Don'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.

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!

It will pay off in the end.

In fact, let me help you get started. Here's a writing prompt:

"The people who need to hear my writing are __________________________ because they need help in the area of ________________________."

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!

Write To Save Your Readers

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?

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.

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.

What kind of problems do people experience? In most cases, people want to:

• Make more money
• Save money
• Save time
• Avoid effort
• Escape pain

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)!

John & Kate Plus 8 -- Too Many?

The media is having a field day with the couple of the hit reality show, John and Kate Plus 8. According to various TV shows and magazines, the couple is having major marital problems, and the entire world is watching their lives unravel before our eyes.

In two words, I would say, "Too many." Of course I don't mean too many kids! People have had multiples for years and their marriages survived some of the toughest times. For John and Kate, too many eyes are watching them, too much exposure for the family, and too many people's opinions are being made about their lifestyle. These things can cause stress on the marriage and they threaten to tear a family apart.

Writer, do you have too much going on in your life? Are these things preventing you from writing effective information? Do you find it hard to complete your writing projects because of so many distractions?

What are some things you can and should eliminate in order to focus your mind, heart, and keyboard on getting back to the basics of writing? Below you'll find some things you can eliminate from your "hectic" schedule:

• Watching reruns of your favorite show
• Searching the Internet for hours on unnecessary information
• Watching soap operas and reality shows
• Taking long naps
• Talking on the phone for long periods of time

While these things may be difficult to break away from, doing it can give you the exact time you need to refocus and get back on track with your writing!