What’s wrong with me? you wonder. Why doesn’t this writing advice work? A third worrisome thought nibbles at the back of your brain: Maybe I’m not a writer after all. Not to worry. I’ve identified three of the most common reasons why writers don’t get their writing done. And I’ve put together an overall solution […]
Month: January 2013
What's Hindering You?
Are you dragging around excess baggage? Is there “stuff” taking up space that you need to dump overboard so you can pick up some speed? Chasing Dreams I’ve been struggling with this issue lately, and it reminded me of a period in our country’s history. Each spring from 1841-1861 Independence, Missouri, was crowded with thousands […]
Habits: Anchors for the Writer's Life
“Habits are the little anchors that keep us from straying very far from the lifestyle to which we’ve become accustomed, whether that lifestyle makes us happy or miserable.” ~~from Karen Scalf Linamen’s book Only Nuns Change Habits Overnight. Habits: Help or Hindrance? We all have habits that either support or hinder our writing lives. [NOTE: I’m […]
What Fear is Holding You Back?
I’ve been reading a book on how fear affects writing (and art-making of all kinds). Fear is what holds many (even most) of us back from being the writers we dream of being–and probably could be. Art & Fear suggests that these fears fall into two main categories: (1) fears about yourself, and (2) fears […]
Ask About the Numbers
While discussing goals with several writer friends, I found myself becoming depressed. We were analyzing how 2012 had gone. Each person shared their goals for the past year and how they had succeeded or failed. Until I heard the other reports, I had been happy with most of my year. While I hadn’t yet completed […]
Organizing: Targets vs. Goals
[This article is reprinted by permission. See credits at the end.] ******************* It’s traditional at the beginning of the year to define what you’d like to achieve in the coming twelve months. That’s a good thing and I highly recommend it. This week I’ll be writing my own annual plan for the coming year. However, I’d […]