Welcome back to another Open Book Blog Hop!
Today’s topic is: Have you ever had a weird experience that led to an improvement in your work? It could be something that came up at an event or on TV that was oddly timely.
And remember to visit my fellow writers to see what they have come up with. You can find their works here!
This one is an interesting one. I wouldn’t necessarily say that there was one specific moment that made my writing better as such. Not in the obvious way that this week’s topic is getting at. I think if anything, the moments that have made my writing better are the moments I am writing, and editing, and reading, and learning. Those moments are where I improve.
But there was a moment that certainly changed things for me. I’ve spoken many times on here about the trials I went through trying to write my first novel. When it got to a point that the book felt more like a chore rather than something I enjoyed, I got to a point that I just stopped. I stopped writing. And that was a big hit. I felt a bit of a failure.
But then I had an idea that slowly blossomed and grew into Chasing Shadows. Something I am immensely proud of. When that spark of an idea came to me, that was something of a turning point for me. It reinvigorated me and gave me back my drive. So it might not be in the sense that the topic is driving towards, but it was certainly the moment that made my writing better because I was writing for me, with a passion.
Steven Smith 
Yes, always better to stop writing if it becomes a chore. That’s exactly what I do.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I didn’t really think of it to add to this post, but my writing has now found a new home on Medium. I’m writing a lot more short and super-short fiction which is keeping me invigorated.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I published my first story on Medium today (free site), but can’t see it anywhere.
LikeLike
what is your username on there? I will pop over and take a look 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. Just used Stevie Turner.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hmmm, will try again when on my laptop. I can’t as yet find anything.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Maybe I have to use one of the paid plans?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your can write and earn money on a free plan, I think the only restriction is you can’t read all stories from a free plan.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve looked for your stories Steven, but they haven’t come up in my feed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
If you check my Medium profile, you’ll find a couple of lists – Short stories and flash fiction (https://authorstevensmith.medium.com/list/short-stories-and-flash-fiction-ecefefd9c3b5) and Drabble Drops (https://authorstevensmith.medium.com/list/drabble-drops-14e86a7398c8)
LikeLike
As well as what I said in my post, the other big moment in my writing life was realising that my dreams could all be written down to make a story.
LikeLiked by 1 person