far, 655 words or so completed - and that's just the begining.  I'm a little worried about the skeletons it'll dig out of my closet but I think that since it's a subject that's from the past - should be an easier challenge than writing a new fantasy fiction novel!  The real question is whether or not it will ever be published!

If you want a taste of something I've written - I've recently put online The Taking - and the world of Dakana.  So far, three books have made it online - it's a time consuming and tedious task to put each chapter up - but everything will be up after a time.  I'm editing and adding to the original - its an experiment of sorts.