Tag: Writers Writuals

Written in the early hours of September 29th

Before the holiday languor sets in, it'd be best to put my thoughts down for the tag started by the ever indefatigable Ms. Elviza. First of, I feel privileged to be chosen, among the illuminated few, to complete this tag. Echoing Jacq's sentiment, intimidation looms large as I looked at the list of other taggees.

Their lilting prose - Elviza's included - captures my imagination and inspires me to write better. They say to write well, one has to be well-read. Far from discounting the power of insatiable reading, I would also like to stress that having a fiery passion for writing is just as important to produce a seminal manuscript. Without the requisite passion, every dream we plan to achieve would dissipate into an air of mediocrity or perish on the tombstone of What-ifs.

As an eager aspirant, I have many hurdles to jump, may lessons to learn and many, many books to read (Only God knows how many books I've accumulated over the years). Thus, I'm immensely grateful for any help that I could get from anyone or anything.

(1) Where are you?

By the soft glow of a bedside lamp, I'm scribbling this lying in bed with my two favourite people sound asleep beside me. It's close to 2 a.m. and a spark of writing ideas keeps me from falling into REM sleep.

(2) What are you writing with?

Let me see...Faber Castell True Gel in Black. Please don't cringe people. I'm not that finicky when it comes to my writing instrument - as long as it does not hinder my movement on paper, that would suit me just fine. Also, I'm currently using a Starbucks Notebook which I had procured at its joint in The Gardens' Borders for a very good deal indeed. For a RM30 worth of purchase, I'm a proud owner of a sleek black notebook. Its front sturdy cover is embossed with a soothing silhouette of leaves branching out purposely in a desultory manner and this pattern is repeated on every other page inside. I figure it's more motivational to write in something I strongly identify with (Starbucks!), rather than the nondescript, uninspiring notebook I found in Popular bookstore. Besides, I've decided that I am not yet prepared to smear the almost hallowed papers of Moleskine with my illegible drivel.

(3) What is the oddest object in front of you?

It's a toss-up between the rabbit-and-sheep baby mobile right above me and the oblong-shaped floor lamp at the foot of the bed. Both are from Ikea. Go figure.

(4) What are you listening to?

The calming ambient sound of the night - the whirring of the ceiling fan and the snoring of people who matter. I must write in a relatively quiet environment for the so-called juices to flow. Otherwise, my train of thoughts will be halted or divert to other fleeting interests.

(5) Is there anyone else in the room?

Yes and no. Two persons but they're fast asleep. Being a full-time mother, I have to slot in some uninterrupted hours to write. That happens either late at night when everyone else has gone to Slumberland or early in the morning after the husband leaves for work and my girl is still in bed.

(6) What time of the day is it?

It's close to 2:30 a.m. and I'd better get some shut-eye lest I'd be cranky and unable to function tomorrow! Ah, the folly of writing. Your moments of somnolence come second for the sake of the craft.

(7) What do you look at when you are looking for inspiration?

Any breathtaking scenery would do. Once, I was overcome with sheer contentment just by looking at the panorama of the well-preserved, tree-lined road of Jalan Ampang. This is the part of Jalan Ampang that runs from Public Bank Headquarters right to Renaissance Hotel. Stuck in a jam, various adjectives entered my head as I attempted to describe the scene in its most deserving tone and nuances. This is, at least for me, a great way to build and retain one's vocabulary. The object of my musing can be either inanimate or animate such as a ravishing person.

(8) What is guaranteed to remove your concentration?

That would be the onset of any physical ailments like a headache or a throbbing knee. But, with a degree of much certainty, I'd say it is none other than my darling 2-and-half year old daughter whose tantrums are getting impossible by the day.

It's 2.45 and I'm off to bed.

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Here's wishing my fellow readers, friends and relatives a very joyful Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri (or Eid Mubarak in other parts of the world). Maaf Zahir dan Batin for everything that I've done or said, or conversely, neglected to do or say.

This blog will resume its original programming in about a week's time.

Till then, have a safe and meaningful Raya with your loved ones and eat to your heart's content! However, like in other things that we do, always practice moderation :)))