Do it daily

March 4, 2015March 4, 2015 ~ sharon ~ Leave a comment

Keeping at it — writing every day — is a challenge many face. Even the greats, John Steinbeck, for example, face it. For a glimpse into Steinbeck’s routine and the doubts he overcame, here is a synopsis of Working Days, his journal of The Grapes of Wrath. Then write. And repeat.

Working Days: John Steinbeck, the Art of Discipline, and the Diary as a Pacemaker for the Heartbeat of Creative Work | Brain Pickings
http://www.brainpickings.org/2015/03/02/john-steinbeck-working-days/

Spring forward

March 3, 2015March 3, 2015 ~ sharon ~ 1 Comment

At the beginning of last year, I spent a lot of time looking for scheduling and productivity tips. But, if you’re like me, disorganization happens and there comes a time to reboot. Here’s a nice rebooting idea for spring. (Really, it’s coming.)

Tomatoes, the 90/20 Rule, & Pseudo-Work — Medium
https://medium.com/@jrdnbwmn/tomatoes-the-90-20-rule-pseudo-work-5337e63612a1

Phone it in

March 2, 2015March 2, 2015 ~ sharon ~ Leave a comment

I use my phone most days to scan the internet for the grist for this blog. Recently, I found this post from Julie Jordan Scott about other ways to use your phone for writing. I already use several of them, but I hadn’t thought of using my phone to create a “one-sentence journal.”

Julie Unplugged: 10 Smart Ways to Use Your Phone to Improve Your Writing

http://juliejordanscott.typepad.com/julie_unplugged/2013/07/smartwrite.html

Getting over it

March 1, 2015March 1, 2015 ~ sharon ~ Leave a comment

Do you still believe any of these “myths” about writing? Try taking one and using it as a prompt. Then see if you still believe it.

Demystifying the Muse: Five Creativity Myths You Should Stop Believing
http://lifehacker.com/demystifying-the-muse-five-creativity-myths-you-should-1688503554?utm_campaign=socialflow_lifehacker_facebook&utm_source=lifehacker_facebook&utm_medium=socialflow

Building character

February 28, 2015February 28, 2015 ~ sharon ~ Leave a comment

I like to find less common sources of character-building inspiration. This post from Writer Unboxed provides several. Read one, pick a trait and use it as a writing prompt when you feel stuck on a character.

Writer Unboxed » The Science of Creating Authentic Characters
http://writerunboxed.com/2015/02/28/the-science-of-creating-authentic-characters/