How to Get More Writing Done in 5 Simple Steps

1. Get up early. Get up and write before you do anything else. That may mean you get up at 5 a.m. and go to bed at 9:30 p.m. 

2. Treat your writing as a career instead of a hobby. Call it your morning job. 

3. Focus on writing versus editing. Write, write, write for at least half an hour. Whatever comes out. No matter how it comes out.

4. Find a place to write where you will actually write and not be distracted. Prepare the space in advance with the things you need - something to drink, a pen, sticky notes... whatever you typically have to get up and look for.

5. Work on more than one project at once. If you have writer's block on one project, do the other one.

Photo by Thought Catalog on Unsplash

The Best Tip EVER for WRITERS!

You probably know it. And the answer isn't reading a lot, or making sure your grammar is perfect, or even having a professional editor edit your work.

The answer is

WRITE

Photo by Hans Isaacson on Unsplash

This is a tough one for most of us. You've probably heard about the wishful writer. "I really want to write a book." And then, the next year you see them and they say, "I really need to write that book." And the next year...

Other writers put off writing because they are too busy. They treat writing as a hobby - maybe even below a hobby if that's possible. "I will write when I'm not working full-time." "I will write tomorrow." I will write...

"I'm not really good. Who will read my stuff?" You're 'write' of course. You will never be any good unless you write. And you are also 'write' that most people won't read your stuff in the beginning, but a few will, and as you continue to write that list will grow.

Photo by Ante Hamersmit on Unsplash

"I want to write but I don't have anything worthy to write." Let's haul it out, okay? The truth is, you have a lot to write about. Who has lived your life? Who has experienced your stuff? If you want to write fiction, pick a genre, and go for it!

Photo by Etienne Girardet on Unsplash

"I started to write but it wasn't as easy as I thought it would be, and so I quit." Start again! Writing is NOT supposed to be EASY, it's supposed to be REWARDING and LIFECHANGING, for yourself and those who read your work.

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash

No more excuses, okay?

Just sit down, right now, and write.

I know you can do it.

Kathryn

Writer's Block?

TUESDAY TRAILERS: The Happy Writer

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THOUGHTFUL THURSDAY: Writer's Block

I don't know about you, but I count on my imaginary friends to help me get the words on paper. If they're out on vacation or sleeping the day away, I feel stuck.

The good news is, if a particular set of imaginary friends just aren't speaking with me, I can go in search of the ones waiting for me at one of my other projects.

It's amazing the varying and different places imaginary friends frequent, don't you think? 

That's why I'm always working on at least two projects at a time - sometimes more. When one of my projects gets hung up; i.e., one or more of my characters are mad at me, I allow them some breathing room while I visit another place. 

Who knows? Maybe when I return, they'll be ready to talk to me.

Happy Writing!

Kathryn 

Do you have writer's ▉ ?

TUESDAY TRICKS: Five Things You Can Do To Get Writing this Morning

If you're considering taking a day off, it may be the best thing for you. RN R is usually a good way to get new ideas flowing, and get the heavy block off your back. But what if one day has turned into two and two into three, and you're not even on vacation?

I don't know about you, but I sometimes find myself scrambling for something to write about. My book, well, I just can't figure out what to write next. That story? It's as stalled as a car out of gas. I've been thinking about taking the day off, you know, to get ideas coming again.

Should I?

When I'm in one of these moods is usually because I'm feeling overwhelmed in my life; there's just too much going and I can't even consider sitting down and spending time writing. Either that, or I'm stressed about something else I have to do that's been weighing on my mind for days.

Here's what I do when faced with the 'I just don't want to write today' problem.

Sometimes I sit back and do nothing. :) Let's be honest here, I sometimes don't do as I should. But after a few moments of moping I gather up my courage and face the computer. The dishes will just have to wait.

1. I may start a new project. It may be one of those projects that has been weighing on my mind for awhile; a project I just don't think I have the time for. I have one of those of my own - right now. It always seems to get shelved for more pressing work, when, in actuality, this work needs to be at the top of my list because of the time and attention it demands.

2. I may read my latest project out loud. There is something to be said for reading out loud. Yes, you find mistakes, but the sound of your voice often prompts further writing.

3. Sit outside. If it's a nice enough day where you live sit outside for awhile, pen and paper in hand, and see what comes to you. A change of scenery often works for me. If it's too cold where you are, try a different room, but don't use a computer to get your thoughts down. See what happens.

4. Find a book, any book, and point to a random page. What sentence is your finger on? Start with this sentence and see what comes to you.

5. I've spoken of this last idea before, but it bears repeating. Organize a binder of pictures from magazines, pictures that are interesting in some way. Perhaps the interest is in the colors used, or the slogan, or the people within the photo. Once organized, choose a random picture to write about. Pay special attention to your five senses and see what happens.

Enjoy!

Kathryn

STOP. Do You Hear it? Ideas for Your Next Book

A few months ago I was just standing around talking to friends, when wa-la! an idea came to me for a new book! Actually, it's a book idea that stems from my mystery series. I'm not sure if any other writer is trying it, but you should see the beginnings of this idea in the next couple of years (I still have to write book 3 in the Susan Cramer Mystery series, first).

Anyway, the idea of ideas dropping into my head at any given moment; especially those unexpected moments, reminded me of something I heard years ago about getting and keeping ideas.

The idea had to do with a notebook.

"Keep a small notebook handy in your purse or car. Take it with you everywhere. You never know when you'll need to write down an idea."

Ideas have come to me:

While in conversation.
At a stop light.
At the bank.
While I'm watching a television program.
While I'm reading a book.

Notice that ideas come to me when I'm doing something else. I can honestly say that rarely ideas come to me when:

I'm trying to think of ideas.

Like me, you may be wondering why that is, but I think the ideas come slower when we are pressuring ourselves to think of something. When we're enjoying life and all it has to give us; whether we're doing something we consider "fun" or not, it's in the act of doing that we receive what we need.

I find that interesting, don't you?

So, the next time you're struggling with an idea, a character, a setting, a plot, STOP. Get outside yourself. The idea might just come.

When Your Writing Life is Stalled

You know the feeling. You get up, sit down at the computer, and heck, haven't anything to say.

You feel as if your feet are in cement; you wish you could pull out something, anything from your brain that makes even a little sense. But here you are, drowning in your misery.

What I know about being stalled is that I'm only stalled for a short time (not months or years, although it often feels like that in the beginning). I am only temporarily stalled. I know that in a day, maybe less, I'll be back to my old self again.

That old self that has writing coming from her fingertips faster than she can get the words down.

Kathryn

What It Means When You Don't Want to Write

Ever NOT feel like writing? Then you have one or more of the following ailments:

1. It's Monday, and you still want to celebrate the weekend.

2. You think writing has to be inspired, ALWAYS.

3. You don't FEEL like it. This is a different ailment from #2, because in this case you just would rather do something else, anything else.

4. You need a vacation. Or a break. Or something that takes you away, even if the time away is for only a short time.

5. You have too much going in your life or feel as if you've got too much going in your life. Your brain doesn't know the difference.

But the good news is, you do!

Knowing you are a writer, is only the first step. The second step moves you forward, no matter the mud or sloshing around of your brain. It's really EASY to make up excuses for why you're not writing, far HARDER to just sit down and write.

So Write!

Have a great day!

Kathryn

Best Ideas to Get You Writing

If you're like me, the last couple of days was spent doing those Easter dinners and egg hunts. Now it's time to get back to work!

Wow.

Do you ever feel like all that fun time passes like a blink and that your writing is always there to stare you in the face?

I do.

Today, as I began to make my list (I always do better with a' to do' list) I was reminded of how busy Monday's always are for me. Not only do I have the daily tasks, I have the extra tasks brought on by a fun and busy weekend.

No complaints here. But you might just be feeling like I'm feeling this beautiful morning, and so I thought it would be a good time to spark the flame so to speak. To get you and ME writing again.

So here goes...

1. If you have a blog, and just after you've finished reading this one, write your blog and get it posted. I find the earlier I post my blog the more I actually get accomplished during the day and I think that's because I've jumped started my mind early on.

2. Keep writing even if you don't feel like it. If nothing is coming to you, keep writing anyway until something does. Don't correct the sentences or paragraphs, just write.

3. Put on some music. Listen for a moment.

4. Write something that you've shelved for awhile. Pull it out and see what you can do to tweak it.

5. Take a look at my blog post here for other ideas.

The best thing you can do to get jump started in writing is to write and to keep writing. No matter the interruptions, no matter the initial desire. I promise, you'll be on the flower lined lane before you know it.

Valentine Prompts for the Truer than True Scrooge

I know you're out there; folks who don't quite "get" Valentine's Day. You might even be considered a Scrooge, though I'm well aware that the 'real' Scrooge had more of an affinity with Christmas.

Do any of these statements sound like you?

1. "I don't currently have a romantic interest" or "I'm just getting over a romantic interest and just don't want to think about Valentine's Day."
2. "I like to spoil my partner during the year and find it hard to dole out on Valentine's Day when it's 'expected.'"
3. "Valentine's Day is just a commercial set-up to get me to spend more money."
4. "I'm just not "gooshy." I show my love in different ways."

If you fit into any or all of the above categories, you may find yourself skipping out on the big day and filling it with something totally unrelated.

But what if I could pull you back, even just a little, with these Scrooge Valentine prompts?

1. Write a story about a romantic interest that has gone sour, and how better off one or both couples is. (See #4)
2. Write a story about a man who enjoys giving gifts to his significant Valentine, just not on Valentine's Day.
3. Do some research. Find out how Valentine's Day got started, and write a story reflecting this new found knowledge.

4. Write an un-romantic Valentine's story. Really? Yes, really. Perhaps it starts out in the direction of being a romantic story, but suddenly turns, finding the reader surprised and honored that all relationships don't work out, just as it should be. You could even try some comedy. Why did certain dates, whether you were "lined up" or not, not work for you?

Basically, have a bit of fun.

Here's the beginning of my story using prompt #2.

It wasn't fair, and he knew it. But what could he do? 

His new girl stood before him all glowing and all he wanted to do was escape, sort of like those prisoners he'd read about in "Last Man Standing."

But how could he do it? Why couldn't he just be himself and scatter the love when he felt like it?

She smiled at him. Her lips were a dark red today and he could almost taste them without leaning in.

Oh, she would hate him! 

It was Valentine's Day and what did he have for her? Nothing. Nothing.

"So?" she asked. The air was cool, but her arms looked warm underneath her heavy coat. The snow had not melted yet, probably wouldn't for another month or so, and all he could think about was warming his cold heart...

Let's see what you've got. Start your own story by responding to this post or see what I've got going here.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Kathryn

Are Things Looking...Scary?

I know we're not even close to Halloween, but I couldn't resist sharing a good scare this afternoon.

• Do you ever feel as if you're not alone in the room, when you know you are the only one currently inside your house?
• Do you ever get a bit, well, queasy, when you consider what you've watched on the news?
• Do you find yourself turning on the hall light when you know exactly where the bedroom is?

• Photo by mepaki: http://mrg.bz/2dAGkY

I've had time times these, and, surprisingly, these times correlate with writing.

I know, I know, I am constantly correlating life with writing, but you know, it's what helps me remember.

• Do you ever feel like you're sharing the room with your characters, even though you're home alone?
• Do you get a bit, well, sick to your stomach, when you have to write a frightening scene?
• Do you find yourself trying to turn on the hall light "called your brain" when you have writer's block?

Writing can be a scary process, especially when you feel as if your characters are speaking to you and you want to write something else. Not all scenes are a pleasant to write. You might find it a bit creepy or uneasy and feel the need to turn on the hall light just so you know that everything's going to be okay.

But I guess that's what we all want, don't we?

We want to write our best. We want to write what our character's want. We want to write even the 'hard to write' stuff. Because we want to write.

And, frankly, we need all of it.

When the Power Goes Out

I don't know what it is about feeling as if the juices should always be pumping, but I think we kind of expect it as a writer.

I will always want to write.
I will never get discouraged about writing.
I will always have ideas.
I will never have writer's block.

When the truth is we will not always want to write, we will get discouraged, we will not always have ideas come to us like a voice in the night and we will not always have our minds and hearts wide open ready to receive.


I might be a dreamer, but I am also a realist.

Life isn't always what I planned, and sometimes, writing isn't going to come easy.

Do you find yourself stalled when:

You're stressed?
Have too much on your plate?
When the power goes out?

Yep. The power went out this morning for about two hours...two hours! You'd think that life as I knew it had ended! My first thought was, now, what am I'm going to do? I have a million and one things I've scheduled today at my computer and there's no power.

I put away the dishes.
I read.
I talked with my husband.
I reflected on life.

Wow. Maybe now I truly have something to write about!

When the light goes out at your house or in your brain (or both), don't get discouraged. Please, don't. The best thing you can do is to keep moving forward.

When in Doubt...Write!

I talk to many writers who believe that if they feel like writing they write, and when they don't feel like writing they don't.

What I know to be true (at least for me) is that when I don't feel like writing and write anyway, the best stuff comes. I think this is because:

• I am angry about something in my life and the heat is just flaring up. What better way to get some emotion out?
• I am just plain lazy, and so my writing might start out like, "I really don't want to do this, I'd rather not write today but I'm told by ______________ that if I do something great will come out of this. What? I ask you? What?" Something amazing happens when you just start writing without a destination or even a beginning in sight. You actually get somewhere. It may take a little while, but I promise you something wonderful will jump out that you can use.



Photo by tonyhall, courtesy of Flickr

• I feel as if I'm too busy. When I feel as if I'm too busy it's usually because I AM. Did you hear that? Let go of something material or immaterial that really doesn't matter anyway and get down to business.
• I'm sick. When I am ill all I want to do is lay around and watch television. But when I've picked up a pen and paper and got started writing, miracles have occurred! Notice that I said nothing about the computer. When you're ill, and have no intention of sitting upright, don't. Do some lounging and writing.

When in doubt about writing, write! Writing is healing, it helps you sort through your personal gripes, and most of all, it's FUN!

Have a happy day writing,

Kathryn

Picture Binders: When Writer's Block Strikes

They were old, but being old didn't matter.

One wore a suit and roughened brown boots; the other, his green and brown checkered jacket and gray pants. Leg warmers caressed his legs and fit into his boots. The second wore gloves and a hat. The first looked as though he'd just left the office. No gloves, no hat.

The snow was crisp against their feet and hard packed, and the skies were filled with white puffs, matching the mountain peaks. It was cold but they hardly new it.

It was the memories that kept them going; that made them strong enough to handle the old skis carried across their shoulders, that kept them dreaming...



Photo by: Jennanana, courtesy of Flickr

Okay, I had one of those mornings when I had no idea what to write, and so, rather than being mind blocked, I took out my binder of pictures and chose one.

I'm not saying that the above rendition of the two men is great, but it did open the pathways for me this morning. What was in one moment snow packed earth, is now melting and making room for writing.

Is it like that for you today?

If so, perhaps it's time to make your own picture binder. Just go through some old magazines, and choose some photos that strike you. I've got mine in plastic sleeves. Put them in a binder in no particular order.

One morning when the muse is gone, you can work through the writer's block quickly.

Feeling...Boxed In?

Today my husband put an ad on KSL. FREE boxes! I think it did the trick. In just a few minutes one person had called. I saw the young man drive up in his white truck just as someone else called. I had to tell him 'no.'

In less than half an hour the moving boxes are gone.

Photo by: Photocapy, courtesy of Flickr

Can you do the same thing with your writing when you're feeling stuck?

I've previously spoken about options when it comes to writer's block, but sometimes we feel boxed in and it takes more than a writing exercise or a changing of projects to get us going again.

Years ago I was really struggling in my life. I'd kept a journal for a few years only to stop writing for about 10. Life was hard, and I would have healed faster, I believe, if I'd written stuff down, even if it was the painful stuff. As it is, there is much forgotten during that period of my life.

When times are especially hard it's often hard to write. At least for me. Besides, I don't want to write day in and day out about the terrible stuff, especially when I prefer writing about LIGHT.

But I have to tell you that writing about the terrible stuff may just have gotten me out of my box that much sooner. I believe in therapy, especially free therapy, and I believe that God helps those who help themselves. And in this case, those who write even when it's the most painful.

If you're feeling pain today, or your pain has lasted a year or two and it just doesn't seem to want to let up, get something to write on and your favorite pen. Even if you have to write in your box, write.

And let me know if writing in your box helps.

Do Your Characters Take Over Your Book?

No?

Let them.

I mean it. Say you have a great outline, and the story is moving along steadily as you outlined it, when all of a sudden your character says to you:

"Wait, I don't want to do that! I wouldn't do that!"

Or

Photo by: Jagz Mario, courtesy of Flickr

They simply stop speaking and turn down another lane.

I don't know about you but I like it when my characters take over. They know themselves better than I do anyway, and if something in their story isn't feeling right to them, I like it that they have the confidence to do something else.

I'm glad I no longer hang onto them with a short rope.

There's something amazing and good that happens when your characters take over. It's kind of like inspiration and dictation all at the same time. And I'd like to think that my story will be better for it.

• So, you have a great ending, but your characters don't like it. Change it.
• You're midway through your book and your main character says, "I shouldn't be doing that yet, I've got these other mountains to climb first," or something under those lines. Slow down.
• Your stumped, you're stuck. Listen.

I promise you, it will be worth it.

Using Music in Your Writing

Music. I love to listen to it. I love to dance to it. I also like to write to it.

I usually use it when:

• I'm beginning a new book and have no idea where to start. I choose my music carefully, but it's amazing how the beginning of my books take shape and begin to flow. 
• I use music when I really want to go deep. Because I struggle with romance scenes I like to use music; it helps to get me in the writing mood.
• I put on some music when nothing is coming to me; when all I can do is sit there and stare at the blank screen. Music calms my nerves and allows the creative ideas to start flowing.



Photo by: Brandon Giesbrecht, courtesy of Flickr

• I use music when there's a lot of distraction. It might even be good distraction like my grandchildren playing in the next room, or Grover on Sesame Street trying to fly. Music will help me to stay focused on the task at hand.

Remember these?
Photo by: Ferrari+caballos+fuerza=cerebro Humano, courtesy of Flickr

Depending on the music I choose, I can write a scene that a few moments prior just wasn't coming to me. If I'm writing something spiritual, putting on that type of music (usually instrumental) will allow my heart and my head to connect and to write something beautiful. If I'm writing action, especially intense action, I choose another piece of music with lots of noise.

Some of my favorite albums for writing include: Ocean Waves, by Lifescapes, Facing Future, by IZ Israel Kamakawaiwo'ole (good for books that have a tropical setting) and anything by Josh Groban. I also use the free radio stations on the web and plug in a theme for the music I want to have played. Pandora is my favorite.

When it comes to using music for your writing, the most important thing you can do is to choose the music wisely so that the scene's tone is where you want it. Second to that is using music when nothing is coming--a sure fire way to get through that 'writer's block.'

What's the Hardest Part of Being a Writer?

What's the hardest part of being a writer?

I sometimes struggle with others taking my writing seriously. But when I finally stopped searching for a "job" and began my own company I think the realization hit many that what I really wanted to do was work for myself.



Photo by lett -^=, courtesy of Flickr

Sometimes I have a hard time getting to work. Because I'm at home and the house is screaming to be cleaned or the grandchildren are screaming to have some time or I'm screaming for a break, I have a difficult time focusing on the job at hand.

Writing isn't always fun. Really? Writing is work and sometimes the writing itself is a struggle. But when this happens, I pull out another writing project or spend a few moments working on a writing prompt.

Sometimes it's hard waiting for the money to come in. I don't get a regular paycheck, and sometimes I get a little stressed about that, but the stressing comes less now as my focus has changed to more important things like sharing and helping others with their own writing.



Photo by: noricum, courtesy of Flickr

Sometimes I have too many projects and so can't focus on the most important one at hand. I get ideas often, but that doesn't mean I can do everything at the same time. Many projects are put on the back burner until the finishing up of a particular project leaves room for a new one.

The hardest part of being a writer, for me, shifts every day and depends on my mood. But I don't let a day go by without writing something.

Because I need to write.

What the hardest part of being a writer, for you? Share your thoughts.

3 Writing Prompts that Will get You Writing Again

Some days the words are just hard to get out. Like the lack of rain coming down on a hot day, we may find that we're more inclined to take a nap than to work on our project.

Projects often get heavy. If we're writing a novel, we may be weighed down by the plot or a particular character who is simply not working. We may find that we lack time to write. We work full-time and would rather get some shut eye. We may not want to work on our project at all. But in the end, we know we need to write--something--and that's why writers usually turn to a writing prompt when they get stuck.

Photo by: Bright Meadow, courtesy of Flickr

I have shared writing prompts before. But today, I want to get you writing with no preparation. That means, no magazine ads to tear out, no book to grab to write about the first sentence you point to, no going for a walk and enjoying the beauties of nature. These all work, of course, but sometimes we just want to get started. Now. At our computer.

So here goes:

1. Start with the letter A. In the first sentence the first word you write needs to begin with A. The second sentence must begin with B and so on until the end of the alphabet. The clincher is that the sentences must connect. They can't be random sentences but must create something.

After you're creation, read over it. Discover the gems inside and write a poem, a short story or the beginning of your next novel.



Photo by: Kalexanderson, courtesy of Flickr

2. Close your eyes. Take in the senses you experience with your eyes closed. Try to stay connected to your senses for at least 5 minutes. If someone is with you, have them tell you when your time is up. When you open your eyes, write about all of the things you experienced. Perhaps you heard traffic in the distance. Did you smell anything surprising? Was it hard to keep your eyes closed? Were you checking the clock? Describe your experience.

Many of us have a difficult time using our five senses when we write. Sight is easy, but taste? A lot harder to come by. When we scatter the five senses throughout our work the reader not only enjoys what they're reading, they tend to experience the scenes more vividly.

3. Play some music from your computer. Write the way the music makes you feel. Depending on the song you'll end up with something romantic, mysterious, or even funny. Be open to writing in a different genre. After the song is over, go through what you have written and see what you find.

While the first writing prompt is more thinking in nature than experiencing, I have included it because there are times when nothing comes unless we first have an outline. At other times, it's the freedom we experience outside of the box that brings in our next creation.

Something we all want.