A New Year's Gift from Dotti

Happy New Year… and welcome to another twelve months in the life of Aussie authors, here at Christian Writers Downunder. There’s much to look forward to as the year cranks into gear. Before we know it, the lazy days of summer will shift to familiar routines. School terms will shape the months for many of us, and even those who don’t march to the school bell will faithfully follow their schedules.

I’m a creature of habit. I love routine. I like to see the diary pages coloured in the predictable, with just enough white paper for a few surprises to sneak in.

Some days, though, I find myself stuck. Held back not by busyness or opportunity, but by inspiration. The calendar says I must write a blog post, but there’s nothing in my head or heart for it.  

Last March, I followed a list of prompts by Fat Mum Slim. She releases a monthly photography challenge and it hooked me at first glance.

I took on the challenge, and turned it into my blogging inspiration. For every picture I took, I wrote a blog post to fit with my love of all things romantic and old fashioned. As inspiration, it worked a treat. I had no trouble coming up with a blog post for 31 days straight, as the topic for each day bubbled away in my head, thanks to Fat Mum Slim’s list.

And I’ve been wondering how to make use of such prodding ever since. 

If you’re like me, stuck for blogging inspiration on occasion, I may have something for you. A gift, for the New Year. 

In 2013 I’m introducing a topic on my blog, Ink Dots, for each Friday of the year called 52 Steps to Yesteryear. I’ve plotted my topics right through to year’s end, and you’re invited to come along. You don’t need to be besotted by all things old, the way I am. All you need is a writer’s imagination.

Less daunting than a monthly challenge, this game is on only once a week. If Fridays come too soon and you’re not sure what to write, take my prompt and turn it into something incredible for next week. Write the first 300 words which come to mind. Imagine the myriad of thoughts we could share, all stemming from the one prompt, as various and flavoursome as the offerings in an ice-cream shop window. You can load them to your blog and I’ll have a linky button set up by next week for you to share them at Ink Dots as well.

I launched my 52 Steps to Yesteryear today. I’m hoping it’ll be a fun way to travel the new year together. I hope you’ll join me for inspiration with a dash of nostalgia and the occasional rosy ribbon of romance at Ink Dots. 

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Dorothy Adamek lives at Crabapple House with her Beloved, their three teenagers and five pampered backyard chickens. She writes historical romance, Aussie style. Follow her love of all thing yesteryear at Ink Dots.