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It’s been a decade!

Lauryn

Hello my friends!

It has almost been a decade since my first novel came out, and I’m updating you with some exciting news! I am planning a second edition with bonus material, a new cover and a new title!
It’s not undergoing a radical transformation, but I hope you enjoy the new look and the tweaks.
I am also thinking about releasing it as a hardcover so stay tuned!
So here is the new title announcement, with the blurb, just to remind you what it’s all about.

(This is not the new cover).

A PRINCE ALWAYS LIES

Does a Prince always always lie?

Is a Healer always right?

Ambitious and gifted, 17 year old Alenia is on her way to becoming a healer. Having no father and barely any money earns her no favours. If she keeps to herself she knows she can earn the title or Healer in spite of the world’s disgust. Believing she wasn’t born to hide, Alenia earns a scholarship to Anesia’s most prestigious university, right under the noble’s noses. 

Her dream is within her grasp, now she just has to survive the colourful and flitting world of the nobility. Alenia couldn’t have chosen a worse time, the Queen has been ill for years, the crops are dying and the sole heir has failed to fulfil his prophecy to bring healing to the land. Some groups have begun to take the pirate law into their own hands.

Her budding friendship with Gypsies Relle and Laos, lead her into an odd encounter with Prince Dylantian that she cannot undo. She is not the only one searching to change family fortunes. This stormy alliance with the enemy has dangerous consequences, uncovers secrets, avenges betrayal and reveals much more. Drawn into his quest to restore the Queen’s health, and discover the truth about the Royal Family’s misfortune, Alenia knows this can only end in heartbreak, but she cannot let the chance for truth die. As Dylantian and Alenia’s fates intertwine, she finds herself gambling with more than just her own life to try and reclaim what has been lost. 

Will the Prince or the Healer succeed in their quest to reclaim what has been taken? 

Can they go on if everything they know has shattered?

Reclamation is the first novel set in Anesia, the first nation of the Dragon Isle.

blog, prompt, Uncategorized, writing

Prompt: The Open Window

Lauryn

Rough Prompt Fiction By Lauryn Lambert.

I’ve been thinking about that window for as long as I can remember. There is a blue wall against my back, an eggshell green wall to my right, and to my left is a mustardy wall with a door. But right across from me is a golden yellow wall, with a window.

At first all I did was glance at it now and again, playing with the small thought about how nice it would be to look out, or to even climb out, but those wonderings never remained. As the years go on, however, the more I find myself looking at it, admiring the colour and the peeling paint. I watch the panes, and the light reflecting through them. Every now and again I even catch myself staring.

I could move my position of course and look at the door, and some days I do. I know what is behind the door, but it breaks up the continuation of walls.

I begin to suspect that this window fascination is going to be a problem, when I begin reading books about windows, and all the beautiful things beyond. 
I read stories about people gathering up the courage to look out, and eat up everything they learned. I’m in awe of the people, and characters that open the windows and even climb out! Can you believe that?

It seems impossible for me. A nice dream to have. Special people, talented people look out windows. Brave people open them, and the truly heroic leap into the unknown. I was neither special, nor talented, brave, or heroic. It was nice to imagine, to lose myself in the fantasy of maybe. 

I would never admit to anyone that I even think about looking out a window, or that I read about them. I’ve seen the looks that people give those people who swear they have seen the light, and cannot do anything but obsess about how to get out there. Every now and then one of them disappears and I wonder what really happened to them.

One day I was feeling a bit sick, or maybe a smidge abnormal, a tad reckless even, and I peeked up and looked out. Just like that. No thought about it or anything. I sat down underneath the sill in shock.
What had possessed me to do that? I was overwhelmed with the light, movement and colour!
I was very very clearly not cut out for looking out windows!

I put the idea out of my mind for a very long time. Then another day, I found one of those old stories, and I began to doubt my assertation. Perhaps my ego was out of balance that day, but I gripped the window ledge, took some deep breaths and tried again.

Oh it was amazing, and terrifying, exhilarating and overwhelming. My eyes were tired from the colours and movement, and my brain struggled to understand what I was seeing. Everything frightened me!
Some days all I did was stare out the window and the things it showed, other days I couldn’t even bring myself to look at it, and this continued for days on end.

One thing was certain, I couldn’t go back. My eyes adjusted, my habits adjusted. And even if I didn’t look at it, or look out it’s panes, I thought about looking, and that was something. I was feeling entirely rebellious and reckless the day just before the new year, and I put my hand on the latch.
Surely if other people had opened windows, I could too!?

I was practiced at looking out now, and I was sure I could work out how to open the mechanism. After all I had read books about it, and numerous explanations of how a window was to be opened, it was high time I tried. Who knew when I’d get a moment like this again?
Surely I was wasting my life if I didn’t try?

Or was I? What if I tried and I couldn’t do it? What if someone wrote a book about how horrible I was at opening a window? What if I wasn’t strong enough? Was I really brave enough? 

I wasn’t sure, so I lay back and stared at the ceiling instead. This continued for many weeks, many months and many years. Many doubts were discussed. Nothing was decided for sure. Should I? or should I not?Could I? Or could I not?

So one day, I tried.

It was hard to breathe but there it was. The window was sitting open, and I had opened it.

My heart was racing.

What could I do now?

Want to join in? The next prompt is


Don’t worry about how good it is, it’s all just good practice!

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Tips to get you in the zone to create

Lauryn

Have you ever been in a creative space where it seemed like you were transcendent?
Like the words or art were just flowing, even though you weren’t really thinking about it?
There were no busy thoughts, just a steady quiet, paying attention to the flow, the next prompting of what the next sentence might be, or where the next brush stroke will land?
You could not explain your reasoning, why you chose those words or to draw it that way, but it works, it fits, it flows. You are in the zone.

On the other hand…
Have you ever felt like everything is clunky?
Your sentences don’t make sense, don’t flow, and it’s an effort to even write 100 words?
You keep rubbing out what you have drawn because it’s all wrong?
Something happens so you have to keep starting again, and again?
Or nothing happens and creating feels like scraping your nails down a chalk board?

I would say that the majority of the time I’m in the cringing at myself basket. Often my creating feels like I’m trying to play a violin with zero instructions.
However, I have had a couple of experiences of being in the zone this week!
Wow what a blessing, it was great! And so I got to wondering, how on earth can I repeat this?
What was so different about this week?
I came up with two thoughts, which I submit to you below.
Preparedness and Joy.


Firstly let’s talk about preparedness!
Having a set time and space to create, helps you prepare, and get in the zone.
Thinking about creating ahead of time, can help your brain work on it while it’s waiting to create.
For example, thinking about a topic, or a subject will also draw your attention to things that may be useful from the environment around you to help you prepare further.
How I work this in my life:
Thursday I have art class, so during my walks on that day I scan the ground for fallen leaves or flowers that I could paint or for anything unusual. Before I get to class I’m already looking at my subject, thinking about the colours and how I would like to tackle it, so when it comes time to go, I’m prepared, it’s easier to get into the zone because all that thinking has already been done!

When it comes to preparedness a lot can also be said for regular practice. I honestly only spend a couple of hours every fortnight on my art, but I have grown so much even with that small amount of consistency. Also practice really helps with the next point which is JOY!

Joy!
On the day I am writing this, we have just performed our third and last concert on Jonah for the dance group that I am part of. This morning, driving to the production I was thinking, this is our last one, it’s our chance to have some fun, to chuck out all the fear and really go for it, because after this there are no do overs.
And then I went…I wish I had that attitude at Performance 1! I wish I had said…focus on the joy! You are nervous to get stuff right but you know you will dance better if you are having a great time. So chuck out those insecurities and have a blast! Let’s have no regrets!
I had put in the practice, I had put in the time and the work, but I was choosing to let the fear stay, rather than kicking it out!
Because with dancing (well for me anyway) I have to be very present with the music, and my balance and my body (in the flow) or my steps get all muddled and everything goes to pieces. I can’t think about what step is next, I’m not really thinking at all, because I’ve done the work, my body knows what to do, I just have to get into the flow, and being relaxed and joyful really helps!
Also it’s obvious, but being excited and full of joy about what you are creating, and why, and thinking about the pleasure your creation is going to bring someone, and the difference it might make in the world helps unblock those creative channels!

So I hope this gives you something to ponder, and helps you get in the zone!
Fight the good fight!
Happy Creating!

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Please self, can I create something now?

Lauryn

Ugh!

I don’t know about anyone else, but listening the way I think about myself, you would think I am a monster.

For example, my brain seems to act like I do not give permission for myself to create anything that just I want. Like my creativity has to be of benefit to others (I do not count) and wanted by others to be worth anything.

Where did this craziness come from?

Why do I need to give myself permission to do something I want to do? It’s not even like writing or creating is illegal in this country!

It makes no sense to me, yet I keep finding it lurking there over and over again when I try to examine why I feel so unmotivated to create, or do anything else but the thing that gives me passion and joy and I love?

I suppose framing the arts as a guilty pleasure can be seen in our consumerist and also our culture where our value is driven by money. Is that the root of the problem?

Do you feel like you are fighting a battle with yourself to create? Do you feel held back, like you haven’t got permission to be doing this? Like you feel inferior? Not good enough? Perhaps a waste of space?

How can we win this battle?

I don’t know, but I’m going to start with this.

“I am not good enough!” It’s a lie. It’s a flat out lie. It should not relate to creating at all.

We can all create.
Toddlers tell stories and draw pictures. They are simple, and reflect their experience and the amount of practice they have had. They enjoy it, and that is the only reason they do it.
We marvel in the toddler stories and their pictures, not because they are genius or very good. They move us, they are showing the world from their perspective, it’s amazing to see what these little hands are trying to communicate, it’s ugly, and sometimes it doesn’t make sense. But it’s still amazing!
Our work reflects our experience and amount of practice we have had. Us not being good enough at whatever we are trying to do, has no impact on the value of the enjoyment of it, or whether it will amaze.

Why do our reasons for creating become value driven?

Why does the feeling that we are not good enough, stop us completely?
I suppose the fear of failure and embarrassment? But isn’t it more embarrassing that we wanted to do something, but we stopped practicing and getting experience in it, because we felt we weren’t good enough, which is exactly what might be helped if we kept going?

So please, please, please…dont stop! Keep going.

Write those words, dream big dreams, put them first.
You can do it.

The truth is that you really are good enough, and you need to keep going.

This battle is just one, of those that you will face to birth this creation, but it’s going to be worth it.

You can do it. You can make it.

We are cheering you on.

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Furious Fiction April 2021

Lauryn

For the Furious Fiction competition the story had to be 500 words or less, begin in a queue and include a map, and also the words: cross, drop, lucky.

The Curse of the Vengeful Ex. By Lauryn Lambert

I tap the concrete with my shoe and count the people in front of me, for maybe the forty-second time.

I stretch my neck and bounce on my toes, rolling my eyes at myself. 

There are sixteen people between me and that door, the risk of fainting while waiting is much lower than an ANZAC day service. 

I wiggle my toes anyway. I can’t afford to take any risks today.

I jingle the coins in my pocket and resist the urge to count them all over again. There will be enough, I frantically affirm to myself.

Another deep breath required. 

Anxiety I didn’t know I was carrying, clings to me like a weighted blanket. Curse my ex for cleaning me out. 

No! 

Breathe!

The deep breath has triggered my urge to cough, but I can’t cough. Not here, not now. I get by with a small clearing of the throat, but even that is enough to make the lady in front of me close her eyes and make the sign of the cross. I duck my head. 

I’ve heard the whispers of chaos breaking out around town. I can’t have this here today, not in my queue!

I run my fingers over the coins and give in to the desire to recount. One dollar and ten cents, three dollars and ten cents.

My count is interrupted by the newly apparent gap in front of me. 

Someone has gone through the door! Two, six, eight, ten, I’m lucky number thirteen. Progress!

Back to counting. 

Ting! 

My coin has dropped!

I look around for where it rolled. Without it I won’t have enough!

Someone behind me has trapped it under their shoe. I murmur my thanks and get back in line.

Eight dollars and twenty five cents. It’s all there, and it’s just enough. No more chances, it’s going back in my pocket. I push the worry about price increases out of my head. I don’t know what I’m going to do if this plan fails!

I have no other money for now, as since the announcement there has been no work. Except for this, I will get by on my stash of provisions until work resumes. 

I have no other choice. 

Whatever happens I can do this!  I remind myself. I am a survivor.

The line shuffles. Seven more now.

I focus on the map on the door. Aisle five is my salvation.

It’s a miracle, but the sanitizing station does not make me cough this time, it knows my need. One person now. Victory is close.

I breathe and breathe and breathe.

I get the nod and walk through calmly.

Aisle five. Check the sign. Yes. 

I want to sprint, but I have to dodge other shoppers’ trolleys and seem polite.

I scan the shelves. Heart thudding. Bare, so bare. 

And then I see them. Two packets on the bottom shelf. $8.15 each. 

I hug one packet of toilet paper to my chest and try not to cry.

(Authors Note: Can you tell we had a surprise lock down this week?)

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Things NaNoWriMo 2020 is helping me see

Lauryn

This year I am participating in NaNoWriMo and at Day 25 of the 30 Day challenge I feel inspired to put down some thoughts about what I’m learning for the first time, realising, or experiencing.

So here we go!

Things I am learning etc from NaNoWriMo

In no particular order

I can consistently write over 1000 words in an hour, and do it every day. 

I can overcome, even on the days I really don’t feel like doing it, and can achieve my word count (1700).

I can catch up a day’s amount of words in a few days.

My brain is stepping up to the word count challenge and find creative ways to write new things when I feel stuck.

I can write two lots of 1700 words in a day, and not just be filling up the word count with fluff.

I can make up a plan and generally stick to it.

I can write a novel length story draft in a month.

It took me three weeks to get the most basic hang of writing in first person.

Reading non fiction, but related to the topic, gives me ideas.

My drafting is very basic, but I can live with it.

I’m not a naturally detailed writer.

I do enjoy writing. I’ve enjoyed writing every day.

I can overcome writers block, scene block or character and plot block.

The staring into space thinking during the day helps. Even if all I get is a rough idea to begin writing with.

Our emotions can distract us from writing. But I have been able to channel those days into writing the sad, tired, angry, upset parts of the story. I just have to get the feeling to a point where it’s not overwhelming me, so I can feel it, and write.

I’m surprised that I can actually do this. Yes really I’m surprised every day.

Having a support team makes such a difference. Having other people you know trying to write more than they have before helps a lot. Having people to talk about your story difficulties with, helps a lot. Celebrating your milestones helps a lot. Having a spouse who nags you to write, helps a lot.

Keep listening to yourself, if something is telling you it’s wrong, listen.

Don’t be afraid to put stuff in your book because you know it will be taken the wrong way. There is a reason why you added it, and it’s giving people an opportunity to discuss something they might not otherwise.

Writing a novel helps you uncover your thoughts, or beliefs.

Writing a story can be cathartic. You have the opportunity to put some of your experiences into words. Sometimes you don’t even have to resolve them or explain them neatly, the characters can be in the same place as you in these things.

I write best with a routine. Things I do first, things I do after, where I am, what I am writing on/with.

My grammar needs improvement.

I can write at night or during the day, but I need time to myself.

I can write a story and then have enough brain power to write a semi understandable blog post.

I am not brave enough to write my own novel while reading someone else’s romance or adventure novels. The books are sitting there waiting for the 1st of Dec.

I want to expand my vocabulary and my knowledge of body language.

Even something simple can be engaging.

I felt like a teenager who wanted to jump up and down and scream excitely when I got to 25000 words.

Sometimes you need the learning from the first try to be able to make it. This is my second attempt at NaNoWriMo and I was much better prepared for success.

You can do things every day.

Finishing things is awesome.

Hopefully I’ve got a few more things to learn in the next 5 days, but happy writing everyone, and don’t forget to celebrate what you have done, because you are one step closer to finishing your story than you were before!

Well done!

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Free Stuff

Lauryn

One thing that I can do at this time (with all this extra spare time!) is create things for you!
So please check out the ‘Free stuff’ menu for some recipes and colouring pages. This is just the beginning!

Let us get creating to construct with all we do some care, co-operation, and community!!

x Lauryn

Art, Uncategorized

Hello!

Lauryn
  • feathers
  • flowers
  • cactus
  • violet

Just a little post to say hello, and show you some of the things I’ve been playing around with.
Everyone always says artists need to PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE and so I’m trying to do that, and also experiment a little.
Sharing these pictures, I hope to encourage you in your journey of practising, in whatever you may be working on.
Also I hope to inspire you to do better, to be better, to practice more than me, to become a master!
You are capable of more than great!

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Website in progress!

Lauryn

Hello friends,

Thanks for your patience!

I am working hard to get this website up and running with all the content you are hoping for. This is a DIY job, which means lots of love and attention is going into crafting this. I am looking forward to having it fully functional soon!
Thanks for visiting!
Also a big thanks to Chris for all his hard work getting this site going!