After the busyness of the holidays, when most book projects take a back seat to holiday activity, it can be hard to start writing again. One way to ease back in is to rediscover the joy of writing.
Continue reading “Rediscover the Joy of Writing”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.
Continue reading “Writing Isn’t a Goal, It’s a Lifestyle”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.
Continue reading “A Family Recipe Can Enrich Your Writing Project”Writing Prompt: Christmas Scene
It’s that busy Christmas time of year. As writers, we often take a break to enjoy the season—as we should! But we may find it hard to feel reinspired in January.
During busy seasons, just writing a little something can keep the creativity flowing. When things calm down again, and we have more time to write, we won’t feel creatively sluggish.
Continue reading “Writing Prompt: Christmas Scene”Collect Now, Craft Later
The busy December season is here. Many of us don’t have time or energy to sit down and write whole stories or chapters. But we can collect bits and pieces to craft later.
Continue reading “Collect Now, Craft Later”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.
Continue reading “Like Snowflakes, No Two Stories Are the Same”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.
Continue reading “Savor the Moment: Thanksgiving Encouragement for Every Writer”Writing Prompt: Thankfulness
It’s that time of year when we’re reminded of things we are thankful for. Thankfulness lasts all year long and is a wonderful habit to cultivate. But the beauty of Thanksgiving is that thankfulness sits in front of us. That makes thankfulness a great writing prompt for this season.
Continue reading “Writing Prompt: Thankfulness”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.
Continue reading “When Progress Isn’t Planned”Gathering Stories Like a Thanksgiving Table
Picture a Thanksgiving table—a beautiful blend of colorful dishes, familiar recipes, appetizing aromas. Each dish adds to the beauty of the table and offers a variety of ways to enjoy the meal.
Writing a book creates a similar experience. As the writer, you bring a variety of stories, examples, dialogue, explanations, and memories to your book. That richness creates a wonderful feast for your reader to enjoy.
Continue reading “Gathering Stories Like a Thanksgiving Table”
Janet Eriksson 