Writing Tips Archives - Page 3 of 3 -

Updated on April 20, 2021November 28, 2018Leave a CommentInspiration Procrastination Resistance Writing Tips

Thankful For My Ol’ Friend Perseverance

This week the word perseverance has been scratching at me, wanting to be written about. It’s pestered me with all the doggedness you would expect from it. So here I am, struggling to come up with an opening story to illustrate what it means to persevere and why it interests me.

I don’t have a story. But that in itself is perfect. Because the essence of perseverance isn’t in the moment of triumph, realization, or reward. It’s not about the outcome. It is, by definition, the steady persistence in a course of action—and here’s the best part—in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.

Updated on December 30, 2020November 14, 2018Leave a CommentBooks Creativity Writing Tips

HELP is Not a Four-Letter Word

It was just past 6:30 and the party started at 7:00. There were boxes of books and tablecloths and candles and wine to be unloaded, food to be unpacked and beautifully arranged, microphones and music and smartphones to hook up.

There was a lot to do to prepare the rented space for my book launch celebration party and not much time to do it.

Updated on December 30, 2020October 31, 2018Leave a CommentWriting Life Writing Tips

What’s Your Writing Style?

Writing is hard. There’s no point softening that sentence with qualifiers. It’s just hard.

James Joyce said, “Writing in English is the most ingenious torture ever devised for sins committed in previous lives.” Elizabeth Gilbert says that 90% of her writing life consists of nothing more than unglamorous, disciplined labor. “I work like a farmer,” she says, “and that’s how it gets done.”

Updated on April 20, 2021September 19, 2018Leave a CommentInspiration News and Events Storytelling Writing Life Writing Tips

Do What You Can When You Can

If you’ve ever been laid low by illness or injury, you know how frustrating it is to lie there thinking of all the things you should be doing. You plan how you’ll “catch up.” You make a lot of promises to yourself. Once I feel better, I’ll exercise. I’ll cook more. I’ll go to the beach and sit in the sand. And I’ll balance that with being super productive. I’ll write every day. I’ll do the dishes!

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