Most writers are readers first, whether historical, research, romantic mystery or spiritually focused.  Many well-versed writers either read extensively or have experienced challenges because varied in-depth, life-changing venues.  Remember, your best writing already is “in” you. Let’s talk about how to put those thoughts on paper.  First, take time to discover what inspires you: Are You A Romantic?  We all have that special someone—first love, new love, unforgettable moments or situations that strengthened a love relationship.  Most important here is to write straight from the heart, making each scene as real for the reader as it was for you. Do You Love To Travel?  Don’t consider taking that next trip without a pad, pen or tape recorder.  You don’t have to write the perfect copy from the hotel or cruise ship, but become more [...]

WRITING YOUR VISION AND MAKING IT PLAIN: DARE TO DREAM   A vision statement is a view of your desired future for your writing. It is putting in writing what inspires you to accomplish the completed work. Establish a sense of direction. Your vision statement provides a destination for your writing which enables you to develop the direction you will take to get there. Start by dreaming. Let your mind expand the horizons of what you can do. Where do you see your writing five years from now? What will it look like? Who will be reading your work? What impact will it make? How wide is your audience? Be Bold, Dare to Dream. Form a mental picture of your completed work. Imagine that you are being interviewed by Publisher’s Weekly. What will [...]

Website Development: Become Your Own Expert Starting and maintaining a business is challenging enough without the additional financial burden of hiring a web site expert to put your vision on paper. If you are starting your business on a “shoe string budget,” hiring someone to take your written materials to type in a basic format, add a few pictures and edit what you tell them periodically may not be sound money management. It is not necessary to be a computer “wiz” to develop your web site. You do have to know your product or service and be able to follow directions. Even if you have a web site consultant, “hands on” content and presentation development will be your responsibility—the buck still stops with you. Before you hire that web site expert, consider [...]

Writing begins with your imagination. Ideas formulate as a result of your interpretation of experiences you've had, what others have written, or a spiritual revelation you've felt. No matter the source, something within your imagination created the thought that birthed an idea for your writing. If you feel empty or lost for topics, go back to what ever it is that "tickles" your creative juices. If it means spending time browsing the bookstore or museum, taking a walk in the park or on the beach, listening to your favorite music, or just spending quiet time alone, schedule the time and do it. Discovering what you like to write can be an exciting adventure. It is very important to explore and not place limits on your talents. Before settling into any one particular subject [...]

Responding to Preparation Challenges. One of the major areas of attack when preparing to write is addressing and adjusting to the variety of environmental, physical, and emotional distractions you may encounter. It may seem easier to thread a needle with a camel than achieving the goal of completing that perfect draft. Frustration is often magnified if, instead of stepping back from the situation, you push creating additional pressure to perform and complete the task. Sometimes it is best to enter the arena of "free flow writing" by journaling your thoughts. Journaling provides an opportunity for you to release feelings and emotions about a particular topic or situation without the burden of perfecting a task. Journaling does not require lengthy preparation or formal training. It does require you to make a commitment and spend quiet [...]