Let me guess, you are brilliant at remembering things. Right? When an idea strikes you, or the wording of a conversation inspires you, or the perfect ending to that chapter comes to you in a dream you remember it. Did I hit the nail on the head? No? That’s because you are a normal, busy […]
How to Remember What Inspires You As a Writer Read More »
This may sound completely absurd, but criticism is actually a good thing. And I don't just mean the good criticism that you get from critique partners, although that is very important as well. I am talking about the kind of criticism that comes from critics. The kind of criticism that can sting, or more accurately
Why Criticism is a Good Thing Read More »
You know the panic you feel as you put words to page? That unstoppable, chest burning, paralyzing fear that turns you into a seeming wax figure, fingers poised above the keyboard but never typing a single stroke? Of course you do, you’re a writer. I just want to assure you that this feeling is normal.
Trust Your Instincts Read More »
What do you do when you’ve written an entire book, years worth of labor, and it doesn't work? What happens when you hand in your manuscript and your editor tells you that it isn't ready, and doesn't even make sense as it is? What do you do then? I wish that I could tell you
How to Re-Work Your Manuscript Read More »
Who should read your writing before publication? Should it just be you, your editor, and your publisher? Can your words go from months, maybe years, in your brain to your computer screen in a crappy first draft to your re-write and a decent second draft to your editor’s eyes and a good third draft? Can
Who Should Read Your Writing Before Publication? Read More »
Perfectionism has no place in your life as a writer. As we discussed earlier this week everyone writes crappy first drafts. If you are a perfectionist, then you will never allow yourself to write that crappy first draft, which means that you won't write anything, ever. Perfectionism has repercussions that go well beyond your writing as
Perfectionism is Killing Your Writing Career Read More »
When you imagine a writer, your favorite writer even, sitting down at their writing apparatus to compose their next piece, what do you see? Do you see a fully formed, fully confident, well paid, mentally stable human being whose supernatural connection with the universe allows beautiful, perfect words to flow right out of them with
Everyone Writes Crappy First Drafts Read More »
Ok, so you’ve decided to just get started writing. You sit down every day to write. And then you become distracted. Someone is mowing outside and you remember you still haven't gotten cash out to pay your lawn maintenance company. Or your throat feels scratchy so you start looking up symptoms on the internet. 30
3 Easy Tips to Stop Writing Distractions Read More »
I often find that the getting started part is the hardest when it comes to writing, well, when it comes to anything for that matter. Perfect example. I hate to wash dishes. And I will just look at that sink full of dirty dishes and think, “Uggggghhhhhhh……….I don't WANT to wash the dishes!!” But, if
How to Get Started Writing Read More »
Does this sound familiar? You write a chapter, or a book, or an article. You are typing away and you feel very confident about your work. You feel like words are flowing out of you. You feel as though you have tapped into true and pure prose. Then, when it comes time to turn in
Do You Fear Having to Submit Your Writing? Read More »
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