Creative Tool Box for Writers

A Creative Tool Box for Writers

How do we write books? How do we tell our stories, whether it’s a novel, a memoir, a screenplay?

I work with new writers almost every day, whether as students, contest entrants, or clients, so I get asked about “process” all the time. I’ve learned a whole bunch about how people write over the years and I’ve discovered two things:

1.   Everyone has a process.

2.   Any process can be tweaked.

My best suggestion for any new writer is to write. A lot. About anything. Don’t worry about getting it right or perfect. It doesn’t have to make sense. Just write. Learn your own process, even though it may change over time.

Maybe you know exactly what your story is about before you start. Or, you invent it as you go along. Most of us land somewhere in the middle of the spectrum, with an idea of what we’re writing but allowing some inventive creativity as it flows from our fingers.

Any way you write is okay. Really. Allow yourself to find your path. 

Then, take a deep breath. Take two or three more. Now’s when the hard work begins.

4 Tips on Writing Your Own Obituary

Since you are like no other being ever created since the beginning of time, you are incomparable.

 – Brenda Ueland

How is our story told? Sometimes, the only opportunity we have is through an inch-high notice in the newspaper – an obituary – which may be written during the throes of grief by our families.

Writing your own obituary can be difficult. After all, it’s “The Last Hurrah” and, for most of us, may be the only time we’re mentioned in the newspaper. Do you really want it to be nothing more than your birth and death date, funeral arrangements and names of close family?

Imagine if you could tell your own story. If you could:

Ø have the opportunity to say what you want to say about yourself.

Ø include items that your family may not be aware of or have forgotten.

Ø alleviate some of the stress of your death for your family.

Ø have your wishes honored.

Ø exhibit your personality instead of a resume.

Ø leave a lasting legacy for your descendants.

How do you write an obituary? By creating a document that reflects who you really are. Here are four tips to get you started:

Dispelling 5 Scary Myths about Blogging

I’ve always been afraid of blogging.

“You have to have a blog,” they said.

“You can’t sell a book without a blog,” they said.

No pressure, right?

So, I took a class last weekend from the amazing Edie Melson, from The Write Connection, who patiently and kindly walked me through the process of setting up this blog. Thanks, Edie! 

She taught me a lot I didn’t know. A lot I NEEDED to know. And, a lot that helped dispel some scary myths I believed about blogging.

We all are nervous about the unknown. But understanding what it’s all about can help a lot.

Here are five myths about blogging, scary or not!

Myth Number One You can’t sell a book without a blog.