Inspiration

Appreciating Our Mistakes

Hello, Readers!

We all fail sometimes. We all make mistakes. But it’s through these failures and through these mistakes that we learn how to do better.

As a writer I have made many mistakes. From writing all around perfect characters to writing super cheesy scenes where my characters are laughing for no reason (don’t ask), I’ve made a lot. 

I tend to look back at my old stories and just cringe over how horrible they are and wonder how on earth I used to share them with people. Like, honestly – what was I thinking?

But now I’m trying to look back at those cringe-worthy stories and appreciate them. Because the fact is, I loved writing those stories. And if I hadn’t made all those mistakes, I wouldn’t be where I am now in my writing. I wouldn’t have learned how to create good characters or how to write meaningful scenes.

The same goes for anyone. We all make mistakes and while we might beat ourselves up over them, I think it’s important to look back at those mistakes – those failures – and really appreciate them. Because that’s how we learn. 

We never start off doing something perfectly. We have to fall and mess up now and then. And when we press on despite those failures, that’s how we improve. 

It can be frustrating – especially after trying so many times, but the important thing to remember is that you’re learning. And if you give up, you’re never going to know how you can soar.

So dear reader, don’t give up. Don’t waste your time complaining about your mistakes, but rather work to make them right. You have the potential, so keep trying no matter what. <3 

Talk to me!

What are some mistakes you've made? How did you learn from them?

“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”
Hebrews 12:11 (NIV)

Enjoyed the post? Join my email list to never miss a thing!



The Little Things + Giveaway Winner Announced!

Good morning, readers!

I don’t know about you, but I have always been all about the little things in life.

The sound of rain hitting pool water, creating splashes and ripples.

The smell of coffee that travels through the house in the morning.

Bright green grass contrasting a grey sky. 

The small, simple pleasures that brighten up our every day lives can serve not just as something to make us smile, but also as a huge inspiration.

As a writer I am inspired by many things – movies, TV shows, quotes, etc. But sometimes what inspires me the most are the little things in life. Things that I would never expect to serve as such a huge inspiration to me.

For example, the title for my sequel to True Colors came entirely from my mom. I was watching her make something in Adobe Photoshop and she said, “I’m painting away the darkness.”

I remember immediately writing that down because it sounded so neat to me and sure enough – I ended up naming the sequel Painting Away The Darkness.

I will always be so happy that I sat beside her as she worked that morning, because if I hadn’t, I don’t know what I would have named my book. Sure, I could have come up with something, but this title is absolutely perfect and probably something I wouldn’t have been able to come up with on my own. 

If I hadn’t been sitting beside my mom that morning, my mom wouldn’t have even said those words. She wouldn’t have been talking to herself like that. Isn’t that crazy? It’s almost like it was fate. I was meant to sit there at that time. My mom was meant to say those words so that I could name my book that when the time was right.

That little moment was meant to happen so that a spark of inspiration would light up inside of me and become the title for my book.

Guys, you’ve heard it all before, but it’s true – inspiration can come from anywhere.

Maybe your next big story idea will come to you in a dream.

Maybe your next character will be inspired by the cashier at the grocery store that you see every week.

Maybe the school you go to every day will suddenly inspire you and become a setting in your book.

Whatever it is – use it. Write it down instantly. Because inspiration can melt as quickly as it sparks.

This week I want to challenge you to pay more attention to the little things in life; not just for inspiration for your next big story, but for yourself. Because sometimes we take the little things in life for granted. What little thing we once enjoyed or was a part of our life for years – it can suddenly fade away without your even realizing it.

So look for the little things in your life and celebrate them each and every day. <3

Now, who is ready to find out who the winner of the $15 Barnes & Noble Giftcard is? I AM! 😀

The winner selected at random is none other than…. *insert drumroll here*

ANIKA WALKES! 

Congratulations, Anika! I am so excited for you! 😀

I will be emailing you soon about your prize, so be on the lookout for it! 

Thank you all so much for your love and support that you have shown me. I can’t tell you how happy it makes me each time I get a new comment or a new follower. You all are the best. <3 

Talk to me!

Where do you get your inspiration? What was one way something small greatly inspired you? What are some little things you enjoy in life?

Enjoyed the post? Join my email list to never miss a thing!