We all need someone to push us toward the things we want to accomplish from time to time. We all need weekly and daily opportunities to recenter ourselves to what’s important in life. Always revisit and rely on those people and things that help you remember who you are and what you want for your life.
Posts on Nothing Any Good have been a little sporadic recently. I apologize for that. Trying to finish and publish 40 Tips on Creative Writing last year took a lot of time and creative energy. Once that was done, the holidays and new year hit and I feel like I haven’t been able to come up for air. But these are just excuses, and you know what they say about excuses?
Yea, me neither.
Anyway, the point is, we’re back, friends! You can expect to see more regular articles, updates, and advice on NAG now.
Many of you have already read 40 Tips on Creative Writing. Some of you have even reviewed it. (Thank you!) The rest of you, well, let’s just say I’m watching you. I never forget a face, even faces I’ve never seen. I’ll remember you decided not to get my new book. Trust me, I’ll remember.
For those that read it, I’ve been told readers have found it to be inspirational and a perfect pick-me-up to get their writing mojo going again. That’s exactly the point of it. The book is a way to keep us inspired, healthy, happy, and productive writers. I’m glad it’s doing the trick for many of you! Honestly, it does the trick for me too. I refer to it early and often. There are plenty of days I’m struggling to get the creative mojo going. This book helps me.
For those of you that are thinking, “I’m not really a writer, so it doesn’t make sense for me.” Think again. It’s written with the focus of providing inspiration and tips to all walks of life. Parts are honed toward the writer in all of us, but the ideas can be applied to any creative endeavor, whether that’s writing, painting, building a business, or even starting a family. There are tips in there for everyone.
To whet your appetite, here are five truncated tips from the book free of charge. Consider it a gift. You’re welcome.
1) Life’s too short to not seize the opportunities with which we are presented. Always take the chance to do what you love when it comes along. Write that book! Start now! Do you have thirty minutes today? Sit down and start writing.
2) Be quick to show compassion and empathy. When you find yourself suffering from the clichéd writer’s block, take this advice to heart. Put yourself into your character’s shoes. Show compassion and empathy. What is your lead character feeling? Get yourself into the state mind of your character. As much as you can, put yourself in a place where you can understand and feel everything that your character is going through. It’s the skill of the great writer.
3) Don’t dress like a bum all day long. Some people do perfectly well rolling out of bed and doing great things in their underwear all day. I’m not one of those people. If I want to be productive, I prepare for it. Production doesn’t just magically happen. There has to be a plan. Wake up early. Shower. Wear respectable clothes. Eat breakfast. Get your mind right for writing. Then, when you’re good and ready, sit down and write.
4) Don’t be afraid to see dinosaurs even when everyone else around you doesn’t. Anyone who has ever tried to write anything of worth, and for that matter any creative type who has ever tried to make something out of nothing, knows how exciting and scary that can be at the same time. Take that excitement and fear and use it. Don’t worry about how others say you’re supposed to write. Write the way that you want to write. Sure, soak in all the advice and feedback from writing experts and amateurs alike. Take it all to heart. Let it wash over you. Then filter it through that beautiful brain of yours and write the way you feel called to write.
5) Have a routine, but avoid being routine. Having a routine is good. We just finished agreeing not to dress like a bum all day long. This is part of planning to be productive. Having a routine and a schedule can ensure that you are actually writing and not just dreaming about it. But don’t let that routine control you. Follow it as far as it will lead on the road of utility, but the moment you hit a dead end and it’s no longer useful, break away from it. Avoid being routine.
Now’s your chance to get the book. Don’t miss the perfect opportunity to kickstart your writing into full gear in 2018!
Find more writing and publishing tips at Nothing Any Good.
