Meet the Blogger

My blogging friends are an interesting and diverse group. Their kindness and talents know no end. With that in mind, I've created a feature called Meet the Blogger to introduce you to a few of my friends. 

I'm kicking off the series with a visit from Cecelia Lester of Following My King. 

Welcome Cecelia! Why did you start blogging? How long have you had your current blog? 

I had written a play some church friends were going to perform on Good Friday in 2007, and spoke to our pastor about how I wanted to find a way to get others to know about my writing. (Now I know it’s called building a platform.) My first effort was not good, but after I had to step away from a job, I thought about trying again on another site. In July 2008, I chose to start over, so I have been blogging for almost seven years.

                                                                                       

What is your blog about? 

My blog is about Jesus and God. It has a long title: Quiet Spirit-Following My King. The name of what I call my writing ministry is Quiet Spirit.

What benefits have you gained through blogging? 

I have gained confidence in who I am. I am glad that blogging has given me a lot of friends that I wouldn’t have otherwise. 

Those are great benefits, I agree. What project/s are you working on right now? 

I am stalled on projects beyond my blog and the weekly column I write. My manuscript for a devotional book may be more of a teaching type book than what the publishers want. This is where I am stalled. 

Hang in there. :) Slow stretches have their purpose too, right? What might people be surprised to learn about you? 

I am somewhat introverted. I sometimes have a hard time talking to people.  

What advice would you share with a newbie blogger?  

My advice to new bloggers is they need to be consistent. I am able to post new blog entries three times a week. Some bloggers manage to add content two times a week or even only once or twice a month. But the key is consistency. 

Thanks for stopping by, Cecelia!

Thank you, Karen!

Visit Cecelia at her blog

Read her weekly column at Live As If.org

Cecelia Lester and her husband of 46 years live in east central Indiana and are the parents of one son. When not writing, she enjoys reading and participates in a prayer group and visitation ministry at their church. 

Write Now News

Please stop by for a new post this Wednesday, March 4 for National Grammar Day. The topic is - you guessed it - grammar. :)

March marks Write Now's 6th Blogoversary! Stay tuned for special features and a giveaway. 

Do you have any questions for Cecelia? How long have you been blogging?

Happy writing,

Karen

 Photo credit: Stock Exchange

Stretching and Polishing

What's the best way to stretch and polish writing skills? Ask a dozen writers this question and you might get a dozen answers that include:

• Writing 
• Reading 
• Continued education  
• Joining a writing group 
• Reading writing books/blogs
• Feedback from critique partners

These helpful tools provide opportunities to exercise and strengthen writing muscles, meet other writers, and gain valuable insight.  

Each item on this list can lead me in a myriad of directions, rabbit trails even, so I aim for "big picture" balance and assess what's applicable not only for long term growth but for current projects.  

For example, when working on an article or book draft, sometimes I use an exercise I require of my teen students. 

It goes like this:

Read the sentences in the first paragraph of your current project. 

List these sentences on paper, one per line. 

Examine and consider:

Do they relate to each other? 

Do they tie into the theme?

This can reveal gaps, typos, and awkward spots, or affirm that all is well. It provides a different perspective and a breakdown that makes sure the content is focused on the main theme.  I do this with all or various portions of a project, especially when struggling with the overall picture. 

Speaking of writing exercises - not sure if they are worth the time? E. J. Runyon offers insight in Take Your Writing Further: How to Get the Most Out of Writing Exercises. It's a quick and interesting read that hits the topic from a different angle. 

Is there anything you'd add to the list above? What helps stretch and polish your writing?  

Happy writing,

Karen


Photo credit: Free Images

Procrastination Central

To the casual observer, my writing space looks like any other home office.

Sometimes though, it is known as Procrastination Central.

Yes, I admit, I am quite often a procrastinator.

My office is not only used for writing, it's where I facilitate online writing classes and work as bookkeeper for my husband's/son's carpentry business. So there's much happening there, with great potential for procrastination and distraction. As much as I like to get right to a task, I often circle around them, wasting time.

Can anyone relate?

After a few super crazy weeks, I felt the need to revisit my strategy. These tips should help convert Procrastination Central into Productivity Central.




1) Ignore the internet. I often compare the internet to an abyss. It's too easy to fall in and get lost. Ignoring it for a while is a must. 

2) Minimize potential interruptions.  Take care of pressing must-do items (like paying a bill), set the phone on silent, etc..  
                                                                                                                                      
3) Assemble resources. Place snacks, beverages, files, books, etc. within reach.

4) Set small goals. Break tasks into segments. Progress, even in small chunks, offers a sense of accomplishment and motivation to press forward.

5) Set the timer. This correlates with #4, and provides a catalyst for productivity. 

6) Dangle the carrot. Set mile markers and include rewards. Meet a small (or large) goal and celebrate with chocolate, a walk, or something equally fun and exciting. :)

7) Apply the principle of sowing and reaping.  Build good habits by exercising self control and perseverance. Sow discipline and determination, reap productivity.

What would you add to the list? What's the craziest thing you've ever done when procrastinating?

Happy writing,

Karen


Photo credit: Stock Exchange

Avoiding Blog Burnout

Blogging is good because: 

• You meet great people.  
• It can sharpen writing skills.
• It's an opportunity to give back. 
• It acts as a forum to interact with other writers.
• It provides exposure for our writing and other pursuits.

My December 15 post discussed why we blog, and it was unanimous - the perks, particularly the people, are great. 

A good blog doesn't just happen though. Anyone who says blogging is a breeze probably hasn't been at it very long.   

Writing posts, visiting blogs, maintaining the site, related social media - it all takes time. Add blogging to other writing, work, and life's commitments, and our plate becomes very full.

After a while, blogging can bog you down.


How can we avoid burnout? 

• Take regular breaks. Stepping away frees time for other activities. This change of pace can offer breathing room and inspiration.

• Share guest posts. A guest post offers a reprieve for the host and a bit of variety for the readers. It also helps promote other writers.

• Consider posting less frequently. Blogging consumes regular writing time (as in, you don't get to other projects). 

  
Stepping back to gain perspective can help restore and maintain balance. This is always a good thing.  


Visiting a Friend 

The gracious and lovely author Becky Lewellen Povich is hosting me on her blog. If you have a moment, please stop by and see us! 


Taking My Own Advice

Speaking of balance, I am taking a break to catch up on projects. I'm also getting ready for my 6th Blogoversary celebration in March. The party will include a few special guests and giveaways. I'll be back from break on February 16. 


Do you take blog breaks? How do you avoid burnout in any area of your life?


Happy writing,

Karen 


Photo credit: Stock Exchange

Miscellaneous Monday

There is an endless supply of great resources waiting to be discovered! Here are a few that I've found lately.

Now that 2015 is in full swing, are you in need of writing inspiration? Jean Fischer shares a few quotes on her blog to lend help for the journey...one day at a time.

Have trouble with active versus passive voice? Check out this post on Marsha Hubler's blog. She offers a great breakdown with helpful examples that illustrate the concept nicely.

Need help managing your email? Check out 3 Tips for Purging Your Email and Your Mind over at Susan J. Reinhardt's blog.

Are you wasting readers' time with apologies? Edie Melson makes an interesting point regarding taking time off from social media over at The Write Conversation.

What are you writing these days? Have any links or tips to share?

Happy writing,

Karen

Photo credit: Stock Exchange