How do you procrastinate? I turn on a TV series and binge watch episodes until I need to pee. I could be using this time to write but I tend to procrastinate without even realizing it. I make decisions based on my feelings, instead of disciplining myself and getting my writing done before turning on … Continue reading Using Your Procrastination
Writing Tips
Accountability
When you don't have someone else giving you a deadline, it can be difficult to stay motivated and continuously work on your book. Gamification is a popular way for people to hold themselves accountable to their goals. If you have enough willpower to self-discipline and write every day in order to finish your book in … Continue reading Accountability
Gamify Your Process
Gamification is a fun way to hold yourself accountable to getting your work done (and, yes, writing is work). It is the act of implementing the process of gameplay into your schedule in order to ensure you complete the task. You can use gamification in your writing process to keep yourself writing everyday. Writing is … Continue reading Gamify Your Process
Story Structure
The five basic story elements are characters, setting, plot, conflict, and resolution. The characters react to their setting the conflicts that you put them in when you are creating the plot. The resolution of the conflict depends solely on how the character changes throughout the story. Characters are people. They have feelings and dreams. Developing … Continue reading Story Structure
Bust Through Writer’s Block!
Your reminder alarm goes off because you write at the same time every day, but you can't think of anything to write. Now what? First, take a look at your surroundings. Are you in an environment that breeds creativity and focus? If not, change it. If you can't, change your mindset. Having a home office … Continue reading Bust Through Writer’s Block!
Track Your Progress
If you want to finish your book in a timely manner, make sure you meet your deadlines. How many words are you writing per day? That will determine how long it will take you to get to where you want to be. For example, if your goal was to write a novel (about 90,000 words) … Continue reading Track Your Progress
New Downloads Available!
I have added worksheets and outlines that I use in my writing process onto the Downloadables page. Feel free to download and use them while you write as well!
Dare to be Different
Take a look at the best-selling books in the genres that you write. What makes them different? The answer to that question is the reason why it's a best-seller. Each best-seller's list has different sales requirements. The Wall Street Journal requires 3,000-5,000 sales to be considered a best-seller. Amazon is only 1,100 copies in sales … Continue reading Dare to be Different
Writing a Series
Choosing to write a series is an important decision. Usually, series are born from stories that are too big for one book. However, a series can also be built from extensive planning of individual stories for each book. Either way, a series usually follows a character through different stages of their life and various adventures. … Continue reading Writing a Series
3 Steps To Squashing Your Inner Critic
Writers are notorious for criticizing our own work, which is a great tool to have when you're editing. When we write, we need to have an open mind and let our ideas run wild. Criticism is the enemy of creativity, so here is a three-step process for squashing your inner critic. Step 1: Stop Expecting … Continue reading 3 Steps To Squashing Your Inner Critic
