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”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”Writing on Busy or Low-Energy Days
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”Cozy, Creative Autumn Writing Time
Autumn is a wonderful time to focus on your writing project. Carve out some time for creative brainstorming or writing—a little time goes a long way, especially if you stay consistent. Think of it like a series of mini autumn retreats for working on your project—even if your retreat takes place over several 15-minute sessions throughout the coming weeks.
Continue reading “Cozy, Creative Autumn Writing Time”Messy Beats the Blank Screen
Writers often struggle when facing a blank screen. How should they begin writing? What are the right opening words? How should they tell a story?
The blank screen seems like a roadblock. How do you get around it or move through it?
There is one simple way that works every time: Write messy.
Continue reading “Messy Beats the Blank Screen”Shorter Days, Smaller Steps: Regaining Joy in Writing
The fall season has an interesting rhythm for writing. On one hand, we writers often feel energetic and ambitious as we take on new challenges. On the other hand, as days get shorter and temperatures cool, our bodies often feel like we’re slowing into pre-winter hibernation mode. How can we navigate the writing rhythm of fall?
Continue reading “Shorter Days, Smaller Steps: Regaining Joy in Writing”
Janet Eriksson 