Virginia...

 Let me introduce myself... 

My name is Virginia.

I have to say I have no idea why my parents called me Virginia. To me the name dictates a strong, brave women, who would intuitively protect those around her, and due to silly curiosity, I looked up its meaning... I was surprised to discover it meant, pure, virgin bride, and chaste... well I don't think so, how the hell do you think I cornered my victims? The only person I want to protect, is me... so for your own safety, if you're weak, and present as vulnerable, stay the hell away.    

I grew up amongst Monsters, and quickly Iearned how to stay safe. I figured out that if you scanned your surroundings then the feedback would infiltrate you, with the information you'd need... I learned so much, I had all the answers, which meant I'd always have my say, and being in control is paramount. 

I'm everybody's friend, until I'm not. 

It all started with pain, and then those damn voices came.

I quickly learned to achieve the skills I'd use to my advantage.  At a young age I became use to assessing, and reporting.  This was how I became able to design an internal pilot scheme, to get rid of certain individuals who I knew would become a drain in my world.

The scheme was specific and I followed my guidelines to the letter... anything else just wouldn't do. 

From an early age I sensed the stranger inside of me, the stranger whispered its lies, and told stories to claim victims. She was relentless, even I felt anxious of the lengths she would go to.

...Things happened to her, terrible things, things she doesn't ever want to discuss or think about. So, if you ever meet Virginia, for God's sake don't show any sensitivity or weakness, because, if it's one thing she detests, it's someone who may let her down... 

MJ Ewen 

Monday Morning...

Image shared from Pinterest.

I'm looking forward to a bright new week, and I'm eager to have my family back as they've been away on holiday, but honestly, my world just isn't the same without them. 

I've been busy though. I have completed Chapter 5 which has taken a while, and I needed to write a bit of a hairy scene, involving a murder and that was difficult. I'm not sure about anyone else but I struggle to write those sort of scenes. I guess when you're so invested in a story, you live with your characters every day, and I know it might sound silly but its quite hard to say goodbye to any one of them. Anyway the scene just needs reviewing and and edit to complete. 

Chapter 6 is a chapter I'm looking forward to writing, because it belongs to Annie Essie, who is Alma's mother, and Arthur's wife. Over the months I've written notes on all of my characters, and I usually gather those, and re-read, which gives me a whole lot of material to work with. I have lots on Alice, because although she isn't always a big part of the novel, she is significant and the reason the story takes on its purpose. 

There is always something the protagonist has to go through to achieve their aim and that often means within their purpose there are lots of battles, struggles, and experiences, as they progress through the story. Dreaming up plots, has been especially good for me, as I like planning and daydreaming. 

Anyway if you're still with me, thank-you. I'd like to wish you a wonderful week in whatever you do. 

MJ   

Another Day...

 

Today went well, even though I was dog sitting, and writing in-between a carers duty. A good word count and an interesting day, pretending to be various characters, and plotting their planners. I particularly love being Isabelle, she is fearless and knows what she wants. I'm looking forward to playing Alma Essie, and seeing how she reacts when she finds out that Isabelle is not the person she thought she was. I know all the characters, the building, and the grounds of Arden Manor. To me its real. Every Character has a story and each chapter will be designed for their story... not sure if it'll work, but I'm trying it anyway. 

My writing journey is progressing, and my tools-of-the-trade are getting me by... I light a candle, flip my hourglass timer, and make sure I have a drink, then I'm good to go. Its practice, practice, practice... I want to work on perfecting the craft, and trying to be the best I can be. I have already said previously that there is no pressure, and my expectations are low, because I found writing and it helped to heal me. something happens when I sit down and tap, tap, tap the keys of my trusty lap-top. 

I just want to be clear... having low expectations doesn't mean I don't want to be published, I do, but, I know its hard out there, so many gifted writers, and the publishing world isn't easy to step into. I enjoy writing, and I'm happy and grateful to be in a position to do it. 

Until, again... 

MJ Ewen 

A Still Mind...

Image shared from Pinterest.

A still mind is everything, and this is whats needed in the Essie household. Alma is yet to tell her tale. Isabelle is Darkness, where Alma is Light. Alma will be introduced shortly and the novel will take on a whole new meaning... The reasons, whys, and wherefores, will come to the front, and plots which have accumulated, and festered, will continue to take on a life of there own. 

My writers journey is exciting, it's one with no expectations, and no pressure. Not everyone gets it. Not everyone will love me... I'm not everyone's cup of tea, but that's ok because I love myself, I've made my peace with most everything, and because I have I find it easy to love and accept others. My writers brain allows healing every-time I sit, think, wonder and visualise, scenes, characters, and plots. I have so much to write, and I never seem to run out of the visual stories which regularly run through my brain, however, I'm fortunate, because I have the time to do this and I know time isn't a luxury that others have.

Till next time... 

MJ Ewen