Get back to that keyboard

Well, it's been a while since I wrote a proper blog (no developments on the attempt to earn from it as yet) and I thought it was time to start up again.

The last few months have been a little difficult - my depression makes it hard to find the enthusiasm to do anything - and as a result my writing has stopped completely. 

It's a bit of a vicious cycle as I feel even more down when I stare at the screen and can't even write a simple piece.

Anyway, my wife has finally convinced me to pick up one of the many part written/half conceived stories and have a serious go at finishing it off. 

At the same time I'm also looking into putting together a few of my short stories and creating a Kindle book. If nothing else, it will keep me occupied and might even be enjoyed by at least one person...

The hardest part for me now is deciding which story I feel most comfortable in trying to develop into a book. They say you should write what you know which has reduced it to two choices. I love sci-fi, so that offers one of my routes, but I have started a book with hints of self biography (only in so much as the main character has led a similar life, but without all the cock-ups) and a list of characters drawn from real life.

To be honest, the sci-fi feels a bit of a shambles (different parts seem to be different books) so I suspect I will be writing option 2.

I'm going to try to blog as much as possible, as well as work on the book every day. Maybe the last few months will prove to be the push I needed to actually finish writing at least one book.

Thanks for visiting

Neil

Writing to blog or blogging to write?

Recently I've been neglecting this blog.

I began a few months ago with such good intentions – I was going to (and did at first) write every day. Now, I write once or twice a week.

What happened?

I think it's much harder to maintain a regular, interesting output than many of us realise. I certainly admire those who manage it. I have made a number of attempts to write and abandoned them as dull or pointless.

However, I have decided to make an extra effort. After all, this is what writing is about – finding something to write about.

Last week I spent the week working as an office temp. The photography business is dead and I need money, which means returning to the workplace. Last week was the first work my agency has found me.

I was a little concerned as I haven't worked in an office since last year. I worried whether I would be too 'rusty', or even too used to my own company. I needn't have worried. I was employed to help catch up on a backlog of work going back to last year. The expectation was for me to put a good sized dent in the work in order for the permanent employee to begin getting on top of it.

It was almost too easy. I cleared the entire backlog and brought everything up to date. By Friday I had nothing to do.

This was a massive relief to me as I was able to confirm all this time at home hasn't eroded my work ethic; nor my ability to work efficiently. I think my writing must take some of the credit for this. I have probably spent as much time at my home desk as I would at the office. My typing has never been superfast – I just can't learn to type, although I can find the keys in the dark (weird) - but it has definitely improved since I returned to writing.

I'm now trying to find more temping while I also seek permanent employment. Until then, I intend writing something on this blog as often as possible. I'm sure much will be the usual rambling rubbish, but I hope to also write blogs that entertain, amuse or even provoke conversation. I am a wannabe writer and I need to write if I'm to ever be a real writer.

After all, isn't the point of blogging to write?

Next.....

Well, it's been a long time since my last posting and things have definitely changed.

My employer and I have parted company after a drawn out battle and I find myself seeking employment again.

I received a cash payment which gave me a few months breathing space to decide what to do with my life - unfortunately not sufficient to free me from the bonds of employment for ever - but the time is here for me to return to the workplace.

Unfortunately, the economy is rapidly swirling around the plughole and about to completely disappear down the drain. This makes finding employment extremely difficult.

I decided to return to a job I had many years ago - self employed photographer. Perhaps I should have considered the economy more carefully.........

When belts tighten, people look for ways to cut costs. In this age when every man and his dog owns a digital camera it is much harder to convince anyone they need to pay for a photographer when Uncle Bob can do it for free. It is only after the wedding when they see Uncle Bob's attempts that they realise a couple of hundred pounds for images of their wedding is actually worth spending. Too late.....

Anyway, as a result, I am now at the stage where finances are tighter than a pair of eighties jeans and I desperately need to find work. An employment agency recently informed me I am 'too good' for most of their jobs. While I could take comfort from knowing I'm highly rated at my job, it's no help to be told I can't get work because I'm too good at it!

I'm now considering returning to university as a mature student as I will, at least, be entitled to a student loan as well as have a focus in life (and a reason to get up in the morning). As someone in their forties it is pretty scary to think I might be on the scrapheap as far as employment is concerned. A few years of study might tide me over until this current economic crisis passes and enable me to slip back into employment before the next one arrives......