If you don’t know where to start or where to go next in your writing, congratulations! That means anything is possible. Any old random thing can be your launching pad. Of course, a part of you will think “I can’t throw just anything into my writing. It wouldn’t make sense. It would be stupid.” That’s … More Random Cures for Writer’s Block
A sustainable writing habit is more important than luck or talent, more powerful than discipline or will power. Your writing habit begins with commitments and the will power to honor your commitments — not hopes, good intentions or vague promises of “Someday when I have time.” Eventually, you create a habit, which is the neurological … More From Commitment to Writing Habit
To an editor, a trustworthy writer is one who delivers what s/he promised by the due date, has confirmed the accuracy of the content and skillfully crafted it. To readers, a trustworthy writer is one who delivers what they expect. But what does it mean to trust yourself as a writer? You need confidence in … More Are You a Trustworthy Writer?
Question: What’s the difference between a New Year’s resolution and a broken promise? Answer: About three to six weeks. Research shows that 78% to 88% of New Year’s resolutions fail. Resolutions are destined to fail in part because they rely on will power, which cannot last. Applying will power is repeatedly making a decision to … More Resolved: No More Writing Resolutions!
“Write one page without looking back.” That was the challenge I offered a new coaching client. Gloria’s writing was crippled by perfectionism. She edited too soon. She couldn’t get past the first paragraph without having to go back and start over again. And again. And again. Gloria accepted that challenge. She wrote without looking back, … More Drafting + Editing = Writer’s Block
Brace yourself: the holidays are upon us. We have decorations to put up, presents to buy, cards to send, special dinners to cook and treats to bake, parties with co-workers, get-togethers with family and friends, and plays and concerts to attend. It’s a fact that most of us have more opportunities and obligations around the … More Don’t Let the Holidays Block Your Writing
If this Thanksgiving post sounds familiar, it’s because I’ve published it before. It bears repeating. As a writer, what do you give thanks for? Your computer? Teachers who taught you to read and write? Writers who inspire you? Your vision and the flexibility of your fingers and brain? Do you give thanks for your resistance? … More Thanks for the Resistance – Again!
We’ve all had days when the writing reality didn’t match the plan. We’ve all started out with great intentions to write but somehow ended up listening to the siren’s call and crashing ourselves on the rocks of social media, email and other e-stimuli. It’s not the fault of your will power or a character flaw. … More How to Make Reality Fit the Writing Plan
One step forward, one step back. Two steps forward, two steps back. Does this sound like a route through the push-pull of procrastination? It is. And it makes perfect neurological sense. Let me tell you about our dog Kelda to illustrate. As I mentioned in a previous post, Kelda notices anything that is out of … More Wise Writers Step Back From Procrastination
A pen, a pad of paper, a computer. What else could a writer need? Feeling stuck, blocked or resistant often comes from not having what you need. Your resistance is there because something important isn’t. You need something to move your writing forward: it might be reassurance, support, time, training, experience, tools. Looking for a … More What’s Missing In Your Writing?
Bane of Your Resistance 