Chase your Dreams and Write

Hello fellow creatives,

Inside each of us, there is something that ignites passion in our hearts and creates purpose in our soul. It’s no easy task admitting that what we covet is at odds with our current life. It seems unattainable and foreign. Utterly terrifying. That’s when you’ll know you’re onto something: for if your dreams don’t scare you, then they’re not big enough.

‘I have lots of things to prove to myself. One is that I can live my life fearlessly.’ – Oprah Winfrey.

Don’t hide in fear, grasp that force and channel it. Hold the big picture, your dream, clearly in your mind, without doubt and enjoy the sensations as you imagine yourself having already achieved your dreams.

‘Never be ashamed! There’s some who will hold it against you, but they are not worth bothering with.’ – J. K. Rowling.

Forget the people who mock your dreams; they won’t help you succeed. You need to surround yourself with like-minded individuals who motivate and encourage you to prosper.

‘You will never find time for anything. You must make it.’ –  Charles Buxton. M

Don’t fool yourself with the belief that you’ll have time for your dreams in the future… there’s never a better time than now. Magical thinking won’t manifet your aspirations, you need to take action.  To work with commitment towards your goals. Building knowledge, connections or funds. The road will be long and at times difficult. But true failure only comes when you quit.

‘Remember to celebrate milestones as you prepare for the road ahead.’ – Nelson Mandela.

Equal importance should be given to each and every milestone. No matter how small. Don’t neglect or underestimate them. For each miniature victory is a step towards achieving your dreams.

Now go chase them!!!

What dream are you working towards? Tell me about you recent milestone. We have a great community of motivators… so let’s celebrate our journey together.

Don’t forget to leave a comment and share your thoughts. You know I love hearing from you.

Thanks for stopping by, until next time, Much Love.

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© Author Lorraine Ambers and http://www.lorraineambers.com, 2021.

Powerful Influences in Writing.

We explore the world around us through things we hear, see and experience. So I guess it’s natural to expect the current crisis to slip into our writing. Should we sensor our words to protect other peoples feelings? Should we avoid subjects, because they might be deemed inappropriate?

As writers we’re told to research, to write what we know, to have empathy for our fellow humans. This is how we learn to write from their perspective. With the Coronavirus pandemic on the forefront of everyone’s mind, it’s not surprising it slipped into my latest WIP.

I think in times of crisis it’s the artists responsibility to dig a little deeper.

~ Bruce Pavitt.

Yesterday, I did a hard cull of all traces of the conspiracy theory I’d just invented. It was too close to the bone, and too horrifying to write. I had palpitations thinking about the potential persecution I’d face.

I’m a strong believer that we don’t need anymore fuel added to the fear-fire. And yet, I’m aware of the benefits to writing about what scares you. The unknown, the strange, the grotesque. How else are we suppose to make sense of the things that form our day-to-day world?

There is no ‘right’ way to make art. The only wrong is in not trying, not doing. Don’t put barriers up that aren’t there – just get to work and make something.

~ Lisa Golightly

In this time of crisis, when everyone is maintaining a calm, sensible approach. I wonder how many writers are releasing some of that pent up anxiety and terror onto paper?

Do you have a favorite quote you’d like to share? Are you writing about the current crisis? Has something similar slipped into your work? Please share your experience, you know I love hearing from you.

Thanks for stopping by, until next time, Much Love.

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© Author Lorraine Ambers and http://www.lorraineambers.com, 2020.

Dream Big and Get Writing

What should we do when life reveals itself as a broken fairy-tale? Unlike a fantasy novel, there is no white knight to save us. The first step is realization: Our world is what we make it.

How do you create your best life? How do you discover your life’s purpose? 

Follow these simple rules:

• Do the things that ignite your passion,
• Dare to dream,
• Become the person you aspire to be
• And most importantly, take the steps to achieve those goals.

As writers we know how to hold on the vision; no one else is going to plot, draft or edit our stories. Everyday we create something new; pen to paper, fingers tapping at the key board. Over time, we hold something more than just a finished story in our hands, we gain experience, build a writing community and build upon our social media platforms.

We are the ultimate creators of our reality, each word, each rejection, each new connection or failed attempt only brings us closer to the place we all want to reach – to have readers fall in love with our words; to experience something profound or moving, to feel a sense of kinship to the trial and tribulations our characters journey through, to escape and pleasure in our fictional worlds. 

The last thing any creative wants, is to experience a burnout: Writers block. Our imagination and determination dries up, causing our writing to come to a grinding halt. We need to listen to our mind and bodies, to slow down when things get tough. The last thing we need is to exasperate the problem, making the journey to getting back on track even harder.

I’ve had my share of falling down the rabbit hole of procrastination, of not paying attention to self-care and letting stress take its toll. After the exuberance of the Christmas holidays and the celebrations of a new year, I’ve struggled to slip back into my old writing habits. In search of some much needed motivation, I stumbled across this enlightening YouTube clip. 

Psychological well-being by Nina Ellis-Hervey at TED

Nina is an inspirational woman, who has learnt valuable lessons from her failures and strives to encourage others, that they too, can achieve anything they put their minds too.

So to all of my fellow writers, as Nina says,

Dream big or not at all.

Do you have a favorite motivational or inspirational quote or video clip you’d like to share? We all need encouragement and support, and you know I love hearing from you.

Thanks for stopping by, until next time, Much Love.

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© Author Lorraine Ambers and http://www.lorraineambers.com, 2020.

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The Power of Perseverance

Passion fills us with a burning desire to create, to manifest, to complete the things that bring us joy. It’s the passion that drives love, allowing us to learn, grow and develop. But what happens when that passion dries up, it no longer fills you with desire because the love has grown cold?

It doesn’t matter if we’re talking about a business venture, romantic partner or in my case writing a novel, the outcome is still the same… boredom, procrastination and maybe a bit of resentment.

The options are set; do you continue onwards swimming against the tide? Or do you bundle all of your hopes and dreams into a boat and let the water carry it off into the distance?

This is where the Power of Perseverance comes in: It’s not easy, and it’s not a golden moment of clarity and joy. This is the part where we graft for what we once believed in, safe in the knowledge that all the effort we’ve put in is worth something valuable.

Yes, maybe changes are needed to bring it into alignment with who you are today, or how your business works in an ever-evolving world. Maybe that novel won’t get published, maybe we accept that in some way we failed.

But all is not lost. Take a long hard look at the journey you’ve been on, see where all of your past experiences have enabled you to grow.

My first novel is something I’m incredibly proud of. Unfortunately, it was not picked up by an agent, and I’m fine with that. Why? Because of how much I learned throughout that process. The same applies to my second and third novels, they offer a glimmer of hope. A stepping stone to where one day I will be, whilst allowing me to improve and become great at my craft.

If I dropped my pen and vowed to never write another word, then nothing would ever be achieved.

Here are some great quotes to keep you motivated and help you on your way:

“When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hang on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn.” – Harriet Beecher Stowe.

“Pain is temporary. it may last a minute, an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever.” – Lance Armstrong.

Stay strong, keep going and remember… I believe in you!

Do you have a favourite quote based on the theme – Don’t quit? If so, please share it. You know I love hearing from you.

Thanks for stopping by.

Until next time, Much Love.

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© Author Lorraine Ambers and http://www.lorraineambers.com, 2019.

Three Tips to Harness your Creativity

Today I want to introduce my 3 tips on how to keep your creativity cup full and overflowing.

We all have divine times where our creativity is bursting into life. Where the sun sparkles, the birds chirp and we become our own version of a Disney character. Filled with the joy of a new quest, the pen becomes an extension of our essence and the words simply flow.

Unfortunately, the opposite is also true. When life has dealt us the short-straw, the world around us dulls to greys, and putting one word in front of the other becomes impossible. Some call it writer’s block, I call it writer’s burnout. The stress and strain of life take its toll. Robbing the very thing that we held most dear:

Our passion. Our creativity. Our art.

Tip One: Silence that inner critique and keep going despite its cruel taunts. Remember that every artist goes through times of self-doubt, the secret to overcoming them is to reach out to those around you for support. I’m a huge champion of this blogging community, they have become a virtual family, offering words of encouragement from a like-minded perspective. I love you all.

Twitters #writingcommunity is another great resource. For more practical advice on conquering this negative beast; read my post on  Overcoming Self-doubt.

“The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.”
― Sylvia Plath

Tip Two: Allow yourself time to fuel your Inspiration. There is an abundance of beauty in the world, use everything in your disposal to re-boost your creativity. Books, movies, art, nature or even the hustle and bustle of a busy town. Take nothing for granted. Though every story has been told before, it has never been expressed by you. So feast on the stories surrounding you and then retell the tale.

“There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and will be lost.”
― Martha Graham

Tip Three: Let’s not forget that without darkness it’s hard to admire the light. Many artists, myself included, struggle with mental health issues. In times like these, be kind to yourself and practice the steps that help you into recovery. Though you won’t appreciate it at the time, our art is often made stronger for our empathy and compassion to the burdens of life. It is the silver lining to a thunderous storm.

“One must still have chaos in oneself to be able to give birth to a dancing star.”
― Friedrich Nietzsche

Thanks for stopping by.

Do you have a tip on harnessing creativity? Why not share it with me?

You know I love hearing from you.

Until next time, Much Love.

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© Author Lorraine Ambers and http://www.lorraineambers.com, 2018.

Perseverance in your Dream

There comes a time in everyone’s journey to success where the depths seem too deep, the mountain too high and the dream too far.

It’s easy to talk about goals and accomplishments when were in a positive place, the true test of our resilience happens when we’ve sunk below deck, absorbed the inky ocean colours and turned midnight- blue.

During those harrowing times, self-compassion and self-love sound like fairy-tales, told to wayward travellers who can only ponder at the creatures dwelling below the surface.

photo credit: Women Underwater via photopin (license)

For my fellow drifters, hang tight and wait for your anchor to be called home. And remember you’re not alone in the world, there are artists and dreamers who have been where you are. The glimmering sun is just beyond the surface, sometimes we need to kick, push against the tide and persevere.

Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish.

– John Quincy Adams

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I will leave you with a couple of inspirational quotes and links to my popular posts in the hope that they help keep you afloat.

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5 Tips for Overcoming Doubt

Writers have faith in your dreams.

Enjoy the Writing Journey.

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Remember, it isn’t the dreamers who have good lives – it’s the doers. Remember also what I call the three Ps of success: passion, planning, and perseverance.

– Homer Hickam

How’s your WIP coming along? Share with me your tips for perseverance. You know I love hearing from you. Thanks for stopping by.

Until next time, Much Love.

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© Author Lorraine Ambers and http://www.lorraineambers.com, 2018.

Inspirational Quotes for Writers

Taking inspiration from every available source is in our best interest as writers. And Einstein’s view of the world is a great place to start. Let’s take a closer look at some of my favourite quotes and how we can apply them.

“Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.”

“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.”

By creating new and innovative worlds we can reflect upon our own reality and lift it to new heights. Never take for granted the powerful gift we writers have, to use the knowledge that surrounds us and expand our reader’s consciousness through empathy for all characters and their circumstances.

When outlining plot and character arcs, remember Einstein’s advice: The chaos created, will need a different way of thinking, a more positive action to return the story to a harmonious outcome.

“The important thing is to not stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.”

“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.”

By taking a curious look at the world around us, we create well rounded characters which in turn allow us to grow as humans.

The same applies with nature, for the fundamental building blocks are used to build literary worlds. Using sounds, smells, textures and taste. Even the patterns of how people interact. As a writer, you should become an avid watcher; take a keen interest in the vivid, vibrant world around you.

“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”

“If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.”

Appreciate your unique abilities to write, for no one else can tell the story the way you do, no one else has your voice to tell it in. Maybe you can’t run a marathon, or cook, or you’re terrible at maths… join the club, but we can write.

I love Einstein’s last piece of advice: If your writing isn’t clear, then your readers won’t understand it. Simple.

As always, Thanks for stopping by.

What’s your favourite Einstein and why does it resonate with you? You know I love hearing from you.

Until next time, Much Love Xx

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© Author Lorraine Ambers and http://www.lorraineambers.com, 2018.

Positive Quotes: Create your Destiny.

Every creator needs inspiration, a muse, a way of seeing the world around them. This week we’re taking a look inside the mind of a writer, This Writer – points a finger at her chest, to discover the journey of Creating your Destiny. Do you identify with any of the following 5 quotes? If so, what do they mean for you? Enjoy!

Photo by Matheus Bertelli from Pexels

The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt. ~Sylvia Plath

From the outset there’ll be a Wicked Gremlin whispering all of your faults to you. And to be able to create you must learn to silence or at least ignore that pesky Gremlin. Set aside your self-doubt and begin.

Creativity requires the courage to let go of certainties. ~Erich Fromm

Letting go of that Gremlin requires courage. There are million and one reasons why you haven’t started, or shouldn’t carry on. But what about that one good reason to begin? Find your courage and let your imagination take flight.

Anxiety is part of creativity, the need to get something out. ~David Duchovny

It’s ok not to have your shit together. It’s ok that you have baggage. In fact, it’s bloody marvellous. Use your experiences as fuel. Like the fairy tale of the girl who spun straw to gold.

Creativity has got to start with humanity and when you’re a human being, you feel, you suffer. ~Marilyn Monroe

Take those bad times and allow them to glitter on the pages, humanity is something we can all identify and connect with.

Enthusiasm is excitement with inspiration, motivation, and a pinch of creativity. ~Bo Bennett

Now that you’re on your way, cherish your passion, knowing that the gift to create has been bestowed upon you and will carry you through the highs and lows of life.

Go create your own destiny!!!

Thanks for stopping by. Do you have a quote based on the theme: Creativity? If so, please share it with me. Or tell me which quote you most identified with and why.

You know I love hearing from you. Until next time, Much Love x

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© Author Lorraine Ambers and http://www.lorraineambers.com, 2018.

Positive quotes: Don’t Fear

Everyone needs a little boost. A dose of positivity, and a reminder that no matter what your dreams are – you can do it! Here are this weeks 3 inspirational quotes biased on the theme: Don’t Fear. Enjoy!

“So please ask yourself:
What would I do if I weren’t afraid?
And then go do it.”

– Sheryl Sandberg.

“Even the greatest was once a beginner.
Don’t be afraid to take that first step.”

-Rita Ghatourey

“Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, to stumble and fall because most of the time, the greatest rewards come from doing the things that scare us the most.
Maybe you’ll get everything you wished for.
Maybe you’ll get more than you ever could have imagined.
Who knows where life could take you.
The road is long and in the end, the journey is the destination.”

-Unknown

Thanks for stopping by. Do you have a quote  based on the theme – Don’t Fear?`If so, please share it. You know I love hearing from you. Until next time, Much Love.

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© Author Lorraine Ambers and http://www.lorraineambers.com, 2018.