The months ahead are going to be filled with unpredictability. With equal parts dread and hope, I’m stepping into a new phase of life in July. Before I do that, however, I want to put myself in a positive frame of mind. That is why I decided to bring this feature back at this juncture.
The Quote
The future is completely open and we are writing it moment to moment.
– Pema Chodron
I have been so worried about what is forthcoming that I’ve not stopped to appreciate the moments in front of me. Also, I’ve been so consumed by the thought of if I’ll be able to write or not once I begin work that I haven’t worked on my projects besides my blog for quite a long time now. I feel like the last few days of June are the best time for me to plan my future work, regardless of whether I’ll be able to stick to it or not.
The Article
Chances are I’ll be needing all the valuable tips on here soon enough. Even with all the madness that might come with my new job, I have decided to do Camp NaNoWriMo this July. I’m not going to let myself get sorted into any cabin though, because I don’t think I’ll have the time for interaction, and I’m setting myself a very modest goal. I want to see if I can build a consistent writing habit even with my free time shrinking dramatically. Anyway, I found this article to be perfect for those juggling school or full-time jobs but aspire to have a writing career as well.
How to Write a Novel When You Have a Full-Time Life (with author M. J. McGriff) from the Well-Storied Blog [previously She’s Novel]
The Talk
This is the most inspiring, funny and clever speech on writing I’ve ever heard. This is also very popular and most of you may already be familiar with it. This is the keynote address given by celebrated author Neil Gaiman to the graduating class of UArts in 2012.
General Inspiration
What better way to celebrate 20 years of Harry Potter than by a quote from the most beloved children’s series of all time? Albus Dumbledore has dispensed tons of wisdom in his time as headmaster and to this day remains one of the most quotable fictional characters. This is one such vastly profound quote that has stuck with me.
How was June for you? Are you a Potterhead out celebrating 20 years of magic today? Have any more inspiration to share? Let me know in the comments section below.
Pages That Rustle 
The right mindset can go a long way in helping us through change. And having been in situations similar to yours before, I know how exciting and terrifying it can be all at once. But I think you’re doing all the right things by staying positive and planning ahead before your schedule changes and your writing time becomes more limited. Both should help make the transition to the working world a little smoother, without feeling like you’re compromising your passions too much.
LOVE the Neil Gaiman speech. I think you already know that, though. 😉
I still can’t believe the first Harry Potter book is 20 years old. It’s… just… mind-boggling. Not in a bad way, though. And my favorite Dumbledore quote is, “Words are, in my not-so-humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic. Capable of both inflicting injury, and remedying it.”
Sending hugs and good-luck wishes your way! 🙂
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Thanks a lot, Sara! 🙂 It’s good to know from someone more experienced that I’m going the right way. That really helps put a lot of fears to rest.
Haha, yes, I do know. I kind of stole that idea from your post. 😉
Right?! I feel the same. I wasn’t into the books when they first came out because I was only a tiny 2-year-old then and I read the series in 2007 when the last book came out. I wish I was following it from the start, but then I think this was better because I didn’t have to wait between books. I got myself the special Ravenclaw edition to celebrate and I’m joining the Pottermore book club for their read-along. I’m sure it’ll be a lot of fun! 🙂
As a writer, that one is my absolute favourite. I keep quoting that when people ask me why I write. 😂 There are so many of his quotes that I’ve unconsciously memorized through all the re-reading. He’s one of my favourite characters of all time, especially after the seventh book where we realised there was so much more to him than the wise old man we’d encountered thus far. I’m very curious to know what part he’ll play in the new Fantastic Beasts movie series. A young Dumbledore should be very interesting to get to know. 😉
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Yes, well… it took me a long time to learn to have that mindset, and it’s not always easy to maintain. But I do the best I can, because in the end, that’s all we can do, right?
I wasn’t into Harry Potter right away either, actually. My younger brother started reading the books first, and I was going through a phase where I automatically dismissed anything and everything that received a ton of hype. Then I watched the Prisoner of Azkaban movie with a friend, and enjoyed it so much that I felt guilty for not giving the series (both books and films) a fair chance. And by the time Deathly Hallows Part 1 came out, I was completely caught up. 🙂
I agree, Dumbledore is awesome. 🙂 He and Gandalf are two of my favorite mentors in literature, fantasy and otherwise. He always had great insights on any situation. Another quote I remember by him comes from the first book: ““It takes a great deal of courage to stand up to your enemies, but a great deal more to stand up to your friends.”
I can’t wait for Fantastic Beasts 2!! And I’m curious to see a younger Dumbledore, too. And the official title, too. Apparently each movie title is going to start with “Fantastic Beasts and…”. Maybe the next one will be “Fantastic Beasts and How to Catch Them”? Or “How to Tame Them”? Or something else?? 😀
Have fun with the Pottermore re-read, btw!
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Thank you! I hope to. 🙂
Ooh, I did not know about the titles. “How to Tame Them” seems very cool. I hope it’s that! 😁
Prisoner of Azkaban is my favourite movie in the franchise. Just the way it’s shot and how it covers everything of importance – it was an excellent movie, according to me. It was nice to learn how you were introduced to the series. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
I’m with you on Dumbledore and Gandalf. They fill similar roles, yet are actually different. Also, they’re just so quotable and completely badass towards the end. It was such a treat to read their characters. 👌
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I almost wonder if I prefer “How to Catch Them” more, though… Something about that title sounds more exciting. Plus, maybe any beast-taming would be best left as a surprise. 😉
You’re welcome! And yes, I love how Prisoner of Azkaban was filmed as well. It captures the dark undertones that are starting to creep into the series really well. I have to admit, though: My favorite is Deathly Hallows Part 2. It gets me every time, and more than any other Harry Potter film. :’)
Very true about Dumbledore and Gandalf. And Gandalf has some memorable quotes as well. Like, “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” That’s always the first Gandalf quote I think of.
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