New Blog for Writers

Writer Wednesday

We've moved our Writer Wednesday to a new blog exclusively for the Writing Community! Find us at TheOrganizedWriter.blogspot.com.

Beginning to Write

Writer Wednesday

If you are a writer, you write because you love to write. If you don't like to write, you don't do it. It's one of those things you love or hate. Me? I love to write. But like all writers, sometimes it's hard to get started. Why is that?
If you love your job (and that's what writing is for writers), why do you delay beginning?

Sometimes, it's lack of time. This can be solved, however, by scheduling the time to write. Clear everything off your calendar for however much time you can spare, and use that time to write! It's your job--make the time!

Sometimes you don't write because you don't have any ideas. Once you complete a project or novel, where does the next one come from? It may already be there, it may not. And if it's not, start looking. Look in your notebook of ideas. Look in the pages of research you've clipped from magazines. Look at the books on your shelves. Think about a favorite memory of yours. Something somewhere will trigger an idea.

If you have an idea, but not sure which direction to take it, start freewriting. Just write down random words associated with the idea. You never know where this exercise will take you.

You may just come up with the next best-selling novel.

Getting Past Your Inner Censor with Freewriting

Writer Wednesday

How many times have you found yourself staring at a computer screen, going over and over a sentence in your head, trying to get just the right structure and wording? You know what you want to write, but is it grammatically correct? Can you really end a sentence with a preposition, or will your readers call you on it? Should you use "he said' again, or try to come up with a better verb?

So you spend minutes, which could stretch into an hour, on creating a perfect sentence on a perfect page. But do you see how this can stifle your creativity? You spend so much time seeking the right word, that you lose sight of the whole work. You might forget what point you wanted to get across in this chapter, or where to work in backstory.

One way to get past this need for perfection and wasted time is to freewrite. Freewriting is setting words down on paper without listening to you inner censor. Set a timer for ten to thirty minutes, and write whatever comes into your head. It can be about whatever you want. It doesn't have to be grammatically correct, or even make sense. This lesson isn't about writing what's right, it's about freeing your mind to be more creative.

While freewriting, don't look back at what you've written while you're writing it. Don't correct spelling or grammar. Just let yourself write freely and without inhibition. This is a good exercise to do every morning before you begin to write for the day.

Getting rid of you censors will get rid of the reluctance to write what you really want. You will be more creative and more productive.

A Little Notebook

Writer Wednesday

If you buy yourself anything this week, make it a little notebook. Why? Because this is a way to record ideas, write down observations, and recall details. When was the last time you had a great idea while in the shower or driving? But by the time you get back to your writing, sometimes days later, you've forgotten that idea.

Having a little notebook handy will solve that problem. Purchase a LITTLE notebook. Something that can fit in your pocket or purse. Throw a pen into your pocket or purse also. Any time you have an idea, write it down. When you see something exceptional, write down the scenario, paying attention to the details that make it exceptional. When you think of a name for your character, write it down. When you read something inspirational, write it down.

Then when you get back to your writing, you will have those little details recorded. You can simply flip through the pages and find that name, or re-read that scenario. You won't have to rely on your memory. This will not only be a huge time-saver for you, it will supply you with many story ideas for weeks and months to come.



If you don't want to carry a notebook, purchase the "Notes on the Run" system from Planner Pads. This set of index cards, along with its leather jotter make this a handy tool for writing yourself notes while out and about. http://plannerpads.com/holders.asp

The Importance of Routine

Writer Wednesday
So you call yourself a writer. Just how serious are you with your writing? Do you jot down a few words whenever you have time? Do you play scenes through your head while in the shower or driving to work? Do you rip articles or photos from magazines as you envision a scene or character?

These are not necessarily signs of a serious writer. These are more the habits of a hobby writer. In order to be considered a serious writer, you need to set time aside every day or week that is exclusively for writing. You must close yourself away, turn off the phones, ignore your email, and just write, write, write.

Your chances of getting published are greater as a serious writer with routines. Once you set aside that time, you are telling yourself and the world that this is your career. You are a writer. As you continue to write, you will start to see that over time, you will begin to do some editing also. Use your time to write, polish your writing, then write some more, until you have a completed project that is ready for an editor.

You can't turn in your magazine clippings, scraps of paper or imaginings to an editor. So stop being a hobbyist and start being a writer.

To Tell or Not to Tell?

Writer Wednesday

Being a writer is a solitary profession. You don't get in a car and drive to an office and sit at a desk to get paid all day. You probably never have to leave your house, unless you are doing research. There is so much that can be done online and over the internet now.

So if your family and friends know you never leave the house to go to 'work', then the question becomes, should you tell them what you do? Do you tell them you are a writer?

While sharing this information is certainly helpful when marketing your books, or networking for freelance work, it opens you up to risk of criticism. Not everyone is supportive of your career. Some may laugh at your attempts to be published. Others may continually interrupt you because they don't consider writing a serious profession.

While nothing is predictable, you know your family best. How do you THINK they will react? If you think they will be supportive, then by all means, tell them early on. If not, then hold off until it's absolutely necessary to tell them.

Whichever you decide, be prepared for the worst case scenario. That way you won't be disappointed if they react unfavorably, and you will be surprised when they are accepting.

Handling Interruptions While Writing

Writer Wednesday

In an ideal world, once a writer begins a project, the outside would go away, and he or she would be left with just a computer and their imagination. Life doesn't work that way. There are possibly a spouse and kids around. And even if there aren't any other people in the house, there is always the dreaded telephone and the continuous email alerts that pop up on your screen while writing.

So what's a writer to do? Ignore it all! If the phone rings, don't answer it. If you have children in school, you may want to monitor the calls. That's what caller ID is for. Only take calls from your children or their school. The same goes for the spouse. Let him/her know that while you are writing, you will only answer if it is an emergency. In other words, don't call unless it involves blood.

Let friends and family know your routine. If you write in the mornings/afternoons/evenings, ask them not to call you then. Or tell them to leave a message because you probably won't pick up. You are WORKING! You would never think to call a friend at work and start chatting about the upcoming bake sale. So ask them to respect your work ethic.

If all else fails, unplug the phone or turn off your cell phone. While this is not recommended when you have children, or for long stretches of time, it can give you an hour of two of peace. This includes turning off the email alerts also. Even if you don't intend to answer them, just having them pop up at the bottom of your screen, daring you to read it, is a distraction.

Writing in Silence

Writer Wednesday

When I was growing up, there were eight of us in a three-bedroom house. There was no such thing as privacy, unless you hid in the bathroom. And even then, one bathroom for eight people meant there was usually someone knocking on the door soon after you went in to hide (or sit over the heating vent because it was the only warm place in the house.)

I was accustomed to doing my homework surrounded by noise, whether it was other people or the television. It stayed that way through college. I needed the radio or some noise to study. My ex needed complete silence. I found it very difficult to concentrate in complete silence. My mind wandered more. Yet, when I do have the radio on, I never really 'listen' to it. I couldn't tell you even half of what was said or what songs were played. I just liked the noise.

I can write with noise. The TV is on as I write this. It's usually my playlist on my laptop. But some writers like the silence. Complete silence.

Most are somewhere in between. For example, I can't write with interruptions from family members (another sort of noise.) I like music, but please don't interrupt me. And there are only a handful who need complete silence. Instead, there is usually soft music or nature sounds playing in the background. And very few of us live where our street or building offer complete silence. Neighbors and life are part of the package.

The important thing is to find YOUR happy medium. If you don't want interruptions, close the door and don't answer the phone or open your email account. If you want background noise, choose a level and media that's good for you, whether it's the television, the radio, or your iTunes. This will help you keep on task and concentrate.

A Room with a View

Writer Wednesday

Writers are always looking for inspiration. This may be while writing a scene in a current novel, or trying to come up with a new idea for a book. The real world is full of inspiration. So it's no surprise that having a view to the outside can be inspiring.

If you are lucky, you have the ocean or mountains for a view. But these people are in the minority. Most writers have another house or building out their window. Perhaps even a parking lot.

If your view isn't that great, dress up your window, or the space just outside your window, with pretty draperies, colorful flowers, or crystals to reflect the light.

If you don't have windows and can't have a view, then create one in your imagination. That may be the beach, the middle of an English garden, or a waterfall in the Rockies. Whatever your ideal view is, think of it when you stare out your window (or at the wall) for inspiration.

Of course, having a window isn't always a good thing. It can also be a distraction. After all, you're not writing when you are looking out the window. You may start daydreaming or thinking about what needs to be done around the house. So make sure you bring yourself back to task when you're done looking at the view.

Listening to Your Muse

Writer Wednesday

One of the challenges of writing is finding the time to write when the muse strikes. Sitting down at a computer doesn't guarantee inspiration any more than NOT sitting down will stifle it. Inspiration can strike while at work, in line at the grocery store, or sitting at a red light. None of these environments is conducive to writing. However, there are some steps you can take to use these inspirational moments and then work them into your writing later.

• Always carry a pen and paper with you. This can be a small notebook, a few index cards in your wallet, or a folded piece of scrap paper you saved from the recycle bin.
• When you envision a scene or have an idea, write that idea on your piece of paper. You may not always have time to write the entire scene. So at least write one word down that is the main them of your scene, such as "apple" or "guilt."
• In this day of technology, a phone or tablet will work as well. Send yourself a text with a key word or two, or write yourself a reminder in your electronic calendar.
• Your inspiration comes from people you meet. Therefore, take note of little idiosyncrasies or habits of people that you can weave into your story and make your characters memorable.
• Keep a journal. Set aside five minutes a day to write freely. Use the time for gratitude or description or even your task list for the day. You never know when inspiration will strike from words that come from your pen.

General Organizing Tips--Part Three

Writer Wednesday

So far, we've been talking about organizing tips specific to aspects of writing, from tracking submissions to networking. But writers are people too. They have the same challenges in their day-to-day lives as we all do. So here are some general organizing tips for writers.

• Keep a supply of note cards and stamps on hand for writing thank-you notes.
• Pre-print or order return-address labels to save time, and ensure accuracy.
• Break larger tasks into smaller, more manageable units.
• Not every storage or filing system works for everyone. Choose one that suits your needs.
• You don't need perfection when organizing. Just make sure everything has a home, where you can find it when you need it.

General Organizing Tips for Writers--Part Two

Writer Wednesday

So far, we've been talking about organizing tips specific to aspects of writing, from tracking submissions to networking. But writers are people too. They have the same challenges in their day-to-day lives as we all do. So here are some general organizing tips for writers.

• Use MS Outlook or other similar contact software management for collecting emails and contacts.
• Keep receipts of all expenses for tax purposes.
• Keep business money separate from household money.
• Always write a name with any phone number you jot down so you remember to whom the number belongs.
• Keep a notebook in your purse or briefcase to record appointments, etc., if you don't carry your planner with you.

General Organizing Tips for Writers

Writer Wednesday

So far, we've been talking about organizing tips specific to aspects of writing, from tracking submissions to networking. But writers are people too. They have the same challenges in their day-to-day lives as we all do. So here are some general organizing tips for writers.

• Sort and purge your office supplies and files before purchasing anything new. You may be able to save money once you pare down and see what you already own.
• Repurpose your belongings rather than purchasing new organizing products. A coffee mug works well as a pencil cup. An empty check box can hold small pads of sticky notes. An egg carton can hold paper clips, binder clips, rubber bands and other small items.
• Think vertical when planning your work space. Utilize the walls as well as the floor.
• Use a pencil when entering appointments in your planner. Anything can change, and it's easier to erase an entry than try and scratch out pen and write over it.
• Set up a tickler file (days 1-31 and months 1-12) to remind you about upcoming tasks and events.

Time Management for Writers--Part Five

Writer Wednesday

If you're like most writers, this isn't your full-time job. You may work outside the home. You might have children to care for. You might have a sick family member that takes up much of yor time.

Whatever it is, not many writers have the luxury of writing ten hours a day to crank out that manuscript. Here are some tips to help you manage your time better, and find more time to write:

21. Compose a signature line for all your emails that is automatically added to outgoing messages.
22. Create a master file of standard email responses to copy and paste into the body of an email.
23. Delete or save emails immediately after reading and responding to them.
24. Let phone calls go into voicemail when writing to minimize interruptions.
25. Close the door to your office when working--this tells your family you mean business!

Time Management for Writers--Part Four

Writer Wednesday

If you're like most writers, this isn't your full-time job. You may work outside the home. You might have children to care for. You might have a sick family member that takes up much of yor time.

Whatever it is, not many writers have the luxury of writing ten hours a day to crank out that manuscript. Here are some tips to help you manage your time better, and find more time to write:

16. Learn to say "NO." Whether it's volunteer work, school events or a position on the board of your writer's group, agree only to what you can handle and still have time for yourself.
17. Learn to ask for support. There are times you have to be honest with yourself and admit you can't do it all. If you need help, with anything from cleaning the house to taking the kids to soccer practice, ask for help.
18. Open your mail over a trash/recycle bin. This way you will only handle it once, and won't be tempted to read or keep something that is really trash.
19. Sort mail immediately upon opening--To Do or Pay, To Read, To Keep and File, etc., then put all that mail where it belongs.
20. Set a specific time of the day to read and respond to e-mail. Use only that time for opening e-mails. Do not open an e-mail if you know you won't have time to read and respond to it immediately.

Time Management for Writers--Part Three

Writer Wednesday

If you're like most writers, this isn't your full-time job. You may work outside the home. You might have children to care for. You might have a sick family member that takes up much of your time.

Whatever it is, not many writers have the luxury of writing ten hours a day to crank out that manuscript. Here are some tips to help you manage your time better, and find more time to write:

11. Do you have an appointment or meeting coming up? Plan ahead and make any calls or do any tasks related to the meeting, such as mapping directions.
12. Assign a due date to all tasks in your calendar--they'll be more likely to get done.
13. Add in cushions of time between appointments and meetings for emails, phone calls, travel, etc.
14. Write recurring events in your planner several months in advance. Or schedule them as recurring in your electronic calendar.
15. Confirm all appointments and meetings two days prior. Confirm date, time and location. Record other attendee's phone number in your planner in case you are running late and need to call them.

Time Management for Writers--Part Two

Writer Wednesday

If you're like most writers, this isn't your full-time job. You may work outside the home. You might have children to care for. You might have a sick family member that takes up much of yor time.

Whatever it is, not many writers have the luxury of writing ten hours a day to crank out that manuscript. Here are some tips to help you manage your time better, and find more time to write:

6. Purchase a planner or use an electronic calendar. Schedule time for every task you need to complete, keeping aware of deadlines.
7. Create a specific place on your desk for your planner so you can find it when you need it.
8. Have only one calendar for both business and personal appointments so you don't double book yourself.
9. Color code business and personal entries to see the differences at a glance.
10. When entering an appointment in your planner, include the contact name, phone number and directions.

Time Management for Writers--Part One

Writer Wednesday

If you're like most writers, this isn't your full-time job. You may work outside the home. You might have children to care for. You might have a sick family member that takes up much of your time.

Whatever it is, not many writers have the luxury of writing ten hours a day to crank out that manuscript. Here are some tips to help you manage your time better, and find more time to write:

1. Set goals for yourself--daily, weekly, monthly. Write them down. Make them realistic so you don't overstress yourself.
2. Prioritize your goals according to importance and deadlines.
3. Plan and schedule your time based on your goals. For example, if you know you have to get a 1200-word article to your editor by the tenth of the month, don't plan a dinner party for the night before.
4. Review your goals on a regular basis and reprioritize as necessary.
5. Match your activities to your working style. Are you a morning person? Then don't plan your writing time in the evening when you are physically and emotionally drained.

Networking Tips

Writer Wednesday

An important aspect of being successful in business is networking. As an author, you are in business for yourself. You are constantly selling ideas to publishers, or books to readers. Therefore, you must network in order to braoden your exposure.

Here are some tips for effective networking:

• Always carry your business cards with you.
• Never waste an opportunity to network, whether it's at the grocery store or at a dinner party.
• Keep talking to people you meet until you find something you have in common. This will break the ice.
• Keep your ears open for possible writing, speaking or workshop opportunities.
• Never gossip about anyone in the industry. Someone they know may be within earshot.

Organizing Your Submissions to Editors/Agents--Part Two

Writer Wednesday

Once you have a completed project, you can start submitting your work to agents and editors. There are many things to keep in mind when submitting your book or novella. Having a handle on all this will improve your chances of having your full manuscript accepted.

4. Keep a record of all submissions in a database, spread sheet or a hard copy. List the title of the submission, the house submitted to, the agent/editor's name, date mailed or e-mailed and the date you expect to hear back from them.
5. Follow up with editors and agents if the deadline for response passes.
6. Keep a copy of each version you send out under the agent's or editor's name.
7. Review any feedback for valuable advice.
8. Reply in a timely manner if additional material is requested.
9. Send a thank-you note to the editor/agent.