tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15062034666029250972024-02-17T11:13:37.786-05:00A Writer's JourneyDesiree Middletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18325736590725912252noreply@blogger.comBlogger255125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506203466602925097.post-36216482087157785772024-02-17T11:12:00.005-05:002024-02-17T11:12:59.905-05:00Be creative<p> It's that time of year again...awards season. All of Hollywood anxiously waits to see who will receive the Academy Award next month. I've had the privilege of viewing all of these films, and I can say, there are some amazing films and performances. As a writer I've gorged myself on nominated screenplay after screenplay. I've seen the originality of these screenwriters, whose ranks I will join one day. </p><p>Being a creative my takeaway is this...be creative. Living in Los Angeles, I see and meet many people that are looking to make the next sure thing, chasing a trend, not being their true selves and trusting that, being your true self is what is going to keep your career going. Every single nominated movie, whether for Best Picture, Screenplay, Actor/Actress, Cinematography, Director, Sound, etc. is creative.</p><p>So when you sit down to write your play or novel or screenplay. Be yourself and be creative. </p>Desiree Middletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18325736590725912252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506203466602925097.post-80594636972058970572023-09-26T15:10:00.007-04:002023-09-26T15:10:54.875-04:00What do I need?<p> <span style="font-family: Courier; font-size: 12px;">What do I need?</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Courier; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">2023 has turned out to be a fascinating year for me. Fascinating does not always carry a positive connotation. This has been a year of both joy and upheaval. What do you need? As I received news a week ago that shifted my world as I knew it, off of its axis, I had to think about what do I need? What do I really need? And the answers have surprised me. I literally had to, as one of my favorite songs says “go back to my roots”. I remembered the me that played with a chemistry set at age 4. The me that gathered the neighborhood kids together to put on a play that I had written at age 8. The me that spent my childhood, sitting outside, staring up through my telescope at the moon and dreamed of space travel. For as much as my world was knocked off its axis, it needed to be. My world was revolving in the wrong direction. It is now on its perfect course and I am so thankful to God that it is. </p>Desiree Middletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18325736590725912252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506203466602925097.post-40263344934082385282023-04-08T00:00:00.001-04:002023-04-08T00:00:35.530-04:00Returning to my first love <p> A week in the desert will do wonders for your mind, body and soul. I emerged refreshed and refocused on my writing. I’ve set my goals for this year and I aim to exceed them. I’m back. </p>Desiree Middletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18325736590725912252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506203466602925097.post-40081436396078514862022-12-02T02:59:00.000-05:002022-12-02T02:59:20.210-05:00Journey’s End?<p> When I started this blog I wanted to chronicle my journey to becoming a full time published author. </p><p>The published part happened. The full time did not. And that’s okay. In the time since I began this blog, I’ve changed. I’ve grown. I’ve opened myself to new experiences. And I’ve taken a leap into my true heart’s desire. </p><p>I still write. Over the past year I’ve written over a half dozen short stories and started a new novel. Wrote 2 screenplays and a TV pilot. </p><p>Writing will always be a part of me as I transition into adding another part to my life. </p><p>Stay tuned. </p>Desiree Middletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18325736590725912252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506203466602925097.post-62544331448989587662022-11-09T23:34:00.004-05:002022-11-09T23:34:59.925-05:00Revision<p> A quick post as I need to get back to work. I’ve learned that revision is hard work. And now I get it. </p>Desiree Middletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18325736590725912252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506203466602925097.post-26932665902783370812022-06-23T14:04:00.000-04:002022-06-23T14:04:07.825-04:00Do it anyway<p> This is the shortest blog post I’ve written. If no one will be for you, do it anyway. If people try to “block” your career, move past them. God is the author of our lives. Not people. Have faith. Ignore those people. Keep pursuing your dream. Keep honing your craft. </p>Desiree Middletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18325736590725912252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506203466602925097.post-11686796641316407032022-06-14T12:12:00.002-04:002022-06-14T12:12:33.470-04:00Limitations and Expectations <p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Limitation and Expectations</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">When Covid swept through the country and the world in 2020, we all thought life would be back to normal by that spring. We are now in June of 2022 and life isn’t the way it was. Death causes me to think and reflect. Another death, causes me to really stop and reflect. </p><p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">What limitations have I placed on myself as a woman, as a writer, as a future scientist?</p><p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Future scientist? Check out my prior blog post. </p><p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">It’s taken me some time to realize my limitations are based on expectations. And how that can be a very flawed way of thinking and living. Family identity and values, tied in with cultural beliefs placed expectations upon me that were never my own. As a woman we are taught to be submissive to the point that we disappear. Our wants, needs, desires are second to others. Love is something that’s okay to dream about but be happy with whatever you get. Your dreams don’t really matter. As a black woman, take all of that and increase it one hundred fold. </p><p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I never wanted to be a medical doctor. I pass out at the sight of blood, yet I was a pre-med major for two years of undergrad because it was expected of me. </p><p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I wanted to be a scientist for NASA. Okay, I wanted to be an astronaut, but NASA had this whole 20/20 vision thing and those are not the eyes God gave me. Though He did give me gorgeous eyes. Thank you Lord. And I love wearing my funky glamour-girl glasses.</p><p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">As a child I found joy, peace, and comfort in the pages of a book and then in writing my own plays and books and short stories. Those genres I wrote in were: sci-fi, fantasy, horror. Now the horror I know was an add-on as a way for my mind to process trauma. The fantasy was fueled by my daily expedition into the forest around my home. The sci-fi—that was fueled by my nightly star gazing and my science classes.</p><p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Girls in STEM was not a thing in my generation. The most we got was: Nurse, Doctor, or Teacher. I wanted to be a scientist. Yet I was constantly steered away from that path, including math teachers that purposefully left me ignorant on the math I would have needed to succeed as a college science major. </p><p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Girls as writers was not a thing in my generation. The most we got was: Teacher, or Social Worker. </p><p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">2012 I had a conversation with a writing teacher about how I write novels and screenplays. This person told me I was wrong to do both and that I had to pick one. That I could only write novels or write screenplays. I pointed out to her people like Neil Gamon, Neil Shusterman, Suzanne Collins, Stephen King who write in both formats. Why is it okay for them to write in multiple formats but not me? Is it because none of them are female writers of color? Expectations of otherness. </p><p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">2020 I was doing research for a non-fiction book and came across so many people of color that went against the limitations and expectations placed upon them by their own families and by society. I marveled at the people who triumphed during slavery and even during Jim Crow years. They refused to be less than who they were. Limitations were shattered. </p><p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">2022 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup. The ratio of peanut butter to chocolate is perfect. My life is a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup. A harmonious blend of Writer and future Scientist. It defies all limitations and expectations for someone like me. </p><p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">You don’t have to live a life of limitations and expectations either. </p><p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Start that business.</p><p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Move to Italy and open a B&B.</p><p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Take that culinary class in Paris in the summer.</p><p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Move across country.</p><p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Be your full, true self. Give 100% of yourself every day. Don’t be limited anymore. Don’t settle for anyone else’s expectations of you. </p><p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">And if you don’t know what you truly want to do in life, or how to achieve it. Take a day. Grab a notebook and pen, or use the notepad feature on your phone. Pray. Mediate. Take a deep breath. Dive in.</p><p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"> </p><p style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p>Desiree Middletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18325736590725912252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506203466602925097.post-41846431003519746522022-05-17T13:09:00.004-04:002022-05-17T13:09:59.910-04:00Reset<p> <span style="font-family: Courier; font-size: 12px;">Reset</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Courier; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I’ve been using the phrase “life is too short”, for the past two years. Death claimed two uncles and an aunt. The most recent being two weeks ago. I realized two years ago change needed to happen in me. What I didn’t realize was that it would take so long. Lasting change takes time. It feels good to be on the other side of that change. And I welcome more change. Change is growth. But that amount of change drained my creativity. Everything had to stop. I wrote in different formats. I went weeks without writing. I read nonfiction and essays. I sought experiences and life. I needed a reset. Because life is too short. I’ve set my heart on what truly matters. I’ve set my mind on goals I want to accomplish. This week I will be publishing two new short stories on Amazon. I was accepted into a mentor writing program with Netflix that I pray leads to a screenwriting sale. And I’m diving back into my novel writing. </p>
<p style="font-family: Courier; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Life is too short to hesitate or say no when you really, really want to try. I’m back in school pursuing my BS in Physics. The confidence I needed as an undergrad, I now have. In these past two years I realized: my science infuses my science fiction. And my science fiction infuses my science. The two halves of myself are finally one. What are you hesitating to do? What is holding you back? Don’t live another day with regret. Take a leap of faith and you’ll find that the leap is only a matter of a few steps. </p>Desiree Middletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18325736590725912252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506203466602925097.post-77269702229844944152022-02-23T10:42:00.001-05:002022-02-23T10:42:35.655-05:00My Sword<p> <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 46px; font-weight: bold;">I dropped my sword out of fear.</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 46px; font-weight: bold;"> </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 28px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">Fear of what would come after me if I continued to use it. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 28px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">Fear of the loneliness I expect as a sword wielder. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 28px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">Fear of attention and unending expectations. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 28px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">Fear of being seen as an unchristian. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 28px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">Jesus gave me this sword. He intends for me to use it. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 28px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">With a roar I pick up my sword. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 28px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">Tighten my grip on my shield. </span></p><p class="p2" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 28px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2">And run into battle. </span></p>Desiree Middletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18325736590725912252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506203466602925097.post-2960694179535379502021-09-16T09:15:00.004-04:002021-09-16T10:43:35.129-04:00Trauma Writing Trauma Writing
<div><p style="font-family: Courier; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">There is a movement happening where people are invited, in a safe space, to write about their past trauma. I’ve done this before and found it very therapeutic. The trauma writing I’m talking about today is what, through prayer, I discovered in my creative writing. My past trauma was woven so thickly into my novels, screenplays and poems that I could not see it. All I knew was that I struggled with an over abundance of darkness, sorrow and pain in my writing. And I wanted to write for children. I thought this was my true writing self and that I would always write this way. </p><p style="font-family: Courier; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Courier; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Then I had a chance to attend an online conference and meet, via zoom, an author whose work I’ve loved since middle school: Alan Dean Foster. I took extensive notes, and even got to ask him a question and show him my copy of Cachalot. He told me (and the conference goers), the backstory about the novel and about the cover on my book. There was one sentence he said that resonated within me and would not let me go. He talked about how he doesn’t write dystopian because there is enough darkness in the world and he doesn’t want to add to it. </p><p style="font-family: Courier; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Courier; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: Courier; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">That’s what I was searching for but was unable to put into words. I’m done with putting darkness, sadness, and despair into the world through my trauma writing. It’s taken me seven months to recognize, confront, accept and let go of the trauma that had woven its way into my writing. Now my writing is heartfelt, it’s rich, it’s vibrant and it’s alive. When you ask God to help you, He always makes a way. </p></div>Desiree Middletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18325736590725912252noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506203466602925097.post-88658218034182808612021-05-03T00:13:00.004-04:002021-05-03T00:13:58.880-04:00Reflection Looking into a mirror isn't just to help us apply makeup or to shave. The mirror helps us remember and helps us reflect--no pun intended. 2020 Was a year of mourning. It was also a year to reflect on our lives and change what no longer worked; change who we were never created to be.
As we step firmly into 2021, take time to look in a mirror.
I have several scifi and horror writing projects coming out this year. My horror writing is steeped in truth, sorrow and triumph. I know that may seem odd, but it is my truth...my path. We each have a path to walk and to light. Best be on your way.
Desiree Middletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18325736590725912252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506203466602925097.post-5570259933073400152021-01-09T01:28:00.003-05:002021-01-09T01:28:48.859-05:00January 2021Let this month be a new beginning for you. 2020 was hard for many and creativity may seem like the last thing you want to do, but the world needs your voice. Desiree Middletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18325736590725912252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506203466602925097.post-79095000782254934422020-10-09T13:45:00.001-04:002020-10-09T13:47:17.686-04:00Twelve WeeksThis is the time of year I post about nanowrimo or about finishing the year strong with your writing project. This is the time of year I write about making a final push to reach those goals you made in January.
But this is 2020.
This year has forced me to stop my fast-paced life and look at what truly matters; let go of the past.
Because I submitted to the process, I am able to write from a place I'd never thought possible. I realized what is truly important to me and that change is a good thing. A healing thing. And as the last twelve weeks of 2020 thrust themselves upon us, if you have not submitted to deep reflection about who you are, who you want to be, are you living your true life, what fears are you still holding onto, etc. Take the time now.Desiree Middletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18325736590725912252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506203466602925097.post-4882708009826517312020-05-06T16:44:00.000-04:002020-05-06T16:44:28.766-04:00Redecorate vs. RenovateRedecorate vs. Renovate
I have a screenplay I wrote that I’ve gotten great feedback on. It’s about suicide. I’m having difficulty getting anyone to say yes to it. Today I took a long, hard, critical look at it and I found what it needs. The only problem is, it doesn’t need to be redecorated, it needs to be renovated.
You know those home improvement shows where they sand and stain or paint kitchen cabinets because they’re solid and only need surface work? That’s redecorate. That’s not this screenplay.
My screenplay is like when they take a crowbar and rip the cabinets off the wall. Then they rip the drywall off and you’re left with the studs. You have to renovate, gut, the entire place.
That’s where this screenplay is. It needs to be gutted down to the studs so I can put the best drywall and cabinets in.
Life can be like that too. Don’t confuse a paint job with a need to do a total renovation. Put in the hard word and rip everything out. Then build in what is truly unique to you.
Your writing and you as a person will be all the better for it. Desiree Middletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18325736590725912252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506203466602925097.post-10870188460664749452020-03-23T11:42:00.000-04:002020-03-23T11:42:50.168-04:00Don’t Give UpDon’t give up on your Dreams.
With the pandemic going on, the world has found itself social distancing and staying home.
In our 21st century society, we have more choices for entertainment than there are hours in the day. We can fill our minds with endless TV shows or hours of opera or theater. Or...we can take a few hours today to reset.
Are you living the life you always wanted to live? If so...congratulations. If not...it’s reset time.
Take some of your quarantine time today to reflect on the life you truly want. If you’re at home with others, go to a separate room or even a closet. Take pen and paper, or jot your answers down on your phone.
Here are your prompts:
1. I always wanted to be a...
2. I always wanted to live in/at/on...
3. My one (or however many you have), regret is...
4. Today is a new day. I can start living my dream(s) by...
5. I will stop listening to fear and do something bold today by...
6. By June 1st of this year, I will have done...towards my dream(s).
Set a reminder on your phone to revisit your answers at least once a week. I plan on posting mine on my bathroom mirror so I am often reminded of my dreams and action steps.
And at the top of you page write: BE BOLD. LIVE FEARLESS.
Know that I am rooting for you. Desiree Middletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18325736590725912252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506203466602925097.post-43504743397920423922020-03-09T23:33:00.000-04:002020-03-09T23:34:00.574-04:00What type of writer am I?What kind of writer am I?
2020 is turning into an interesting year for me. I’ve written and submitted poetry and essays. Yet I’ve always considered myself a fiction writer.
Time is a funny construct. It gives us room to shift and grow and change and be re-formed into something completely new.
Time asks nothing from us but that it be used. And used well, until there is nothing left in the vessel of time but empty space.
If you’d asked me three years ago what type of writing I do, I would have said, “YA SciFi and Horror, novels and screenplays”.
I never would have said, “I’ve been exploring the depth of the kaleidoscope of color on the end of a grain of sand—in words and harmony through poetry.”
I am still hard at work on my adult horror novel (another new thing for me), while I explore this new person I’ve become who pulls back the petals of a fresh rose to show the world the delicate workings within that brings life to the bees.
2020
People say it’s synonymous with perfect vision.
I tend to not see perfection in anything (except Twinkies). Even nature throws a slight curve into the symmetry of a butterfly’s wings.
I think 2020 is the beginning of near vision. And as I continue to dig deeper into my writing (I’m preparing to undertake a huge research project for a book), I am reminded to see beyond the first glance. Dive deep. Tell it true. And tell it with heart. Desiree Middletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18325736590725912252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506203466602925097.post-14063192363579723932020-02-03T13:01:00.000-05:002020-02-03T13:01:12.117-05:00Whittle Down I’m looking at my list of potential nonfiction books (don’t worry. I’m still at work on my fiction novel), I’ll be writing a proposal for, in order to submit to agents this spring. The topics are areas I am qualified to speak on.
For me, “qualified” isn’t enough.
I’m qualified to explain the kinetic theory of matter or stoichiometry, but my desire and passion are writing-—which I’m also qualified to do. The difference is in the D & P. Desire and Passion.
Just as there are people in the business world who toil away their Monday - Friday in jobs they feel nothing for, there are screenwriters and authors who churn out work(s) they care nothing about.
It pays the bills.
Is that now the standard to hold our lives up to? Paying the bills? As if desire and passion for your work won’t?
Guess what? The soulless work standard is a lie!
That knowledge, to focus only writing that which I am passionate about, helps me whittle down my list from an oak tree to a toothpick.
I can work with a toothpick.
Desiree Middletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18325736590725912252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506203466602925097.post-81740274861514728692020-01-27T15:10:00.000-05:002020-01-27T15:10:31.493-05:00Break the Mold and Be FreeBreak the Mold
Last night I painted. I haven’t painted in over ten years. It was past time. I broke out my watercolors and acrylics. The first painting I did was horrible. Why? It was confined. Restricted. See, my high school art teacher would correct me whenever I tried to draw or paint abstract. Even in advanced art honors classes she would continue. I was never allowed to unleash me. Now I won lots of awards for my scenes of wildflowers and farm life, but there was something inside me that wanted to break out of the “expected of me” mold I had been shoved into.
Last night.
I took a blank sheet of mixed media paper, acrylic paints and watercolors and placed them before me. I turned up the cello music. Closed my eyes and let myself feel. Opened my eyes (sometimes). And I painted.
I haven’t thought of a name for it, my painting, but a family member saw it and was amazed by it. Said she could see raw emotion in it.
Today I got back to writing poetry. And I decided to do what I did for my painting. I chose to not write in the confines of stanza and line breaks and iambic pentameter. I wrote from my inner core.
Five poems.
My fiction writing has changed as well. My adult novel is full of hope and despair; love and perseverance. I don’t flinch from anything in this novel.
I hope to finish it in March.
Whatever is holding you back. Break out of it.
Be free.
Desiree Middletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18325736590725912252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506203466602925097.post-62806234846865015902020-01-20T10:22:00.000-05:002020-01-20T10:22:35.630-05:00MLK Day is Just Another School HolidayMLK Day is just another school holiday
By Desiree Middleton copyright 2020
I was going to skim the internet and copy and past another banal platitude to MLK that ended with “black power”, or “Happy MLK day”, or “Black lives matter”, but the state of the nation and the world made me question what the point was.
Why does anyone celebrate MLK day?
Is it just another school holiday, or should it still matter? And if it should matter, why should anyone care?
At least a dozen times a day, I hear the N-word used by students. Casual banter with their classmates. Hurled at each other as insults. When corrected by myself or other students, the perpetrators usually apologize. But in ALL cases, an hour later, a day later, they are back to using that word.
I’ve erased the N word off of tables and out of books. Sometimes my name and a not nice picture of me is attached. Sometimes students erase it before I see it, warning me to stay away while they erase it—telling me after what it said.
“I want you to understand the history of that word”, I’d say to the perpetrators. Or, “Here is why that word is offensive to me”.
Social media and television continue to paint a picture of African Americans as whores and gang bangers. “Say something ghetto,” a student once told me.
Now, today’s youth are not the only ones who have a skewed sense of what an African American is. My own culture group does as well. “Ugh, she’s at the beach sitting in the sun. Doesn't she know she’s black?” “Why do you talk like white people?” “Why don’t you write about (anything related to slavery), instead of this horror stuff?” Or what I heard growing up: “Why do you read so much?”
So when it comes to MLK day do I go to the African American museum and read aloud, I have a dream, because it’s expected of me as an African American? The affluent African Americans from Beverly Hills will make their appearance at the museum and at parades. Shake hands. Even have a repas with middle and lower socioeconomic African Americans. Then the economic classes will divide like the Red Sea. Those affluent folk will get in their Mercedes while the others will hop the blue line or bus (or Prius), to go home; never to mix again until next MLK day.
That’s the real tragedy.
Or do I take what MLK stood for, and others after him, and put it into practice? As I write this I am listening to an African American cellist. Ooh he’s doing a non-African American thing. Watch out!
I’ve seen enough in this world in the time I’ve been alive to know that equality is a moving target. That African American women have suffered atrocities so horrifying, reading eye witness accounts of them will make you physically ill.
And I’ve seen hope. Hope is like a wildfire. It needs only the tiniest spark and breath of life to become alive.
I choose hope.
MLK had a dream. Along the way this country lost sight of that.
Let MLK day be your reminder. Move past retweeting or posting an MLK speech. Do something to uplift someone.
Desiree Middletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18325736590725912252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506203466602925097.post-25408932649539179772019-12-30T19:33:00.000-05:002019-12-30T19:33:56.478-05:0020202020
The new year and new decade are almost here. I know people will write out a list of things they’re most proud of accomplishing in the past year and decade. Such a list can serve two purposes. The first is pride. The second, and more constructive, is guidance. I started the decade wanting to be a published author. It’s happened a half dozen times now.
And you...what have you done with the time you’ve been given? Not what expensive car or house did you buy. Or what lavish vacations did you take. Did you change someone’s life? Did you change your own? Did you help or turn your back on someone in need? Did you take a risk and try something new? I’ve always wanted to rock climb. Ever since I was a child. I was hiking the other day and there was a gorgeous view of the snow covered mountains in the distance. I wanted to take a picture of them. I love photography. I wanted a perfect shot. The only way to do that was to climb a boulder that stood taller than me.
I wanted my shot. So I grabbed hold with my fingertips. Dug in with my toes and climbed. I focused on my hands. Never looked down.
And climbed to the top.
The view was amazing. Then I looked down and saw how high off the ground I was and I felt ecstatic. I hadn’t let doubt about whether or not I could climb the boulder keep me from trying. I dug in and climbed, never doubting I could succeed. I’d no idea how I would get back down, but I didn’t care.
When I set out from home that morning, I’d only intended to go hiking, not rock climbing. But I saw the opportunity and took it. Being in shape (prepared), I could do it.
2020. What opportunities will come your way? Will you take them, or turn your back on them; believe them impossible?
Today I worked on the outline and first paragraph of a new novel. The genre falls under what I believe is called magical realism. I’m looking forward to writing it. I was supposed to start it January 1, but this story means a lot to me and I chose not to wait.
Don’t wait. Set your goals for the year and pursue them. Climb that boulder. Know you can. Have faith. Desiree Middletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18325736590725912252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506203466602925097.post-13279032106652811842019-10-06T13:56:00.001-04:002019-10-06T13:56:21.549-04:00Check out my writing on Amazon. Desiree Middletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18325736590725912252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506203466602925097.post-6279256496556496682019-06-18T12:37:00.000-04:002019-06-18T12:37:02.055-04:00My first novel is out!There's something amazing about holding the first copy of your novel in your hands. Flipping through the pages. Smelling the glossy cover. I was able to do that. My first Young Adult, Fantasy (with some Sci-fi elements), novel is out. And I feel extremely blessed. Jesus has taken me on this journey of self discovery. Showed me my true purpose. Gave me the tools to make my dream come true. And this is just the beginning.
The Blue Key: Quest for Peace is part one of a series. Part two has already been outlined and I will commence writing it this July.
FULL TIME!
Thank you to my family and friends who made this novel possible.
My proof copy of The Blue Key: Quest for Peace, sits on my bookshelf next to the first bible I bought when I was saved. It's in the right place.
Do I have any regrets about this novel?
I regret that I spent years sending it to agents and getting it rejected, instead of listening to people (including young adults), who loved it and begged me to publish it so they could finish reading the entire novel. LISTEN TO YOUR AUDIENCE. THEY KNOW BETTER!
My second novel is also a series. This one is 100% Sci-fi. I'm almost done with revisions on it. Then it will sit for a few weeks while I work on final edits to a suicide screenplay I'm putting finishing touches on. Then that novel will hopefully be ready to publish in August of this year.
Thank you again for all those who believed in me and cheered me on.
You guys are amazing!Desiree Middletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18325736590725912252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506203466602925097.post-25402528058755310012019-01-29T16:26:00.001-05:002019-01-29T16:26:50.338-05:00Be encouraged This post is not for everyone. This post is for anyone who has seen all the publishing success of friends and it has started making you feel bad. You may feel bad because you haven’t achieved a book deal or landed an agent. You may feel bad because your books no longer sell.
May I have a moment.
You are amazing.
No one call tell your stories the way you can. No one has your distinct voice.
You may be knee deep in diapers or working two jobs (that was me), or so busy with what life gives you that your writing has shriveled down to nothing.
You are amazing.
You care and provide for yourself and your family. Your writing isn’t gone. Your writing practice isn’t gone. Both are at a different position than when you started this writer’s journey.
You are amazing.
What is the one novel, poem, short story, picture book, screenplay, etc. that you’ve always wanted to write but didn’t think anyone would care to read? Write it. Write it in snippets of the day.
You only did a paragraph today? Yay. You only did five pages this week? Yay. You can’t find five minutes to write? DM me so we can talk about what’s really going on.
You are amazing.
And I am here to help anyone that wants it.
Desiree Desiree Middletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18325736590725912252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506203466602925097.post-9204105816559518622018-09-09T23:41:00.000-04:002018-09-09T23:41:45.380-04:00Make the timeI spent several hours out and about in LA last night. I needed reorienting—a shift back to my priorities. We looked at condos being built and we finally saw the light installation at LACMA. We people watched, because that’s what people in the industry do. And I felt peace.
I love writing. Even on the hard days. The days where I push myself to meet my writing goal. Writing is woven into me— it’s my purpose. It’s why I live in LA.
But lately I haven’t had the time I need. My days of being able to sit down for four hours after my day job and work on my writing have evaporated.
And it makes me sad.
So I needed last night, to shift me back into pursuing my purpose and my passion.
On May 11th of this year, I wrote a treatment/beatsheet for a new horror script. It’s a low-budget, social media horror script that is not like other social media horror scripts.
I want to write it.
I need to write it.
No
Matter
What
I
Will
Be
True
To
Myself
I
Am
A
Writer Desiree Middletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18325736590725912252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1506203466602925097.post-26599454109065912412018-06-18T18:44:00.000-04:002018-06-18T18:44:02.789-04:00Do it yourselfRecently I had the opportunity to direct a horror short I wrote, at Warner Brothers. It was my first short film and it was an amazing experience. That experience gave me the final push I needed to start self-publishing my fiction.
LA is the land of don't wait to be discovered, go out and do your thing. In the world of publishing, there is still this division of "I got an agent and I got a book deal from a major publishing house", vs. "I decided to self-publish my novel." Despite the number of best-selling, self-published authors, traditionally published authors and agents, (not all, but enough), look down on a self-published author, whereas in LA, an actor or writer that goes out and does their own short film or web-series, is praised for taking the initiative.
Doesn't make sense does it?
Glad we are in agreement.
So I had a choice. I could continue submitted my writing to agents, even though I knew dozens of people, just in my circle alone, wanting to buy my books, or I could start self-publishing, knowing that my novels are: well-written page-turners that are marketable.
And I have an Mfa in writing from prestigious Hamline University. I have a network of people I can call on to proofread and edit my novels. Beta readers ready to read ARCs. The only thing that was missing was for me to let go of "waiting for an agent to discover me", and get on with my work.
I am an author now. And I have work to do.
Desiree Middletonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18325736590725912252noreply@blogger.com0