School'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.

It's a time to get serious again: To focus, to reevlaulate, to test, and grow.

What transitions have you made with your writing lately in order to improve your writing?

What can you do right now in order to grow?

Below you'll find 3 ways to transition from becoming an occasional to a consistent writer:

• Write at least 4 sentences everyday.
• Refuse to listen to your haters.
• Take a writing class or go to a writer's conference

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.

A Remedy for Writer's Block

At one point or another we all have faced writer's block. Today, I want to help you.

Use this writing prompt to help you refuel your writing flow.

"The first time I ___________________, I felt_____________________."

Fill in the blanks. This could be an article, a quote from one of your characters, or a journal entry.

Just write something today and don't allow a lack of motivation or ideas stop you from writing today.

Do You Know Where You're Going?

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?”

Well, writer, I’ll ask you: Where are you going with your writing?

Do you want to write a book, an article, a blog, or what?

Regardless of what you want to write, you’ll need to do these five things:

• Stop talking about it and start writing
  
• Write at least 10 minutes per day everyday
  
• Give your all every time you write
  
• Set a deadline for your first writing project
  
• Stick to it!
  

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.”

Today is Your Day-- Set It Up!

Today...right now is the opportunity for you to change your life. How?

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?

You can write one of the following:

• Five writing goals
• One page for your next novel
• A web of phrases for your next article
• Ten characteristics about a new character for your next novel
• A letter to someone you love or someone who hurt you

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.

Now put this away for later and go back to your current project. Remember, it's always important to finish what you've started.

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.

5 Ways To Know If You're A True Writer

Do 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?

Below, I have 5 ways to help you to determine whether you should stick with writing. You know you're a true writer if:

You find yourself jotting down new ideas on paper, napkins, your hand, or even furniture
(I suggest writing on something other than the furniture)

You write down the details in a meeting such as a work meeting or church function

You try hard to put the pen or pencil down, but you just can't

You become overly conscious of your spelling and grammar when you write

You find yourself writing when you should be working, cooking, or watching the kids

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.

Connect and Celebrate with Other Writers

You are not an island. Yes, I know the original quote is a little different, but writer, I'm talking specifically to you.

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.

Why is it so important for you to meet other writers?

• You need someone to read your writing before you send it off to the publisher.
• You need an honest, unbiased person to help you improve your writing
• You'll need to learn and gain access to the changing trends in writing.
• You need encouragement from other people who are in the same predicament as you, especially when times get tough.

Below you'll find some great ways to connect to other writers:

• Attend writers conferences
• Connect with a writer's group
• Tell others that you are a writer and you may find a fellow writer as you're talking
• Seek out other writers in your church, your social groups, among friends, and yes, even within your family

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's Cake

Growing up, I always remember adults making the statement, "You can't have your cake and eat it too." Who did this statement apply to?

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.

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.

Did they have their cake and eat it too? Is it even possible to do so?

I would say yes, if you're willing to put in the hard work and enjoy the benefits later.

Having your cake requires you do your part first by taking time to decide:

• what you want to write (subject)
• who you're writing to (target group)
• why you want to write (purpose)
• when you want to get published (goal), which may be subject to change
• where you want your writing to go
• sitting down to start writing

Eating your cake means:

• reading the great reviews about your published work and hearing others talk positively about your published work
• making money from your published work
• gaining a sense of satisfaction from getting published

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!