What's Keeping You From Writing?

Personally, I have always struggled with writing every day. I'll get an idea, crank out a few chapters, and then stop.

This kind of writing style does not get a book finished, much less published. 

So let's look at a few common excuses for not writing, and I'll share a few tips I've learned to start writing and keep writing. 

Excuse #1

I just don't have enough time.

Yeah, well, almost no one does. 

Sometimes, you have to make time to do the things you really love. Even if you only get a few hundred words a day, that's a whole lot better than nothing. I've noticed that if I make an effort to write something every day, gradually the amount of words I write grows the longer I write consecutively. 

You may be different, but that's just how it works for me. 

Carry paper and a pencil with you everywhere. Write a few hundred while waiting to meet your friend for lunch. Write during the commercials of your favorite TV show(though if you have time to watch TV you probably have time to spend just writing). Write whenever you have a free five minutes! 

The point is, if you look hard enough for time to write, you'll find it. 

And if you try all these tips and still can't seem to squeeze in the time to write, maybe it's time to rethink your dream of being published or finishing that novel. Or maybe you just need to take a break and stop writing to see if you really love it enough to put effort into making time for it.

Because if you don't love writing, then no one else will love reading it. 

Excuse #2

I don't have any inspiration/anything to write about.

The problem of not having anything to write about is a common one. 

The remedys are also quite simple. 

Doing a little bit of plotting for your book can be a huge help, even if you usually wing your stories. A little bit of plotting goes a long way. 

Character development can also help you in more ways that one. It will probably give you some new ideas for scenes, and help your characters appear more well-rounded (and we all want that).

You don't have to plot J.K. Rowling style (i.e. detailed lists of everything that happens in a single chapter), but a simple plotline helps a lot.

For the book I finished just a few weeks ago, I made a chronological list of things that needed to happen in order for the climax to occur. Usually, I'd come up with an idea for a fun scene and write on it for a day or two, and during that time I'd come up with another idea for a scene. If I got stuck or the story was dragging a little, I'd refer to my list and choose the next crucial moment. I also made a little list of things that needed to reappear in the book. For instance: I need to see these characters developing a relationship, x character needs to gradually reveal her backstory, mention the necklace a few times (because that will become important later on). 

Excuse #3

I don't have the materials I need to write. 

Yes, I know this is an extremely weak reason not to write. But, as hard as it is for me to admit, I have used this excuse several times. 

Usually when I don't feel like writing, or am really tired.

 "Oh, my notebook's downstairs and I don't really feel like getting it." 

"None of these pencils have lead in them." 

"My laptop is about to die, and I can't plug it up right now."

All really bad, really lazy reasons. 

But the good thing is that these are extremely easy to fix. 

Don't let yourself be put in a situation where you have a lack of tools. 

When your pencil gets worn down, go sharpen it. Running out of paper? Go get some more when you notice it, not when you're tired enough not to feel like it. 

Another thing that helps me write is signing up for something that commits me to writing x number of words a day or x number of words in a certain amount of time. Knowing that I've promised I will accomplish something gives my brain enough of a nudge to go get those words out! 

National Novel Writing Month is a great example of this (speaking of NaNo, who's participating this year? I am!). If you have any friends that are writers, you could help keep each other on track by checking to see if your friend has written every day, and encouraging them if they have. Ask them to do the same for you. 

Word wars are another great way to boost your word count. Racing with someone else really gets you motivated!

So what about you? What excuses do you have for not writing and how do you push past them?

The Truth About Writer's Block

How many times have you sat down to write and drawn a blank?

You're all ready: a crisp sheet of paper out, notebook open, or a folder waiting on the computer, but there's no inspiration. So you sit there, the blank space on your paper taunting you, the blinking cursor on your screen patiently waiting for you to start writing.

When this does happen (and don't try to deny it, it happens to everyone) how many times have you been known to say, "Well, I had Writer's Block today. It was just too bad. I really wanted to get something done."

*guiltily raises hand*

As much as I hate to admit it, I have said those exact words.

But that was before I came to realize the harsh truth.

Writer's Block is a farce.

It simply doesn't exist.

"What?" , you may be thinking, "But, Olivia, that's impossible. I've had Writer's Block before. I've been under the influence. Sorry, but, I don't believe you."

Let's look at the facts.

The definition that came up when I googled Writer's Block was this, the condition of being unable to think of what to write or how to proceed with writing.

So, yes, you may think that you're suffering from Writer's Block, but you're not. Because, as I said before, it doesn't exist.

I know, I know, you already told me, right? You've had Writer's Block, so it must be real.

Not so.

The truth about Writer's Block is that it is just a fancy term for 'no inspiration'. And there are several very simple remedies for lack of inspiration.

But before we discuss those, let's talk for a minute about the causes of "Writer's Block".

You've been on a roll, cranking out three chapters a day for two weeks straight, when, bam, you hit a wall. There are no new ideas. No scene jumping out from around a corner screaming, "Write me!" There's no more inspiration. You've worn yourself out. Simply exhausted yourself.

 All of a sudden, you're afraid. Afraid of what people will think about your WIP. You thought it was a good idea at first, but now it's starting to feel exactly like the book you just finished. Maybe it's a tired idea; been done too many times. But you keep trucking on, that thought gnawing away at the back of your head, the fear that your book isn't good enough. That you're not good enough. And then, one day, you sit down to write, and the words won't come. You're stuck.

Either of those sound familiar? I know they do to me.

But what can you do to fix the lack of inspiration (since, after all, there is no such thing as Writer's Block)?

Start an Ideas Journal. Whenever you hear a funny story about someone's Aunt Sally, or see someone walking down the street that looks like an interesting character, or hear a snippet of conversation that sounds like it belongs in a book, write it down! Buy a cheap little notebook from a dollar store, and stick it in your purse or pocket. Then, whenever you're inspired by something, jot it down. The next time you hit a wall in your writing, pull out the journal and browse through it. Then, when something jumps out at you, write about it.


Don't listen to the voice in your head. If there's something inside of you that is making you afraid to write, don't listen! Personally, I tend to get a little depressed after reading an exceptional book. I start comparing my writing to the book, and of course, my prose(and characters and setting and dialogue) comes up lacking in all sorts of ways. As hard as it may be to resist that, don't start comparing your writing to someone elses',  because your writing will never be exactly like anyone elses'. And who would want it to be? You want to have your own voice*, your own sound. You want to write like you. So just don't play the comparison game.


Plot out your whole book. There is a certain place in all my books where I usually get bogged down. Usually it's the middle. I've gotten past the exciting opening, introduced all the characters, and set up the stakes. But...now what? This is just what I have found works best for me, but, planning out everything ahead of time should eliminate getting bogged down in the middle. That way, you know how exactly how everything is going to end, and what you need to do to keep the tension high and readers engaged.


You may not be convinced that Writer's Block doesn't exist, but now at least you have some ways to rise above it. Got any thoughts on Writer's Block? Or any tips on how to de-tangle yourself from the pits of despair No Inspiration?

*On a side note, while comparing your writing to someone elses' definitely isn't something you want to be doing, there is nothing wrong with learning from other writing. I truly believe that the best way to learn how to write is to read. Taking apart a paragraph from a novel you love can really be an eye-opening experience. So, study the books you love. But don't compare your own writing to them.

The 5 Best Free Apps For Writers

I always have trouble finding good free apps, regardless of what sort of app I'm looking for. But when it comes to apps for writers, there is a definite lack of free downloads. 

However, I have found a few great apps that cost absolutely nothing. I have not been solicited to mention any of these apps; I'm including them on the list simply because I have them, and find them useful. 

Here goes!! Enjoy!

1. Evernote

Android, Windows, and Apple Products

 

Evernote lets you share lists, voice memos, and photos across as many devices as you wish. You simply have to create an account with them, download the app onto all your devices, and all your data will be synced. 

I am constantly writing on different devices because I am on the go so often, and it was hard for me to find a program where syncing my writing was easy and convenient. With this app, I can write on my desktop computer, then, if I have to leave, I can just sync my writing and pick it back up on my iPad. 

The app could not get much simpler to use, and I have had no problems with syncing devices. 

Evernote also has a string of other apps that you can link to your Evernote account.

2. Dragon Dictation

Free for iPhone/iPad

I am a fan of writing by hand, and once my writing is finished, typing a 50,000 word novel into the computer can get tedious, not to mention time consuming. This is where Dragon Dictation comes in. You simply talk into your microphone, and the app writes down whatever you say. You can even use keywords to put in punctuation and line breaks.

This app has made transferring my writing from paper to computer so much easier, plus you get the added bonus of reading your work out loud, which can be a good exercise when revising. 

3. Mindomo

iPhone/iPad and Android

Mindomo is an app that lets you create various flow charts. When I am plotting a new book, it helps me to see what actions are going to happen, and the consequences that will come from those actions. My hand-drawn flow charts never came out very well, however. But Mindomo will do it for you! You can add pictures and links into the charts, and change background colors and shape of the charts.

It did take just a little bit of experimenting with the app for me to get familiar with it, but after I had created a few different charts I got the hang of it. 

4. Name Dice

iPhone/iPad and Android

Name Dice is a really simple app that generates names for characters. 

And that's literally all it does.

Sometimes it is nice to be able to get a random name without having to think about it, when you need a name for a not-very-important character. The names that generate truly are random though, because you can't choose gender (which is a little annoying).

5. Pinterest

iPhone/iPad and Android

Ok, this might be cheating just a little bit because Pinterest is technically a website, but I'm including it anyway.

I absolutely love Pinterest. It gives me so many inspirations for scenes and characters, and is a great way to find articles on writing craft. It is also a great way to waste time! I can't tell you how many times I've said, "I'll just check Pinterest real quick.." and 'real quick' turns into several hours of work time gone. Nevertheless, if you get really inspired by pictures (as I do) Pinterest is a great tool. 

But maybe set a timer before you get on=).

Do you have any favorite writing apps to add to the list? Do you have any sites like Pinterest you use for inspiration?

Richard Peck|2013 National Book Festival

In September I was in Washington D.C., which some of you might know, was when the Library Of Congress National Book Festival was. Several lovely authors were there, and I was excited to be able to slide in on a few presentations, one of which was Richard Peck's. I have always been a huge Richard Peck fan, and so of course when I saw him on the line-up list, I had to go see him speak.

Just to give you who have never before this minute have heard of Richard Peck, here is a quick blurb about him from the Scholastic website:

Richard Peck has written over twenty novels, and in the process has become one of America's most highly respected writers for young adults. A versatile writer, he is beloved by middle graders as well as young adults for his mysteries and coming-of-age novels. He now lives in New York City. In addition to writing, he spends a great deal of time traveling around the country attending speaking engagements at conferences, schools and libraries...

Mr. Peck has won a number of major awards for the body of his work, including the Margaret A. Edwards Award from School Library Journal, the National Council of Teachers of English/ALAN Award, and the 1991 Medallion from the University of Southern Mississippi. Virtually every publication and association in the field of children s literature has recommended his books, including Mystery Writers of America which twice gave him their Edgar Allan Poe Award. 

Here are some of my favorite quotes from his presentation:

"Writers have three lives.

One that stays at home and listens for voices in an empty room,

One that markets their books

And one that goes out and looks for a story."

"Humor is anger that went to finishing school."

"The writer's best tool is viewpoint. It's not what is happening, it's what you think is happening."

"A story is always about something that never happened to a writer. If it happened to you nobody else cares."

Mr. Richard Peck!

Mr. Peck was an absolutely fabulous speaker, he was hilarious but also made us tear up (just a little bit) . He isn't as young as he used to be, but he was very animated, and had a very good sense of style. Sadly, he dressed better than me. If you haven't read any of his books, I highly recommend that you do. A Year Down Yonder is one of my favorite books, which he won a Newberry medal for. Not to mention it was a sequel. I mean, who wins a Newberry for a sequel?! Yes, that's just how fabulous he is. 

The thing that was really incredible about the Festival to me was that everywhere I went, there were people that love books, that love reading, that were there for to support their favorite authors. You could sit down beside anyone and strike up a conversation just because you knew they liked to read. And how amazing is that? 

There was an electric feeling running through the air, and everywhere you could hear snippets of conversation floating around.

And guess what everyone was talking about?

Books. 

It felt so magical, like I was in another world. A world of books and words, where everything was familiar, but at the same time, new. So what about you? Have you ever been to a book Festival? Did you feel the magic too? And, if you haven't ever had the chance to attend one, what is the one author that you've always wanted to meet?