What 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.

For example, you may:

• Win a prize
• Get a new job
• Find Mr. or Ms. Right
• Receive a gift card for your favorite restaurant
• Get published!

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.

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.

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!

We All Make Mistakes

I 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.

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.

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.

If I had to say a few things to you I would say:

• Be consistent with your writing, even if it's not every single day on the same project.
• If you've slacked off, go ahead and start where you've stopped.
• Figure out where you main priorities with writing lie.
• Be honest with your writers.

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 www.resourcewriting.com.

Jibber 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.

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.

It's frustrating for both you and the baby because:
1) You really want to help, but you can't.
2) The baby wants your help, but can't tell you

As writers, we need to understand the one thing that will determine the success of our writing careers: our readers.

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.

Here a some things you need to consider when writing:

• Have a specific target group
• Understand and meet the needs of your target group
• Solve their problems
• Get your work edited
• Make the revisions after it's been edited
• Do this for all of your writing projects

Let's face it, what good is your writing if you can't reach your target audience?

Watch 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.

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.

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.

You can pick up your pen right now and:

• Write about how you feel
• Write down three places you would like to visit
• Write about your previous experiences, (your success, failures, happy and sad times)
• Write down three groups of people you can help with your writing
  

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!

Trapped!

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.

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!

It's possible, but you must take the first step.

Get 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"

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:

Write about:

• Your feelings and emotions - use adjectives and colorful words!
• The things you see and hear
• The foods you're tasting: describe how they look and taste

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.

It's Over -- Lebron Lost!

Disappointment to say the least. Of course I was doubtful that Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers would win both games during the Eastern Conference championship, but when they lost on Saturday night, it really hit me. Their chances of winning the 2009 NBA championship were over. Just think. All that hard work during these last 8-9 months: down the drain. Now the Lebron and Cleveland Cavaliers have to step into the unknown of the next NBA season and start all over again.

Starting all over again. Writer, you may be in a devastating situation. Your dreams and hopes of being published may have been crushed for whatever reason, but you can start over again. How?

Believe in yourself and your ability.
Write what you know.
Be consistent.
Refuse to allow your situation to stop you from pursuing your dreams.

Just because it feels like you're losing now doesn't mean you can't start again! Just take the first step.

Take Time for Memorial Day

Today is Memorial Day, a day to commemorate or remember those who died in our nation's service.

Do you know anyone who died serving in the armed forces? Did you have a relationship with them? Did you spend precious moments with them?

If so, write about it. Take time to discuss how they helped you in some type of way. This could help you to break your writer's block and it could also spark another project.

You never know what paying tribute to another will do.

While you're at it, don't forget to pray for our soldiers who are still serving in the military. They really need them.

Have a Great Memorial Day!

Rush! Rush! Rush!

I must admit--I'm very slow when it comes to getting out of the house to go somewhere. In fact, I normally need to start getting ready about 3 hours before leaving my house.

My family members get upset with me when they see me running around the house trying to get things together; but I need time to think, organize, and effectively do...whatever.

As writers we may find ourselves rushing. With work, children, spouses, and unexpected events, we never seem to have time for anything else let alone write. BUT--how badly do you want to write and see your words published for your readers?

If your answer is, "It's not that important," then stop writing today. However, if you're serious about writing and getting published, then you need to make time in the middle of your rush, rush, rush.

How can you do this?

• Write at least 1-2 paragraphs per day.
• Eliminate non-essential activities from your daily schedule at least 3-5 times per week.
• Establish one writing goal per month and complete it.

Despite all the things that require your time and energy, you can still make time--even if you have to rush, rush, rush! Tell your self, "I will write, write, write!"

Shortcuts to Success

Imagine yourself running late for an important meeting. You're racing down the road when you stop at a screeching halt because of an oncoming train going across the railroad tracks. Like the driver before you did, you're tempted to drive across the tracks before the train comes; but you consider the consequences of trying to take the shortcut. To your dismay, the train along with its cargo takes about 10 minutes to complete it's trek.

Angry and frustrated, you start your car and proceed across the tracks to see the car that went across the tracks. You see a pool of ambulance workers, firefighters, and policemen trying to rescue the lives of the driver and his three passengers. They're trying to rescue one person with the jaws of life. Wow! What a tragedy.

Sometimes, we as writers become discouraged when we look at the success of other writers. We get intimidated and discouraged, so we take a shortcut to success. We wish we had the notoriety of Stephen King, Kendra Norman-Bellamy, or anyone else who we deem successful in the writing world. However, we don't know what these individuals endured in order to "make it."

Waiting can be hard, but it can save you from a lot of heartache and restarts. While waiting for your opportunity to shine as a writer is not the easiest thing, you can do some things during this time:

• Read books on writing and marketing
• Create a marketing plan for your book or other writing project(s)
• Write book reviews
• Keep a writing journal and jot down ideas for future projects
  

Your success will hinge on what you do as you wait. With this in mind, exercise your patience and enjoy your slow season because your "big break" will be here before you know it!

How Did Joan Rivers Win The Apprentice?

When Donald Trump announced comedienne, Joan Rivers as the celebrity apprentice, I knew he made the right choice.

Whether you like Joan or not, you must admit she's a winner in her own right. Beyond the face lifts and the tough exterior, Joan has won the hearts of many. As a businesswoman she can teach us as writers a lot about succeeding in the writing game.

At the age of 75, Joan was able to defeat her nemesis, poker player Annie by possessing the following traits:

• Guts
• Stamina
• Being real
• Knowing how to handle and get along with different personalities, including the Donald!

Joan's behavior in the apprentice can help us in the world of writing. She teaches us to be:

• Tough in the face of rejection, writer's block, and discouragement
• Persistent with our writing despite how we feel
• Honest with our readers and the general public with our writing
• Diverse in how we deal with different types of people in the business of writing.

When we bring our best and remain consistent, even in the difficult times of our writing journeys, we may hear the two famous words from publishers and other writing organizations, "You're Hired!"

I'll Do It Tomorrow!

The Winans sing a song called "Tomorrow". It speaks about person who procrastinates in making a decision. However, refusing to make a decision today and putting it off until the next day can be a dangerous thing.

"Procrastination" Did you know that procrastination is one of the biggest stumblingblocks for writers. We try to say we don't have enough time or we don't know what to write. Maybe it's fear or a lack of passion, but as a writer I say: JUST WRITE. It may not be your best writing, but something is better than nothing.

You can do it, but you must hunger to see your words in print. If you're serious about wanting to write, then here are some great points for warding off procrastination:

1) Know when the best time is for you to write (morning, afternoon, evening).

2) Write consistently.

3) Create a web and write down some deas even if they don't make sense to you.

4) Edit later.

5) If you've written something, and you don't know what else to do with it, put it down for a week or two and start something else (You should go back to it, though).

It's important to write today because tomorrow may never come!

Sincerely,
The Resource Writer