If you state your goals publicly, you’ll be more likely to achieve them. According to research by the American Society of Training and Development, your chances of actually achieving your goals can be broken down as follows: 10% — You have an idea or a goal 25% — You consciously decide you will achieveContinue Reading
Do you remember what you read, or do you find it difficult to recall it later? I love it when master writers quote from other writers. I’ve heard it happen many times, usually when the author is answering questions after a signing or as part of a writer’s workshop. I’veContinue Reading
Is it possible to make this Thanksgiving creative? It might not be easy. First, there’s all that food. Indulge too much and you could feel poofy and lethargic—definitely not in the mood to write after dinner. Then there are the family gatherings. If you’re scheduled to attend, there may beContinue Reading
Temperatures are getting colder, which means you may be feeling it in your writing nook. I started using my handwarmers about a month ago. Even a slight chill can make my fingers stiff, and then my typing is clunky and slow. (Read more about handwarmers in our previous post, “HandsContinue Reading
You know your cell phone can be a distraction, but a thief? It’s true. Every day, if you’re not careful, your cell phone will steal from you. Here’s how, and what you can do to protect yourself. 1. Cell phones steal your boredom. Research shows that boredom is beneficial whenContinue Reading
Are you sabotaging your future success before you even begin? I’ve spoken at several writer’s conferences and events over the last few years, which means I’ve talked to a lot of aspiring and experienced writers. Many come to me with questions about one facet or another of their writing careers.Continue Reading
Would you like to simplify your writing life? Most writers struggle to manage all the activities involved with writing, editing, publishing, marketing, and keeping up with the rest of their lives. Few would turn down a chance to simplify somewhere, if only to make things a little bit easier. ThereContinue Reading
If you tend to procrastinate, you know how frustrating it can be. According to an article in The Atlantic by Megan McArdle, “Lots of people procrastinate, of course, but for writers it is a peculiarly common occupational hazard.” Author Jacob Funnell agrees: “Most of us are guilty of procrastinating sometimesContinue Reading
by Olivia Jones Inspiration is a fickle beast, as every writer knows well. We do our best to tame it, manage it, and help it flourish, but ultimately it has its own heartbeat and a way of growing or halting to a sudden stop. But among so many things weContinue Reading
Spring is here. How does your home office or writing niche look? If you’re like most writers, things could use a little sprucing up. You’ve likely had some clutter collect over the winter, not only on your physical spaces, but in your technological ones, too. And clutter has been linkedContinue Reading
If you’re 40 years old or older, it’s time to find out how to boost brainpower. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the truth is that your brain isn’t the same as it was when you were younger. Age causes a number of things to changeContinue Reading
Do you have a to-do list? As writers, we spend a lot of time learning what “to do” in terms of plot, characterization, setting, pacing, and more. We also try to learn what to do when it comes to social media, marketing, publishing, and other parts of the business sideContinue Reading