Feeling Lucky?

Finally that spark of motivation and positivity I felt when the clocks struck 2012 returned this weekend, thanks to being in the company of inspirational writers at the Scottish Association of Writers conference, and also due to spending most of my day off yesterday reading the wonderful book, 'The Luck Factor' written by (my new hero) Dr Richard Wiseman. This book has helped me make sense of training I've been delivering in my job the past few months and also reminded me not to give up on sending my novel out and to make the most of any opportunity placed in my way!

In 'The Luck Factor' Dr. Wiseman presents his results of eight years of scientific research into the concept of luck - ultimately trying to determine if there is more to luck than just chance...

I don't want to plagarise his book on here as you should really all go out and buy it (or I'll give you a loan of it.) I discovered this book in a round-about way. I never talk about my day job on here, so for those of you not in the know, I'm a careers adviser. For the past few months as part of my job I've been delivering training to my fellow careers adviser colleagues, focusing on a 'Coaching Approach to Guidance'. Part of the training involves revising career theories such as 'Planned Happenstance'.

Planned Happenstance theory recognises that a lot of people end up in a career due to chance encounters/opportunites, rather than giving a lot of logical thought to their career choice. When you delver deeper into the theory it explains that opportunities rarely happen by mere 'chance'- you have to be an active agent and remain open to them, get off the sofa and actually actively look for things... One of my fellow trainers then told us about Derren Brown's 'Experiment Series', recommending we watch 'The Secret of Luck'(which makes interesting viewing. If you find this post remotely interesting then you'll probably enjoy it too). This episode draws on the research of Dr Wiseman. When I mentioned this to a careers adviser I was delivering training to she said she had a copy of Wiseman's book, 'The Luck Factor' so she brought it in for me to read and very kindly told me to keep it. I now want to recommend all of my clients read this book as seriously if everyone adopted a 'lucky' attitude it would make my job so much easier... (on another note I am now convinced that Derren Brown is actually a tv persona of Dr. Wiseman himself as he seems to be borrowing a lot of his techniques/experiements/studies to display on his shows...)

Ok so I'm sure you're all dying to know what 'the secret of luck' is. This is a very basic summary of what Wiseman found (for a deeper understanding you will have to read the book for yourself! Or ask me about it the next time you see me)

Wiseman found that Luck is a State of Mind and there are four principles of Luck (with Twelve sub principles).

Lucky people tend to be more extrovert, less anxious, are good at listening to their intuition and acting upon it (also tend to notice and act upon opportunities), are open to new experiences, think postively about the future and have positive expecations of others...a lot of them also engage in positive visualisation.

The section talking about positive visualisation, or 'dream wishing' as one of his research particpants called it, reminded me a lot of the concept of 'Cosmic Ordering'; where you visualise something positive happening in some part of your life and then through positive thinking and visualisation you manifest it. I've read a lot of real life articles featuring people who have 'cosmic ordered' their perfect partner or their perfect house... but thinking back to those stories none of them were passive in their approaches - they actively placed themselves in situations/places which enhanced the possibility of the positive thing occuring. (so that relates to Wiseman's point about lucky people being open to new experiences and acting upon any opportunties placed in their way...)

Wiseman also found lucky people have the ability to find the good in bad situations. To quote: they will, 'find...a solution rather than fixate...on the problem.' (pg. 167).

In the closing sections of his book Wiseman introduces his 'Luck School' where he invites the reader to try out practical techniques he has devised to enhance luck. This is supposed to be conducted over a monthly period so starting from next week (seeing as we are now on Tuesday) I'm going to try this out. Once my month has ended I'll update you on here and let you know if my life has improved miraculously!! (I should point out that I don't necessarily consider myself to be an unlucky person but I'm sure there are lots of things I could be doing to become more lucky).

At the writing weekend, which I referred to at the start of this post, the fantastic children's author, Cathy MacPhail, talked about how she gets ideas for her books and again this ties in with the whole 'lucky' way of thinking as this is a lady who has her eyes and ears open to opportunities that come her way. One of her stories mirrors one of Wiseman's 'lucky' participants, in that they both pay close attention to radio broadcasts and have acted upon things they heard leading on to good things. Cathy mentioned how one radio broadcast led her to enter a short story competition which she won, then it got expanded into a radio series, and then was commissioned for a TV series. She said she often picks up ideas for stories from broadcasts, from newspapers, from people she meets, things she sees. She is a great example of someone being an active agent in creating and responding to chance opportunities.

I also got talking to another children's author, Nicola Morgan,at the weekend who told me to go to a writing festival which takes place down in York, one which looks fantastic (giving attendees one on one time with agents). I'd never heard of this before so I'm thinking this is a chance opportunity being flung my way that I should act upon...

I'll leave you with a funny thing that happened yesterday. Every once in a while I check out the teenage fiction section of bookshops to see what's current and who's publishing what. A book I picked up yesterday was published by Chicken House; it looked like it had a bit of a darker edge, like my current YA novel which is doing the rounds, and I thought, bah, Chicken House are closed to unsolicited submissions so I can't submit to them. Before starting to write this blog post I tried to look up Wiseman's luck factor website (which is no longer at the address published in the 2003 edition of his book I've got) and in my search bar it brought up Chicken House's website instead as it was in my history (their website happens to be doublecLUCK.com! haha). So I went on to their site and discovered that they are about to open their 2013 Children's Book Competition, asking for children's or teenage novel submissions. Needless to say I am going to enter. And I will be sure to do lots of 'Dream Wishing' along the way...

Here's a link to Wiseman's blog

Art

It's been a while since I've done any drawing or painting so I made sure I devoted some time to getting creative this weekend. Usually writing is given priority over any other creative activity but I think my head is too full of training lessons I've been delivering at work to make room for any other words just now. So then I got to thinking why not produce some pictues instead...and this was what I came up with (one of them was a picture I started about 4 years ago and is now finally complete! Even if it takes me a while, I always finish what I start...)

I'd forgotten how relaxing drawing can be - it's a good way for my mind to totally switch off and listening to music makes it an even more enjoyable experience. (my soundtrack for the pictures above was Evanescence in case you're curious). I also love the fact that all I need is a blank piece of paper and a black pen (it has to be a Visible M bic pen)to keep me entertained.

All New People

Last Saturday I went to see 'All New People' at the Kings Theatre in Glasgow; a play written by and starring Zach Braff. I used to love him in Scrubs and loved his film Garden State so it was exciting to see him on stage.

There was a good buzz in the theatre as the play opened with River Dance type music... I half expected Mr Braff to paddy bar onto the stage dressed in a kilt but no, he swung out hanging from a rope instead. A powerful opening scene which was unfortunately ruined as soon as Eve Myles opened her mouth. She played a highly strung English woman, Emma, and for the first 40 minutes or so her voice was so high pitched and performance overplayed that I was worried she was going to ruin the whole play. It was a relief when Braff's character, Charlie, started to talk and when the other two arrived; Myron the fireman (Paul Hilton) and a high class prostitute, Kim (Susannah Fielding). For me the latter two provided the true comedy moments. I've read some mixed reviews of the play; some disappointed with it and others thinking it was hilarious. I thought the humour was a bit obvious at times but there were some good gags which provided a light contrast to Charlie's suicidal disposition. I liked the premise of a group of strangers being thrown together and finding comfort in random connections. And apart from Myles' shaky start I thought the acting was impressive. The insertion of screens playing out each of the characters' backstory throughout was a clever use of mixed media and added depth to the production.

However I did wonder if Braff had subconsciously tried to recreate his depressive charater in Garden State...I couldn't help draw comparisons and then got to thinking without a smart quirky female character like Sam to pull him out of himself, Charlie remained a bit half drawn. I still really liked it though and the fact Braff conducted a very charming, down to earth Q and A session afterwards made for a very pleasant theatre trip.(see rubbish quality photo at the top of the posting of him waving a microphone about). In case you're interested he tried a deep fried Mars Bar on his visit to Glasgow and he really likes Irish River Dance music...(but let's not hold that against him).

Words

Since the start of 2012 I've felt like the creative side of my brain stayed behind in 2011. I've been trying hard to write and it's just not been flowing so instead of trying to force a project I started working on at the end of 2011, I turned to a new challenge. Writing prose using only 5 letter words and then a snippet of a story (?) using only 4 letter words. I've discovered I can only complete these tasks by scribbling in a notebook which makes me wonder if that helps me access a different side of my creative brain as when I write longer prose I always type. If I ever attempt to write poetry I usually need to handwrite that too. Any other writers reading this have a similar experience? Writing these also made me realise how much I love language and words. But I guess all writers must be a bit in love with words...:)

So here's the results below, starting with the 5 letter prose:

Lunar

Glass tears cried under night skies. Fears wound round hopes, kills dream. Arise lunar magic. Chase angst; grief given wings. Faded ghost flies where stars blaze; their light heals tired lives. Clock stops after final music plays.


Dead Soul

“Name?”
“Lola”
“Lola what?”
“Just Lola.”
Kurt knew this type: Fool.
Lola knew this type: Prat.
“Town?”
“Dunn.”
Kurt knew this town. Dump.
Lola said, “Dunn lost. Just like here.”
“Lost what?” said Kurt.
“Love...life. Lost soul make dead life.”
“Fine here. Life here good!” said Kurt.
“Eyes shut. Open them.”
“Wide open, girl.”
“Kurt deny?”
“Kurt think Lola real dumb girl.”
“Life have pain with lost love.”
“Find more love then.”
“Just like that?”
“Just like that. Easy.” said Kurt.
“Kurt love?”
“Love none baby. Just f*** - stay free!”
“Sure, keep mind open. Mind free…then find love. That make long life.” said Lola.
“Okay, done here. Read over, print name, sign…”
“Take care, Kurt. Your eyes look dead. Feed soul.”
Then Lola left.
Dead eyes? Kurt felt fear.

Year End

It's not quite the end of the year yet but I get time to write this properly today as I'm hiding indoors, away from the wind and rain. I did this type of post last year and it's a good way of testing how senile I'm becoming in my old age, trying to remember some of my favourites things throughout the year. So here's some of my top things of 2011:

Music:

Scala and Kolacny Brothers

This discovery was made just a few days ago, thanks to my Dad. (who bought one of their albums for my Mum's Christmas). I remember the goosebumps I got listening to their cover of 'Creep' when I watched the Social Network preview in the cinema but never bothered to find out who they were. Now that I know, I've been searching through all of their covers on Youtube. I've posted one of my faves below; 'Enjoy the Silence' by Depeche Mode. (I thought nothing could beat Lacuna Coil's cover but this is close) I also love their cover of Marilyn Manson's 'The Beautiful People'. Try listening to that one and not getting goosebumps. Oh, and Metallica's 'Nothing Else Matters'.



Evanescence


It's taken Amy Lee a while to return but it was worth it. Nobody sings haunting melodies quite as well as she does and seeing them play live again was great. Watching her play the piano (and actually listening to the Scala bros) has made me want to play again. Maybe that'll be something I put down on my 2012 'to do' list.
Listening to Evanescence again has also brought back memories of a book I started to write years ago, when their first album 'Fallen' was always on my stereo. So now I plan to dust off those 40,000 words and get re-writing and maybe reach the end this time...

Lykke Li

I've been listening to a lot of Lykke Li this year. I think she's pretty cool and has a lovely voice. One of my fave songs is 'Tonight'.

Top Places:

London: Loved Camden Market, loved meeting up with a friend I hadn't seen in a while, loved seeing Wicked, loved the Tate Gallery and the fact we saw Michael Stipe (though I thought it wasn't him and didn't realise it was him until I googled him later and realised he did look old now...)

Manchester: Loved this city, particularly the Whitworth Gallery and the Northern Quarter and again loved spending time with a friend I don't get to see that much

Beltane Fire Festival: This is something me and a friend had wanted to do for years and it was great we finally got around to going this year. It felt magical standing on top of Calton Hill in the pitch dark with crazy painted people dancing round fires and the such like. The view across the city below was also amazing.

Hettie's Tea Room in Pitlochry: It's become a bit of tradition for me and a friend to take a trip to Perth and Pitlochry in the summer. And, keeping up with traditions, we once again got a total soaking on our walk round Pitlochry which gave us good reason to keep finding shelter in cafes. Hettie's cakes are amazing!! Recommend.

Arran: A tranquil little island which looks like paradise when the sun shines and this year was made even more special when my bro got married there. And the sun shone for a whole 4 days. Happy memories for 2011!

Favourite Films:


Melancholia

This has to get a mention because I just loved the way it was filmed. The opening scene particularly looked like art in motion (that sounds cheesy but I can't think of any better way to describe it). Not the cheeriest of films mind you. Kirsten Dunst was also great in it.

Blue Valentine

This only gets a mention for the closing credits because I love the way they were put together so that's one of my fave film moments of 2011. The film itself was so depressing it's not one I'd watch again...but the acting was outstanding.

Black Swan

I already devoted a whole blog post to this one so I won't go on about it again. Loved the way it was filmed, loved the whole psychological aspects of it and loved the weirdness.

For pure enjoyment factors I have to mention Breaking Dawn and the last Harry Potter:The Deathly Hallows Part 2 . I went to see Harry Potter twice and cried both times.
I totally loved the way they filmed a couple of sequences in Breaking Dawn (flashing through Bella's life was one of them) I won't go into anymore detail for those who may be reading that haven't seen it!

I'm Still Here

Joaquin Phoenix's Mockumentary is uncomfortable and crazy viewing but it made me laugh. I love him. I could say so much more about this but words can't really describe it so just watch it. I can loan you the DVD.

Film that made me laugh and wasn't supposed to: Red Riding Hood
Hilarious love scene and the worst editing/continuity ever. Also shamless rip off of Twilight soundtrack/imagery.

Books:

Dangerous Deceit by Romy Gemmell (a.k.a Rosemary Gemmell, a.k.a my Mum)

This deserves a mention because this is my Mum's first book and also because it's a bloomin brilliant debut novel! Mystery and romance in Regency England with characters that draw you in.
You can read my Amazon review by clicking on 'review' below:
Review
If you got a Kindle for your Christmas you can order a copy on Amazon or if you want a print version go to
Champagne Books

The Nightworld Series by L.J.Smith

Last year I read the Vampire Diaries; this year I've been working my way through the Nightworld Series. They get a bit repetitive after a while -human meets 'vampire' or 'witch' soulmate, they fight some evil contemporaries and end up together. But it's great escapism and particularly enjoyed 'Soulmate' which was about reincarnation.

One Day by David Nicholls

I had mixed feelings about this book when I started to read it because the main male protagonist, Dexter, annoyed me so much. But I really liked Emma, the main female protagnoist so I kept reading. And it became a real page turner; following Emma and Dexter through the years and wondering if they were ever going to get together. Would Dexter ever stop being such a shallow fool? Would Emma ever come to her senses and move on? The outcome is bittersweet so get your hankies ready if you read this.

When God Was A Rabbit by Sarah Winman

This book made me laugh out loud when I was reading it on the train. I loved the characters of Elly, her family, and her best friend Jenny Penny. The first half of the book has more laughs as it's seen through the eyes of Elly when she's a girl. The second half takes on a more serious tone which was a bit of a risk but it still works, though in some ways makes you feel like you've read two different books by the end.

I could go on but this post has already taken me too long to write. So here's to a fun and productive 2012.

Light

It's taken me a while to feel the Christmas cheer this year; probably because the weather has been extra grim the past few weeks with what felt like one hour of daylight some days, and I've also had the cold. But after putting up my tree yesterday and watching some Christmas films I'm slowly coming around. Today I went to Pollock House with my parents for lunch and we had a walk around the snow covered grounds afterwards and the sun was shining (sunlight, how I've missed you!). I took the photos above which don't really do the scenery justice. My Mum made a comment about how simple things can make her happy and I had just been thinking the past couple of days how it's the little things at Christmas time that brighten my mood. (like the chocolate santas, turkey dinner and so on...)

I know a lot of people are a bit 'bah humbug' about the whole festive season (and the consumerism part of it and mental shoppers does cause me some misery) but ultimately it adds a little bit of sparkle into a very dull few months. I like going home to my parents for a few days and catching up with friends over the holidays and having a break from work.

I also like the dawning of a new year as it always makes me feel motivated to do new things (even if it doesn't last!) I like thinking ahead to what I might do and where I might go...

If you're feeling a bit of the winter misery here's a little poem by James Walker that reminds me how good it can feel being indoors on a dark, cold night!

Safe ~ James Walker

Come, stir the fire,
The lamps unlit
Leave, while we sit
Close to the glow,
And fire and shadow flit
About the room, and fight
For love of it.

Cold winds blow
Whirling in the drear
Night outside; the blaze
Uncoils its tetacles, and here
We in a dream-daze
With the lamps unlit,
Safe in firelight sit.

Bite Me

When the first traces of Twilight hysteria hit the media I initially wrote it off as another hyped-up teen flick/series that I would avoid. I’d never read the book(s) and I thought I probably never would. But then out of curiosity I spoke to a friend who is very clued up on the fantasy/goth/alternative American YA market and she had read Twilight when it was first out and rated it. So I told her to bring over her DVD and I remember being a little bit mesmerised by the film: the low lit blue colour running through it, the indie minimalist style, great soundtrack and captivating characters. The subsequent films have also been very enjoyable but the Hollywood slick of the new directors took away from Catherine Hardwicke’s initial realness. (I love Catherine Hardwicke and will excuse her for her blip in the road, Red Riding Hood, if she agrees to be my director, for my books...)

After watching the film I read the book and was...hooked. There’s no better feeling than being drawn completely into a world and waiting impatiently to read the next of the series. There’s been a lot of criticism about Stephanie Myer’s writing but I didn’t notice any obvious flaws (and the way a book is written does matter to me. I’ve thrown a lot of books to one side in disgust at the poor quality of writing).

There’s also been a load of criticism from feminists, the media, domestic abuse groups and so on, criticising the ‘submissive’ character of Bella. I admit that parts of New Moon, where Edward tried to forbid Bella to see Jacob, began to really irritate me (though to be fair he was ultimately trying to protect her from being mauled by a werewolf). But anyone who has read the books properly can’t fail to see how strong a character Bella is.

What the critics don’t seem to get is the fact that Bella always makes her own choices. Edward can’t even read her mind (his Vampire super-power), so he certainly can’t control it. I really liked the character of Bella because she’s a bit of an outcast but not in a ‘woe me’ kind of way – more in a, ‘I know my own mind and I’m not going to conform just to fit in with you’ kind of way. She’s quiet but very determined and assertive. She falls in love with Edward; she knows she wants to be with him and she will do anything to get/keep her man. It’s also Bella who puts the pressure on in the bedroom and Edward, always the gentleman, keeps everything in check until he gets her down the aisle. She insists on keeping her baby (even although it’s killing her and no one really knows if it’s actually a baby growing inside of her) and I love the fact she never breaks into screaming hysteria throughout any part of the wacky world she becomes part of.

That’s not to say I have no misgivings about the fact she’s 17 and is prepared to essentially give up her life to be with the boy she loves (old man, vampire, whatever!) but then I think about the fact that she has found true love and suspect these same critics probably wouldn’t have had a problem with a female character giving up on that for their education or career (and how many woman have probably done that to discover that they’ve maybe prioritised wrong?).

It’s kind of refreshing that a 21st century female is allowed to want for love to the detriment of all else. Some say she’s a poor role model for teenage girls because she appears to have no other interests other than Edward (she does actually, she is clued up on her literature). Bella doesn’t care about going to the prom or buying a dress; surely that’s a refreshing role model for teenage girls bombarded with images of fake tanned princesses that they feel under pressure to emulate? And she’s only seventeen and she’s just met her soulmate who happens to be madly in love with her too (and he’s hot – what would you do in her situation?). Edward provides her with an eternity to discover who she wants to be, with him by her side. So bite me, (and I’m a cynic, ask my Mum,) but when it comes to this love story I’m rooting for Bella and Edward all the way.