Pure Rage Makes for Good Writing Motivation, Apparently.

Don’t get me wrong – writing is also a lot about healing. And that’s exactly what I did with my latest concept The Rewind Duology all about time travel, coming of age, and romance. And oh yeah – the unresolved pain and frustration I had leftover from my less-than-satisfactory grade school years. Obviously, I’m 25 years old now and that feels like a lifetime ago, but this story concept felt like it was on fire inside me. I can’t explain the feeling of having to get a story out or else I was sure I would burst, but that’s how I felt.

As for my next book concept Breakup Queen, I’m having a lot of trouble actually sitting down to write. Sure, I could maybe blame it at least partially on the fact that I’m a professional content writer and editor now, so it’s not unheard for me to spend basically the entire day at my laptop. That’s super draining even though I love it and know I’ll be financially set with this career path someday.

But I later realized, there was another variable as to why I haven’t felt motivated to write this story. Where The Rewind Duology was a burning fire in the pit of my stomach, Breakup Queen was a barely-lit ember. I know my story, I know the characters, I even know the multiple layers I want to add to it.

And yet, there’s something still that’s missing from it. That thing, apparently, is known as rage. In the Rewind Duology, I was so angry at my past, and knew that the only way to heal was to write about it. Part of it also, was that reading and writing romance helped me cope with being single. Well, you know what else? I’m not single anymore – I’m in an extremely committed relationship with my boyfriend and I’ve never been happier.

Throwback to that time I scored press passes to Taylor Swift’s Reputation Tour!

So now, it seems the magic is gone with my writing. My real life has, quite literally, gotten more incredible than any story I feel like I could write. I mean, I actually fell in love with the shy, quiet drummer I met in band camp about 11 years ago. Can’t make this shit up! I’m almost like the fans critical of Taylor Swift for writing an album about being happy in a relationship for once. Since she got together with Joe Alwyn, fans were skeptical of her ability to produce an album that hit quite as hard as her angry breakup anthems. But she did – Lover may not be my favorite album of hers, but I thoroughly enjoyed many of the songs on there, and it was nice to see the lighter side of Taylor after the grit and angst of the previous full-length album Reputation.

But back to Breakup Queen… I’m not angry anymore. And I’ve met (or rather, re-met) someone who truly loves me. So what right do I have writing a fake-dating rockstar romance with a bitchy protagonist?

Luckily, creative writing isn’t about obligation – as Simon Cowell on American Idol would say, it’s just indulgent. But that’s entirely the point, and that’s entirely okay. I think I have to take the pressure off writing for myself. Yeah, I do hope to traditionally publish this one, but first, I gotta tell myself the story.

I hate resorting to the typical cliché of “you can’t edit a blank page” but it’s so true! Somehow, some way, I hope to hit some kind of rhythm with my writing where it doesn’t feel like pulling teeth putting words onto the page anymore. It’s not writer’s block, it’s more like a lack of focus and motivation. But at least I’ve diagnosed the issue. It’s funny how much emotions fuel writing – especially when it’s an intense emotion like rage or longing. Now, I have almost everything I’ve ever wanted in life, so it’s hard to be angsty enough to write an angsty character.

Fingers crossed something happens to inspire me soon (but hopefully not, because anything negative would also really suck).

If you’d like to chat about writing or freelancing, drop me a line on my website angelinasinger.com (I promise I don’t bite). Thanks for reading this far, if you have 💜

P.S. – Come meet me THIS WEEKEND at the Scituate Farmer’s Market in RI (Peep my events page for all the deets on that). Hope to see you there!

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One Mile at a Time, I’m Making Life Happen.

It’s February (or more specifically, the long-awaited TWOS day of 02/22/22) and oddly enough, my life has felt pretty blah the past couple weeks. There were moments of intriguing progress that seemed to be made, and moments of sparks that fizzled out. But you know what? I’ve learned that it is these moments of bland boredom that bring the best opportunities to reflect on progress.

I started out 2022 by buying a brand-new car. Yes, seriously. Like, fresh from the lot, covered in smell-good chemicals, and connected to Apple play (just the way I like ’em). How did I afford this? Well, it was a combination of my freelance work, a smattering of book sales, and longtime saved revenue from my crocheted art business. Point is, I worked my butt off for this car. And it was a lovely consolation prize after getting rejected by yet another crush (now that I know buying a new car makes rejection hurt a lot less, I might file away that technique for the future).

From there, I started hitting the ground running by leveraging my resources (as all good leaders do). I looked at all the publications I’ve been writing for, and figured out ways to make those writing samples work for me. I can’t even tell you all the potential I’ve been able to squeeze out of a recent article I wrote about aromatherapy. There’s also a secret journalism project that I’m not permitted to talk about yet. But it’s really cool and something I’m very passionate about. See? The possibilities are endless – if you know where to look for them.

Then, I started sharing my expertise in my field with others. If you’ve been following me for a while, then you’ll know that I’ve been appearing on as many podcast shows that will have me (and you can listen to them all via my website here). The way I see it, I have learned so much by chasing this particular profession of being a writer. While I have ties in both the publishing and freelance branches of the industry, the lessons I’ve learned are the same, and basically boil down to asking for what you know you’re worth. And then, perhaps the most important part of it, is showing up for your clients and giving them the best of what you have to offer. Sounds simple, right? But it’s so critical to building that client base that you can rely on – then, they’ll rely on you right back!

So where does this all situate me in the coming weeks and months? Hopefully somewhere amazing. And I’m already shifting my focus into that positive attitude – because that’s the key. Haven’t you heard? Whatever you focus on the most expands. For me, that means I’m focusing on my physical and mental health, while making my dreams a reality (and that starts with my next book concept, lovingly dubbed Breakup Queen). So on this TWOSday (and every mundane Tuesday after this one) I’m choosing to focus on only the best and brightest versions of my dreams – and hopefully, you’ll feel empowered to do the same.

If you’re looking for a unique and sassy read to take your mind off things, why not check out my latest time-travel concept? The Rewind Duology is available in paperback, ebook, and audio – and I’m confident that if you love Back-to-the-Future and Sword Art Online, you’ll love this goofy romp of love, liplocks, and lunkheads.

Why I Relate to Aly & Aj’s “Rush” More at 23 Than 9

As a person, and as a writer, I’ve experienced a significant amount of growth this year. 2020 kicked everyone’s butt in one way or another, but for me, my faith grew stronger, my writer’s voice developed even more, and I’ve never been happier. You can read more about that HERE.

But seriously, if you grew up watching Disney Channel like I did in the 2000s, you’ll know Ally & Aj. They were special, the two sisters with undeniable talent and what I know now are total punk-rock influences. A recent grazing session on YouTube reminded me what a totally banger this song is. Between the beautiful, haunting vocal harmonies, and the insightful lyrics, this has everything.

“I’m convinced these songs were written not as much to bop to as kids, but to return to when you’re older to empathize with the lyrics and let the message warm your soul.”

Commenter on YouTube

So I thought that for you, my lovely blog readers, I’d take a little deep dive into what this song means for me in concert with my favorite lyrics. When I was nine, I knew it as one of the songs that would play in between commercials while I was watching some of my favorite sitcoms. Or maybe I knew it off of the Twitches soundtrack. Regardless, it means a lot more to me now than it ever did before. Aly & Aj were special – they seemed like old souls on a kid’s channel, and I’m so glad to see that they’re still doing the music thing even all these years later (I seriously LOL’d at their 2020 explicit version of “Potential Breakup Song”).

Into your head, into your mind
Out of your soul, race through your veins
You can’t escape, you can’t escape

It’s an overthinking anthem! I don’t think I felt quite this stressed when I was nine years old. I mean, I did deal with some difficult life things, but overall, I was relatively relaxed aside from those particular struggles. Now at twenty-three, I’m trying to build a life for myself and breathe new meaning into the profession and hobbies I’ve chosen for myself.

Don’t let nobody tell you your life is over
Be every color that you are
Into the rush now, you don’t have to know how
Know it all before you try

This is my anthem for 2021 and forward. I’m so done with the haters, and letting snotty, irritating people steal my joy. I’m done feeling like an imposter, and mindlessly digesting whatever crap people throw at me. Instead, I’m going to be my neon-pink, sparkly self and carefully steer myself into my own success. My bright pink hair brings me so much joy, so I’m going to keep it that way as long as I still like it. I even finally pierced my nose this past fall, which I’d been wanting to do since literally high school. More than ever, my joy is up to me, and I’m not tolerating fake people (or fake cheese). Life is far too short for that, after all.

I also love this idea of taking that risk in life, whatever it may be, even without knowing how it’s going to turn out. That’s what they’re talking about here – the rush. You have to go for your dreams, and make them happen. Vibrate at a higher frequency, look beyond your struggles, and break through the walls that others try to build around you.

It takes you to another place
Imagine everything you can
All the colors start to blend
Your system overloads again
Can you feel it?

It’s a constant battle to choose joy and peace. Something my holistic nutritionist told me that really resonated was that you gotta avoid unconscious reaction, and choose conscious action instead. Happiness is a choice – and yeah, crap still happens, and you might still get stressed, but you can’t stay there. You pick yourself up, and you keep fighting. Giving up is accepting defeat, and your future self will thank you for keeping at it.

If you’re like me, and you’re fascinated with time travel and all the theoretical ramifications of time, space, and energy, then you might like my latest book. It’s about me going back in time to see my younger self in the name of seeking justice for old bullies that got away with way too much crap. You can find the book HERE.

Thank you for being here, and reading this far if you did. I’m so excited for what 2021 holds. Remember, be you, and be unapologetically bold. This world needs what you have to offer.

What I’m Thankful For

Author life isn’t usually as glamorous as you might think. And with all the varied levels of uncertainty in the world right now, it’s so hard to stay focused and peaceful in the midst of the storm. So ahead of my favorite holiday of the year (Thanksgiving Day, DUH), I thought it would be high time to tell you about some of the things I’m grateful for. Of course, this isn’t an exhaustive list – I’ve just picked a handful of things to share. The real list would probably be way too big to share on a single blog post. And the biggest thing, is obviously Jesus – whenever I’m scared, I know He’s got my back and sees the whole picture, especially when I can only see what’s directly in front of me.

#1: Creativity

The ability to build worlds on paper is sheer magic. I honestly love how I can bring a story to life effortlessly. It feels like a superpower some days! Then again, it’s probably because I’m epically bad at anything math or science related. I guess Jesus knew that my brain would have to be good at something, so He made me extra artistic and creative. I am definitely not complaining! So whatever you’re good at, and whatever you love doing – just keep doing those things when times get hard. You’ll be surprised at how mediative and relaxing hobbies can be.

I’m also a big fan of music, and I’ve been studying guitar in various capacities for over 12 years now. My hope is to be able to teach guitar someday, but for now, I’m just really enjoying honing my skills.

#2: Home + Family

Yes, my parents drive me nuts sometimes (read, all the time) and I’d say Only Child Syndrome is largely to blame. But they love me so much, and they’re always there for me. Especially after losing my grandfather recently, they’ve really been an amazing support system for me even while they were obviously saddened by the loss also. If you’re grieving a difficult loss, you can read about my grappling with this in this post HERE: https://angelinasingerauthor.wordpress.com/2020/10/01/where-creativity-meets-grief-managing-emotions-in-the-wake-of-loss/

So I guess what I’m saying is, hug your loved ones tight, this season and always – you never know how much time you have left with them.

#3: My Friends

When OCS (Only Child Syndrome) sets in with a vengeance and I really need to talk to someone not blood-related to me, friends are an amazing alternative. When I was a kid, I didn’t have many friends I could depend on. That was probably compounded by the fact that I was always a bit more mature than other kids my age. Plus, it didn’t help that I exclusively attended private schools miles away from my hometown. Add in a good dose of bullying, and ya girl had it pretty rough. That’s why I’m so beyond grateful for the friends I found in high school and college. They fill in the gaps of friendships I was lacking in the past in the most honest, wholesome way. I even got to meet a long-distance friend IRL for the first time this year, and you can read about that surreal experience HERE: https://angelinasingerauthor.wordpress.com/2020/08/25/when-writers-meet-closing-the-distance-from-800-miles-apart/

But this isn’t meant to be a sympathy post – no. What I’m trying to show you is that no matter how bad things get, time and life experience fix most things. I used the struggles I had to write my latest book – Forgetting What I Couldn’t Remember – all about overcoming bullying and the long-term damaging effects it can have. All fictionalized, of course – the story is about Vera Bartlet who travels through time and meets her younger self. Navigating some romance and estranged relatives in the mix too, this is a story you don’t want to miss! Grab a copy before the sequel, Forgiving What I Couldn’t Change is released mid-2021: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B084QK6DFW?pf_rd_r=5TKMY5SCHQFM95MN0S40&pf_rd_p=edaba0ee-c2fe-4124-9f5d-b31d6b1bfbee

So no matter what your holiday looks like this week, I truly hope that you find time to thank God for all that He’s given you, big or small. Even the tough things always happen for a reason, and that understanding is getting me through so many of my struggles. Things will get better soon! And until it does, counting your blessings is a great place to start ❤

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

P.S. – Although in person events are obviously cancelled right now, I’m participating in the digital Rhode Island Author Expo on December 5th. Click this link to see the events I’m in, and register for free if you’d like to virtually meet me!

https://sites.grenadine.co/sites/authorexpo2020/en/rhode-island-author-virtual-expo-2020/person/96/Angelina%20Singer?fbclid=IwAR1jN_iVQarAHEsysSm_wWcMuSWcHAYdtHVOWZj1qA-wWm30zTNdtTdn0uc

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