There Always, Always, Always is Something to Write About

“…everything in life is writable about if you have the outgoing guts to do it, and the imagination to improvise. The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.” ― Sylvia Plath A common question of writers is “Where do you come up with your book ideas?” There’s no simple answer – ideas for stories come toContinue reading “There Always, Always, Always is Something to Write About”

Last Step in Writing: Place Book in Final Form

Generally when putting together a book or any other publication, writers follow a process that typically includes brainstorming (coming up with the story idea), outlining, writing a first draft, and revising. The final step in this process is final form, or formatting the manuscript. This step usually was only done once the text had reached the exact version that the writer wanted. The manuscript thenContinue reading “Last Step in Writing: Place Book in Final Form”

When Solitary Activity of Writing is Too Isolating

Jessamyn West one said, “Writing is a solitary occupation. Family, friends, and society are the natural enemies of the writer. He must be alone, uninterrupted, and slightly savage if he is to sustain and complete an undertaking.” West makes some keen observations. Writing lends itself to solitary lifestyle. Writers must spend time in their own thoughts,Continue reading “When Solitary Activity of Writing is Too Isolating”

The ‘Thinking Step’ when Writing Your Book

If you’re putting your pen to paper or fingers to keyboard for the first time on a story, you really aren’t starting at all. You probably “started” writing the piece some time before – in your head. That “thinking step” is known in the writing process as brainstorming. It is where you come up with the idea forContinue reading “The ‘Thinking Step’ when Writing Your Book”

Writing Problem SOLVED: People Keep Interrupting Me while I’m Trying to Write

Every time you sit down to write, inevitably you end up saying, “If only no one were around!” Distractions from emails to “Can I have a cookie?” and from phone calls to “Honey, could you help me with this?” always seems to keep you from spending your writing time actually writing. Well, no more. If youContinue reading “Writing Problem SOLVED: People Keep Interrupting Me while I’m Trying to Write”