Nadiah Alwi

I always love writing. When I write, it feels like being on the set and I am not me. Similar to reading.

I am currently writing a novel about a man named Sam. I asked a few friends to read the first chapter. So far, their comments were positive.

I am on the 146th page now. Yet, I feel like the whole story needs more gimmicks. So, that’s why I haven’t asked those friends of mine to read the other chapters. It still needs touches here and there.

At first, I knew where to send this not-yet-completed novel to. I mean which publisher. But, a little discussion with a dear friend made me rethink about it. And, now, honestly, I don’t know where to send it.

Another self publishing? I don’t think so. I don’t have the fund. Plus, other reasons I can’t share here.

So? What?

Hm…now I am supposed to continue the novel. But, as I said, I needed to do something about the story. And, now, I still have no idea what to do. So, I guess, I’d just let Sam sleep for a while.

Why I thought that Sam and his story need more touches here and there anyway?

Guess what, I have just read book reviews on GoodReads.com. That’s the reason why.

Some reviewers mentioned about how flat a book is. And, I have a certain worry that Sam’s story might be a little flat at the beginning. Because, at this 146th page, I haven’t brought out the conflict yet. Because, I thought, I still needed to create a complete basic story to finally end up into a big climax at the end.

Yet, I now consider that I might be wrong about it. Some little conflicts must be taken out earlier — a lot earlier. So, I’ll be working more on the story anytime soon. (Actually I have just got a slight idea on how to do it.)

We’ll see.

I like Baze better. But, choosing Ryan is more logical. Oh, yes, by the way, I have just watched “Life Unexpected” on Hallmark.

Choosing Baze would be perfect because he’s the father of Lux. So, Cate, Baze, and Lux can be one great family.

But, somehow, Ryan seems to be more responsible. He has a steady job and…what else? I don’t have anything to say about Ryan. I can’t think of anything interested or nice about Ryan. Even as a radio host, he doesn’t sound cool enough. Oh, I know. He’s more mature than Baze.

And, now, Baze…he’s a bad boy — my type of man *wink-wink*. Yet, he tries all his might to be a better man. To be more responsible of his life, of Lux‘s life. And, lately, he’s been so protective to Cate. And, he’s cute!!! Look at the picture!

Considering my previous post, where I talked about love and marriage, about how both could be logical. Well, choosing Ryan is more logical than choosing Baze. But, I like Baze better than Ryan.

LOL. As if I were the one who had to make the decision. I know, I’m being Cate here.

Whenever I watch drama series or movies, or read books about love, life, and family, I almost always pretend — consciously or unconsciously — that I were the main character. I feel what he/she feels. I cry with him/her. I laugh, too. I even get mad as well.

I don’t know, it’s like fiction is my other life. Just like dreams. Today, I tweeted about dream. That dream is the medicine for boredom. I mean, sometimes, you get bored with your daily routine, with your life. And, dreams heal. You get excited again. That works the same way with series , movies, and books. So, I don’t think I can live without any of them.

Back to Baze and Ryan. Who will be the one walking down the aisle with me Cate?

Cate and Ryan‘s marriage is only days away.

Let’s see. If I were the writer, what would I do? Where would I lead the story to?

• It’s predictable, on the D-Day, it would be Baze marrying Cate.
• Quite predictable, Baze would tell Cate about his feeling but it was too late, Cate was ready to walk down the aisle with her mother (that she has just asked).
• Unpredictable but somehow predictable, the wedding would be canceled for some unpredictable reasons. And, things would just be the same. Love triangle is back. Baze, Cate, and Ryan. LOL.

Enough for now. I think I have to mind my own writing instead of trying to guess what’s in another writer’s mind. Plus, I’m kinda hungry. Need to grab some food. Ciao!

Oh, btw, I missed the final episode of “Parenthood”! I hate it! I have to watch the rerun this Saturday Sunday. Gotta put on the alarm so I won’t miss it.

Now, I really have to go…a plus!

Note: Baze’s pic from Daemonstv.com and the other pic from Tvguide.com. I resized them a bit though.

Remember my post on self-discipline? There, I wrote that I wished to be a disciplined writer.

Now, it’s time for me to make a short-term review. Weekly Review.

On the first days, I didn’t write that much. But, since last Saturday or Sunday, I’ve been writing a lot. And, I like that.

Currently, I’m working on two scripts, non-fiction and fiction.

The non-fiction is tempting yet not simple. Not only because it’s my first long non-fiction project, but it’s also on somebody else’s life. I just have to do it right.

The fiction is wonderful. I love it. Yet, I had to make decisions on how the characters should deal with their goals and problems. And, I have to say that it’s not easy. I hate making decisions!

However, both went quite ok. I have written about 50% of each, non-fiction and fiction. My goal, by the end of the month both will be completed. And, I can do the editing on the first week of May.

I can’t say that I’m disciplined enough but it’s a lot better than before.

Most important, I love doing both. A little discipline will make the process perfect.

I don’t know about the result, whether the readers would love them or not, but at least, I ‘m doing my very best!

Currently, I work at home. I run an online book store, do some digital PR consultancy, write a novel and a non-fiction book. I need more than 24 hours a day, for sure. Thankfully, I enjoy them all.

Yet, although I work at home, it doesn’t mean that I can be with my daughter the whole day. With all those activities, it’s kinda impossible. So, I created some kind of an arrangement.

Read the rest of this entry »

I love rich conversation. When I was at campus, my friends and I used to chit chat about sooo many things. I also often discuss stuff with my husband and other friends now.

Some were philosophical and deep, some others were simple yet so beautiful.

And, yesterday, it was like a déjà vu. Read the rest of this entry »