Writing doesn't have to make sense

If you saw the title of this blog post, likely you're a bit confused. What on earth do I mean when I say that writing doesn't have to make sense? Obviously I'm not talking about writing that you submit to a magazine or a publisher. I'm talking about writing that soothes your soul. Any writer will tell you that the urge to sit down and write is ever-present. I even carry a small notebook and pen with me everywhere I go. You never know when inspiration will strike. I've been known to pull my car over to the side of the road to jot something down, just ask my kids. The message I want to share with you is that the first time you write something, it doesn't have to make sense to anyone but you. That's what editing is for.

I have countless poems that have one or two sentences, and they would look ridiculous to anyone else. Yet I know that over time as I work on them, I can craft some thing beautiful. I avoided writing as a teenager because I hated everything that I wrote. In my early twenties I still hated everything I wrote, but I couldn't fight my urge to write. So I filled tons of notebooks full of nonsense. Most of that early writing ended up in the recycle bin, stashed under my bed, or anywhere else I could squirrel it away. It may not have made me a published author, but it did make me a better writer. Of course it wasn't until I started writing every day that I started to love my writing. I'm still critical of it, but I'm grateful to be able to sit down and write.

If you dream of writing, but you worry that everything you write is nonsense. It's okay, just keep writing. Eventually your words will come together, to tell the story you want to tell.


Have a magical day!

Kates

Finding my place

It has always fascinated me when people are so sure about what they want to do with their lives. People who have dreamed since childhood to be doctors or lawyers, only to grow up and achieve that goal.

I live in a state of constantly evolving interests. Sure I had childhood aspirations, but even as a young person I couldn't quite commit to any certain "dream job." I suppose that's why I write. I can put pen to paper and ramble on about anything. I can create characters that are doctors, lawyers, or even dark fairy queens. My ever changing voice is what makes me writing unique.

Because I don't think in a traditional way, I convinced myself from an early age that I was unworthy. I found myself always on the wrong side of things, and I struggled socially and academically. When you believe that no matter how hard you try that you're guaranteed to fail. It becomes difficult to even want to try. The endless worry leads to burnout, and you are left feeling even more worthless.

It wasn't until I found myself in a place where life had kicked me down more times than I could count. That I let go of fear, and made the choice to be unapologetically me.

I'm a writer. I always have been, even when I thought I couldn't be.


Have a magical day!

Kates

Poetry inspiration for September

Hello lovelies!

Often when people hear I'm a writer, they tell me that they wish they could write more. They express not knowing what to write about. That's why I love creating prompts. It's a great way to start the practice of writing every day. Pick one that inspires you, or challenge yourself to write for each prompt.

Here's some inspiration for the month of September.


Happy writing friends!

Hi I'm Kates! Welcome to my creepy and magical corner of the internet. I started writing daily when my oldest son was hospitalized in September 2018. Writing became my happy place.

 I have two rambunctious and loving little boys. My oldest son has Autism, OCD, and Mast Cell Activation syndrome. He loves chess, Legos, and video games. My youngest son is one of the most unique people I've had the pleasure of sharing space with. He loves super heroes, nature, and painting. We lovingly call him Wolfman. I'm happily married to my favorite human over the age of nine.


 I created Spellbound Poetry and Books to share my love of horror and fantasy writing. I enjoy creating prompts and sharing poetry created by poets on Instagram. I also love reading, and sharing my thoughts with you about the books I'm reading. I'm still stumbling through The Shining, and I hope to host lots of horror and fantasy read-alongs.

 I'm working on, and hope to release my first chapbook soon. I've completed a collection of short stories that I'm currently editing, and I'm in the process of writing a novel.


 I have the privilege of being a co-editor of @graveyard_shift_poetry on Instagram with my friend @bettie_schade. Graveyard is a wonderful page that welcomes all writers to explore the darker side of themselves. We also have a lot of fun.


 Thanks again for being here, and I look forward to sharing lots of writing, and other fun stuff with you. Tell me a little bit about yourself in the comments. What's your favorite scary book? What's your favorite fairy tale? If you're a writer, what's your favorite genre to write? Have a magical day!

🖤 Kates