This was the writing assignment that inspired my first published children’s story: Write a bare bones short story of 300 words or fewer. It will have a simple plot, almost no description, and two (exactly two) plot twists.
I’ve been on a serious writing journey for awhile and just published my first eBook. While walking that path, I’ve discovered a lot of things about myself and the writing process.
We all have goals, especially on January 1. When the new year rolls around, everybody wants to lose weight, save more money, and go to the gym more often. Eighty percent of all people make those goals every year because we want to be healthier, happier, and more secure.
There are days I just don’t want to write. Actually, most days before I begin writing, it’s hard to pick up the pen (or put my fingers on the keyboard, depending on which stage of the writing process I’m in) and just go. I don’t want to. I’d rather distract myself with pointless internet surfing.
artist entrepreneur / Author Career / Writing Tips
by Beth Barany · Published October 14, 2013 · Last modified October 10, 2013
Start feeding the source that feeds you, and don’t stop. Don’t ever stop.
When I entered the realm of writing, I did so in secret. Concerned I’d be laughed at by family, friends and even my husband, I didn’t tell a soul.
I decided at the beginning of 2013 that I would work hard on my writing, take it seriously and take every opportunity I could get.
Whatever it is you are stuck on, whether it is writing a novel or blog, cleaning the house, a dreaded task, or making a major change in your life, LISTEN to what you are telling yourself. What we think, feel, and do determines whether we start and successfully complete a project or stop ourselves with doubts and procrastination.
A lot of aspiring authors find that part of the problem they find themselves struggling to write has to do with the environment they’re trying to write in.
For many fiction writers, figuring out how to create characters that seem real to readers is difficult.
At the Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators conference earlier this month, I came away with this important message: Editors and agents are looking for a unique voice and vision; and readers of all ages enjoy weird, subversive stories.
While my journalism experience hadn’t prepared me for the magnitude of the task, it helped in other ways.
Having the courage to get going when you have no idea what you’re doing is the first step in any venture.
If you’ve ever tried to write a book in a short amount of time, you know what a daunting task it can be. But you don’t have to stumble through the process alone.
Subscribe here to get notified each time we publish a post.
Welcome to the Writer’s Fun Zone, a blog for creative writers by Beth Barany, fiction writing teacher and novelist.
Articles by creative writers like you.
Check out the How To Write The Future podcast.
Subscribe to Writer's Fun Zone blog for resources, inspiration, and free resources:
Get these goodies:BONUS
As a bonus, you will also be subscribed to the CreativitySparks (tm) newsletter, full of tips and tools for novelists building a successful career. (Sent 1-2 times per week) By Beth Barany, Editor and Publisher of the Writer's Fun Zone, and a Creativity Coaching for Writers, and a novelist herself.
Beth Barany helps authors get their books completed and out into the world, into the hands of their readers.
Creativity Coach for Writers, NLP Master Practitioner, and Master Teacher, Beth Barany has been there and knows how hard it can be to take your idea and turn it into a real book, that people will actually be interested, and even yearning, to read.
She walks the talk, as her clients like to say. She is the author of the 2012 award-winning young adult fantasy novel Henrietta The Dragon Slayer, as well as the author of the bestselling nonfiction books for authors and aspiring authors.
Ready to finish your book but not sure how?
Hire Beth to help you or take a class at Barany School of Fiction. Or join her Group Coaching Program.
Still have questions? Email Beth.
Recent Comments