The Art of Writing Archives - Page 5 of 7

How to Make the Right Writing Decision

Creativity, Fear, The Art of Writing, Writer's Block

After I blogged about Trusting Your Writer’s Intuition, a reader emailed me to ask, “How do you know you’re making the right decision?”

I’m often asked my opinion on various writing matters, such as:

Should you write a novel or a screenplay?

Should you write fiction or nonfiction?

Should you traditionally-publish or go indie and do it yourself?

These are all excellent questions, but only you know what’s best for you. Still, it can be hard. The truth about decision making is…. [Read more…] about How to Make the Right Writing Decision

Trusting Your Writer’s Intuition

Creativity, Fear, The Art of Writing, Writer's Block

I have a friend who had traditionally published several romantic-suspense novels, but in 2006, a different kind of book called to her. It was unlike anything she’d ever written.

With fear and excitement, she gave her proposal to her literary agent for feedback.

Her agent hated it. So, did her closest friends.

Still, this woman felt so strongly about this thriller she parted ways with her agent and ignored the other naysayers. Good thing, too. Her new agent sold that novel for six figures. It was her first book to hit the New York Times best sellers’ list and has become a very successful series.

This author’s experience serves as an important lesson for all writers… [Read more…] about Trusting Your Writer’s Intuition

Three Rules for Writing a Novel

Creativity, The Art of Writing

I’ve always loved the quote by famed novelist and short-story author, Somerset Maugham. He said, “There are three rules for writing a novel. Unfortunately, no one knows what they are.”

Okay, so the quote is not so great since it doesn’t tell you what you want to know. It’s definitely not great when you’re staring at that blank computer screen, unsure or terrified to even start typing. Sometimes, you picture the story perfectly in your head, but your fingers don’t translate the words correctly onto the page.

All these scenarios can be both frustrating and disheartening.

Actually, there are three rules to writing a novel, a short story, or anything else for that matter… [Read more…] about Three Rules for Writing a Novel

Who Are You When You Write?

Creativity, Fear, The Art of Writing

mpw typewriter - now is the time — Photo Credit: Dustin J. McClure via Compfight.com

As writers, we sometimes fall into dark places.

Nobody means to get depressed. No one says, “Hey! I want to be miserable. I want to wallow through excruciating pain. I want to feel like a failure.”

The cause of our darkness varies. Maybe it’s writing related – rejections, criticism and feeling judged. Or, it might be your health. Maybe life just kicked you in the teeth with a death, divorce, losing a job.

Whatever the reason… [Read more…] about Who Are You When You Write?

3 Reasons Why Creative Risks Strengthen Your Writing

Creativity, The Art of Writing

There was something I’d wanted to write for months.

It buzzed in back of my brain like a mosquito that wouldn’t go away.

I didn’t have time, though. It was summer. My kids were home full-time, so any possibility of writing during the day wouldn’t happen.

Plus, I wanted to get away to create and needed mental space to do so. I kept picturing myself typing away in a beautiful log cabin somewhere, overlooking the mountains.

Nix that idea. Too expensive and the family somehow couldn’t manage without me. (I never asked, but assumed that would be their response).

Those were all excuses. When I got honest with myself, the only thing stopping me was… [Read more…] about 3 Reasons Why Creative Risks Strengthen Your Writing