So it's been a couple of weeks. Okay a month. Details, detail, but I want to say that the existence of this blog remains embedded somewhere far, far in the back of my mind, so it's kind of hard to remember to update. Maybe it's just me and the way I always forget. I swear, I forget things almost as much as I procrastinate, and I'm seriously, like, the Chosen One when it comes to procrastinating. Yeah, it's come to that.

As I'm typing this, I'm wondering exactly what this post should be about. Yeah, yeah. Type, type, type. So I was thinking.. Eh, I seriously feel too sick to think. Yeah, I'm sitting on my couch feeling half-dead. But I'll do something anyway.

So I've been blog surfing lately, and have noticed something: Reading is the source of good writing. The most amazing, inspirational, etc., etc. writing (Seriously, I could use half a dictionary worth of adjectives describing people's writing.) usually sprouts from the minds of people who read 24/7.

I'm sure everyone already knows this, because it's a bit of common sense mixed with a writer's intuition to know this, but I just think that it's really cool how, after I've read an amazing book, I feel a surge of enthusiasm, and I find that my writing style has been tweaked, for better or for worse.

I guess that each time I stare at a page, covered in inked letters, those words become imprinted in my mind.

I've read hundreds of books and I've lived hundreds of lives. I've been taught to think different ways, have different emotions, and do anything. But the thing is, there are only so many books that are amazing enough to make you feel as if you've become a different person.

So what do you do? You write the books you wish you could read.

It's a pretty old quote, but truthful despite anything. I mean, it's true, isn't it?

So here's the big question: Why do you write? Seriously, why?Why do you spend all this time, writing? Think about it. Really think about it. Now say it out loud. Don't be afraid, just say it. Now, do you understand? If you don't, think a little more.

Comment why you write, and remember, I'll try to post more often.

Catch 'ya later,

Anjali

I've Been Writing..

So something's been bothering me lately. Recently, I switched from working on Water Under The Bridge to another novel I started, which is currently untitled. So I was wondering.. is it okay?

I know that sounds really stupid. Feeling guilty about switching my main focus on to something else. I guess everyone's done something like that at least once. But I feel like maybe if I start now, I'll switch again with another idea, and again, and again, and again. But it's probably just me being paranoid.

So I've made a solemn oath oath to stick with the novel I'm working on now. I mean, I'll still write for my other stories, but I'll keep my main priority clear.

So basically I just posted this to remind myself if I ever forget this little promise. Silly, huh?

Anyway, I'll post soon!

Anjali

Facts in Fantasy Part Two

So because in my earlier post I somehow (heh.) managed to get completely off topic and stay that way. So now I'm basically going to try again. So, we were talking about fantasy.

Fantasy. I think the first thing that comes to mind for me are reasons why it's fantasy. Maybe that's just me. I think that I've always been a bit edgy when it came to categorizing books into certain genres. Anyway, I get so worked up about that, that I read the entire novel doing that. Then I go back and read it again. You know, to actually know what I had read. And that's when the magic happens.

Words seem peel off of the crisp white pages, and characters simply dance out of the paragraphs. A setting is painted out, and so is the idea and tension of what's happening. The more I read fantasy, the more I relate to the characters.

There has always been a major misconception about fantasy. Yes, sometimes it is about mythological creatures sometimes, but so what? Truthfully, it doesn't affect the book that much. Why? Because those words were sown together by a human being. A human being with feelings just like the rest of us. Those feelings? Well, they affect the story. For example, if the author happens to be having a particularly bad day, she/he might right a really depressing scene, adding more details then she/he might have if they were happy, or annoyed.

So even if the story is.. is about some kind of cheerful fairy, know that there's more to it. Turmoil, self-conflict, something's going on. Maybe that innocent little fairy is truly being forced act as if nothing is wrong, just protect her loved ones. And you'll never hear her brave tale because you couldn't see past the cover.

So I guess what I'm saying is, that every character and every conflict are more similar to us than you think. Everyone's fighting their own battle, right? So, what's so wrong about reading about a battle written on paper. So it's just a figment of someone's imagination? Well, we're basically figments of life, dolls played with by the child of fate. What's so wrong about fantasy?

This is why, after someone says fantasy immature or lame around me, they usually end up dumbfounded or fuming. Fantasy is one of my favorite genres to both read and write, and it inspires. And it should.

Fantasy, I think, is unique because anything can happen. I mean, Happily Ever After started in fantasy, after all. Fantasy is sort of like a gateway out of this world, into another mysterious, beautiful one. Not to escape from your own world, but to experience a new one.

So, in a way, fantasy sort of like an airplane. It goes everywhere, is ridden by just about everyone, and always feels like it's a world all it's own.

When it comes to fantasy, hands down, it is awesome. I feel kind of stupid going through all that to end with "It's awesome.", but it's true. Fantasy is awesomely unique in a way that.. Literally anything can happen.

Comment your thoughts about anything, and tell me exactly what you think, about basically anything mentioned in this post.

I'll (Probably) remember to post later!

Anjali

Facts in Fantasy

I have to agree; what I'm about to say is kind of stereotypical. 50% of teen writers write fantasy. Go ahead and deny it, or ridicule me for saying this, but someone had come out and tell everyone. Teens write fantasy. What's wrong with that? Nothing.

So why does it seem wrong? Why does it.. feel wrong? Because of writer's reasons. Writing is a privilege, and the term writer can't be used loosely.

Teens are usually going through a time in their life when nothing makes sense. The world feels upside down and you can't trust anyone but yourself. You just want to escape to another world. And that's exactly what you do.

You write to take away the pain. I'm not saying this is bad, because using those strong emotions to inspire your writing is great, but sometimes not practical. Sometimes people write about things they want to happen to them, which sort of takes the plot, crumples it up, and throws it in the recycling bin (Go green even when times are blue!). But what exactly do people want?

Perfection. Beauty. Money. Fame. Love. And so many other things. But that's not enough, no. We're talking about a writer here. Meaning she/he will probably want to give their MC (Who is a Mary- Sue, in the type of writing I'm talking about.) a power, or a long lost twin sister, or an evil scientist neighbor, or something. I'm sure those ideas would be pretty cool, if they're written for good intentions.

So here's the big question. Are you writing for writing's sake, or for your sake? Are you writing for a creative outlet, or are you writing to be writing. Anyway, big questions, and I'm off topic. Actually, I was never on topic.

Yes, I started out on talking about fantasy, but I didn't really talk about it. Instead of ranting (I do that a lot.) I think I'll actually type something (Not really.) useful for once.

Fantasy. No, it's not fluttering fairies or notorious gnomes. Fantasy may include those things, but really, when do you ever see anything as stereotypical as the stereotypes?

Millions of people write. Millions. At least a 1/5 of those people write fantasy. About 1/25 of that 1/5 have something to do with magical creature. And, yes, I'm one of those people (Except it was something I never finished that I started four years ago.). That's not a bad thing, but I want to explain.

Stereotypes. I swear, I'll have another post on stereotypes alone someday, but for now, this'll have to do. I hate stereotypes to the point that whoever says something stereotypical around me, they won't be the same afterwards. But stereotypes about writing?

That crosses the line. That fantasy is always about mythical creatures, and when it is, a stereotypical image comes to mind. I should stop ranting, again, before I rant your heads off.

Back to fantasy. I love writing fantasy as much as I love writing anything else. You know, except nonfiction. I'll post about nonfiction later. Anyway, I have to say, that someone who is able write breath-taking sci-fi should be able to write fantasy. Someone who writes amazing poetry should be able to write realistic fiction.

A writer should be able to write. That's what makes them writers, right.

So, as I'm writing this, I've realized that I'm in too much of an off topic mood to actually be on topic for once. So I'll just continue this post later. You know, when I don't feel as lazy.

Well, share your opinions about fantasy, writing and/or stereotypes. So many topics that I don't even remember the original topic. Whatever. Anyway, Comment your opinions!

Will post as soon as I can,

Anjali

To Be A Writer

Writing.

What does it mean?

Putting pencil to paper, finger to keyboard, mind to soul.

Writing is about expressing yourself. It's about pouring your heart and soul, your blood, sweat and tears into your writing, and then standing back and seeing it reach the top. So if this is what writing is, then what does it mean to be a writer?

I am a writer. No, I'm not afraid to say it. Ally, who is a super awesome writer and blogger, inspired me with her post (here).

People are afraid. More specifically, writers are afraid. One thing that comes along with being a writer is being judged easily. From you to your book, people will try to judge, because it's human nature.

If you met someone who said they were an artist, what would you think? I think that most people would go to the stereotypical image of a lain-back, messy, hippie person with a closet filled with paint splattered clothes. But what does it mean to be an artist? Writing is an art, so we can call ourselves artists even when we're the opposite of the stereotype.

The opinion of others is basically the hardest thing to face in writing. You can go through long, hard hours of editing. You can sprain your fingers from all that typing. But eventually it comes to this.

Your writing is your child. On the first day of school, you want it to look beautiful, and to be well-liked. But sometimes they are bullied, and come home crying. So how do you face that?

You believe.

Yes, as cheesy as it sounds, you have to believe in your novel. If you hadn't believed it would make it in the first place, why did you write it?

So remember what it was like before you started writing this. Remember to back when you just had a glimpse of a mysterious wisp of an idea. Remember.

Other's opinions do matter, though. They tell you if there's anything that you oversaw. They're your backup eyes, helping you. But it depends on you whether you want to accept that help or not.

Now, you know what scares people about writing, when you're a writer. But what will most people think when someone says that he/she is a writer.

Writing? Why in the world is that child writing when she/he should be studying?! Finals are in three months!

Oh dear. Did you just say you're a writer? I hope you're not serious. Who has time to read anymore? All you kids with your new, shiny gadgets! No one reads! They're all too busy shoving their heads into digital screens!

You? A writer? Who'd you think you are, kid? J.K. Rowling? You're not even old enough to vote, what do you know 'bout writing?

This is what no one ever wants to hear. No one wants to be told they can't follow their dreams, and that is exactly what it is. But instead of being hurt by this, you should take it as a challenge, proving to whoever says these things that you can make it!

Because being a writer is hard work. People taunt and tease, but you have to go on through life, and you write. You write your feelings away, until you're lost in another world, or are in the future, or are on a quest to save the world, or something like that.

Writing hurts, but at the end, you're the one that's in the spotlight.

Who wants to be a writer now?

I'll post soon,

Anjali

The Blogging Streak

The name's Anjali. I could go into a lot of detail, but to make it simple, I'm a writer. And I just want to say that I have a reputation of starting unsuccessful blogs, but this time I'm going to make a promise that I won't abandon this blog. Hopefully.

Anyway, I guess I should tell whoever (If anyone's out there reading this) about me. I guess you can already tell that I love writing. I have some novels in progress and am focusing on my novel, Water Under The Bridge. I also really like art, and, to be specific, drawing.

I'd say I'm pretty young to be writing a novel. And when I say young, I mean young. So don't judge when I tell you how old I am. I'm twelve. Ok, so I'm guessing about half of whoever's reading this probably just judged me a second ago. But I want to know, if adults say teen writing fails because they aren't experienced enough (Not true) it is always denied by teenagers. So whether someone my age, or a teen, or an adult is reading this, most of you will probably say whatever is said to teens to me. Sorry about the mini-rant, but this is a topic that irritates me.

So I guess I can't really say much more.. well, I guess I'll just end on a promise.

I promise that I will update at least once a week.

-Anjali