Are you feeling some mental exhaustion? You probably need more sleep, but there may be something else going on, too. We writers place a high “cognitive load” on our brains. Not only do most of us do everything that everyone else does—go to work every day, raise families, run errands,Continue Reading
Getting the writing done. It’s not easy. We all have the best of intentions. We set up new schedules. We plan writing times. But then months go by and we realize we’re behind, or that we haven’t accomplished nearly as much as we wanted to. We blame ourselves. We lackContinue Reading
How are your writing mornings going right now? My parents loved to quote Benjamin Franklin when I was growing up: “Early to bed, early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.” Personally, I’ve always hated this saying. I was born a night owl, and despised being awakened inContinue Reading
You need to decide which writing project to work on next. How do you do that? Decide Which Writing Project Tip 1. Make a Commitment to a Select Number of Ideas Writers are great at coming up with new ideas, and we looooove those new ideas. They’re so exciting andContinue Reading
by Lorna Faith I cried tears of frustration to my husband. “I have a detailed outline. Why can’t I finish this book?” “I’m not sure,” he said, “but I do know this: you need to keep at it.” Murray’s gaze zeroed in on my own, his hands on my shoulders.Continue Reading
by Veronica Miller Imagine sitting down at a clean desk, your computer humming as you contentedly type away on your manuscript. In fact, you’re writing faster and clearer than ever before because you have nothing to interfere with your creative process. You wake up every morning ready to write creativelyContinue Reading
Overcoming procrastination is critical if you hope to make your writing dreams come true. You may blame yourself for not getting your projects done, but new research shows that approach won’t help. In fact, the key to getting past procrastination may be something you’ve never tried: compassion. Why A Writer’sContinue Reading
Are you one of the few energetic writers getting a lot done in January? Or would you rather pull the covers back over your head? If you feel tired and draggy during the month of January, you’re not alone. January Can Feel Like an Energy Drag It’s so common toContinue Reading
I’m an avid list-maker. I make lists for everything, including writing-related projects I want to complete. I find them motivating as I enjoy scratching through finished projects, and particularly like it when there are enough scratched off that I have to make a new list. But recently I came acrossContinue Reading
Want to make this your best writing year? Do one thing: take more action. Of all the things you can do to increase your odds of reaching your goals, this one will by far have the greatest impact on your future. Simple, yes. Easy? Absolutely not. If it were, moreContinue Reading
If you state your goals publicly, you’ll be more likely to achieve them. According to research by the American Society of Training and Development, your chances of actually achieving your goals can be broken down as follows: 10% — You have an idea or a goal 25% — You consciously decide you will achieveContinue Reading
Do you remember what you read, or do you find it difficult to recall it later? I love it when master writers quote from other writers. I’ve heard it happen many times, usually when the author is answering questions after a signing or as part of a writer’s workshop. I’veContinue Reading