Author: Janet Eriksson

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One Journey at a Time: How to Know What Belongs in Your Book

When starting a new book, most writers don’t struggle with a lack of ideas. Instead, they feel overwhelmed because they have too many ideas. They care deeply and want to share everything they know about a topic for the benefit of their readers.

That’s a great problem to have, but it feels daunting. For good reason. When a writer puts too much information into one book, it’s too much for readers to follow and too complicated and overwhelming to organize and write. Most often, the initial manuscript pages end up sitting incomplete and abandoned in a computer file. 

If this struggle feels familiar, here’s a way to help you focus on what your book actually needs.

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Writing Isn’t a Goal, It’s a Lifestyle

With the new year on its way, it’s common for writers to say, “This is the year I will finally write my book.” By February, life has intervened, and the dream seems to be slipping away. Pressure, disappointment, and defeat set in. Writing becomes a race against the clock instead of an enjoyable adventure. 

Here’s a different way to approach writing in the new year: not as a time-related goal but as an ongoing journey of discovery. Something you explore a little at a time each week. 

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A Family Recipe Can Enrich Your Writing Project

As Christmas approaches, I’ve been remembering the cookies my grandma and great aunts used to make. I’ve also been cleaning out my kitchen as part of a puppy-proofing purge. In the back of a cupboard, I found a wonderful surprise: a printout of some of my grandma’s and great aunts’ recipes, including the Christmas cookies.

Now, I’m not exactly a baker, so it’s unlikely I’ll try to make the cookies. Although we never know when inspiration can strike. However, as a writer, I am very excited to include the cookie recipe on my family history blog. That prompted me to reflect on different ways we can use favorite family recipes in any kind of writing project.

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Like Snowflakes, No Two Stories Are the Same

When you’re shivering out in the snow, it might feel like all snow is the same. But if you look closely at two snowflakes, they are different from each other. Each snowflake is unique, and that’s amazing.

It’s the same with the stories we write. We may feel like we are writing the same story as someone else, like our story has been done before. But that’s not true. Your story is as unique as you are.

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Savor the Moment: Thanksgiving Encouragement for Every Writer

Thanksgiving can feel like a busy season. Whether you are going to a family or friend gathering or hanging out in the town square, it may feel like you’re watching a river of people rush by. As writers, we are often curious about observing people, listening to dialogue, paying attention to the setting. Those are all good writing practices, and you can certainly pick up a lot of inspiration. 

But this season, try something a little different. Be fully present. Don’t worry about taking notes or trying to notice things. Just live the experience. Feel the inspiration. Don’t try to figure out how to capture it in words. Just be. 

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When Progress Isn’t Planned

I had 25 minutes before heading to a meeting. I wanted to brainstorm a few ideas for my writing project. My goal wasn’t to finish anything or even to start. Just to jot down a few thoughts, to jumpstart my next writing session. 

As I started making notes, one idea led to another. By the time 25 minutes had passed, two whole sections were outlined in detail. I was reminded that we can make great progress when we don’t pressure ourselves to make any progress.

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