Friday 4 January 2013

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

*****

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.

12 comments:

  1. Hi Dotti,
    I'm curious to come over and have a look now. Sounds like a good way to stimulate not only blog posts but whole ideas for new novels.

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    1. Hi Paula, I hope we have some fun with it. As for entire novels... wouldn't that be amazing? :)
      Blessings
      Dotti xx

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  2. Well done Dotti. Sounds fun. My problem is that I always have notebooks jampacked with ideas and no time to write them. Looking forward therefore to 3 months of being in recovery mode soon to have time to smell the roses and to WRITE to my heart's content.

    Enjoy your 52 steps....! I know you will.
    As for me.... taking even a step forward physically will soon be a big challenge. All the more reason to trying 52 steps in the writing arena!

    Have a great writing year,
    Anusha

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    1. Hi Anusha,
      All the best with your recovery. I hope it goes by quickly and you still get to fill your days with writing. xx

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  3. Yesteryear! I love the sound of that Dottie, but then I am a confirmed lover of historical novels. Time, some attitudes, and situations may change, but inwardly people remain the same. Adding the Lord to the equation makes all the difference.

    Must drop by Ink Dots to see where you're headed on this.

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    1. Hi Rita, thanks so much for visiting at Ink Dots. I appreciate your encouragement.
      I know you're a fellow history nut.
      Blessings
      Dotti xx

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  4. I am thinking that is a great idea, but right now I am trying to get book 2 out by the end of this year. So I am only working on that. But if I need a break....

    I am glad I am not the only one who somrtimes don't know what to blog....
    MEL

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    1. Yes, I think it's fun to find inspiration in unusual places. I hope you get to play along some time too, Melanie. Good luck with your book 2. xx

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