A very happy Fiftieth anniversary of Diamond Dogs to all who celebrate! My favourite albums by the man looking down (sort of looking down: eyes shut, it being Aladdin Sane) on the wall opposite my writing desk all happened a decade or more before I did. I was in my thirties before I verbalised to myself the real reason David Bowie is my muse.
My favourite writing exercise:
“If I knew it would be absolutely fine, where would I explore next?”
It’s not about what he wrote, much as I love it. Bowie is my muse because each persona, each genre and each era happened because it was what he chose and discovered he wanted to become next. Rather than being defined or limited by the expectations of others, he kept on being curious right to the end. He used his platform not to play safe but to explore. When I’m tempted to let my fears of others’ expectations of the writer and human I’m “supposed” to be make my decisions for me, I think about the cover image of The Man Who Sold the World. His focus was not ‘But what if it’s not what they expect?’ or ‘What if it’s too different?’ Those were just the obstacles. The objectives were all about creating, discovering.
I’m halfway through the current rewrite of the novel I was working on when I was accepted for Great British Horror 5 and went on to write two short story collections for its publisher, Black Shuck Books. The writer of that version of that novel and the writer I am now as I edit and rewrite are different, but they can help each other. I’m comprised of everything I’ve learnt and everything I’ve been. Time to be curious about what happens next…
This week at the Writers’ Gym
Monday 27 May, 11-1pm: The Writing Room FREE for everyone on my mailing list. Time and space to think and write with likeminded people. No expectations, no readings, just an open chat box and unmuting for ten minutes' chat at the end.
Wednesday 29 May, 1-2.30pm: Writing the Self Memoir, Lifewriting and Fictionalised Experience. Find the story at the heart of the experience and the skills to share it with the audience you want. 30% off for members. Free for Writers' Gym founder members and VIP members: type your discount code where indicated.
Wednesday 29 May, 3-4:30: Coffee & Creativity Community time to talk, write and share work, ambitions and celebrations. 15 minutes’ chatting time either side frames the writing time, to move forward in your creative work.
Friday 31 May, 11am-1pm: Writing Room EXTRA Members only: please check your Voxer messages for the link.
Friday 31 May, 5-6.30pm: Cocktails & Creativity Our monthly evening get-together to celebrate and create
Plan your writing workouts from events listed up to a month ahead, or request your membership booklet on the website.
Catch the latest episode of The Writers’ Gym podcast with Nigel Planer on Apple, Spotify or any of your favourite platforms.