tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-262582141934135152023-11-15T13:28:13.635-05:00The Writer Resource PitThe Inspirational Blog for New and Aspiring Writers!The Writer Resource Pit:http://www.blogger.com/profile/14531204848695116064noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26258214193413515.post-36952827214075456212009-09-24T07:20:00.003-04:002009-09-24T07:26:01.825-04:00Don't Give Up!This week I received two encouraging e-mails in reference to the weekly newsletter I send out to new writers. These e-mails meant a lot because I've been doing this newsletter since August and I've wondered if anyone has even read it.<br /><br />A lot of times it's easy to become discouraged and give up on your writing because you can't see the immediate results. However, if you know you're writing to help solve people's problems and you know there is a need for what you write, keep on writing!<br /><br />It will pay off in the end.<br /><br />In fact, let me help you get started. Here's a writing prompt:<br /><br />"The people who need to hear my writing are __________________________ because they need help in the area of ________________________."<br /><br />This will help you to establish your target group and write what they want and/or need to read. If you are unsure of their needs, please do some research to find out. You can do it!The Writer Resource Pit:http://www.blogger.com/profile/14531204848695116064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26258214193413515.post-52352646354106359752009-09-22T00:00:00.001-04:002009-09-22T00:00:04.748-04:00Why Ask Why?Have you ever received a rejection letter from a publisher? Or have you had someone to give you a negative critique on one of your writing projects?<br /><br />If you have, I'm sure you've asked "Why?" I can understand your need to ask this question, but let's face it: You probably will never know why someone said no to your writing. You could spend an entire day, week, or even year wondering why a publisher, editor, or fellow writer didn't like what you wrote. However, you can also spend that same energy perfecting your manuscript. What are some steps you can take to improve on your writing?<br /><br /><ul><li>Put your current manuscript away for awhile.</li><li>Read a book on writing in an area where you would like to improve your skills - subjects may include: marketing, shaping your characters, writing a book proposal, etc.</li><li>After about two weeks, pick your manuscript back up.</li><li>Reread it with a fresh eye.</li><li>Make the changes.</li><li>Send it to other publishers</li><li>Start working on your next manuscript.</li></ul><p>While you could waste your time wondering why someone said no, you can just as easily use that same time figuring out ways for your reader to say yes. Keep writing.</p>The Writer Resource Pit:http://www.blogger.com/profile/14531204848695116064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26258214193413515.post-37152147965623706212009-09-17T06:54:00.004-04:002009-09-17T07:00:55.464-04:00What If?When you consider all the bad things that could happen to you in a day, it's enough to paralyze you from writing. However, just as you could experience bad things, you could also think about the good things that may occur.<br /><br />For example, you may:<br /><ul><li>Win a prize </li><li>Get a new job</li><li>Find Mr. or Ms. Right</li><li>Receive a gift card for your favorite restaurant</li><li>Get published!</li></ul>Ahh! Get published. Doesn't that sound like a neat idea? However, you won't get published unless you write. I encourage you to write today. It will give you a sense of accomplishment today and it may be that manuscript you need to see your name in lights.The Writer Resource Pit:http://www.blogger.com/profile/14531204848695116064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26258214193413515.post-17132270909433468032009-09-16T00:00:00.000-04:002009-09-16T00:00:01.775-04:00A Quick Solution To Writer's Block!The best way to end writer's block is to write. Okay, so you say you don't know what to write. I'll help you. Finish the following writing prompt and write at least three sentences. If you go further great!<br /><br />"I regret the mistake I made when I..." OR "My life is perfect because...."<br /><br />I'm sure you'll be able to finish one or the other. If nothing else, it will help you to get something on your paper or computer.<br /><br />Happy Writing!The Writer Resource Pit:http://www.blogger.com/profile/14531204848695116064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26258214193413515.post-49624374064930799542009-09-15T00:00:00.001-04:002009-09-15T00:00:03.251-04:005 Obvious Reasons Why Your Manuscript Was RejectedLet's face it-- None of us enjoys rejection.<br /><br />To many of us, receiving a rejection letter is just another reminder that someone else dislikes our writing; or did they?<br /><br />Sometimes the editor who read your manuscript may actually enjoy your writing, but there are some minimum requirements you may have missed which caused him/her to send you the bad news.<br /><br />Below you'll find a few reasons why your manuscript may have been sent back to you:<br /><br />You:<br /><ul><li>Submitted your manuscript to a publisher that doesn't publish your genre of writing.</li><li>Did not submit your manuscript by the deadline.</li><li>Did not do spell or grammar check, so your manuscript is filled with misspellings and typos.</li><li>Submitted your entire manuscript instead of the query letter or book proposal they requested</li><li>Exceeded the required word count</li></ul><p>Even if you're guilty of some of these mistakes, there is good news. You can solve these problems using the following strategies:</p><ul><li>Keep a calendar nearby so you'll be aware of the deadlines for particular publishers.</li><li>Always spell check your manuscript before closing the document.</li><li>Hire a good editor to check if you meet the writing guidelines for the publisher you're submitting your manuscript to.</li><li>Buy and read books on writing good query letters and book proposals.</li><li>Find out the proper word count and adhere to these guidelines.</li></ul><p>If you follow these steps and still receive rejection letters, you'll at least know you've done your best. In addition, you can keep sending your manuscript to other publishers until you receive that letter of acceptance. Whatever you do, don't give up!</p>The Writer Resource Pit:http://www.blogger.com/profile/14531204848695116064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26258214193413515.post-23668970646656548442009-09-10T05:59:00.004-04:002009-09-10T06:15:00.777-04:00The 4 Deadly Sins of the New WriterBright-eyed and bushy tailed, new writers come on the scene with a boat-load of enthusiasm and great ideas. They're ready to take on the world...and the publishing industry. I wonder if they know what they're getting themselves into.<br /><br />While they start out with zest, however, somewhere along the line, many new writers fall into the pit of discouragement. They forget about the words they wanted to write in order to change the lives of their readers. The thought of writing to solve people's problems goes right out of the window.<br /><br />Where did they go wrong? I believe they committed one of the 4 deadly sins of the new writer. If you're not careful writer, you could fall into the same pit. Below you'll find these 4 Deadly sins:<br /><br />1) Procrastination.<br />Solution: Write something everyday<br /><br />2) Allowing the discouraging words of others to stop you from writing.<br />Solution: Refuse to believe negative words and write a response to the comment that was made in your writing journal.<br /><br />3) Allowing a few rejection letters to stop you from writing.<br />Solution: Work to improve the manuscript you sent off to the publisher(s) and send it to another publisher.<br /><br />4) Allowing unexpected or traumatic circumstances to stop you from writing.<br />Solution: Write through your pain. You can even write about the experience. It's therapeutic!<br /><br />While there are so many things that can prevent you from writing, you must be willing to press through your mess and write despite your hindrances. After all, life happens, but as a writer, you can respond to it through your pen and paper!The Writer Resource Pit:http://www.blogger.com/profile/14531204848695116064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26258214193413515.post-52564908499997585082009-09-09T07:06:00.003-04:002009-09-09T07:12:46.801-04:00Do You Like Your Job?Stress. Frustration. Unending responsibility. These are some of the reasons why people continue to stay in a job they simply hate.<br /><br />Maybe this doesn't sound like you, but let me ask you a question: Do you like your job? If so, what are some things you like about your job that make it so great?<br /><br />If you don't like your job, then what are you going to do to make a change through your writing?<br /><br />If you don't know where to start, here are some points:<br />1) Don't quit your day job yet.<br />2) Write down 10-25 things you know about your job.<br />3) Consider how you can use your work experience to help someone else.<br />4) Write an article on some of the features your job can offer to those looking to get into the same career.<br />5) Go to <a href="http://www.ezinearticles.com/">www.ezinearticles.com</a> and submit your article.<br /><br />You never know who your job experience may help. In addition, you're getting published!The Writer Resource Pit:http://www.blogger.com/profile/14531204848695116064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26258214193413515.post-47609367782733835552009-09-08T00:00:00.001-04:002009-09-08T00:00:04.048-04:00School's In Session!Today is the first day of school for many US school children. Mixed emotions loom over both parents and students as they prepare to transition from the lazy days of summer into the go, go, rush, rush mode of higher learning.<br /><br />It's a time to get serious again: To focus, to reevlaulate, to test, and grow.<br /><br />What transitions have you made with your writing lately in order to improve your writing?<br /><br />What can you do right now in order to grow?<br /><br />Below you'll find 3 ways to transition from becoming an occasional to a consistent writer:<br /><ul><li>Write at least 4 sentences everyday.</li><li>Refuse to listen to your haters.</li><li>Take a writing class or go to a writer's conference </li></ul>You need to look at learning as a way of getting closer to getting published. The more you know, the better you will write, and the more likely you are to get noticed by editors, publishers, and other people of influence.The Writer Resource Pit:http://www.blogger.com/profile/14531204848695116064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26258214193413515.post-83094555285616097882009-08-27T00:00:00.001-04:002009-08-27T00:00:00.322-04:00A Remedy for Writer's BlockAt one point or another we all have faced writer's block. Today, I want to help you.<br /><br />Use this writing prompt to help you refuel your writing flow.<br /><br />"The first time I ___________________, I felt_____________________."<br /><br />Fill in the blanks. This could be an article, a quote from one of your characters, or a journal entry.<br /><br />Just write something today and don't allow a lack of motivation or ideas stop you from writing today.The Writer Resource Pit:http://www.blogger.com/profile/14531204848695116064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26258214193413515.post-23254782139130781462009-08-26T00:00:00.001-04:002009-08-26T00:00:02.223-04:00Do You Know Where You're Going?<p>In the 1970’s, legendary singer and actress, Diana Ross played a starring role in the movie, Mahogany. I don’t know much about all the details since I’m a 70’s baby myself; however, I do remember a song from the movie soundtrack which began with the words, “Do You Know Where You’re Going To?”<br /><br />Well, writer, I’ll ask you: Where are you going with your writing?<br /><br />Do you want to write a book, an article, a blog, or what?<br /><br />Regardless of what you want to write, you’ll need to do these five things:<br /></p><ul><li>Stop talking about it and start writing<br /></li><li>Write at least 10 minutes per day everyday<br /></li><li>Give your all every time you write<br /></li><li>Set a deadline for your first writing project<br /></li><li>Stick to it!<br /> </li></ul><p>If you use these suggestions, you can and give your writing a sense of direction. Then you can answer Ms. Ross’s question and say, “Yes, I know where I’m going with my writing.”</p>The Writer Resource Pit:http://www.blogger.com/profile/14531204848695116064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26258214193413515.post-5793180786785338482009-08-25T00:00:00.001-04:002009-08-25T00:00:00.794-04:00Today is Your Day-- Set It Up!Today...right now is the opportunity for you to change your life. How?<br /><br />Start a new writing project. Of course you're working on something else, and I'm not telling you to put your current manuscript away, but I am telling you to write one additional thing to prepare for the next project. What can you do today to start the chain of events?<br /><br />You can write one of the following:<br /><ul><li>Five writing goals</li><li>One page for your next novel</li><li>A web of phrases for your next article</li><li>Ten characteristics about a new character for your next novel</li><li>A letter to someone you love or someone who hurt you</li></ul><p>Don't let this distract you from what you're currently doing. Just look at this brief exercise as a set up for your next project, and doing this should prevent you from ever experiencing writer's block again.</p><p>Now put this away for later and go back to your current project. Remember, it's always important to finish what you've started.</p><p>If you do this exercise once a quarter, you will always have something to write and you'll be able to write on a consistent basis.</p>The Writer Resource Pit:http://www.blogger.com/profile/14531204848695116064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26258214193413515.post-64267892856377847142009-08-18T00:00:00.001-04:002009-08-18T00:00:03.320-04:005 Ways To Know If You're A True WriterDo you ever wonder if you were really meant to be a writer? Sometimes you get occasional or even frequent writer's block. Your words may not always make sense, and you misplace your manuscript from time to time. If this sounds like you, how can you know for sure if writing is a good fit for you?<br /><br />Below, I have 5 ways to help you to determine whether you should stick with writing. You know you're a true writer if:<br /><br />You find yourself jotting down new ideas on paper, napkins, your hand, or even furniture<br />(I suggest writing on something other than the furniture)<br /><br />You write down the details in a meeting such as a work meeting or church function<br /><br />You try hard to put the pen or pencil down, but you just can't<br /><br />You become overly conscious of your spelling and grammar when you write<br /><br />You find yourself writing when you should be working, cooking, or watching the kids<br /><br />While some of these items are lighthearted and meant to make you chuckle, let's face it: A true writer actually writes! So if you call yourself a writer, do whatever you need to do in order to write and complete the work you've started.The Writer Resource Pit:http://www.blogger.com/profile/14531204848695116064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26258214193413515.post-7068636104106474352009-08-13T00:00:00.001-04:002009-08-13T00:00:03.654-04:00Connect and Celebrate with Other WritersYou are not an island. Yes, I know the original quote is a little different, but writer, I'm talking specifically to you.<br /><br />Many of us think we can get published on our own as long as we write a great manuscript, send it to the publisher, and get that letter of acceptance. However, for most people this is not the case. You need other writers and they need you. So you're afraid to meet new people-- but do it anyway.<br /><br />Why is it so important for you to meet other writers?<br /><ul><li>You need someone to read your writing before you send it off to the publisher. </li><li>You need an honest, unbiased person to help you improve your writing</li><li>You'll need to learn and gain access to the changing trends in writing. </li><li>You need encouragement from other people who are in the same predicament as you, especially when times get tough.</li></ul><br />Below you'll find some great ways to connect to other writers:<br /><ul><li>Attend writers conferences</li><li>Connect with a writer's group</li><li>Tell others that you are a writer and you may find a fellow writer as you're talking</li><li>Seek out other writers in your church, your social groups, among friends, and yes, even within your family</li></ul><br />Even if you find one other writer, the two of you can strengthen each other along the publishing journey, and when you both get published, you can celebrate together!The Writer Resource Pit:http://www.blogger.com/profile/14531204848695116064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26258214193413515.post-32391360059114289412009-08-12T00:00:00.001-04:002009-08-12T00:00:01.593-04:00The Writer's CakeGrowing up, I always remember adults making the statement, "You can't have your cake and eat it too." Who did this statement apply to?<br /><br />I believe it referred to anyone who thought they could experience the good life without working hard for it. "The Good Life" -- fame, fortune, money, and yes, even a published book or article.<br /><br />Writer, what are you waiting for? A sign? If so, here's the sign: JUST WRITE. If you were to talk to some of the best authors, at least most of them would tell you that they've had to make sacrifices.<br /><br />Did they have their cake and eat it too? Is it even possible to do so?<br /><br />I would say yes, if you're willing to put in the hard work and enjoy the benefits later.<br /><br />Having your cake requires you do your part first by taking time to decide:<br /><ul><li>what you want to write (subject)</li><li>who you're writing to (target group)</li><li>why you want to write (purpose)</li><li>when you want to get published (goal), which may be subject to change</li><li>where you want your writing to go </li><li>sitting down to start writing</li></ul>Eating your cake means:<br /><ul><li>reading the great reviews about your published work and hearing others talk positively about your published work</li><li>making money from your published work</li><li>gaining a sense of satisfaction from getting published</li></ul><br />You are in charge of your writing destiny. You have the necessary ingredients it takes to make your cake through your talents, experience, and the resources around you. So to answer the age old question, yes, you can have your cake and eat it to!The Writer Resource Pit:http://www.blogger.com/profile/14531204848695116064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26258214193413515.post-35014145215864133212009-08-11T00:00:00.001-04:002009-08-11T00:00:02.065-04:00We All Make MistakesI apologize for not blogging in awhile. I feel somewhat guilty because I've spent so much time in my blogs telling other writers about how they should keep the writing momentum going, and I allowed my blogging to fall by the wayside.<br /><br />However, for now, I'm back. No, I won't waste time making excuses. I'll just say that blogging hasn't been a priority for the past month. I've taken on some other writing projects, but it's no excuse. For this reason, I've decided to blog 2-3 times per week as opposed to 5 times. This way, I can become more consistent and still touch the lives of new writers.<br /><br />I still want to give you quality information and some bullet points to help you pursue your writing, but it won't be as often. In addition, I will be informing you about some other projects that I would like you to consider participating in.<br /><br />If I had to say a few things to you I would say:<br /><ul><li>Be consistent with your writing, even if it's not every single day on the same project.</li><li>If you've slacked off, go ahead and start where you've stopped.</li><li>Figure out where you main <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">priorities</span> with writing lie.</li><li>Be honest with your writers.</li></ul>Writers, I hope I've been honest with you and I hope you'll forgive me for not staying connected. However, if you want to read some of my more writing , please go to <a href="http://www.resourcewriting.com/">www.resourcewriting.com</a>.The Writer Resource Pit:http://www.blogger.com/profile/14531204848695116064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26258214193413515.post-81145170299838039192009-07-14T00:00:00.002-04:002009-07-14T00:00:00.260-04:00Jibber Jabber - What Are You Saying?My son is 18 months and he's progressing well for his age, however, there are times when he says words I can't understand. I want to understand, but because he's still learning, things are not as clear.<br /><br />Have you ever heard a baby try to form a sentence? They try really hard and they believe you understand what they're saying, but you don't.<br /><br />It's frustrating for both you and the baby because:<br />1) You really want to help, but you can't.<br />2) The baby wants your help, but can't tell you<br /><br />As writers, we need to understand the one thing that will determine the success of our writing careers: our readers.<br /><br />People are just like babies because they need your help, but in order for you to help them, you will need to write a clear message in order to reach them.<br /><br />Here a some things you need to consider when writing:<br /><ul><li>Have a specific target group</li><li>Understand and meet the needs of your target group</li><li>Solve their problems</li><li>Get your work edited</li><li>Make the revisions after it's been edited</li><li>Do this for all of your writing projects</li></ul>Let's face it, what good is your writing if you can't reach your target audience?The Writer Resource Pit:http://www.blogger.com/profile/14531204848695116064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26258214193413515.post-13706694520028528392009-07-13T00:00:00.001-04:002009-07-13T00:00:04.511-04:00The Cost of the Glamorous LifeMany of us view our favorite authors and writers as living the glamorous life. Why? Because we see them on TV and we see all the wonderful reviews about their books. Then we begin to think, "Wow, he/she must have everything. I wish I had what they had."<br /><br />However, with any type of fame and attention, there comes a price. What is the price paid for the glamorous life of an author?<br /><br />On their part, the author has to:<br /><ul><li>Put in the time to write their best selling book</li><li>Create a marketing plan</li><li>Sacrifice sleep, family time, and other necessities in order to meet deadlines</li><li>Spend time promoting their books</li></ul><br />Is this the type of life you want to live?<br /><br />If you answered yes, then you need to count the cost. What do you need to do right now as an aspiring author to reach your writing goals?<br /><br /><ul><li>Decide on what you want to write</li><li>Decide your target audience</li><li>Start writing everyday regardless of your mood or how your feeling physically</li><li>Refuse to listen to negativity</li><li>Create your marketing plan</li><li>Read books on writing and marketing</li></ul><br />Does this sound like the glamorous life to you? Even if it doesn't if you're committed to following through on your dreams and making the necessary sacrifices, you can one day see your name in print.The Writer Resource Pit:http://www.blogger.com/profile/14531204848695116064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26258214193413515.post-62731296274675062832009-07-09T01:34:00.002-04:002009-07-09T01:37:23.375-04:00Expect The Unexpected!Have you ever been disappointed in a person because they didn’t follow through on their promises to you? I have.<br /><br />Many times when I would try to get my writing noticed by others. People made commitments to help me, look at my work, or accept my writing for their publication, but chose not to follow through. I became angry with these promise breakers and I struggled with forgiving them. In fact, I wanted to strangle them. However, my personal beliefs constrained me from going this far. Instead, I held a grudge for many months. This also was against my personal beliefs, but since it wouldn’t land me in jail, I decided to keep it.<br /><br />Did holding grudges help my writing to take off in any way?<br /><br />Absolutely not!<br /><br />Eventually after I stopped feeling sorry for myself and being angry with other people, I decided how important it was for me not to put my ultimate trust in other people. I also learned an important lesson:<br />Expect the unexpected. As a writer, how could I do this?<br /><br />Expect that:<br />People will often fail to follow through on their commitments to help you<br />People will say they’ll call you, but won’t<br />Editors and publishers may not contact you when they stated<br />Your computer may crash<br />You could misplace your manuscript or worse, your computer stick<br /><br />While in most cases, you can’t change the unexpected, you can decide to overcome these obstacles. Realize that you’re not the first writer to experience these things and you can overcome them!The Writer Resource Pit:http://www.blogger.com/profile/14531204848695116064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26258214193413515.post-15848728703040351412009-06-26T00:00:00.003-04:002009-06-26T08:05:26.121-04:00Tyler Perry or Bust!Famous playwright, author, and writer, Tyler Perry inspires me greatly as a writer. I love his plays, his movies, and his sitcoms, <em>Meet The Browns</em> and <em>The House of Payne</em>.<br /><br />Mr. Perry often shares his testimony of going from poverty to financial prosperity and fame. In it, he discusses the power of hope, forgiveness, and persistence. While I don’t want to do the exact type of writing as Tyler Perry, I do admire the things he has done to become successful at his writing.<br />Tyler has the:<br /><ul><li>Ability to write</li><li>Passion to write</li><li>Passion to meet people where they are and solve their problems through writing</li><li>Wisdom to use his past experiences to shape his writing projects</li><li>Power to overcome adverse situations </li><li>Tenacity and commitment to complete his writing projects</li><li>Maturity to ignore his haters</li><li>Boldness to accept and enjoy his success</li></ul><p>If we all can follow these attributes, we will see our writing explode and touch the lives of our reading audiences nationwide and maybe across the world!<br /></p>The Writer Resource Pit:http://www.blogger.com/profile/14531204848695116064noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26258214193413515.post-18822380434642647412009-06-25T00:00:00.004-04:002009-06-25T07:51:35.511-04:00Watch Out!Have you ever been hit by a hard ball? I have. I was in elementary school, playing softball with my classmates one day. All of a sudden, the ball him me right in the top of my head.<br /><br />Why didn’t anybody warn me and say, “Tiffany, watch out!”? As I reminisce on that day, I’m not sure if one of my classmates warned me or not. If they did, I still got hit. I’m not sure how long it took for me to get back up, either. Because of this traumatic event, one thing’s for sure: I vowed never to play softball again.<br /><br />Writer, I’m warning you: Don’t get hit by the twins of wasted time and procrastination. These siblings will hinder your writing. Maybe you’re struggling right now with one or the other as you read this entry. If so, you can get back up and move on with your writing.<br /><br />You can pick up your pen right now and:<br /><ul><li>Write about how you feel </li><li>Write down three places you would like to visit</li><li>Write about your previous experiences, (your success, failures, happy and sad times)</li><li>Write down three groups of people you can help with your writing<br /></li></ul><p>While this may not be the information you planned to write once you get your writing groove back, it is a start. Whatever you do, watch out and press on as you pursue your writing destiny!</p>The Writer Resource Pit:http://www.blogger.com/profile/14531204848695116064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26258214193413515.post-7554505282228272852009-06-24T00:00:00.006-04:002009-06-24T00:51:06.588-04:00Write To Save Your Readers<p>Do you have any problems in your life? Maybe you don’t have enough time to clean your home. Maybe it’s a sickness, an unruly child, or a broken relationship. Whatever the case, you need a solution. Do you have a solution to your problem? Have you searched for one?<br /><br />If not, I encourage you, to educate your way out of your problems if possible. Note however, not all problems can be solved this way. It may take time or you may need to learn something from your struggles.<br /><br />As a writer, the best thing you can offer your readers is a solution to their problems. Many people will read and as long as you have passion for your readers and accurate information, you can help them to dig out of their pits of despair.<br /><br />What kind of problems do people experience? In most cases, people want to:</p><ul><li>Make more money</li><li>Save money</li><li>Save time</li><li>Avoid effort</li><li>Escape pain</li></ul><p>If you can use your writing to do one or more of the above items, and influence your readers to take action, you will become viewed as an expert in your field and a good writer. Wouldn’t that be outstanding? In the meanwhile, as you’re trying to help someone else, you may find the solution to your problem(s)!</p>The Writer Resource Pit:http://www.blogger.com/profile/14531204848695116064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26258214193413515.post-5093764901697779552009-06-22T00:00:00.001-04:002009-06-22T00:00:03.622-04:00GratitudeAre you experiencing a bad day? Maybe you lost your wallet or had an argument with a loved one. Maybe your children won't stop crying and you're ready to run away from the house as fast as you can.<br /><br />Take a deep breath and realize that we all experience bad days. However, we can't allow them to hinder us from completing the tasks we've planned for the day--especially writing.<br /><br />At times when we're thrown off from our plans for the day, writing seems to be the first thing we neglect. We think it's not as important as paying a bill or making an important phone call, for instance. We reason that we have writer's block because we can't think clearly, but you can overcome your writer's block by writing down at least five things you are thankful for. It may take a few moments to do, but you can accomplish two things by doing this:<br />Get some writing done.<br />Gain a proper perspective of your situation by seeing the good in your life despite your bad day.<br /><br />Go ahead, writer, take some time to show gratitude through your writing. I'll give you the first one: "I'm grateful for being able to pick up a pen to write!"The Writer Resource Pit:http://www.blogger.com/profile/14531204848695116064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26258214193413515.post-84332993653840110722009-06-18T00:00:00.001-04:002009-06-18T09:00:22.548-04:00Trapped!Whenever we go on extended trips, (anything over 2 hours), my son finds a way to wiggle his upper body out of his car seat straps. He feels trapped. Constrained, locked in, whatever you want to call it; my son loves his freedom. He wants to view the outside and see what's going on as he rides along the highways.<br /><br />What about you, writer? Do you feel constrained from your writing by time, space, or the unrealistic demands of other people? If so, take some time for yourself, rethink your life, and set yourself free by making time and space to write!<br /><br />It's possible, but you must take the first step.The Writer Resource Pit:http://www.blogger.com/profile/14531204848695116064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26258214193413515.post-31407325805837429132009-06-17T00:00:00.001-04:002009-06-17T00:00:07.807-04:00Get Out of Your Funk!Have you ever gone through a phase where you couldn't think clearly? You had a blah attitude about everything, (even the important things), and you felt like doing absolutely nothing? For instance, on some days, eating a pint of chocolate cookie dough ice cream seemed to be the most productive thing you did. I've been through this phase a few times in my life and I call it "The Funk"<br /><br />During this phase you may not even feel like writing, but I beg to differ with you on this. You can write about your funk. How can you write at a time like this you ask? Below you'll find some topics you can write about while you're enduring this temporary phase:<br /><br />Write about:<br /><ul><li>Your feelings and emotions - use adjectives and colorful words!</li><li>The things you see and hear</li><li>The foods you're tasting: describe how they look and taste</li></ul>While you don't need to write a book about your funk, you can one day use some of these segments for future chapters or characters in a book, an article, or another writing project you'll eventually work on. Whatever you do, let this funk you're experiencing be a temporary situation so you can start writing again with a clear mind and live a life that includes more than eating a pint of ice cream to get you through the day.The Writer Resource Pit:http://www.blogger.com/profile/14531204848695116064noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26258214193413515.post-54821145099982867992009-06-16T00:00:00.001-04:002009-06-16T00:00:05.941-04:00One Size Doesn't Fit All!Do you ever remember purchasing an outfit or an article of clothing labeled "One Size Fits All"?<br /><br />You take the item home only to find out that you are not included in the "All." Maybe your arms are too long or maybe the robe is just a little too snug for you. It's disappointing to say the least.<br /><br />What happens when you don't seem to fit the mold of the "typical writer"? Maybe you're not sure what direction to take, or maybe you're not apart of the writer's group everyone is raving about. To make things worse, you've just received a boatload of rejection letters for the manuscript you worked months to perfect. Because of these situations, you begin to question your ability to write and you wonder if you still need to write at all.<br /><br />Wait! Before you close your laptop or retire that pen, understand that every writer has a different pathway. Take some time to ask yourself some questions, so you can reevaluate your situation.<br />Consider the following questions:<br /><ul><li>Is this the best time for you to write?</li><li>Are you writing in the proper genre?</li><li>Do you have a specific target group who needs to read what you're writing?</li><li>Are you passionate about what you're writing?</li><li>Do you need to start with smaller projects?</li><li>Have you had someone to edit your writing?</li></ul>Now step back. It may take a few days to answer these questions about yourself. Once you've taken some time to answer these questions honestly, I'm sure you'll see the writer in you reemerging with a vengeance.<br /><br />Just because one size doesn't fit all doesn't mean you can't keep searching until you find the right fit for your passion to write!The Writer Resource Pit:http://www.blogger.com/profile/14531204848695116064noreply@blogger.com0