Friday, November 11, 2011

Storyteller's Journey

Tip #4 - Hip, Hip, Hooray!

That's right - every writer needs a pep talk! (Can you tell I'm in the middle of NaNoWriMo?)

Writing is a solitary, sometimes lonely, road to travel. Here is a list of things that might motivate you and lift your spirits:


1 - Attend a writers conference. If that isn't possible, take a writing pal to a cabin - or inexpensive get-away - and write all weekend.

2- Give your writing area/desk a make-over. Buy a new knick-knack or some colored pens; you might place a special photo on your desk. Maybe a new coffee mug that says: "Write!"

3- Carve out a piece of time each day to write; or if that is too lofty, each week. When things come up and you just can't write because of scheduling conflicts - don't beat yourself up - life happens! Also, if it's just that you can't get going, then read a book in your genre, write a poem, or journal. (Watching television won't cut it! :-)

4- Set achievable goals. You won't write a bestseller in two months - "brick by brick" is the best approach. However, it helps me to have a finish date. Presently I'm hoping to complete a new project by Easter - 2012. I'm using NaNoWriMo to help me get going. If it doesn't work out - I'll just regroup. Remember, "Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars." Brian Littrell