Tag: Inspiration

#DystoniaAroundTheWorld Challenge, Dystonia Around the World Challenge, Writing journey

100 miles complete and virtual visit to Haworth #DystoniaAroundTheWorld

kakenzieblog

I am thrilled to announce I have completed 100 miles of my Dystonia Around The World challenge. From a virtual paddle at the beach, I trundled to Burton Agnes Hall and Gardens, East Yorkshire for an ice cream, soak up the atmosphere in the variety of gardens and hunt for the fairies in the woods. It brims with inspiration for regal dalliances and childish tales. When I am able, it will be one of the first places I revisit. 

 

From there I visited the wonderful city of York with the Minster, quirky shops and cobbled streets including The Shambles. My last visit was for the RNA Afternoon Tea, something that will be greatly missed this year. 

 

 

My final destination is The Cabinet of Curiosities in Haworth, Yorkshire. This former Victorian Druggist and apothecary has been restored into somewhere magical. With delightful mugs, cosmetics, candles and witchy books my bank balance is relieved it was a cyber tour. As I do not have photos of my own, this Facebook post will have to do. Isn’t it amazing? When I do get the opportunity to be there in person, expect a long post on the experience. 

 

 

Now my goal is I have increased it to 1000 miles. Where could I go next? 

If you would like to find more about my writing challenge click here or if you would like to support me visit my fundraising page, here. 

Once I have reached £100, I will release a piece of flash fiction on this blog,

More soon.

Love

just Kate

 

#DystoniaAroundTheWorld Challenge, Dystonia Around the World Challenge, work in progress, Writing journey

The first 10 miles of #DystoniaAroundTheWorld Challenge: New Ideas and Beginnings for Stories

kakenzieblog

 

Yesterday, I shared my intention to raise awareness and much needed donations for dystonia by signing up to the Dystonia Around The World challenge. I have downloaded an app on to my phone to time my writing and the journey has begun. According Dystonia UK, ten minutes of an activity equals one mile. This is a lot less daunting than I originally thought when I read it as one hour equals a mile. Maybe I will complete 1000 hours on this project depending on the length of time the challenge runs for and the donations, but for now we will focus on one mile at a time until I travel 100 miles.

Where can we go?

This morning, I had achieved over ten miles of writing. This made me think of where I could virtually visit in my 100 miles target. Manchester is always an option and it would be nice to catch up with friends but yesterday I saw a wonderful shop I long to visit, The Curiosity Society in Haworth, North Yorkshire. It looks full of atmosphere and magical inspiration to get the creative sparks flying. At 80 miles away, it fits perfectly with a quick detour to one of my favourite places to relax, the sea.

IMG_20160803_105343

So with my ten miles I am banking them for a Horlicks and a tea cake on Bridlington beach to blow away the cobwebs of shielding and isolation. One day soon, I will do it for real, but until then memories and imagination will have to do.

20161004_111121

 

20160813_102320

My progress so far

With those miles, I have written the beginning of a short story about a cursed locket and a potential scene from my current work in progress inspired by the prompt, the scarecrow, given by my local writing group for homework. I doubt I will use it in the manuscript, but it gives an insight into one character. Watch this space; it will be available to read in September.

Catch up soon.

Happy writing and stay safe!

Love

just Kate

If you would like to sponsor or follow my journey for the Dystonia Around The World challenge my page is here. Or follow me on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.

 

Writing journey

A Visit to the Moors

kakenzieblog

It is years since I have driven through the North Yorkshire Moors, never mind stop for a picnic but today we did.

Empty pages ready for inspiration

The scenery is breathtaking. The patchwork fields, dramatic dips and hills with an abundance of purple heather make you stop, look and breathe. The air is fresh, the gentle breeze a relief from the sweltering sun. It is a little piece of paradise.

While family explored and munched through the food I was able to take the time to be inspired, listen to the characters as they formed in my mind and  write notes for another day. Being only 7 miles from Whitby it was only natural for my mind to drift to Willow’s story rather than my current WIP. She plays a significant role in the Journals but she has her own tale and she is eager to tell.

The moors are atmospheric and it is easy to place Willow as a child there and explore how they would have affected and moulded her into the character she is as an adult. This is the part of writing I love most – the brainstorms, the excitement as one idea leaps to the next forming a backstory, plot or personality. The difficult part is moving it forward to the completed draft but it will get done.

Do you have a place which triggers ideas? How do you stay focused on one project?

Happy writing!

Just life

Summer Solstice Blessings

kakenzieblog

Midsummer is here. My plan to watch the sunrise to celebrate the summer solstice failed because the duvet was too hard to resist and Elsie gave me ideas I had to nurture before they flitted away. I am amazed how quick words and ideas disappear once you open your eyes in the morning. So this is a quick post to say

Summer Solstice Blessings

 

and count my blessings.

Solstice Blessings

 

  • it is a sunny day so had my first cup of tea outside which tasted delicious
  • feel energised and more enthusiasm for The Ellfaenian Journals
  • have time to write today
  • my hand is getting easier
  • Percy is still alive

 

Happy Summer Solstice and happy writing!

Kate Kenzie's Blog

Writing journey

Introducing Percy – my new writing companion and inspirational tree. 

kakenzieblog

After much thought and mithering, I finally have my very own bonsai tree – Percy. He is a pepper tree and I hope he realises I do not have green fingers and he needs to be strong while I learn his requirements.

Inspirational little tree
Percy the pepper tree (Xanthoxylum piperitum)

I love trees and The Ellfaenian Journals are inspired by the quirky unique trees I have seen in reality or in a photos. They all have a tale to tell even tiny ones like Percy. My hope is as he grows and develops so will the word count of the journals. Fingers crossed he will survive.

If you are a bonsai expert any useful tips would be much appreciated. The responsibility of Percy feels more pressing than the responsibility of looking after Nigel, my dog. At least he can tell me what he wants.

 

Happy writing.

 

[instagram-feed]