Have you ever noticed that we never drift in good directions? If you want to accomplish anything, it has to be by choice. “Drift” is our default setting when we allow outside distractions to capture our attention. Have you drifted away from your writing goals set earlier this year? Looking Back Recall the last time you […]
habits
Writing for the Soul: Success!
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the 30+ check-in reports I get every day from the four “challenge groups.” We are writing on thirty different projects, in more than twenty states, across many time zones. Many are grandparents, but a few are juggling their writing with nursing babies. How can such a diverse group of writers support each […]
Give Yourself the Slight Edge Today!
Can writing just 15-30 minutes a day really amount to anything? Even over the long haul? Absolutely! And that’s why I’m running these two writing challenges in April. It started when I read a book called The Slight Edge. It’s not a writing book per se. But the subtitle tells you the book’s premise: “turning […]
Direction, not Intention
All of our actions have results, or consequences. That’s not news to anyone. And yet, do we act like we believe that? Not all that often. Good Intentions Too many writers (myself included sometimes) believe that if we work our hardest and try our best and keep a good attitude, we’ll end up successfully published. […]
How to Take Charge of Your Writing Life
Welcome! I’m glad to see that you found me at my new “home.” As promised, starting today I’m giving away a free e-book for frustrated writers. Rx for Writers: Managing Your Writing Space and Your Writing Time is short, but it contains solid advice for three of a writer’s biggest problems: 1. following through on our […]
Three Reasons Your Writing Life Isn't Working–and What To Do
What’s wrong with me? you wonder. Why doesn’t this writing advice work? A third worrisome thought nibbles at the back of your brain: Maybe I’m not a writer after all. Not to worry. I’ve identified three of the most common reasons why writers don’t get their writing done. And I’ve put together an overall solution […]
Habits: Anchors for the Writer's Life
“Habits are the little anchors that keep us from straying very far from the lifestyle to which we’ve become accustomed, whether that lifestyle makes us happy or miserable.” ~~from Karen Scalf Linamen’s book Only Nuns Change Habits Overnight. Habits: Help or Hindrance? We all have habits that either support or hinder our writing lives. [NOTE: I’m […]
Writing Habits: Borrow Good Habits from Yourself
Writing habits can make or break your writing career. With NaNoWriMo starting tomorrow, I’ve been getting organized and ready. But I know from past experience that all the organizing in the world won’t do any good without the writing habits to back it up. Did you ever wish you could magically transfer some good habits […]
Writing Habits: Routines–or Ruts?
I love routines! It streamlines the daily business of life and lets me get more done. I have some habits (like how I brush teeth or do dishes) that haven’t changed in years–maybe decades. They work efficiently. Writers have habits too, and I think that’s a good thing. It streamlines daily chores like email, website updating, reading […]
Gradual Exposure
For many reasons, we set writing goals–and then promptly get stuck. The reasons vary: The goal is overwhelming, and we don’t know where to start. We don’t have an hour or two each day to devote to reaching our goal. We don’t really believe you can reach goals “a little bit at a time.” […]