Are you feeling guilty because you’re not writing for hours or jotting thousands of words a day? There’s no need. Instead of sweating the details, try 15 Magic Minutes. Note: Originally published on The Huffington Post. Reprinted with new graphics. You can do anything that advances your writing in those 15 Magic Minutes. I’ve had … More Ten Reasons to Invest in 15 Magic Minutes
No matter how much or how long you’ve been resisting your writing, how much you procrastinate, postpone, distract yourself, or chase your own tail in pursuit of perfection, two simple tricks will change everything. Well-trained dogs respond to these commands and you can train your brain to respond, too. Yes, I know people are more … More Train Yourself to Resist Resistance
“Writing reservations” could mean reservations about writing (aka resistance) or it could refer to the time you reserve for your writing. How can you get a reservation for a relaxed writing experience at a fine writing table without freaking yourself out about how big and significant the reserved time is? Because if you don’t define … More Does Your Writing Have a Reservation?
Transitions are usually difficult for me. Which is why I’m so surprised that the current transition is – I’m almost afraid to jinx it – easy. Typically, while I’m clipping along in one stage – doing research or drafting, for example – I’ve got momentum working for me. I show up for Product Time and … More Big Significant Next Steps Make Writing Harder
You might encouraged and happy to know there are long stretches of working on a big writing project when all is calm, all is bright. … More New Book Update: Novel Revision Is in the Ballpark
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
This morning while I walked the dogs in the park, a young man sat on a park bench playing riffs on his trumpet. Because I’m an introvert, I often have more involved conversations with strangers in my head than I do in reality. In my head, I said, “I used to play trumpet. But I’m … More Three Myths that Cause Writer’s Block
Be like the bird that, Pausing in her flight Awhile on boughs too slight, Feels them give way beneath her, And yet sings, Knowing she hath wings. – Victor Hugo What creative leap have you been thinking about? Starting a new piece of writing? Going public with your writing in a blog or querying a … More Take a Creative Leap – You Have Wings!
Which of these illustrations best reflects productive writing time? Answer: All of them. There is much more to writing than having your fingers on the keyboard. That’s why I call it Product Time, not writing time. Note: This is the second in a three-part sneak peek summary of the Three Recommended Habits: Process, Product Time … More Is Your Writing Time Productive?
Perhaps the most common belief that creates invisible resistance is “I don’t have time to write.” Simple Solution Give up the expectation that you need large blocks of time to write. Remember the power of 15 Magic Minutes. You will get far more accomplished showing up for your 15 Magic Minutes four or five times … More No Time to Write — Really?
Bane of Your Resistance 