As a fellow writer, I’m sure you’ve experienced writer’s block at some point in your life. And it’s the worst if you are on deadline. The blank page stares at you, and you simply cannot think of one thing to write down.
Then, you get sidetracked by your kids, a snack in the refrigerator, doing laundry, the phone, e-mails, etc. Basically, every activity can seem more important than your writing obligations when you have writer’s block. But I have a trick I use if this happens to you:
Write down anything that comes to mind!
That’s right. Just start writing down anything and everything that comes to mind. You’ll end up with a lot of gibberish on your page. But suddenly, your brain will kick into action and be ready to write your assignment.
It also helps if you have some kind of outline handy. This way, you can skip to a different area on your outline that may flow a little more freely from your brain. You can always come back to the portion you skipped on another day.
And if this doesn’t work, maybe you are just burned out. Perhaps you really do need to take a break from writing for a while.
If this is the case, try to take a quick nap (be sure to set an alarm) or spend some time in a quiet, outdoor setting. By taking a moment to yourself to recharge, you will be more likely to return to your keyboard or pen with fresh thoughts, ideas and energy.
For more helpful tips on overcoming writer’s block, take a look at these sites:
http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/acadwrite/block.html
http://fictionwriting.about.com/od/writingroadblocks/tp/block.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Writer's_Block
And if you have questions, comments or suggestions, feel free to contact me below. Thanks!
How to Make Your Book Idea a Reality
Do you have a great idea for a book but simply can’t seem to write it due to your hectic lifestyle? Well, it is possible to finish your book even if you don’t think you have the time.
Here are two ways I recommend for actually making your book a reality:
1. Set a schedule.
It may seem like you don’t have any extra free time to write your book. But as a mother, teacher and active volunteer, I’m here to tell you that it is possible.
How?
You simply need to figure out where you can squeeze in 30 minutes or more each day strictly for writing. Perhaps you’ll need to get up earlier, go to bed later or tape your favorite television program? Your first task is to find some extra time each day.
Next, you need to dedicate this newly found time strictly to your writing efforts. Go to a quiet place where you will not be disturbed. Do not answer phone calls, e-mails or knocks on the door. Otherwise, you won’t get your writing finished, and your newfound extra time will be wasted!
Now, discipline yourself to writing 500 words each day. By starting small and taking your book one day at a time, you’ll be amazed at how much you have written in just a few months! Now, if it is difficult to write this many words in the time you have allotted, reduce your goal to 300 words a day or less.
The point is to spend some time each day writing a specific number of words. Schedule your book and each chapter so you have a goal ending date for your book. This way, you’ll be taking action on your idea. And in a few months, you’ll actually have something on paper and not just an idea in your head.
2. Hire a ghostwriter.
O.k. Let’s say you’ve tried to write your book and just do not have the discipline to get it finished. There is nothing wrong with hiring someone else to write your book for you. There are many good freelancers available who can help you complete your book.
To find a good ghostwriter, conduct a search online for someone who specializes in your book’s genre. Also check various writing organizations and helpful sites such as:
http://richardservis.tripod.com/pegasuswritersstableorganization/id21.html
http://www.ideamarketers.com/ghostwriters.cfm
http://www.businessknowhow.com/QandA/ghostwrite.htm
http://www.guru.com/category.cfm?cid=512&tc=23000&kw=ghostwriter
http://www.elance.com/p/landing/buyer.html
Interview potential ghostwriters and be sure to check work samples. Before moving forward, you’ll want to see if this person is easy to work with, can match your tone and style and meet specific deadlines. Also prepare a contract in advance so that both you and the ghostwriter know what to expect from your new, working relationship and the final product.
It is possible.
You can get your book written. It’s just a matter of scheduling the appropriate writing time and being dedicated to working on it every day. And if all else fails, you can always pay someone else to write it for you!
If you have questions about your self-published book, feel free to send me your comments below. I’m happy to help.
Here are two ways I recommend for actually making your book a reality:
1. Set a schedule.
It may seem like you don’t have any extra free time to write your book. But as a mother, teacher and active volunteer, I’m here to tell you that it is possible.
How?
You simply need to figure out where you can squeeze in 30 minutes or more each day strictly for writing. Perhaps you’ll need to get up earlier, go to bed later or tape your favorite television program? Your first task is to find some extra time each day.
Next, you need to dedicate this newly found time strictly to your writing efforts. Go to a quiet place where you will not be disturbed. Do not answer phone calls, e-mails or knocks on the door. Otherwise, you won’t get your writing finished, and your newfound extra time will be wasted!
Now, discipline yourself to writing 500 words each day. By starting small and taking your book one day at a time, you’ll be amazed at how much you have written in just a few months! Now, if it is difficult to write this many words in the time you have allotted, reduce your goal to 300 words a day or less.
The point is to spend some time each day writing a specific number of words. Schedule your book and each chapter so you have a goal ending date for your book. This way, you’ll be taking action on your idea. And in a few months, you’ll actually have something on paper and not just an idea in your head.
2. Hire a ghostwriter.
O.k. Let’s say you’ve tried to write your book and just do not have the discipline to get it finished. There is nothing wrong with hiring someone else to write your book for you. There are many good freelancers available who can help you complete your book.
To find a good ghostwriter, conduct a search online for someone who specializes in your book’s genre. Also check various writing organizations and helpful sites such as:
http://richardservis.tripod.com/pegasuswritersstableorganization/id21.html
http://www.ideamarketers.com/ghostwriters.cfm
http://www.businessknowhow.com/QandA/ghostwrite.htm
http://www.guru.com/category.cfm?cid=512&tc=23000&kw=ghostwriter
http://www.elance.com/p/landing/buyer.html
Interview potential ghostwriters and be sure to check work samples. Before moving forward, you’ll want to see if this person is easy to work with, can match your tone and style and meet specific deadlines. Also prepare a contract in advance so that both you and the ghostwriter know what to expect from your new, working relationship and the final product.
It is possible.
You can get your book written. It’s just a matter of scheduling the appropriate writing time and being dedicated to working on it every day. And if all else fails, you can always pay someone else to write it for you!
If you have questions about your self-published book, feel free to send me your comments below. I’m happy to help.
Benefits of Self-Publishing
If you are tired of getting rejection letters from publishers, dealing with financial stressors and are ready to give up on your book, please don’t. I went through this same ordeal too and found another choice.
By self-publishing your book, you’ll experience many joys such as:
- Sharing your work with others;
- Communicating directly with readers;
- Making changes whenever applicable;
- Paying to print only necessary books;
- Conducting your own public relations efforts; and best of all
- Controlling the marketing process.
In fact, I’ve talked to many professional consultants and speakers who make thousands of dollars more selling their own works that dealing with a publisher. Why?
They have complete control over how book packages are created and sold. Plus, they can create their own personal lists of customers to contact about future products, send newsletters, obtain feedback, and more. Plus, they can make changes at the last minute and cater their works to a specific audience, partner, sponsor, or affiliate as needed.
With this in mind, don’t get discouraged the next time you get a publisher’s rejection letter. Instead, think about all of the possibilities of being a self-published author!
For help with self-publishing, feel free to write to me directly and check out our new newsletter at www.jexbo.com.
Other Self-Publishing Resources:
http://money.howstuffworks.com/self-publishing.htm
http://www.writerswrite.com/selfpublishing/links.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-publishing
By self-publishing your book, you’ll experience many joys such as:
- Sharing your work with others;
- Communicating directly with readers;
- Making changes whenever applicable;
- Paying to print only necessary books;
- Conducting your own public relations efforts; and best of all
- Controlling the marketing process.
In fact, I’ve talked to many professional consultants and speakers who make thousands of dollars more selling their own works that dealing with a publisher. Why?
They have complete control over how book packages are created and sold. Plus, they can create their own personal lists of customers to contact about future products, send newsletters, obtain feedback, and more. Plus, they can make changes at the last minute and cater their works to a specific audience, partner, sponsor, or affiliate as needed.
With this in mind, don’t get discouraged the next time you get a publisher’s rejection letter. Instead, think about all of the possibilities of being a self-published author!
For help with self-publishing, feel free to write to me directly and check out our new newsletter at www.jexbo.com.
Other Self-Publishing Resources:
http://money.howstuffworks.com/self-publishing.htm
http://www.writerswrite.com/selfpublishing/links.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-publishing
3 Ways to Deal with Stress
As I worked on taking my business idea to fruition and trying to publish my book, I’ve gone through a wide range of emotions – from excitement to aggravation to depression to joy. And even when things get tough, it’s important not to let stress get the best of you.
Since many of you may be going through some challenging times with your book or new business, here are some of the things I did to stay on track without letting anxiety affect my overall health:
Stay positive.
Even though it may be very difficult at times, it’s important to avoid negativity. When issues arise, confront them right away. Figure out a plan of action to resolve the situation.
Stay in a pleasant frame of mind no matter whom or what you need to deal with. By getting upset, you will not be able to think clearly or solve problems quickly. Instead, remain calm and focused, and think of it as a learning situation.
Exercise.
When things get overwhelming, get out of the office. Walk, go on a bike ride, take a fitness class, or participate in your favorite sporting activity.
You may feel too tired or anxious to move around, but it will be well worth the effort. When finished, you’ll have more energy and be able to attack problems with a fresh mind.
Take time off.
If you are working on a book or new business that you are passionate about, it can be difficult to think about, or do, anything else. But this can lead to burnout…fast.
If possible, try to schedule time away from work. Spend time with family friends and just have fun. It will give you a new sense of well being and help you realize what is really important in life.
It can be exhilarating to write a book or start a new business. But in the process, it’s important to check on your stress levels. By taking a few minutes to reduce anxiety, you’ll have more energy and be able to meet any challenges that arise while staying happy and healthy.
If you'd like to reach me, or need more information about selling your self-published book, please contact me here or at http://www.blogger.com/. I'd love to hear from you!
Since many of you may be going through some challenging times with your book or new business, here are some of the things I did to stay on track without letting anxiety affect my overall health:
Stay positive.
Even though it may be very difficult at times, it’s important to avoid negativity. When issues arise, confront them right away. Figure out a plan of action to resolve the situation.
Stay in a pleasant frame of mind no matter whom or what you need to deal with. By getting upset, you will not be able to think clearly or solve problems quickly. Instead, remain calm and focused, and think of it as a learning situation.
Exercise.
When things get overwhelming, get out of the office. Walk, go on a bike ride, take a fitness class, or participate in your favorite sporting activity.
You may feel too tired or anxious to move around, but it will be well worth the effort. When finished, you’ll have more energy and be able to attack problems with a fresh mind.
Take time off.
If you are working on a book or new business that you are passionate about, it can be difficult to think about, or do, anything else. But this can lead to burnout…fast.
If possible, try to schedule time away from work. Spend time with family friends and just have fun. It will give you a new sense of well being and help you realize what is really important in life.
It can be exhilarating to write a book or start a new business. But in the process, it’s important to check on your stress levels. By taking a few minutes to reduce anxiety, you’ll have more energy and be able to meet any challenges that arise while staying happy and healthy.
If you'd like to reach me, or need more information about selling your self-published book, please contact me here or at http://www.blogger.com/. I'd love to hear from you!
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