Editor, Proofreader, Writing Coach
You’ve probably had one of those days when it seemed like everything went crazy.
Maybe you were trying to get something done and nothing went right.
Perhaps unusual things were popping up left and right.
Or you just felt surrounded by chaos.
Maybe it was a hard time, or it might have felt comical.
Even in the craziest days, we sometimes find peace, wisdom, direction, or a new outlook.
Continue reading “Writing Prompt: When Everything Went Crazy”Writing about your memories is such a blessing for your family and future generations. Whether you’re writing a memoir, life story, annotated photo essays, or a blog, your stories will be meaningful. But where do you start? How do you capture highlights of a life in 100 or so book pages or blog posts?
Continue reading “Questions Can Prompt Life Story Memories”If you’re writing a family history, life story, memoir, or any kind of legacy writing, you might wonder, Will anyone want to read this? I have asked that question too.
But I also know the answer is a resounding yes. How can I be so sure? Because I would love to read anything written by my ancestors. I wish technology had made it possible for them to record their thoughts and insights into their daily lives.
Continue reading “Yes, People Will Love to Read Your Legacy Writing”Freewriting is a great way to practice writing from your heart. It’s a way to keep your inner editor quiet. To enjoy the creativity of writing.
Continue reading “Writing Prompt: What Do You Love about Spring?”At some point, every writer struggles with this question: Does my book really matter? Writing a book is a big thing. It takes time, effort, vulnerability, a willingness to share your voice and insights with others. It’s understandable and very common to suddenly wonder: Why am I doing this? Does it even matter?
First, let me assure you, it does matter. Your book matters. Your story matters. You matter. What you’re writing will make a difference for someone at the time when they need it most.
Continue reading “Does My Book Really Matter?”Folks often hesitate to write a book because they think their story doesn’t have enough trauma. They worry their story will be boring or meaningless without that dramatic hook.
But a gentle or peaceful book can really hit home with readers who experience plenty of trauma in daily life. What a breath of fresh air to have a story that helps them breathe, redirect, find their way to peace.
Not to say that a book about trauma doesn’t lead readers to peace. It can, and it should. But a gentle story can do the same. The key to an engaging book is not dramatic moments. It’s direction. Know where you’re taking your reader, and guide them along that path of discovery.
Continue reading “Your Story Is Allowed to Be Gentle”Has this ever happened to you? You’re working on a writing project, maybe a book or a blog. You know what you want to write next. But you can’t seem to fit it into your schedule. Life keeps happening.
That’s okay. You can still move your project forward: by thinking about what you’re going to write.
Continue reading “When You Know What You Want to Write But Can’t Get to It”Spring is a season of change, the beginning of new things. How often do we go through changes without realizing something new is starting?
Can you look back at a time when you were becoming someone new? But you didn’t realize it then?
Continue reading “Writing Prompt: I Didn’t Know It Was the Beginning”You sit down to write your book. Instead of words flowing, questions pop up. When did that happen? What led to that event? Where was that located? Who might remember the details? Where can I find answers?
Soon, you might feel that your writing progress has stopped, and the need for Q&A has taken over. But questions are part of the writing process. They don’t signal your project is on hold. Questions let you know your writing is moving ahead.
Continue reading “Why Questions Are Part of the Writing Process”Imagine speaking to a room filled with people. Now imagine sitting across the table from one person, enjoying a conversation over coffee. Which one feels easier?
If you said the one-on-one conversation feels easier, you’re not alone. Many people would prefer that. Especially if you have something important to share that you think will help that person.
In a crowded room, you have no idea how, or even if your message is landing with everyone. But when you talk to just one person, you can tailor your message to them.
That’s a helpful analogy to keep in mind as you sit down to write your book, blog, stories. It’s easiest when you focus on just one reader.
Continue reading “The Power of Writing for One Reader”
Janet Eriksson 