As writers, it’s common for us to come up with an idea for the story or chapter we want to write. But then writer’s block sets in, and we’re not sure how to get those ideas on paper. That’s where a list can really help.
Continue reading “Start Your Story with a List”Keeping Your Writing in Front of You
When you’re working on a big writing project, like a book, sometimes it’s hard to find time to write. Days are busy, weeks roll by, and pages sit unwritten.
This happens to all of us in one season or another. It can feel discouraging because you want to keep that project moving forward.
But there is a way to keep your writing project in front of you, even on busy days. Just make a commitment to think about your writing project once a day. That’s right: no writing, just thinking.
Continue reading “Keeping Your Writing in Front of You”What Wisdom Would You Share?
Writing a book can feel like a big endeavor. It seems overwhelming. What do I write about? What stories do I tell? Where do I start?
A simpler way to start might be this: Sharing wisdom.
Continue reading “What Wisdom Would You Share?”Writing Prompt: The Places that Shape Us
Throughout our lives, certain places have a lasting impact on us. In some way, those places shape us. At the time, we don’t always realize the role a place has played in our life.
Some places influence how we see the world. Other places shape how we see ourselves. A place might help us grow in confidence. It might underscore our beliefs. A place might even change how we see ourselves.
It’s often easier to recognize the impact of a particular place in later years. Hindsight shows us the ways that place influenced our life. Our writing prompt this month is an invitation to reflect on place that shaped or even changed you in some way.
Continue reading “Writing Prompt: The Places that Shape Us”Treat Your Writing Project Like a Spa, Not Boot Camp
The fall season is approaching. Cooler mornings, cozy sweaters, pumpkin spice tea, settling into a routine.
As writers, it’s easy to miss the beautiful atmosphere and push ourselves on our project: I have to get this section done. I really want to knock out one more chapter. I need to push my daily word count higher.
That sounds more like boot camp than a cozy fall morning.
What if you treat your writing project like a soothing spa visit instead?
Continue reading “Treat Your Writing Project Like a Spa, Not Boot Camp”Writing a Book? Beta Readers Can Help
As you write your book manuscript, you might wonder how readers will respond. Will they understand this section? Will they like that example? Will they find the book helpful? That’s where beta readers can be a big help.
Continue reading “Writing a Book? Beta Readers Can Help”When Every Sentence Sounds the Same: A Simple Self-Editing Tip
Have you ever read a section of your manuscript, only to realize clusters of sentences sound the same?
“I remember this. I remember that. I remember those. I remember these.”
It’s what I call the singsong pattern, where the same structure and even the same wording repeats itself.
That’s a perfectly normal way to write a first draft, and it’s okay. That’s what first drafts are for. You’re trying to get your creative thoughts and memories on paper without editing as you go along. I encourage that!
But after you finish your first draft, when it’s time to read through and self-edit, you might notice that singsong pattern in certain paragraphs. That’s where self-editing helps to break up the rhythm.
Continue reading “When Every Sentence Sounds the Same: A Simple Self-Editing Tip”Writing for Your Reader Happens Twice
When you’re writing a book, you always want to keep your ideal reader in mind, from first draft to self-editing phase. But the focus on the reader is slightly different between those two stages, and you need both.
Continue reading “Writing for Your Reader Happens Twice”Writing Prompt: A Favorite Summer Memory
When you’re writing about memories, it’s often easier to remember events or life moments associated with a particular season. If someone says “childhood summer,” certain images or events may come to mind. Or key words about summer may prompt a memory: school vacation, travel, recreation, friends.
Sometimes memories are good, sometimes not. Even good memories may feel fuzzy at first, where you can only recall a few details. Other memories might be as vivid as if they happened yesterday.
Whether or not your current writing project includes memories, seasonal memories make great free writing exercises.
Continue reading “Writing Prompt: A Favorite Summer Memory”When You Only Have Five Minutes to Write
When you tell someone you’re writing a book, they might picture you spending hours at your computer, ideally in a comfy chair with a great view. That is certainly the ideal of the writing life.
But it’s not often reality.
Continue reading “When You Only Have Five Minutes to Write”
