My intuition is you've had some crummy writing days, too, sessions that produce nothing of value. I don't want to be the type of writer thwarted by a bit of writer's block. (And I'd argue that much of so-called writer's block is simply good ol' procrastination.) To that end, I've made a list of ways to reroute a poor writing day.
Read moreJumpstart your writing life with this no-brainer habit
There are fears at every turn in the creative life, fears about identity, money, recognition, misunderstanding. Fears that we're doing it wrong and others are doing it better.
But at what point are you going to embrace the fact that you're a writer, you're established because you say so?
Read moreSneak peek of Fiction Workshop
Online workshops can be tricky to suss out. Are they going to solve your problem? Do they contain information you don't already know? Will they be worth your money?
The truth is education is ongoing, and when you've been out of the classroom, you're a lot less likely to keep up with your studies. That's one of the reasons I created Fiction Workshop: for people who are creative, know they can write well and want to write better. If you want to embrace and own your writing life, for once and for all, Fiction Workshop is for you.
Read moreNo more 2D characters in your stories (includes free worksheet!)
For longer creative writing pieces -- novellas and novels -- I find character profiles to be enormously helpful. They help give definition and breathe life into people who only exist on paper. If ever I'm unsure how a character might respond to his circumstances, I refer back to the profile I created to remind myself of who he is and what drives him. This profile acts as a blueprint for a fictional person.
Read moreChoose your words wisely
We understand by now that writing is hard work. Many writers don't like the act of writing and instead prefer the joy of having written. Me, I really enjoy the writing process, in part because of cheerfully I enjoy words.
Masterfully, in her poem "Tides," Mary Oliver thoughtfully chooses words we don't see every day.
Read moreDistinguishing between your writing identity and the self
Creatives know how scarce and unreliable money can be, which is why so many opt for unrelated full-time employment so as not to put the stress of a relied-upon income on their passion.
It’s the main reason I like giving away things for free. The 52-Week Project -- free writing prompts each week for a week -- has been a beautiful experience and so amazing to see embraced. Today, I’m really excited about another free venture: The One-Week Daily Writing Devotional.
Read moreHow long until you find your authentic writing voice?
Whether you studied it in school or taught yourself by reading every book you could get your hands on, a creative writer needs one important quality: a voice that’s all their own.
Surprise! Just like every other aspect of writing, developing your voice is tough work. And how do you know once you’ve finally done it, you’re right there, and your voice is clear and unique?
Read moreSometimes you have to say you're sorry
In marketing, not every leap of faith has an easy landing. Sometimes you make the wrong call, people take offense to your well-intentioned quip or you simply share incorrect information. Pretend it never happened, and let it blow over?
Cute. No.
Read moreThe #1 stumbling block in creative non-fiction
Journalists know the most important part of their actual writing process is crafting a gripping lead. The beginning of a creative non-fiction piece should be enticing, provocative, a teaser, a foreshadowing and supported by what's to come in your piece.
Once the lead is discovered, the rest of the story writes itself.
Read more9 podcasts to inspire creativity
As a creative, you know inspiration can be found anywhere. When your heart is open and ears are tuned, a turn of phrase or observation might kickstart a scene you've been stuck. You'll try anything to capture that spark, right? Me too. That's why I've been listening to podcasts every day. Here are nine of my favorites.
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