thoughts

Weekly Ramble #174

Lee Hall 3 Comments

45,000 Twitter followers is a huge achievement. For me personally, it represents endurance on a journey that is sometimes challenging but always busy and my philosophy in the past few years is to always be doing something to help that growth.

I have no secrets to my success on the platform – I’ve just kept going and showed up everyday no matter the results. From zeros to hundreds to then thousands, it has been a ride, but to carry on and be consistent – that’s everything. The conclusion is simple, I want to be a success, I really want this and over the years it has driven me beyond any type of expectation. There is a process to all of this and I trust it beyond everything. Showing up matters, trust me.

To have so many people make a connection enough to choose to follow me is special and kind of a dream come true. No matter what the social trends are or what the platforms are going through, to find good results right now means a lot to me. From my content to the daily tweets and any other reason why so many have chosen to follow me, thank you.

Anyway, back to the grind…

Weekly Ramble #172

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With social media comes discord amongst those who use it and that’s nothing new. No matter your beliefs or what you follow, support and embrace, someone will have a polar opposite stance. Patience really is a virtue when it comes to being exposed to those who may not have the same beliefs as you and so many times do I see needless arguments boil over into personal and unnecessary attacks.

Having spent much time online, I’ve learned what to say and what not to say in order to mostly avoid this crap. I understand things are changing along with the times but as a creative my focus is on that creativity while also doing my best to use my time productively. Every day some drama will unfold that I chose not to be a part of. Why? Because I simply don’t have the energy. Social media is tiring enough to try and make work.

Image is everything online and those who get themselves in random arguments with random people probably won’t succeed in their endeavours. You are best spending time elsewhere. There are so many wonderful opportunities just waiting online and most them begin with supporting or embracing others.

Weekly Ramble #171

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This writing journey began for me on a rainy Sunday afternoon staring at the screen of a windows 98 desktop computer. It was on that day I first typed words for a story and then a book that would become the motivation for the path which would eventually unfold. Only now have I finally finished that book, my everything story about robots in the future. I say everything because all I have done to find myself at this point – the writing of several books, publishing them, figuring out this journey, selling, marketing, social media and finding success I am happy with is for that story.

In my heart is a dream that has resided for over half my life and now I am ready to pursue it properly. I’m going to query this book and subsequent series and aim for the stars. This everything story has and always be my plan and its good to have some kind of plan even if you do deviate from the path like me. On that deviation route I found where I was supposed to be, in the company of fellow creatives who would inspire me, embrace me and above all motivate me to keep going.

Writing stories has always been my truest and first passion. It is within the story of that everything book where you’ll find all of it.

With everything I have learned not just about writing but the business of it, I think I’ve got a shot at success. Then maybe this will turn out how it always was supposed to but then again if it doesn’t, deviation of the original dream is still a great place to be. I’ll never know if I don’t try and so this is it. Time to chase that dream.

Weekly Ramble #170

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Even after all of my time, effort and success on social media it is just social media to me. Recent times and events on the platforms serve as a reminder that it might not be worth all of our time or even effort sometimes. Now it is kind of rich coming from me as a partial addict but even I take a step back every now and then. I do all of this for the writing and my love for stories, that is something I shall never forget.

Saying that, a huge part of my journey is the wonderful people I’ve connected with over the years and they are the reason I return each time.

As for those embroiled in the judgemental partial debate about a blue tick, it is just that, a blue tick and yes there are those out there of the troll persuasion pushing limits – something the little person (me) has no real sway in. It might be the best and worst thing mankind will be known for but social media is here to stay and the antics of one billionaire will probably continue. My advice: endure and roll your eyes occasionally at the circus it has become.

Whether you are an artist, observer or even contrarian – social media is for all and so these times will effect everyone who uses it. But the good times come and so do the bad, but they also pass eventually.

Speaking of which, this too shall pass.

Weekly Ramble #169

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Serious results in any creative endeavour is fostered by taking it seriously. There are so many factors as to why one can find success with their creativity but above all, attitude is everything.

To be able to constantly learn from something while participating in it has been the driving factor for me in so many different corners of my online activities and for social media. From showing up daily to reflecting how that has benefitted my growth over time to the all important recording of what works in my mind. We take the good we can learn from and continue forth, much like when it comes to writing and then editing a book – just one more edit is the mindset and at the forefront of a writer constantly improving – to me this a good sign.

Patience is a solid joint first place when it comes to pursuing creative endeavours successfully because you could do everything you can to feel like you should be getting good results but instead you face zeros – patience will serve anyone in that situation well and in the meantime keep building, keep learning and keep going – that’s all I have ever done. Evolution really is a change that cannot be seen instantly but over time and with patience and the right attitude, you’ll get there.

Weekly Ramble #168

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Indie April 2023 is here and I am proud to see many already celebrating on social media. Whether you’re a reader, writer or any other type of creative – that creativity driven by independence is something worth celebrating and shouting about.

My success as an author, blogger and creative has been largely driven by the inspiration indie books have given me over the years and as a writer who proudly writes, I need those books to guide the way. Reviewing them is just a small slice of the cake because they have also given me vital blog content when the creative well was perhaps running dry.

This month you can expect me to be sharing plenty of reviews for indie books I have published over the years, since 2018 I have been actively reviewing some fantastic books by some equally wonderful creatives. Today the total is near to 200 and embracing fellow authors as an author myself has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made – from finding books to read to authors then finding me to just knowing there are others out there like me. This world has more than enough room for all type of creatives to find success and Indie April is a staple of that.

To those who have supported indie creatives, I salute you. Have an awesome indie April!

Weekly Ramble #167

Lee Hall 2 Comments

Sometimes an extended rest is all the mind needs. Although I love being busy, it can be nice to take ten days away and spend it with my significant other. Escape equals recharge sometimes and now I am back with batteries that are full.

My intentions this year are fewfold – from querying my forever dream book to outside writing day job aspirations to even directing another show. I’ve got my work cut out and I’m so ready. 2022 was a long and labouring year which took a lot from me. A huge priority has been to get my mental health back up to scratch and now after some time away and reflection my anxiety has seemingly drained and now I must strive to keep myself in better shape both physically and mentally. These ramble posts serve as a diary and a also to-do list. Hopefully by 2023’s final one, I will be reflecting on some successes.

As I pick up where I left of just some weeks ago, I cannot help but look back on my short break away with fond memories. A huge shout-out the wonderful Island of Saint Lucia. What a fantastic place!

Weekly Ramble #166

Lee Hall 2 Comments

The mind of a creative can be an amazing thing. Mine generally functions better when I am busy but every so often when I have the time I’ll take a step back from creativity. It is during these breaks that I grow the most. Experience and time served focusing on a craft has its obvious rewards but rest as a basic human necessity is vital to anyone looking to grow.

This year started busily with difficulty from external and internal issues for me. But like always, I found a way to overcome my obstacles and come out of a time that tested me to the limit. Reflection is fostered by time and to heal requires both. Coming back stronger than ever is my goal for this year when it comes to those external happenings. I’m going to do everything in my power to set right anything that wasn’t from last year. January and February are normally tricky for a lot of people and that includes me – I’ve got goals on my mind but I don’t want to burn out early.

Surviving is great but thriving is better and that is something I am aspiring to do this year. As always I’ll keep going, keep working and keep figuring myself out.

Weekly Ramble #165

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Pursuing dreams matters to me. Pursuing things that make me happy also matters. Writing and telling stories has been something I’ve dreamt of doing longer than pretty much anything else so when I do write, it makes me happy. Above everything, doing things in life that make you happy matters the most.

As I am just about to finish drafting my latest writing project, I cannot help but feel pride for enduring and finding everything I can to nearly complete the journey. To me, every project is different but everything required to finish it always feels the same – there are struggles in some capacity every time and it is up to the story teller to overcome them. My inspirations come from many different corners of life and I do my best to express them in the words I lay out. Of course the editing process takes us away from the original intentions sometimes but that process is nearly always necessary to create a polished finished product.

This project in particular is a stage play that will be performed within a year – a very special outlet I am lucky to have. Guess I better get to finishing it…

Reflections of a Writer-Director

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And so the curtains fall on what has been an arduous but rewarding journey. It has taken an incredible amount of effort by so many to create a show that reflects hard work by those who shared my vision.

The Iver Heath Drama Club has spent over 70 years presenting shows to the local community and is a place where all are welcome – from audience to stage or technical and even the massive efforts of those behind the scenes. Having been a part of this fantastic drama club for over twelve years I’ve always felt valued and accepted by them. My writing journey has always been embraced by IHDC and their encouragement is a major factor in why I’m still writing. Their unique approach to accepting and including everyone is so important and something the club must always fight for. Community based theatre is a staple of providing entertainment and escape for everyone in the local community and IHDC does that very well.

For their latest pantomime effort I proudly took on the prestigious role of director, my first foray into managing a full-length show and a view that I’ll never forget. To see those words I’ve written performed by so many talented people will stay with me for a long time. Having already been the resident panto writer for some years this occasion the whole thing rested upon my shoulders representing a new type of pressure and of course pride for the journey. But like I said, I was not alone and I don’t really consider myself a director but IHDC made me feel like one and they took my vision and converted it into the bright colourful lights of theatre.

Audiences, performers and crew all went home happy which was my number one objective in all of this.

Successful shows are fostered by work and dedication along with the collaboration of so many talented folks who I am proud to call my friends. We did an incredible job together and so for now let us all retire to the green room.

Like always, the writing continues as I have already penned the first half of my next pantomime and IHDC will be going forth into their next production. With a number of scripts now written we will also be looking towards officially opening our very own script store. We have already had one customer in the form of another wonderful drama group who presented my adaptation of Rapunzel to great success!

You can find more information about IHDC via their Facebook Page.