Keeping Your Writing Fresh

Ever find yourself in the dull writing trap?
 
I was there this morning. I had no idea what to write so I didn't write a single thing.



Photo by: plastAnka, courtesy of Flickr

I got out of the house instead, did some errands and had fun at a fine event put on by Books are Fun. Evidently, this group spans the world, sharing their books with folks who, against their better wishes, are holed up at the hospital. Books are Fun probably travels to other unlikely places but I didn't ask about that.

My daughter had to get her blood drawn today and I was grateful to have something to do.


Photo by Daniel Morris, courtesy of Flickr


Life can be as dull or as bright as we make it. And we make it easy for it to be dull if we don't change things up a bit; even open ourselves up for a surprise or two. I purchased 3.

Some sticky notes to keep me organized, an Hello Kitty book/puzzle for my granddaughter just because she was so good as we waited for her mother, and a gift for my grandson's birthday. Let's just call it Lego/Star Wars related.

After the drive home I sat down to write again and came up with this. Maybe it's not the freshest thing  I've ever come up with, or even the most interesting, but it sure beats what I had before I left the house.

Happy Writing!

Kathryn

When in Doubt--Write!

When you're in doubt about your writing, consider this:

You probably know at least one person who has told you that they're going to write a book but they haven't done it yet. And if you're writing at all, you're doing more than they are.

Photo by Kudumomo, courtesy of Flickr

So many people want to be writers, but they don't get beyond the dreaming stage. Either they're too busy, not interested enough to get started, or like the thought of being an author without having to do anything.

Perhaps they're thinking of the perks. Seeing their name in print. Making some money. Walking into a bookstore and seeing their book.

But being a writer is so much more than that.

It's coming up with unique and interesting characters and a plot that can take these characters through a story. It is knowing enough about dialogue and setting to balance it on paper. It's knowing a bit about grammar and rewrites, chapter headings and book titles to get a reader interested and to keep them reading.

If you're in doubt about whether or not you're a 'real' writer, if you're writing a short story, an article for a magazine or a poem, consider yourself a writer.

No, you don't need to be published by Random House. You just need to write.

What do you write? Share it below along with a link to your site! Yes, I am asking you to add a link so that we can see what you do and make a comment.

Why Do You Write?

I am thinking this morning about why I write. And why, when I think I'll simply give up on my writing, I continue to move forward.

It's probably because:

Photo by: burstingwithcolors, courtesy of Flickr

• I love writing. Writing takes me out of my stuff or helps me to deal better with my stuff. Writing brings me joy.
• I can write when I might be doing the dishes.
• I get to see my name in print and make money doing what I love.
• Someone writes me from England. They've read my stuff and like what I do. (I'm in Utah).
• I get notes. "Your book has changed my life," the note reads.
• I get to publish (finally) my books in my own time, by my own creative power. I no longer have to wait years for a publisher or agent to gain interest.
• I get to meet other writers. We help each other to be successful.
• I get to meet readers face-to-face and share in their love of reading.

This is my list. Do you write? What would you add?

Kathryn