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Writing a First Novel?
Take it piece by piece I have been writing non-fiction articles and blogging for many years, so writing article-length items is normal for me. An idea for a novel-length fantasy story has been brewing in the back of my mind all these years and I have finally started putting the ideas on paper. I wondered if I would even have what it takes to write novel-length fiction. It’s so much longer than anything I’ve ever written before! I had a few false starts where I wrote one scene here and there but fizzled out. I bought myself a copy of Save the Cat! Writes a Novel and did some deep-down…
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Breaking Through Resistance – 4 Simple Tips
Are you reading this when you should be writing right now? Whether it’s your next blog post, your novel or a report for work, sometimes it’s hard to get started on writing something, even when you really want to get it done. Here are some simple ways for breaking through resistance. Set a Timer to Get You Started When I want to get something on the page and it’s just not happening, I set a time for just ten minutes. For me, ten minutes sneaks past my mental block and I finally start writing. Once I am writing, usually I get into a groove and I end up working through…
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How Does Your Creative Work Benefit Your Kids?
Do you feel guilty working on your creative hobbies because it takes time away from family time? You shouldn’t! It’s important to recognize that while your creative work gives you enjoyment it also sets a great example for your kids. Here are a few benefits I have noticed in my own creative life. You are Modeling an Active Hobby In the age of screen time, sometimes it’s hard to compete with Netflix or video games. When a parent picks up a paint brush or starts carving wood, kids see other options for free time activities. They will see you put your Google News down and fully engage in something just…
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Want to Write Better? Try Painting.
Writing Feeds on Other Types of Creativity I am the type of person who likes to do all kinds of creative activities. Writing is just one of those things. Sometimes you hear that if you dabble in many different types of things, you will never become very good at any of them. Jack of all trades, master of none, right? In some sense, it’s probably true. I know for sure I’m never going to be a concert pianist because I haven’t put in the hours and focus and I never will. Can’t I just get serious about one thing? Sometimes I wonder if I would be better off focusing on…