Sunday Inspiration: Ima Show You How Great I Am!

This is dedicated to everyone out there striving toward a better version of themselves.

Enjoy!

SUNDAY INSPIRATION: Homage To Some Of The Best Writing Around

So today's installment is part inspiration-part homage.

Yes. The following clip has some of the most inspiring words from some of my favorite moments in film. Therein lies the homage. To all the writers who contributed to these iconic films and moments... I salute you!



NOW, the following clip is one of my most favoritest inspiring speeches, EVAH! Even as I watched the clip again to see if I would use it today, I got goosebumps and chills. Go ahead. View it.
I dare you to not get chills.




Tell me below, what are your favorite moments in film as a result of great writing?

SUNDAY INSPIRATION: A Little Levity

I've Done It! Iv'e whipped Nano Wrimo. Or, is that not her name?

To inspire all you writers and authors out there, especially those deep into NaNo Wrimo right now (gear up for the final push), here is a bit of levity I ran across.

SUNDAY INSPIRATION: Musings From Halfway Up The "Nano Wrimo" Mountain

Hopefully, you 2010 Nano Wimo-ers out there are close to your mid month goals. Even if you're not, take some time out today to feed your soul for the remainder of the journey. This is actually a re-post from last year when I was participating in Nano Wrimo. In the thick of things, as it were. But as I re-read it... it called to me as appropriate and timeless. I think it's just as meaningful now as it was then.

(Reprinted here from http://independentauthors.blogspot.com )

The difficulty of completing a 50,000 word novel, from scratch, in thirty days can scarcely be imagined until one steps foot upon the path of most resistance. Forging a trail barehanded through dense, thorny brush might be easier. The statistics bear this out every year. Of the tens of thousands who begin NaNoWriMo each year, only 15% - 20% ever finish.

Yet and still, every year authors worldwide embark on this perilous journey of self-discovery, at risk of estrangement from the entire outside world… Meaning, the world outside their own heads. They do it, in part, because everyone loves a challenge. Everyone loves an underdog. Everyone loves to be a part of something larger than themselves.

I have a 55-hour work week at my day job, a working wife and a two year old child. My path is strewn with obstacles, and it winds through late nights, fatigue-induced hazes, sometimes delirium. And at every turn I have been greeted by the 800 lb gorilla: self doubt.

A task of this magnitude will force realizations upon you. Chief among mine: there is nothing else I would rather be doing than climbing this literary Everest. Prose beckons me like a long-lost lover and my characters inspire me daily. Even though I am 7,000 words behind the prescribed pace, I am absolutely committed to finishing. And as for this challenging road ahead, I channel Henley:

OUT of the night that covers me,

Black as the Pit from pole to pole

I thank whatever gods may be


For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance


I have not winced nor cried aloud.


Under the bludgeonings of chance


My head is bloody, but unbowed.

To all my fellow NaNo Wri Mo’ers… Good Luck and Godspeed. May we all drink champagne together…See you at the finish line.
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As many of you know, I DID finish last year. And, you can do it too! 
Keep pushing. Keep writing!


Cheers!
~Chris

Shout Out To All My Nano Wrimoers!!

As an author and a former Nano Wrimo Winner (50,026 words- 11/09) I'm sending out best wishes, strength, and perseverance to everyone who is participating this year. I'm not participating this year because I'm knee deep in revisions. But know this... my soul and spirit are with you Nano Wrimoers!!

Here's a little inspirational video for you:



Keep your nose to the grindstone and your foot on the pedal!! Good Luck!

Stay tuned for Tuesday's Tidbits post on 09/11/10 about "Nano Wrimo Tips and Strategies"

SUNDAY INSPIRATION: Life Is A Game Of Inches

Are you going to fight for the *inches* in your life... the inches that are the difference between winning and losing... living and dying?

Football is often metaphorically compared to life. In fact, football offers many lessons for life, chief among them teamwork and trust,  individual responsibility and sacrifice.  As a former football coach, I've seen and heard a number of fantastic pre-game and half-time speeches. Coaches are generally at the height of their existential selves when delivering these inspirational homilies... part shaman/ part revival preacher.

Following is a clip from "Any Given Sunday" Pacino at his best.
*warning-- there is light profanity in this clip*... (but the clip is so powerful)

SUNDAY INSPIRATION: Paulo Coelho on Luck, Coincidence, and Faith

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SUNDAY INSPIRATION- And Still I Rise

Since I highlighted Icarus and his "fall' from grace on Thursday, I figured I would offer a Sunday Inspiration about "rising." So today I give to you the illustrious Maya Angelou, And Still I Rise.

Enjoy.

SUNDAY INSPIRATION

Welcome to the maiden voyage of a series I'm calling "Sunday Inspiration." Every Sunday I will post something that I think may help to Fuel your Forward Momentum, or... Inspire You!

Here is today's inspiration... best enjoyed with your morning energy drink of choice.  Cheers!