I hadn't picked up a paint brush many times since school but whenever I did the panic would start before the first layer of paint. I would stare at the canvas and think.. "I really hope this is going to work out". Pressure!
Blocked by fear. Yuk, who wants that?

Does this resonate with you?

Well if it does and you are not living in Portland OR. USA to be able to go to 'live' workshops with Flora Bowley then you owe it to yourself to experience Bloom True e-course.

I have been lucky enough to have been with Flora in a 'live' workshop and I can tell you that looking around at the faces of those that were doing the course was 'heart opening'. She is delightful and we were all totally absorbed and having an absolute ball feeling the joy of letting go and being brave with paint.

Unfortunately I didn't have the time to stay for the whole course with Flora because of prior arranged work commitments but I signed up for her e-course when I saw just how inspirational she is.

I was far from disappointed in it being 'online' instead of 'live'. It is 'life changing' it does not stop at just painting techniques it is an inspiring lifestyle course. So much so I am signed up for next one too!

“It has taught me that there is no right or wrong way to paint. It has inspired me so much to be brave and just go for it and find what feels good to me. It has helped me to let go of my fear of a blank canvas.”

The next e-course starts on the 26th January, 2015 will you join me?

Read more about the course >>

1. Read your writing out loud - do not underestimate the importance of how your sentences sound. Reading your writing out loud will help you develop an understanding of the rhythm your sentences take on, which in turn will improve the flow of your writing. This will also help you listen to how the emotions you are conveying sound.

2. Practise specific elements of writing - for example, if you feel you are particularly weak at constructing metaphors, set yourself exercises that allow you to develop your metaphors gradually (e.g. take a stock situation and write ten metaphors for it). Do not underestimate the importance of using such devices to express emotions within your writing, they can transform a singular feeling into something more complex and intense.

3. Develop your vocabulary - a writer's primary tool is his words. If you are struggling with expressing your feelings and conveying emotions, perhaps you do not have the necessary tools to convey yourself as a writer. Reading alone will not do this, you need to make sure you read outside your comfort zone, so that you can pick up new and exciting words.

4. Read some poetry - many of the great poets were forced to not only convey their idea in words, but they had to do so in metre and verse; as always though, limitation bred innovation. Watch how they exploit the confines of metre to express complex emotions and profound feelings. It should help inspire you to think of new ways to tackle the issue of translating your thoughts into articulate writing.

5. Show your writing to someone you trust - it can be very hard to work out what is 'wrong' with our own writing. All too often, we are our own biggest critics and go overboard on criticising our own work. Give your work to someone you trust and you might be surprised at the observations they make, they will help you understand your work in a fresh light on the way you are portraying emotions in your writing.

About the author

Aman Anand is a 30 year old indie author who says he checks his Twitter and Quora feeds a little too often! His books can be found here: http://www.amazon.com/A.S.-Anand...