Writing: NaNoWriMo - Week Four! (and other news)

My word count has surpassed 50k! I validated my novel at 50014 words but I have been adding to it and I am currently around 56k. It is incredible to be able to have the time and write every day. I know that I am lucky I don't have a busy schedule like a lot of people, it's just me and my writing and some studying most of the time.

In other news, I have almost finished Christmas Shopping! I do need to buy my Mum a few more things though. I treated myself to a Pandora bracelet and made my Step Mum hide it so I wouldn't wear it before December 25th.

That's it for now!

Kazia

Writing: NaNoWriMo - Week Three!

This week has been really productive! I have been writing at least 1000 words per day which isn't quite the daily word goal (1667) but it has been balancing out. I am currently on 35,047 words! Again, I stress that this is the highest amount I have ever written for one single project.

My storyline is going well, I know where I want my story to go and generally how the characters are going to get where they need to be.

I have been watching SO many YouTube videos of everyone's progress. I love virtual write ins and writing sprints. I created a Twitter account to keep track of my writing counts.

That's it for now!

Kazia x

Writing: NaNoWriMo - Week One and Two!

I thought I'd give a little update on my writing project!

I didn't post on Sunday because I was so busy with some personal issues and writing. My total word count on 5th was 5,052. I am really proud of myself because this is my first real NaNoWriMo where I've had a proper storyline and this is the most I've ever written.

I'll tell you a tiny bit about my story. It's about Piper and her experience in a mental hospital after a suicide attempt.

At the end of today (12th), my total word count is 13,202 so far. There's still 6 hours to go!

How are you all getting on?

That's it for now,

Kazia x

Writing: NaNoWriMo!

This year I want to complete the 50,000 word challenge that is NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) Are you up for the challenge?

My project is a YA/contemporary about a girl called Piper who attempts suicide. I am currently on 2055 words which gives me a little head start but I haven't fully worked out what happens in the novel! I have been thinking about this novel for over a year.

This is just a short introductory post. I will be updating you all on my writing journey throughout the month of November!

Follow me as a writing buddy

That's it for now!

Kazia x

Travelling: Advice for train journeys

On Monday 9th October, I travelled to Peterborough with my Mum for a concert. Mum's favourite singer is Shane Filan from Westlife so we decided to get tickets for her birthday.

Here are my tips for travelling on trains:

1. Book in advance - booking online through comparison sites causes less stress and can allow you to find the cheapest tickets. ALWAYS ask people to move out of your reserved seats because you won't find another one, especially if, like me, you booked forward-facing seats because you can't travel backwards. Also because some of the other trains got cancelled on the way home and those passengers had to come on our train...
2. Pack lightly - Mum bought herself a rucksack similar to this one and I took an old suitcase. Mum only needed her purse, phone, iPad, chargers, clothes and toiletries. I needed the same plus my MacBook Pro and study books as my OU course started on 7th October. I ended up buying a new suitcase from Matalan because the old one just wasn't working and Mum needed to empty her rucksack because it gave her bad back pains after a while (She'd overfilled it with clothes!)
3. Remember headphones - I study with music and travelling to Peterborough takes around 1 hour 30 minutes which a good length for a study session. Mum and I both bought Bluetooth headphones which just need to be charged up beforehand and last up to 8 hours. It would have been a good study session had we sat in our reserved table seats... I fell asleep on the journey home because I had terrible toothache!! and I just didn't have the proper space to study because of the overcrowded train.

That's it for now!

Kazia x

Study Sessions: Freshers Week and Societies!

Being an OU student means that every year we get to attend a live video and chat programme called Student Hub Live. This is a wonderful opportunity to talk to other students, answer polls in the form of widgets and listen to inspirational speakers and tutors!

On Wednesday, I listened to a lovely Literature tutor called David. He was completely on my level and I found myself nodding along to what he was saying. Things like not aiming for 100% on every assignment but rather focusing on the content and enjoying the course, even if this means you get a lower grade, you can use your tutor's feedback to build on your weaknesses. 

As the Open University is almost entirely online there are not many opportunities to interact with your peers face-to-face (especially as a disabled student like myself) so we have lots of forums, Facebook groups and online spaces to get to know each other. 

One of the polls from Student Hub Live was "What societies and clubs would you like to have?" and the responses included Hoodie/Zoodie Club, Cake and Biscuit Club and Lunchbox Club. Lunchbox Club is an inside joke because last year everyone sent in photos of themselves with their lunch boxes - even my Dad sent one in and he won a goodie bag for the best lunch box! 

To support the OUSA (Open University Students Association) which every student is a part of, we have a shop and the hoodies look amazing! I have one myself and I hardly ever take it off.

That's it for now!

Kazia x

Study Sessions: Before, During and After

I usually study between 10am and 2pm because my boyfriend works nights. 

Before:

1. Organise your study area - don't deep clean as procrastination!
2. Grab drinks/food/snacks of your choice (Healthy snacks will help you concentrate for longer)
3. Choose a study playlist on YouTube or Spotify (I have a post coming soon!) if you like background music to study with
4. List all the study tasks you need to get done for the whole week - the OU week starts on a Saturday so that's when I write this list
5. Organise your calendar for the week with other commitments such as work shifts or after-school clubs where you have to pick up your children at a specific time
6. Add study sessions around your commitments - one study session should be 30 minutes study:10 minutes break:30 minutes study (You may have time for two or three study sessions a day depending on how busy your life is)

During:

1.  Prioritise the tasks you need to get done that day - 2 big tasks or 4/5 small tasks
2. Time yourself for 30-45 minutes and then have a break for 10 minutes
3. Repeat this until either the tasks are done or you have something else scheduled
4. You should only have two or three study sessions a day so that you can concentrate on each task sufficiently

After:

1.  Highlight/mark/cross out the tasks that you have completed
2. Transfer any uncompleted/partly completed tasks to the next day and prioritise them as tasks that need to be done before anything else
3. Review how successful the study session was and identify ways to improve - did you get interrupted because you were studying as the kids came home from school or it wasn't baby's nap time yet?
4. Don't forget that you don't have to study every day - depending on whether you are studying part time or full time and your course, you should be told the number of hours you are expected to study each week. Some courses are more intense than others

That's it for now,

Kazia

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Study Sessions: How do I use references?

Most students are scared of referencing, maybe because they're inexperienced or because they have not organised their notes accordingly.

So what are references and why do you need to use them?

Students must include in-text citations when they refer to, summarise, paraphrase, or quote from another source and then reference them in an alphabetically ordered list. This ensures that the author has been acknowledged and other people can further their own independent research on the subject. In-text citations give brief details of the author's surname, year of publication, and particular page numbers used. For example (Terry, 2017, p. 1)

For me, I find referencing easy because I make my notes as I go through each module. On the Open University website, there is a study planner that sets out work for each week. 

This is a glossary of terms from my module book.
I have four module books this year so alternated by writing in light green/dark green and pink/purple.
The minty green colour is for the source of a quote.

All the quotes I use this year will be in the same minty green colour so that I keep my notes organised and ready for assignments. I will use the same colour in my typed notes and assignments too and then change the colour before I submit the assignments. Obviously, everyone that uses a colour coding system does it differently or uses different colours but this is the way that I have found works best for me. The pens I use are Staedtler Triplus Fineliners which can be found for around £10-20.

That's it for now,

Kazia

Poetry: Creativity No Longer Exists

Every new day marks a fresh start, 

To be creative and to share your art.

To share your feelings with the ones who care,

To hold them close and to know they are there.

Every day we feel the need for productivity,

prioritising quantity over quality while

destroying the meaning behind creativity.

Why is there a need to constantly feel

inspired? Sometimes life gets busy or 

I'm just too tired.

Tired of the expectations, anticipation

for my next project to be more than 

perfection. No time to think or redraft,

There is no time for self-reflection.

Reflection and hesitation only cause delays.

This cannot be happening. Your audience can’t

be kept waiting for more than a few days. They

sit with their screens held tight in their hands.

Voices filled with unanswered demands.

This is no longer about sharing my creation.

No longer about my online narration.

No longer about my online presence.

No longer about my online existence.

What follows is influenced by their opinions.

They are the people in the higher position.

In the Headlines: In Memory of London Bridge

3rd June 2017

I woke up today to news of another attack in the UK. I hope this doesn't become a theme on my blog - these attacks should never happen and those people should not exist in a world of peace and love. To those people who helped, I thank you. Normal every day people that were close to the scene and also the emergency services, those that were both on duty and off duty.

We need to stand together and we need to make this world a better place for everybody to live together. Yes, people have different views and opinions but we can debate those things in a civilised manner. This is why our country is a democracy so that we can discuss things and share our beliefs. 

On Thursday, the people of the UK will come together to vote. No matter what party you vote for, you should use that right to make a difference. My Dad said "I'm just one person, my vote won't make a difference" but it does. If everyone said that, no one would vote and nothing would change. This country needs to change and these violent acts prove that even more. This country needs to be made safer and for the people of the UK to feel safer. We shouldn't feel like we can't leave our houses just because some people want to cause harm. There is danger and risk in things we do and places we visit every day but we mustn't be scared.

Thoughts and prayers to London and those affected.

Kazia x

In The Headlines: In Memory of Manchester

22nd May 2017

On Monday night, Manchester was attacked by terrorism. Twenty two people died and more than 50 were injured. It has taken me a few days to process the events and be able to write my thoughts about what happened in a coherent and respectful manner.

I cannot imagine what it would have been like to be in Manchester that night or how it must feel to know that your son, daughter, brother, sister, friend has been killed through such an act of hatred.

These acts come from people that say they are part of the Muslim community but I have to disagree. Although I am uneducated on the religion, I understand that the Qur'an does not follow the beliefs of Isis supporters and in fact promotes the spread of love and friendship. 

Through these horrific acts, we must stand together as a country and globally to fight against these terrible people.

Thoughts and prayers to Manchester and those affected.

Kazia x

Study Sessions: Essential Tools

A successful study session requires some effort from you, the student, and a few essential tools. The most important thing is to have a focused session and work in a way that will help you remember information, specifically for exams, or to take out information to form an argument/discussion in your assignment. 

This is my list but it's not limited to these things:

• Pen and paper

• I take notes on paper from my textbook or online resources.This is also how I plan out the structure of my assignments by mind mapping and creating comparison tables. I enjoy using coloured pens to colour code and highlight key words and phrases.

• Sticky notes

• I use sticky notes to annotate my textbook, specifically because they're small so you can only take out short phrases to quote and reference. I also never wrote in my textbooks so this was a good way to mark them. I also use tabs to mark pages that I might want to go back to or that I want to reference in my bibliography later. I tend to write my bibliography as I go because it is the most tedious task and/or I'll forget to do it at the end before I submit the assignment!

• Laptop/Desktop

• I use a MacBook Pro and I am saving for an iMac because I like using the Apple system. You don't need a high priced laptop/desktop if you are only using it for studying - you just need Office software like Word or Pages, you can even use the online Google Docs system if you prefer. Google Docs means that you can access your work from any computer with a WiFi connection which saves you from forgetting your memory stick!

• Pin board

• I have a pin board above my desk and a wall calendar to one side. The pin board has random sticky notes and photos. I also use it to plan out assignments like this one. My wall calendar has all my assignment deadlines and important dates on it. This keeps me accountable because I can work out how long I have to work on each assignment.

• Technology

• Make use of your phone, tablet etc to download apps such as Memrise for learning languages, Pomodoro for timing study sessions, iBooks for reading and annotating on the electronic versions of your textbooks/external resources. The Open University has an online library which most brick-built universities also have, this means you have access to texts about your assignment subject as well as textbooks and set readings that you have already been given. This can also be used for personal research if you find a particular topic really interesting but cannot go into a lot of depth in the time given for the assignment.

• Snacks/Drinks

• When you use your brain for an intense/long study session, you need fuel to keep it from burning it out. I usually cut up apple slices and have a handful of grapes on my desk. Sometimes I will have a biscuit or two with a cup of tea but the sugar will only give you a short burst of energy. Bananas are good for slow releasing energy that will last throughout the day. I also have a bottle of water or a homemade smoothie on my desk, especially during the summer because these keep you hydrated and again give you more energy than a short burst from caffeine. If you don't have a large desk, make sure you have access to the kitchen so that you can get up for snacks and drinks during your breaks, stretching your legs by going to the kitchen will also refresh your brain.

• Study Buddy

• This can be through a Facebook group for your course/module or it can be your kittens! (or dog, rabbit, etc) I use the Facebook group to share ideas and concerns, although the Open University doesn't allow us to be too specific, unless we're on their Forums. Milo and Lola, as you can see below, like to help by playing with my pens and sitting on my notes so I have to give my attention to them rather than my assignment!
  
  
  

• Breaks

• One of the most important parts of my study sessions is to have breaks. I like to study for 30-40 minutes and have a 5 minute break. I use the Pomodoro method so that I can time myself. Timing your sessions will also help you to work under pressure, similar to exam conditions. Luckily, I have chosen modules that don't have exams!

That's it for now,

Kazia x

Poetry: Time

Time stands still.

I breathe in.

I breathe out.

I take a moment.

To be in this moment.

This is the calm.

This is the essence.

This is my essence.

I am brave.

I am strong.

We live in a world where time never sleeps.

We live in a world of constant noise.

Feel the air that you breathe.

Live in this moment.

This is your time.
This is my time.

Review: The Sun Is Also a Star

The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book!

*Spoiler free review*

This story is told from the point of view of both Daniel and Natasha who meet by chance when Daniel has an interview for Yale and Natasha has a meeting with her lawyer because she's going to be deported that night. It takes places over one day in New York and revolves around their relationship. Daniel spends most of the day asking Natasha questions that will supposedly make her fall in love with him.

In between the chapters, there are random snippets of history and background on characters which I haven't seen in any other books. This approach allows the reader to see in more depth why certain characters make decisions, for example Natasha is scientific and logical about love because her Father tried to follow his dreams which didn't come to fruition. Daniel believes in fate and destiny even though his Father wants him and his older brother to attend the best colleges and become doctors. He lived in poverty and didn't have the opportunity to afford the best life for his sons.

Kazia x

Most recent YouTube video: https://youtu.be/OatfcP5owzE

View all my reviews

Study Sessions: Study Notes

This year at university I am studying AA100 The Arts Past and Present and L192 Beginners’ French. AA100 is a compulsory module of mixed disciplines which includes English, History, Art History, Religious Studies, Classic Studies. Neither module has exams which I am happy about because exams heighten my anxiety. (I could write a more detailed post in the future about the anxiety around exams if anyone would be interested)

I have a few techniques I use to write study notes, however, I don’t have lectures because the Open University is distance learning. There are face-to-face tutorials but I haven’t attended any. There are also online tutorials for French which I have enjoyed.

For French I use the iPad app “Memrise" to learn vocabulary and test myself. There are also online quizzes and activities. I use these techniques to plan assignments, particularly for AA100.

1. I annotate my module books - I take sticky notes and take out short pieces of information that might link to the question I have been asked. I always include the page numbers. I have begun to write my notes directly in one book because it’s a secondhand copy (I’ve lost my copy which is so frustrating!) I don’t usually do this because the next step is to take the sticky notes and rearrange them into an order that will help me structure my essay. This is also a good starting point for making tables because I can take quotes for each argument and arrange them that way
2. I make mind maps - this helps me structure the essay too with headings for each paragraph. I can then see clearly which topics I want to discuss in more detail
3. I make tables - this is a good technique for essays that ask you to compare and contrast something or an essay with multiple arguments or viewpoints

There are no photos in this week’s post but I do have a Study Sessions playlist on YouTube and I post daily photos on Instagram. I am also planning a number of videos for Book Tube and Author Tube. I feel there is a lot to talk about in these communities.

Kazia x

In My Study Break: Baking Days

Firstly, I’d like to reintroduce myself and my blog for 2017. I am Kazia and I’m 20 years old. I am currently studying with the Open University towards a degree in English Language and Literature but previously studied Film and Television Studies with a Foundation year at University of East Anglia.

I enjoyed my time at UEA but my anxiety became unmanageable and I felt the need to leave so I could be with my family. I am in a happier place in my mind, although not perfect. I still have days where I’m triggered/sparked by small things that seem insignificant to other people but feel like the end of the world to me. Anxiety is really hard to describe.

* * * * *

Study breaks come in three forms for me - short breaks, long breaks and no study days. Short breaks last between 5 and 30 minutes. They include but are not limited to making a cup of tea, stretching/yoga, watching a YouTube video (I try to be strict so I don't get completely distracted!) Long breaks can be between 30 minutes to two hours. They include but are not limited to watching YouTube/NetFlix/TV, reading a book, walking the dogs. At home we have three dogs - Barney (17), Poppy (2) and Daisy (1). Barney is blind and not very steady on his feet so he doesn't usually walk with the puppies. At Mum's house, we have a dog - Willow (11).

On 'No study' days, I bake. If I can't focus on studying or I don't have a close deadline I will spend time in the kitchen. This is my happy place. I have taught myself to bake using my Step Mum's basic cake recipe. In this post, I have included the recipe I use to make a Lemon Cake and a photo of the finished product. I really love lemon so I use a lot in this bake. You may not need as much if you're not as fond of it, it's a matter of experimenting until you get the right amount for you.

Lemon Cake

• 4 eggs
• 8oz Self Raising Flour
• 8oz Caster Sugar
• 8oz Butter (at room temperature, preferably ‘baking spread’ or something similar)
• 1 lemon (grated zest)

Buttercream icing

• 200g Icing sugar
• 100g Butter
• Lemon juice from half a lemon

Method:

1. Grease two round tins with butter and baking parchment
2. Preheat the oven to 180 C
3. You can either half the ingredients before mixing or when you pour the mixture into the tins. I like to half the ingredients first because I’m ‘funny’ about having the exact measurements in each tin but my Step Mum and her Mum always separate once the mixture is ready to pour.
4. With half my ingredients measured out, I pour them all in to the mixer. Mix until the consistency is quite thick. Add the lemon zest and continue to mix.
5. Measure out the other half of ingredients and mix those; adding the lemon zest gradually to the mixture. I like to grate the lemon zest over the mixing bowl rather than a separate bowl because it saves on washing up. I do have a little buddy though that likes to watch me wash up - my kitten Lola! (Don’t worry, she doesn’t go near the cooker or the ingredients!) Lola’s brother Milo usually watches me measure out the ingredients and then goes to sleep until the cakes are ready.
6. Once the mixtures are in the tins, place them in the oven for 20 minutes. Again, I’m fussy about being exact so I use the timer on my phone or iPad.
7. While the cakes are cooking, measure out the ingredients for the buttercream icing and mix together. It should be a stiff consistency with peaks. Add more icing sugar to make the mixture thicker, this will help spread it on to the cakes when they’re cool enough later.
8. When the timer goes off, take the tins out of the oven (with gloves on - it’s easy to overlook this but I have burnt myself on more than one occasion. Also be careful when wearing glasses because the heat will hit your face and temporarily blind you - at least that’s what happens to me!)
9. Poke with a cake tester. If it comes out clean, your cakes are ready. If not, pop them back in for a few minutes. You can also use a knife, if there's steam or it's hot to touch, your cakes are ready.
10. Flip the cakes out of the tins and leave to cool on a cooling rack. Remember to remove the baking parchment.
11. Once cooled, spread the icing over one cake. Place the other one on top. If there’s enough icing, spread it on top of that and sprinkle some more lemon zest (if desired) for decoration. You could also use sprinkles or other decorations.

Lemon Cake

I hope you enjoyed reading this post and I will be sharing more recipes in the future. I love to experiment in the kitchen and found my confidence for baking after being on my own at university in 2015/16. You can watch my video of the process on my YouTube channel here! 

Also for those that are studying, there will be lots of posts in the future with tips on revising, writing essays and my personal anecdotes from my experience in a brick university (University of East Anglia - 2015/16) and distance learning (Open University 2016)

Kazia x

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