Tag Archives: Inspirational Quotes

Quote of the Week

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So some of you may have noticed that I have not finished my 10 Year Retrospective. I wanted the final entry to be something a little different, and it’s still in the works, and will still be posted within the time frame for which it is relevant. ((wink))

I wanted to get back to The Routine. The “Plan”. I enjoy sharing quotes and reflecting on how they mirror what’s currently happening in my life, as this blog is sort of a diary as well.

“I’m not in the mood.” How often have we uttered this phrase? And not just in relation to our writing, but maybe our lives, in general. I’ve let a number of things slide or fall to the wayside for a little while because I just don’t want to deal with it. Even things that are relatively important. 

Hi. My name is Rachael and I’m a procrastinator.

But many writers I know are too. It’s a common trait. Something that binds us.

We like the pressure, and yet, I think most of do better when we have some sort of schedule – some semblance of order.

I have, for some time now, had a plan in place, steps in which I would write or rewrite projects, create other content, in addition to the other checklist items that would help me build my creative network, etc.

Goodness. It sounds like a full time job.

If only.

This is why it’s important to work towards our goals, even when we don’t “feel” like it. We have a plan in place to keep us on track. Even if we only eke out a little each day, that small measure of progress is better than none at all.

I still need to share my 2024 goals (I’ll do that shortly as well) and I hope you’re doing better than I am currently. I can’t believe it’s the middle of February. I already feel behind.

So here’s to sticking with a plan versus waiting for inspiration to strike!

Wishing you all a goal achieving new year!

Happy Writing!

First Quote of 2024

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Happy New Year, everyone!

So those of you have been with me for some time will probably remember that I’m not a fan of the term “resolution”. I don’t want to resolve myself towards anything that doesn’t truly require that sort of sentiment. I prefer the more apt term “goal”.

I like that a goal can be set at any time, not just the beginning of a new year, although the start of a year brings with it a pretty decent measuring stick. I set my reading and watching goals at the start. My writing goals fluctuate throughout the year, although I try to give myself a handful to begin with as part of a plan to not be aimless. 

They’ve been kind of the same for a while now…

It may be time to make some different choices…

Like the quote above states – just begin.

I mentioned in my New Year’s Eve post that I had extended some of my writing goals into January due to our move, and so it is my unofficial new year’s resolution, nope, still don’t like it, goal to reevaluate those particular writing goals in February. To put it out in the universe, I’ll share them with you then.

What do you want to achieve in 2024? Say it aloud. Write it down. Post it in view. Let’s make it happen!

Sending you positive vibes and best wishes for a productive and prosperous new year!

Quote of the Week

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I was skimming my socials when I came upon this quote. I’m sure I’ve shared it before, but it resounded with me today, and well, here it is, possibly, probably, again.

I’m taking a class on how to get writing assignments through ScreenwritingU, a section of the screenwriting world I’ve never learned. I’m only into week two and it’s been rather eye-opening.

So upon seeing this quote, I thought to myself, “You know what? Let’s try that.”

I’ve watched some bad movies in my life, and as a writer, I’m sometimes surprised (and maybe a little annoyed/jealous) that it got made. The truth is, no one sets out to make a bad movie. There are just so many moving parts and so many chefs in the kitchen that sometimes a potentially good movie is doomed to fail. There are budget constraints and so many rewrites that often times a good script can become unrecognizable. It’s a sad side effect of the business.

So how do you “believe” in yourself? How do you become the person others are jealous of?

It’s not easy being brave where our art is concerned. For writers, we’re fairly content being on our own, keeping our words close to our hearts, and not really showing them to the world out of fear, for a number of reasons while simultaneously wanting fame and fortune. So I suppose step one might be – try being a little more brave. Get something out into the world.

One person’s opinion should not shatter our dreams and derail our perseverance. So get some feedback. It’s all about growing, becoming better, and challenging ourselves. That takes courage.

Maybe step two is evaluating our work and ourselves. I suppose this might actually be the first step. What are we good at, maybe even great at? By celebrating those things, it should help boost our confidence. Knowing where our strengths lie is a good stepping stone to progressing forward. This will also help us be more brave when we know we have something to be proud of.

And finally, I’d say step three is personal affirmations. Yeah, this sounds a little woo-woo, but when I do yoga, sometimes the instructor says something like, “Thank yourself for showing up today.” It usually makes me giggle, but it also makes me feel better. It’s so simple, and yet effective. If you’ve never said something nice to yourself, try it. Trust me. (wink)

Do you have any other tips of how we can make an impact towards our career? Share it below!

Happy Writing!

Another Update and a Quote

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Well, hello!

I hope you’re all well! So, I have an update – we are finally…mostly…settled in our new place and lives, hence the radio silence on my end recently.

It took some time.

I was driving an hour and a half one way for work, for about six weeks, therefore I had little time to spend doing anything of value during the week. The 55+ hours away from home were exhausting, both mentally and physically. It was temporary, but it was a struggle some days.

I give it up to those who do that sort of drive regularly.

I had little opportunity to feel creative, because so much was still in the air. And that takes a toll of a different kind.

What did offer a sliver of light during this chaos was meeting a fellow screenwriter at my new work place. In addition to talking about our “craft”, we talked about the other kind of writing we enjoy…fan fiction.

Yep. I met another gamer-geek-writer who writes fanfic of a game she loves and we laughed and encouraged one another for it. It was a great moment, but what made it even better was a short time later, when we crossed paths again, she thanked me for letting her be seen, for feeling validated for enjoying something that so many people either don’t understand or belittle and frown upon.

I shared with her how I had once been embarrassed by the joy I received in writing something that held no bearing or consequence on my “real” writing. I used it as an escape, because my screenwriting was ever so personal and had to be painstakingly written to be just right. I could write freely, and that was a lovely, stress-free feeling. She could empathize and that was a nice moment as I have so few writer friends to share in the misery.

For a while, I was embarrassed by my “real” writing too.

We, writers, are weird.

I found the quote above a couple of weeks ago, but I haven’t had the impulse to sit and write. Not really. I have written a little, but in all honesty, I haven’t felt like I’ve had anything to say, even with the story of my new writer friend. Then I went to lunch with a friend from college who shared with me some unexpected news, and this quote resonated with me again. She needed to be heard.

And I knew I needed to share this quote.

This page is not just dedicated to our creative lives, but our regular lives too. Everything we experience, the good and bad, shapes us. It not only makes us better writers, but hopefully, better people too.

Do you have a story to share? Do you need to feel seen? Let’s commiserate and lift one another up!

Happy Writing! xx, Rach

Quote of the Week

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We’re already a month in to a new year?! How?

Like seriously. How?

And here we are again – a random day for a quote of the week post that I started some two weeks ago. ((insert eye roll))

I was struck by this quote and wanted to share it when I thought it would be the most impactful, right at the beginning of the year, but sure, let’s share it now…a month in.

With a new year comes the idea of new beginnings. We establish new goals, make resolutions, and have rose-colored glasses on…for about a month.

Then the newness sheen tarnishes and you discover that in reality not much has changed except the date.

Are we there yet? Effective February 1st? You know, where the glossy veneer has diminished?

Nope. Me either. This year we’re going to do things different. We’re going to do something about “it”. We’re going to change the narrative.

The last couple of years have been rough. Honestly, it’s still not great, but I think we all have hope for what 2023 will bring. In that vein, The Sis and I are endeavoring yet another move, back to California for my career, among other reasons, like our mental well-being. While it was great to give a new place a shot, this never-ending cold, gray landscape is not for us, but that’s a story for another day.

Putting out into the universe the willingness to be ready for the change has already brought some interesting developments, family and new friends with contacts, so I can hit the ground running. It’s exciting, and a little frightening. It may actually all come together.

So here’s to new beginnings!

First Quote of 2023

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Happy New Year!

I wanted to find a quote that really sets the tone for the year I want us all to have. This is by no means a judgement on anyone other than myself, but I want all of us to be able to create the life we want.

I’ve always been surprised by the concept of how little things seem to change over the course of a year, but looking back how different things sometimes are. This is why this quote resonated with me.

I’m of a certain age now where I’ve come to an understanding of a few things:

  • I’m more comfortable with myself and who I am, like I’m not wildly embarrassed to admit I write fan fiction anymore. ((wince))
  • I’m not as hard on myself.
  • I take better care of myself. Thank you yoga!
  • And biggest improvement, I’m learning to love myself. I take a moment during yoga to thank myself for showing up. It usually makes me giggle, but so often it’s easier not to show up. It’s a small step, I am still learning, but since we’re stuck with ourselves we should be nicer.

The Sis has helped me to be brave. Maybe because she’s the youngest, she developed this strong sense of self. She’s self-aware in a way that’s taken me years to become. I still don’t think I’m there. It’s all part of the evolution of becoming who we’re supposed to be.

Where I need the help is in the discipline arena.

With the gray days of winter, I oversleep. I feel the seasonal depression. I’m way off my routine, and I seem uninspired to do anything about it, but if I want to be in the right position to take on Hollywood in a few months, I have to get in gear, and now. I was going strong for a while, but upon the completion of a couple of projects, I lost motivation. Currently it still feels like a void, and because of this I allow myself to become distracted, and days go by…like this post. I started it on Monday. ((insert eye roll))

I need more discipline.

So that is at the top of my To Do List for this year.

What are you hoping to accomplish this year? What strides did you make looking back on 2022? Remember, each day can be a new beginning. Little steps lead to great strides. And who knows, in a year you could be exactly where you want to be.

Best wishes!

xx, Rach

The Last Quote of 2022

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I can’t believe we’re here again.

The end of another year.

2023 is on the horizon, and it sounds like the date in a sci-fi movie.

When you consider where your energy and focus were spent this last year, do you notice a pattern? Do feel it was time well spent, or are you now in the chastising phase at year’s end? As I’ve aged, like a fine wine (ha!), and after the Covid shutdown, it has become more clear what is important and what is not worth my time, like wondering/worrying if people like me.

What a tedious waste of time.

RuPaul says:

What other people think of me is none of my business.

Words to live by.

It used to be my goal wherever I worked to make sure I was liked, by everyone, even the hard asses. Actually, that was the most satisfying win. I would kill them with kindness, and whatever else I had in my wheelhouse. It worked on guests too. While that helped at the time to ensure a positive work environment (and better tips), it hasn’t really mattered in the long run. I’m not friends with any of those people anymore. I wasn’t even friends with most of them after I left the establishment, so what did all that worrying and effort truly gain me?

Deep down, I know it has something to do with legacy. I want people to remember me fondly, but the clincher is, because I haven’t remained friends with almost any of those people, all that energy was spent without any real reward.

What could I have done with it instead, I wonder?

I tell myself, now, that it was all training for working with people in Hollywood. There are a lot of personalities, sometimes all in the same room, and I have a well developed skill in dealing with them.

There’s no reason not to be who you want. There’s no reason not to chase your dreams. There’s no reason not to build the life you desire.

Don’t waste your energy on those things that don’t support the life you’re trying to lead. Take stock of your life and what drains you. You probably already know what those subjects are. I know I do.

So, what does this have to do with a new year? I know I have a love/hate relationship with resolutions, but I’m gonna make them anyway. How about you? Knowing where I should focus my attention will help in creating a more successful goal setting plan, and that’s what I wish for you. It’s about shifting perspective, and taking inventory of what matters and what you want to accomplish.

Wishing you a safe and happy holiday season! And here’s to spending our energy where we want to in 2023.

Quote of the Week

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I wasn’t sure what sort of quote I wanted to share this week.

And then I saw this.

I’m still riding the struggle bus, but I can’t let that hinder me. I just have to keep pushing, and this quote reminds me of that.

With the end of the year coming to meet us, 2022’s resolutions are quickly going to become a thing of the past. When we make them, they should only be used as a measuring stick, but we all know we end up using them as a way to measure our self worth. As many of you know, I have a love/hate relationship with this type of goal setting. We can accomplish any task we put our mind to at any time.

A new year is not a magic reset button. Yes, I’ve said this a time or five before. I suppose it is some sort of starting line, but the beginning of a new year does not diminish the value of the work we’ve already done, nor should it amplify when we falter.

It’s just a date.

There are often times new deadlines to meet with the beginning of a new year, but beware the annual “set a BIG goal for the year” type of resolution. There’s a reason gyms are busy for like a month. A grand, overreaching goal is hard to maintain. Small, achievable goals that lead to the BIG one are less imposing and more likely to be reached, in all areas of our lives, not just the creative ones.

So while we may be chastising ourselves for not making all the goals we set for ourselves this year, remember, the year’s end does not mean failure for if we choose to continue to work towards our dreams/goals you can be sure that we are going to make things happen!

Quote of the Week

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I’ve been quiet again.

The thing I didn’t want to happen because I have goals to achieve. The thing I refused to allow even a whiff of to pass me by happened anyway.

It stopped me in my tracks.

The nothing. The barren landscape. The void.

I haven’t had the compulsion, let alone the passion, to write a word. For weeks.

Why? No idea. It all just came to a screeching halt.

I was talking to friends at work, musing over the lack of creating, when they said something quite similar to the quote I’m sharing this week. They reminded me of what I had accomplished this year, and that was only what I had told them about, so you can imagine my surprise at finding a quote that so adeptly surmised exactly that situation; something I needed to hear and wanted to share with you.

I have to remember all the quotes I’ve shared, the words of positivity, and not be so hard on myself. It’s only been a short time of inactivity, and I am fully aware of it. *Not like in the past, when months would fly by unnoticed. Not all days are going to be great strides towards our goal days, so we have to remember to be kind to ourselves and take note of the small steps too.

It’s the season of being thankful, so let’s be thankful for any and all progress we’ve made this year.

And anyway, just because I haven’t been writing doesn’t mean that I haven’t been thinking of things – plot points, new ideas, story rewrites, and new characters. The mind has been active…it just hasn’t reached my fingertips, yet.

As 2022 draws ever nearer to its inevitable end, celebrate the milestones you achieved this year. Each new day offers us a new opportunity to continue to work towards those goals, so if you’ve found yourself in a similar position to mine, take a deep breath, and try again.

Happy Writing! xx

*Side note: before posting this, I scrolled through my previous posts and it turns out, about two months have flown by. At least. Well, sh*t.

Quote of the Week

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Note to self:

I had been doing so well, and then I got deterred somehow. I lost my motivation even as I found myself unusually satisfied with what I had been producing. I decided to take some time, recharge my batteries, but I have yet to find my center, my norm.

I’m not sure what happened.

Too often I have found myself in long lulls of not writing. I didn’t feel inspired. I let outside forces influence my productivity. And here I am, all these years later, still waiting, still hoping, falling back into old patterns.

Nope.

I refuse.

If I want to be a professional, I have to show up like one. I, currently, have the luxury of writing what I want, when I want, but that is not always going to be the case. I want to be a working screenwriter, and I have to remember, it’s about discipline.

It’s about routine. And you all know I’m all about routine.

When I sat and worked on the flash fiction pieces for the Writing Prompt Challenge, I felt like myself. It was freeing and satisfying, and it was a reminder that I have a purpose.

I have an external deadline, the move back to California, to get my writing in order. I have goals that still need to be met, and that won’t happen without discipline. I can’t will their completion into existence. I have to put in the work. No more flying by the seat of my pants.

I’ve talked about this before, the showing up, the holding yourself accountable, but also the being kind to yourself. Not all days will be multi-page days, but hopefully, most of them will offer progress, to some degree. Setting time aside to create is a step in the right direction. It’s the discipline to be in that space even if you don’t feel like it, because you know it all comes down to you.

We’re driven by the passion for our art, even when we don’t feel it, it’s always there, deep down (sometimes), so we need to entice it to come out and play just by being there.

So what tips and/or tricks do you have to keep up with the discipline? Share with the community! And Happy Writing!