Hi there
Today I have set up a brand new blog space which you can follow on https://mywritingnotebook.wordpress.com. My writing challenge will launch tomorrow, with the challenge being for me to learn something every day for a year that will help me improve my writing… and…I will share these with you.
My first words
I have been writing ever since my dad taught me how to hold a pen and in my first journal (that he encouraged me to begin at age of four) he would write the first line and I would copy it underneath. Although nothing exhilarating seemed to happen back then (“we had cornflakes for breakfast” and “it was raining in London today” are a couple of May 1973 entries, so things haven’t changed much) they are all still memories to me and I often take the (now tatty) A4 blue book out of a clear plastic bag and reminisce.
So why do I want to learn more about writing?
I have recently turned 42 and still write by keeping many journals up to date at any one time, writing books (attempting to), jotting down inspirational notes, writing business requirements documents at work, and blogging in my spare time. However my passion to make something more from it, like become an inspiring and successful author, is still burning inside me.
Possibly like many other potential authors, I often say ‘I’m writing a book…’ or ‘I’ve got loads of ideas…’ but have only got as far as publishing chapter one on my website www.tipsandluxuries.com and haven’t had any interest from agents so far. I’m sure my friends and family are wondering if they will ever see the rest of this book and the others I’ve started but not finished!
More about my writing challenge
Although I write every day, I’m not pretending to be an expert writer by any means. I know I have a lot to learn, but with young children and working full-time, I never seem to find the time…and then the thought popped into my head yesterday whilst peeling the potatoes for dinner (cooking and showering reveal my most inspirational ideas!). I came up with this challenge to blog what I learn, which will also be a way for me to teach others at the same time (which is another passion of mine).
So, that’s my challenge – whilst I am waiting for my fame to arrive (ha ha), I will become a better and more concise writer. I will dust off the ‘how to write’ books from my ‘self-help’ shelf in the spare room and actually read them instead of hoping that the contents will miraculously absorb into my brain. I will review websites for useful pieces of information and read all the writing magazines I subscribe to (that sometimes remain in their cellophane).
One year from now, I will be more knowledgeable than I am today, by learning 366 new tips about writing and adding them to mywritingnotebook.
I hope you will continue to stay with me. Please feel free to subscribe to my blogs if you wish – just click ‘sign me up’ on the home page. Alternatively you can follow me on Twitter @madeirasandra or my new Tips and Luxuries Facebook page.
Until tomorrow……
Sandra
My Writing Notebook 
I enjoyed this introduction to your writing challenge. I’m trying to find my way through all this as well but haven’t had much success with getting people to comment. I’m thinking I probably just am not giving them much to comment on. It seems like the most successful blogs are full of feeling and imagination — but I’m not confident enough to think anyone cares what I feel about anything!
I think I’m going to stop worrying about who’s reading me and build up some good content while communing and sharing with other writers. Maybe the point is just to be a better writer, and let the rest come.
But what’s with the little pink face as my comment icon? Is that because you don’t know me yet?
Posted by Kate McClare | May 11, 2011, 3:08 amHi Kate
Thank you so much for your comments. Don’t despair – just because no one is commenting on your blogs, doesn’t mean that they aren’t reading them and benefiting from them. I used to think that no one read my blogs on the online magazine at work, until I got selected as a top ten blogger (which was based on the interest in my blogs, not by the number of comments). Just continue to enjoy writing and practise/learn as much as possible, projecting positive thoughts via your blog.
Take care and have a good day.
Sandra
Posted by Sandra Madeira | May 11, 2011, 10:22 pmSandra
I’m glad to see you, at 42, not that that’s a pivotal age but you brought it up, follow your passion. Keep writing but stay focused. Find the time when the house is quiet and you have your thoughts to yourself. If you really want it then it will come.
Best to you. Would like to start a dialogue as I too have a blog http://www.grayboomer.com that needs critique from people I respect.
Thanks,
Kent
Posted by Kent Zotter | May 19, 2011, 10:33 pmThanks Kent for your response and your kind words. I will take a look at your blog.
Kind regards
Sandra
Posted by Sandra Madeira | May 20, 2011, 10:07 amI am excited to join in this challenge with you. Thanks for sharing your views. You inspire me.
Posted by Jackie Paulson Author | September 12, 2011, 3:28 pmThank you Jackie – if you do decide to do the challenge too, good luck!
Posted by Sandra Madeira | September 12, 2011, 3:55 pmHi Sandra!
I think it is great idea to set up this challenge! I hope you’re learning unique lessons every day.
I find your blog very inspirational, it sounds very honest and funny and it resonates witm me, may be with many other people. I have similar interests and wishes about writing although I’m not a mum yet 🙂
It feels great that we got connected somehow.
I started my blog recently, only have 4 posts so far on te subject of Happiness. I’ll be very happy if you read them, of course only if you’re interested.
Thank you and lots of support 🙂
Vilina
Posted by Vilina Svetoslavova | April 7, 2012, 6:52 pmThank you so much for your comments Vilina and yes it’s great that we connected – it’s amazing how many people can be drawn to the word ‘happiness’. I’m glad you are finding my blog inspirational. I’ve recently subscribed to your blog and will be happy to read and comment on your posts. Good luck 🙂
Sandra
Posted by Sandra Madeira | April 9, 2012, 8:16 pm