Editor, Proofreader, Writing Coach
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”Summer is a busy season. Different schedules, new activities, vacations, kids home from school. It’s often hard to find time to write, especially if you’re working on a book.
But you can make consistent summer progress by just writing 15 minutes at a time.
Continue reading “15 Minutes Is Enough to Keep Your Book Moving”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?”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”A coaching client told me she wanted to write but wasn’t sure she had much to draw from. She described her life as vanilla. Her friends were writing about struggles they had overcome. Her life had been pretty smooth. What could she write? Who would want to read it?
Continue reading “Your Stories Are Not Too Ordinary to Write”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”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”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”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”You may have had this experience. You’re making steady progress on your writing project. Something happens, whether it’s family, work, tiredness, illness, or something else that causes you to skip a day. That’s okay. It happens.
You’re eager to get back to writing after the missed day. But then something else happens, and before you know it, two weeks have gone by. You have time again, but now it’s hard to start back. You feel like you’ve lost momentum. How do you get it back?
Continue reading “Writing on Busy or Low-Energy Days”
Janet Eriksson 