Question Time

Do questions help you move through the writing process? Whether brainstorming, writing, revising, or editing, I think questions are an important part of the sequence. That said, here are a few questions and answers that might aid your journey.

Are you "Avoiding the Vague Swamp"? C. S. Lakin illustrates ways to use a smart balance of specific and descriptive words to better engage readers in this post at Live Write Thrive.

Looking for ways to add variety to your blog posts? Carol Tice's My 23 Best Types of Blog Posts That Grab Attention offers great ideas that can help refresh and infuse variety.

Need advice on obtaining better freelance work? Check out this post at Pen and Prosper. Jennifer Brown Banks highlights pitfalls and solutions in 5 Things You Must Know to Get Better Clients and Get Paid!

Did you know that you don't need to register your writing with the U.S. Copyright office? According to a recent article on the Guide to Literary Agents blog, "Your work is copyrighted the moment it hits a tangible medium..." Learn more about copyright guidelines in Chuck Sambuchino's article, 6 Questions Writers Ask About Copyright and the Law.

Congratulations to Cecelia Lester, the winner of last week's book giveaway! Thanks to everyone who stopped by. :)

Are you inquisitive? What questions do you ask during the process?

Happy writing,

Karen


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I Could Get More Writing Done if Only...

On my recent break, I planned on getting a lot done. While nice in theory, the reality was that I did not accomplish nearly what I'd hoped.

Can anyone relate?

About halfway through the break, this thought crossed my mind:

I Could Get More Writing Done if Only I...

• Didn't eat
• Didn't sleep 
• Ignored email
• Ignored social media
• Didn't clean the house
• Never had an interruption

Okay, so maybe that's being a little unrealistic. Instead, I'm thinking a healthy dose of realistic goals, self discipline, and grace play a big role here. What do you think?

If you can relate in any way, these links might help. They offer tips for the quest for balance and productivity.

• 8 Rules For Writing in Bed by Noelle Sterne
• 5 Opportunities to Increase Your Writing Productivity (Without Actually Writing) by Donna Gambale
• Resolution Rescue! How to Accomplish More of Your Goals in 2014 by Jennifer Brown Banks

What helps you focus and write? What hinders you? Do you set goals for the new year?

Happy writing,
Karen  


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Tips for Every Writer

Just getting back into town after visiting a new nephew and his family. He's a keeper! :)  Thought it would be a good time to share a few links.


Ever visit Daily Blog Tips? It's a great site that offers posts like Seven Reasons to Keep Blogging (Even When You feel Like Quitting). Ali Luke reminds us of the perks blogging offers to keep us going during the tough stretches.

Gotten any criticism (constructive or otherwise) lately? Check out Linda Formichelli's 5 Ways to Deal With People Who Hate What You Write. Honesty, kindness, and humor help, Ms. Formichelli says, as she shares the feedback she's gotten during her writing career.

C.S. Lakin explains how to Show, Don't Tell, How Time is Passing at Live Write Thrive. Don't write fiction? No worries, this insightful bit of info sheds light on improving non fiction too. After all, our writing can have personality in any format, right?

7 Things I've Learned So Far is a regular feature at Chuck Sambuchino's Guide to Literary Agents. In this post, author Chuck Greaves shares his insight into the writing and publishing process. My favorite was point #3 - Write Now, Edit Later, where Mr. Greaves tells us that "when it comes to your first draft, okay is good enough".

Have you wanted to write for anthologies? Jennifer Brown Banks at Pen and Prosper discusses the ins and outs in this helpful post. From ideas about what to submit and how to increase your odds for acceptance to what to expect as a contributor, Ms. Banks covers it all.

In Other News

Congrats to author Becky Povich, whose new memoir is out! Here is a sneak peek:

In "From Pigtails to Chin Hairs: A Memoir & More," Becky Lewellen Povich takes us from her young Midwestern childhood in the 1950s to present day. Each chapter is a scene from everyday life, and/or unexpected events, written in the way only Povich can, with humor and poignancy woven into them. She relates tales of Christmases, summertime fun, selling homemade potholders and putting on parades, the kids next door, classmates, her fear of the dentist and her parents’ scheme to help, plus long car rides visiting grandparents in small town Iowa.

Check out Becky's book on Amazon, or stop by her website. FYI: Becky will stop by in 2014 for an interview and giveaway. 


What do you think is the most challenging aspect of writing? How do you work through it?

Have a great week! 

Happy writing,
Karen


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Thursday's This and That

Hope this Thursday finds you well and happy. Thought it was time to share a round of writing goodies. Perhaps something will catch your eye. :)

MaryAnn Diorio was one of the first "official" writers I met through a writing group in New Jersey years ago. Her unfailing support, wisdom, and friendship have been a huge blessing to me. I invite you to check out her blog, where she shares great info, like this Wednesday Wisdom post on making a living from writing.

Historical fiction your thing? Check out David Gillham's 5 Tips for Writing Historical Fiction over at Chuck Sambuchino's Guide to Literary Agents.

Productivity problems? Carol Tice offers help in the form of One Simple Thing. Writers of any genre should be able to implement her handy advice, I'm thinking.

Working at home has its own set of "office" problems to tackle, don't you think? Tiny Twig offers insight on how to get the most out of the day in How to Work From Home.

Do you write for children? Check out the Young Adult Short Story Contest sponsored by Children's Writer. Grand prize is $500, but hurry, deadline to enter is October 31, 2102.

Run across any good resources lately? What are you up to this weekend?

Have a great weekend,

Karen 




Photo credits: Stock Exchange