How Rituals Can Inspire Your Best Writing

February 6, 2024July 24, 2024 ~ The Regal Writer ~ Leave a comment

Sitting down to write may be the hardest thing to do when you don’t have a clear idea what you plan to write. Or perhaps you have the writing blahs where writing process doesn’t excite you. In those times, it might be helpful to develop a writing ritual.

Writing rituals are a set sequence of actions that put you in the proper frame of mind for your writing session. They usually involve words, gestures and revered objects or symbols similar to what you might see for a religious or community ceremony, such as a child’s baptism. Simple actions like lighting a candle, listening to a particular piece of music, burning incense or doing a brief meditation can all be part of a ritual.

Most important, rituals set the tone, opening up mental and emotional space so you can write. They’re intended to create mindfulness and spark creativity.

I must confess I do not have a writing ritual. I usually don’t have a problem getting into the proper mindset for writing. But I can see how they can help other writers who may be stuck staring at a blank page.

Who needs writing rituals?
* People who are stuck in a current work in progress
* People who want to begin a writing practice but don’t know what to write about and fear the blank page in front of them
* People who want to keep creative ideas flowing

Rituals shouldn’t be confused with routines, which are a set of actions designed to move toward a particular goal, such as finishing a chapter or producing a certain number of words on the page. They can involve a set of steps to get your writing session started or setting up your physical surroundings, such as making a cup of coffee or tea, clearing your desk, getting your notes together, and using a particular pen to write, writing at the same time and in the same place every day, etc. Routines deal with the physical surroundings and logistics of your writing sessions and are usually done every day.

What routines lack, however, is mindfulness. Their focus is on the mundane tasks that make your writing session possible. But rituals bring intention and awareness to the activity, inviting imagination to open up for you.

Rituals are transformational, explains Mason Currey, author of Daily Rituals: How Artists Work (which admittedly I have not read) as interviewed by Vox. “Rituals create and mark a transition towards a different kind of mental and emotional state.” They create a state of awareness that you can’t get from routines.

When I think of rituals, I think of a ceremony. Rituals are often connected to faith or community, like attending church or practicing yoga once a week. While routines are performed every day, I don’t think rituals can or should be done every day, but perhaps once a week or once a month to reclaim your focus. Rituals are separate from your writing routine and should be treated differently.

“Writing rituals help us nurture habits that are essential to our creativity,” writes Nicole Bianchi at The Writing Cooperative. She shares the rituals of some famous authors, including Jack Kerouac and Neil Gaiaman, although by their descriptions they sound more like routines rather than rituals.

When designing your own writing ritual, consider what types of actions will put you in the proper frame of mind to write. What can you do to create the mental and emotional space to write?

Examples of writing rituals:
* You might play a certain piece of music that inspires you and puts you in the mood to write.
* You might enjoy a cup of coffee while staring out the window for 10 minutes, allowing your mind to flow freely.
* You might do some freewriting or journaling if you mind is troubled and prevents you from thinking and writing clearly.
* You might light a candle and sit still in meditation.
* You might do a 10-minute yoga session which can help bring mindfulness into your activities. Yoga can help unlock whatever is stuck within you.

Whether you follow one of these examples or you create one of your own, writing rituals can signal the transition into a more mindful state that prepares you to be your creative best. Do you agree or disagree? Do have a special writing ritual? How has it helped you with your writing?

Create a Reading Challenge That Truly Challenges You

January 30, 2024July 24, 2024 ~ The Regal Writer ~ Leave a comment

It’s usually at the start of every New Year that I look forward to my annual reading challenge. While I aim to read on average 30-34 books, I really try to focus on diversifying my reading interests. I like to challenge myself by reading new authors, different genres that I don’t normally read. By mixing things up, I expose myself to different writing styles which can only make my own writing better.

This year I decided to switch things up by creating a challenge based on monthly themes. I considered each month’s holidays and seasons for potential book themes, then browsed my TBR shelf for books that matched that theme. For example, January is the start of a new year. It has a wintry theme, with cold, snow and wind. It’s hockey season too.

Selecting books from my TBR shelf that fit these themes was fairly easy. I wound up reading The Ice Queen by Alice Hoffman and The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey. I’m already looking ahead to February with two more novels based on the month’s themes (Valentine’s Day, President’s Day, Mardi Gras and African-American Heritage month), and I only have to look at my TBR shelf to find those selections. Other options are the local library and the Little Free Library in your neighborhood.

This is one way to complete a reading challenge. The beautiful thing about them is that you can create your own challenge based on your own goals and interests and start it at any time. They can last three months, six months or a full year. They can either be focused on diversifying your reading selections or increasing your reading time. It all depends on what goals you set for your reading challenge.

Since there are so many ways to go about completing a reading challenge, it may be difficult to decide the best one for you. If you’re not sure what type of reading challenge you want to do, check out this nifty quiz at MindJoggle.com. The site also has some cool resources you can use to get the most out of your challenge, such as reading journals and book lists.

The first step for any reading challenge is to set a goal. If your reading goal is to squeeze more reading time into your life, there are several ways to approach this:

* Increase the number of pages you want to read every day. For example, if you usually only read 10 pages, see if you can increase that total to 20 or 25.

* Increase the amount of time you spend reading. If you currently read 15 minutes a day, see if you can increase that reading time to 30 minutes a day.

* Set a goal for the number of books you want to read in a given month. If you’re used to reading only one book, challenge yourself to increase it to two.

On the other hand, if your focus is to expand and diversify the types of books you read, there are ways to accomplish that too.

* Focus on monthly themes. For example, during the month of February, you might read a romance novel (Valentine’s Day), a political thriller or presidential biography (President’s Day) or a novel written by an African-American author (African-American Heritage month). Pick one or two to fulfill the February theme, then do the same for March (St. Patrick’s Day, Women’s History month and the start of spring) and the other months that follow.

* Focus on one genre for a short time period. For example, if you’re used to reading the latest bestsellers, you might do a three-month challenge featuring classic novels that you’ve never read before.

* Using the monthly system, you can select a book for a different genre each month. For example, in January, you might read a fantasy novel, in February a biography, in March a historical fiction novel, etc.

These are just ideas to get you started thinking about your own reading challenge. When you create a challenge that fits your interests and schedule, you’re more likely to stick with it.

Here are a few other tips to maximize your reading experience:

1. Start by determining your reading goal. Do you want to increase the amount of time you spend reading in a given week? Or would you rather experiment by reading books in different genres?

2. Think short-term mini-challenges. Sometimes all you need is a three-month challenge to kickstart a reading habit or improve the one you already have. With shorter challenges you can do a deeper dive into specific genres, like mysteries or historical fiction that you probably didn’t read before.

3. Create a reading calendar. Whether you commit to a full one-year challenge or a mini-challenge of three months or six months, use a calendar to choose the books you want to read. Create a mix of longer and shorter books so you don’t get bored with books of the same length. When you see the calendar at a glance and know what books you’ll read and when, it will be easier to stick with the schedule and with the challenge.

4. Join a reading community. To keep yourself motivated, it might help to join a reading community where you can share book reviews and reading experiences with other like-minded book lovers. Check the internet for possible online communities, or visit your local library to see if they have a reading community. (Note: Don’t confuse a reading community with a book club. Reading communities focus on the reading experience, no matter what you’re reading, while book clubs read the same book for the purpose of discussion.)

5. Be consistent with your reading. A little bit each day builds a new habit and will keep you motivated to keep reading. Also be flexible with your challenge. If a book isn’t working out for you, skip it and come back to it later. Switch to something you will stick with. It’s okay to change the schedule as you go along.

6. Beat reading slumps by mixing up formats. It never fails that by late autumn, my reading interest lags and I just don’t feel like reading. Experts suggest changing up book formats with shorter pieces that don’t require as much time or energy. Think short stories, an essay collection or a novella.

Remember, reading challenges are meant to help you stretch yourself, learn new things and get out of reading ruts. Most important, have fun with them. That’s what makes them worthwhile.

Tips for Re-Setting a Writing Practice

January 23, 2024July 24, 2024 ~ The Regal Writer ~ Leave a comment

It always happens. When the Christmas holidays roll around or client assignments drop in my lap, my writing practice suffers. I haven’t looked at any of my personal writing projects in nearly six weeks, haven’t picked up a pen to draft any new stories or blog content. It frustrates me that I can’t be more productive. But that’s what happens when you’re trying to do too many things at once.

Now that it’s January, it’s time to “get back in the saddle,” as they say. With the decorations put away and assignments completed, I need to get back to work. My work. My writing practice. So how do I reset my routine?

Fortunately, Reedsy offered a timely webinar about productivity, and their experts provides exercises and pro tips that may be helpful in jumpstarting my routine.

Tip 1: Set a year-end goal. Close your eyes and imagine that it’s next Christmas, you’re with your family and friends celebrating some milestone with your writing. Perhaps you finished a draft of a new novel. Or you finally signed on with an agent. How do you feel about what you accomplished? What does the end result look like and feel like? Where do you want to be with your writing? If you can imagine it, you can accomplish it.

Tip 2. Begin with small steps. With the larger year-end goal in mind, think about how to get there. What small step can you take within the next week or month to reach that goal? What small step can you take in February, March, and so on? That small goal might be something like writing for 30 minutes each day, or a word count goal, like 500 words or one page a day. When you put one foot in front of the other, you eventually reach your destination.

Tip 3: Be consistent with your practice. Make time to write, and write every day if you can. Writing every day sets up a new habit. When I got a batch of assignments in November and December, I neglected that daily habit, and lost momentum. Now it’s a struggle to get back to where I was before the holidays. Don’t let that happen to you. In hindsight, I should have simply scaled back on my writing routine rather than give it up altogether.

Tip 4: Create a ritual before beginning each writing session. The ritual will get you in the proper mindset. It could be something as simple as closing your eyes to imagine the words on the page, saying a short prayer to your creative muse or lighting a candle. However, don’t check emails or the internet before your session, or you will get lost in the mundane details of work and quickly lose your focus.

Tip 5: Be aware of the obstacles and distractions around you. Some obstacles are external and can be easily addressed. Maybe there’s a stack of dishes in the sink or an important phone call you need to make. Reedsy suggests taking 10 minutes to tidy up the kitchen and make that important phone call, otherwise it will bother you enough to prevent you from writing. If the dog needs to go for a walk, maybe have another family member or a neighbor take them out. There are internal distractions too, such as negative self-talk. In those instances, it might be helpful to talk to a friend or write in a journal. Find a way to release those negative thoughts before they poison your writing practice.

Tip 6: Deal with procrastination. This is my own bugaboo problem. Procrastination can kill any brilliant story idea you might have. What is procrastination really but an avoidance tactic? So ask yourself–what are you trying to avoid? Why are you trying to avoid it? Is it the fear that what you write will be horrible (bad news: the first draft usually is). Is it because you have no idea what to write about and you don’t like staring at a blank page? The easy fix for that is writing prompts which can jumpstart your imagination and get ideas flowing again.

I’ve been procrastinating on a novel I’ve been editing/rewriting for the fourth time. It’s been a long slog, and I’m tired of looking at the story. So I’ve been avoiding it because I hate the editing process—of cutting copy and moving scenes around. I’d much rather be writing something fresh and new. My point is procrastination happens to every writer, and it’s usually a sign that you’re avoiding something in your practice that you’d rather not do. Figure out a way to work through what you need to do, then do it.

Tip 7: Change the narrative of your writing life. So what that you may never have been published before. You can be published this year if you work toward that goal. Don’t let past disappointments and failures define who you are as a writer. Focus on your successes and build on them. Focus on the things you can do rather than what you can’t. For example, if all you can do is write 100 words a day, then write 100 words a day. Don’t berate yourself for not writing 1000 words like most other people you might know. You know your circumstances best, so work within those parameters. As Tim Gunn always says, “Make it work!”

Hope these suggestions help you re-set your writing practice. Here’s to a productive and successful 2024. Happy writing!

Favorite Books of 2023

January 16, 2024July 24, 2024 ~ The Regal Writer ~ Leave a comment

Photo by Alissa Nabiullina on Pexels.com

Hello readers! Hope the New Year is getting off to a strong start. I’m back from my holiday break feeling refreshed and ready to work toward my writing goals. Hope you are too!

Before I get too deeply into this week’s post, I want to tell you about one small change to my website. As you may know, I post a writing prompt on my site. I tried to post the prompt every week, but frankly, it got more difficult to come up with a situational writing prompt. This year, I decided to post the writing prompt twice a month, on the 15^th and 30^th of the month.

Secondly, in the past, the prompts had focused on a situation, such as a surprise guest or an event that takes place during a storm. But this year, the prompt will feature a word or phrase that might conjure up a memory or inspire you to write a scene related to that word.

For example, this week’s word is “bittersweet.” What images come to mind for that word? Perhaps it’s a bittersweet moment in your life? Or perhaps you tasted something that was bittersweet. Whatever that word might mean for you will lead you to your essay or short story. Hope those words/phrases will inspire you to write your best stories.

Now back to this week’s post.

Before we get too far into the New Year, I like to reflect on the books I’ve read over the past year. As usual, I created my own reading challenge to read a variety of genres. I find that reading different genres and writing styles keeps me honest as both a reader and a writer.

That said, 2023 was not the best year for my reading. Sure, I read a variety of stories, from mystery and romance to memoir and nonfiction, but few of impressed me.

What I look for in a novel is good storytelling, an interesting premise, strong, compelling characters, surprising plot twists and a satisfying ending. Below are my favorite books that excelled in those areas.

Before We Were Yours – Lisa Wingate
Told in a dual timeline in the past and present, Before We Were Yours is one of Wingate’s best. I was immediately drawn into the story, and the events of the past and the break-up of the five children was heartbreaking. This book was hard to put down, and the story and its characters stayed with me long after it ended.

The Little French Bistro – Nina George
It’s rare to read a book featuring a main character over the age of 60. This year I read two of them. (See Arthur Pepper below.) Wanting to escape her loveless marriage and boring life in London, Marianne wants to end her life. Rescued by a good Samaritan, she decides to venture out of London, joining up with a tourist group and ending up in a small French town where she meets a cast of characters who open her up to new possibilities for the future and who convince her that her life is only just beginning.

The Guest List – Lucy Foley
This is the first novel I’ve read by Foley, and it won’t be the last. As guests gather on a remote Irish island for a wedding, several of them are nervous about events from the past. The dual timeline didn’t slow down the pace of the story, but it could be confusing at times. Readers see events unfold from the points of view of five different characters, each with a reason to kill the victim. The speedy pacing made this a difficult book to put down.

The Last Thing He Told Me – Laura Dave
Of all the books I read the past year, this one was the most suspenseful. In an interview with Dave I heard last year, she admitted that it took her 12 years to write this book. She kept going back to it ever so often, sure that there was a nugget of a story. It was worth waiting for. A strong female lead character, snappy dialogue and brisk pacing made this a fast, easy read. I’m looking forward to reading more of Dave’s books.

The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper – Phaedra Patrick
I adored Patrick’s last release, The Messy Lives of Book People, so I figured this novel would be just as good. Arthur Pepper is a 60-something widower who feels lost without his wife. While searching through his wife’s belongings, he comes across a piece of jewelry that belonged to her, which he knows he never gave her. He begins to wonder who is wife really is and what other secrets she may be hiding. In a series of events and journeys, Arthur begins to learn more about his wife, and about himself.

In Five Years – Rebecca Serle
Imagine waking up five years in the future in an apartment that is not yours and next to a man who is not your husband? That is the premise for this engaging novel by Serle, who takes readers on a time travel journey that makes you realize that things aren’t always as they seem. At the start, the story gives the impression of being a lightweight rom-com, only to turn somber at the midpoint. After a few interesting plot twists, the story hints at a happy ending. It’s a rare story that I still think about a whole year after I’ve finished reading it.

Honorable Mentions:
While not my personal favorites in 2023, the following books were worth reading for one reason or another.

Look Again by Lisa Scottoline – suspenseful, strong female lead
While Beauty Slept by Elizabeth Blackwell – a reimagined story of Sleeping Beauty
The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware – psychological thriller set on a private luxury cruise ship
Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks – fun, suspenseful read, perfect for summer
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus – Didn’t love the book as much as everyone else seemed to, but I felt I had to read to see what the excitement was about.

What about you? What were the best books you read in 2023?

10 Gifts for Writers and Creatives

December 21, 2023July 24, 2024 ~ The Regal Writer ~ Leave a comment

Dear Readers,

Merry Christmas! Thank you for reading The Regal Writer this past year. Hope you found inspiration and encouragement from my stories.

If you’re as busy as I’ve been these past few weeks, you probably have found it difficult to find quiet time for your writing practice. But even 15 minutes a day is better than nothing. So even amidst the holiday celebrations and work obligations, hope you can squeeze in some writing time and keep those creative juices flowing.

I’m taking a short break from The Regal Writer for the next month or so to work on several client assignments and enjoy the holidays. Look for fresh content on this blog in early 2024 as well as a new slate of writing prompts.

As a send-off, I’d like to leave you with the following gifts that can help you make the most of your writing practice, both now and well into the New Year. My gifts to you include:

The gift of time – In our hectic lives, may you always find a few minutes each day to write.

The gift of place – May you always have a quiet place to think, plan, dream and fantasize about your next story.

The gift of abundance – May your mind teem with so many creative ideas that you don’t know where to begin writing them.

The gift of imagination — May every story idea that comes from your imagination reflect a new and interesting way of looking at the world.

The gift of productivity – May you acquire the right tools when you need them to help you stay productive and consistent with your writing practice.

The gift of education – May you find the right books, courses, webinars and conferences to build your knowledge and skills about writing.

The gift of good health — Your health is important. Without good health, you cannot accomplish what you set out to do.

The gift of self-confidence – May you share your writing with calm self-assurance that this is your best effort, and may self-doubt stay away from your door.

The gift of inspiration – May your writing inspire others and bring joy and light to readers. Furthermore, may you feel inspired by your own writing so that you will want to continue with your practice.

The gift of love and friendship – May you be surrounded by people who support you and your writing, and who share your love of the written word.

Remember, writing is a gift too. The more you share that gift with others, the more joy it will bring to them and to yourself.

Be well, be kind. See you in 2024!

Tips for Designing a Compelling Book Cover for Your Novel

December 7, 2023July 24, 2024 ~ The Regal Writer ~ Leave a comment

Have you ever bought a book solely because you were drawn to its cover? Or are you planning to self-publish and are struggling to find the right balance of imagery and text?

Let’s face it. Some book covers are more interesting than others. But just because it looks good doesn’t mean it will do what it’s supposed to do, which is to sell books.

When produced well, the cover design should not only grab readers’ attention, it should communicate several things to readers, such as:

* show an intriguing focal point
* provide a subtle preview of the plot
* introduce the protagonist
* establish the book’s genre and tone

I’ll tackle each one of these in detail.

An intriguing focal point
When you first look at a book cover, where does your eye automatically go? It might to an image, like the drawing on the cover of Lessons in Chemistry. If the author is well-known, their name might appear larger than the book title. In many cases, it might be the book title itself that in larger print to draw your attention. This may be especially true for newer writers who haven’t earned the name cache of a Stephen King or a Nora Roberts. Comb your shelves for examples. Notice the ones that stand out and which ones don’t. Then experiment by replicating a focal point suitable for your work in progress.

A subtle preview of the plot
The combination of imagery and title should hint at the plot. For example, the cover of The Messy Lives of Book People by Phaedra Patrick features a background image of a closed door surrounded by shelves of books, hinting at the story of a house cleaner tasked with finishing her employer’s last novel behind closed doors. Think about the key point of your story, then select images that present the clearest representation of that point.

An introduction to the protagonist
In addition to hinting at the plot, the cover design should also hint at the protagonist in some way. The image could reflect the person’s face, such as the ghostly image of Coralie Sardie whose story is at the heart of The Museum of Extraordinary Things by Alice Hoffman. It could also hint at their occupation or where they live. In The Hundred-Foot Journey by Richard C. Morais, for example, the image of someone slicing the skin off a piece of fruit with the silhouette of the Eiffel Tower behind it hints at a young man’s journey as a chef in Paris. As with the plot, think of your protagonist’s character and their journey, then choose an image that reflects their story.

The book’s genre and tone
Make sure the cover design is suitable for the book’s genre and establish the right tone. You want readers to recognize the type of story it is at first glance. For a light-hearted rom-com, for example, you might use lighter colors or pastels for the background with some humorous or playful image. On the other hand, mysteries and thrillers are likely to have darker backgrounds with equally darker images, like dripping blood or a bottle of poison.

More tips for book cover designs

1. Keep it simple, almost minimalistic. Covers that are overly complicated and cluttered have difficulty reaching readers. Give the cover some space to allow any images and text to breathe. “Using space wisely draws attention to the elements that you want potential readers to focus on, writes Jessica Bell at Jane Friedman.com.

2. Be unique and distinctive. You don’t want your book to look like every other one on display. Referring to Lessons in Chemistry again, the cover is simple with a single image and bright orange-salmon color that captures the eye. The color stands out because you rarely see it on book covers. If the cover’s goal is to sell the book, think of ways to make the cover stand out while still staying true to the story.

3. Create strong composition. The experts at Self-Publishing School suggests following the rule of thirds. Imagine breaking up the cover into three sections, allowing enough space for the book title, author name and image. Again, check your book shelf for examples. Add patterns and texture in subtle ways so they don’t distract readers.

4. Don’t overlook the back cover or spine. According to the design experts at Ingram Spark, the back cover usually includes a brief book summary, book reviews, an author bio, the ISBN number and bar code. Make sure the book title is clearly marked on the spine so readers can see it when standing upright on a shelf.

Whether you design the cover yourself or work with a professional designer, it’s helpful to keep these tips in mind. When conceived and designed well, your book cover can go far to market your book.

Would You Rather Read the Book or Watch the Movie Adaptation?

November 15, 2023July 24, 2024 ~ The Regal Writer ~ 1 Comment

No, it’s not your imagination. There are numerous adaptations of books being turned into films or mini-series lately, more than other years. From Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Gamus premiering on Apple TV+ to true crime Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann currently being shown in theaters, published works are being retold for the screen. In fact, many stories we see on the big screen or via streaming services are based on top-selling books.

For a great list of books turned into films, check out this story on Stylist.

But is one storytelling experience better than the other? Is it better to read the book first or to view the film adaptation? It’s a decades-long debate with no real answer. It’s more a matter of personal preference.

Hollywood often looks to newer book releases for inspiration for films. Some of the most popular films can be traced back to its written version. One that comes to mind is Field of Dreams, based on the novel Shoeless Joe by W. P. Kinsella. Though lesser known than the film, the book is just as good, though it contains a couple of characters and a subplot that doesn’t appear on screen.

Many readers swear that books are better than the film version. I’ve read many books that were turned into films that I found lacking in substance. The books were still better. Bee Season was a decent book, but the film adaptation wasn’t nearly as compelling. While The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri was made into a movie, the literary novel that it was based on provided more depth.

The reverse can also be true, that film adaptations bring the written story to life and make it better, more believable. Field of Dreams is one example of that. And though I never read the original story of The Graduate by Charles Webb, it went on to become one of the best films of all time.

There are several reasons for enjoying books over the movie or mini-series:

Books allow the imagination to run free and paint pictures in our minds.
Books provide more plot details, subplots and secondary characters
Books provide more backstory than films might be able to do.
Books allow readers to experience the story at their own pace; there are no time constraints as there might be in films.
Books allow readers to think more deeply about what they’ve read

Conversely, films offer a few advantages of their own:

Films are more visually appealing; you see the action as it happens and it leaves nothing to the imagination.
Films provide a more streamlined experience because they focus on the major events and characters of the story, while subplots and secondary characters are often cut.
Viewing films can be enjoyed alone or with others. It can be a shared experience.
It takes less time to experience the story—two to three hours compared to several days or weeks for a novel.

There are other factors that contribute to the choice of reading the book versus watching the movie. Many people are more visual by nature, so they prefer watching films. Or perhaps they’re simply not book readers.

Can reading ruin your experience of the film? That depends on who you ask. I still enjoyed watching the Harry Potter films—all eight of them—and I will watch them over and over. The books are just as good if not more so because of the added layers of plot.

Some readers claim that seeing the film first can enhance their reading experience. The film gives them a cursory idea of the story, while the book fills in more of the details and provides more backstory. On the other hand, some film adaptations are so far removed from the original that it can ruin the original meaning.

It all comes down to personal preference. I myself prefer the book reading experience. I feel I get more out of the story that way. But really, there is no right or wrong way. Whether you read the book or watch the movie or both, you’re still enjoying the power of story no matter what form is takes.

List Making Can Make a Writer’s Life Easier

November 8, 2023July 24, 2024 ~ The Regal Writer ~ Leave a comment

I’m a notorious list maker. I create lists for all sorts of things from basic to-do lists for work and grocery lists to the books I plan to read from my TBR shelf and events I want to attend. I’ve also kept lists for not-so-obvious things, like foods I want to try (every try dragonfruit?) and music I want to eventually download. Anyone who saw my lists would either think I’m incredibly organized or hopelessly scatterbrained!

But I’ve found over the years that lists can be a useful tool not just in your personal life but in your professional life. As writers, it’s important to keep track of all sorts of details for our work and list making is one way to keep it all organized so the information is accessible.

For writing purposes, lists can help you perform the following tasks:

Brainstorm story or plot points
Create characters with roughly drawn traits and possible names
Draft scenes for a story before you begin writing
Jot down blog post ideas
Track ideas for website content
Jot down article ideas to pitch to an editor
Track potential clients to contact for assignments
Track subject matter experts to interview for a story you plan to write
Prioritize errands and chores you want to finish in a week
Keep track of small tasks needed to complete a larger project.

Lists have made my life easier in many ways. Jotting down story ideas as soon as I think of them helps to get them out of my head so they don’t become a distraction and get in the way of what I need to do. Keeping lists also helps me stay focused on the most essential tasks I need to work on, and it helps me prioritize the tasks that are most important. This process works whether the list is a home to-do list or a work task list.

But there are downsides too. Looking at a lengthy list can make you feel overwhelmed. Even looking at my list of books that I want to read can feel overwhelming. I often think there’s no way I will ever finish them all, especially when I keep adding to the TBR shelf.

Fortunately, there are strategies for dealing with feelings of overwhelm.

Tackle one task at a time. Rome wasn’t built in a day, so neither should you feel you have to tackle the entire list in one afternoon. One step at a time will get you where you need to go.
Review your list often, if not every day. Prioritize and highlight the three most important items on the list. Then focus on completing the most important items first. If you get to the fourth or fifth task, that’s a bonus.
Remember that you shouldn’t be at the mercy of your lists. The most effective list is one that serves you, not put obstacles in your path.
Find a tool that works best for you, whether that’s an old school notebook or an app on your phone. PC Magazine has a nifty list of apps for creating and tracking your tasks.
Keep lists separate for work and home, so your shopping list doesn’t end up with your work tasks. Review your lists and revise every day.
Write down ideas and tasks as soon as you think of them so you don’t forget them.

Remember that lists are meant as a guide for your work life, not a set of rules etched in stone. Be flexible and shift priorities as deadlines and needs change. When you get to the bottom of your list, congratulations. Imagine how good it will feel when you cross that last item off your list.

Not everyone is a big fan of lists, but give them a try. In time, you may find that they can be one of the most helpful tools you’ll ever need.

Do you use lists? What kind of lists do you use? Does it make you feel more organized or more stressed?

Tips for Creating a Compelling Opening Chapter

November 2, 2023July 24, 2024 ~ The Regal Writer ~ Leave a comment

I had planned to write a post about what makes a great opening chapter or first 10 pages, then I realized I had already written a post about it several years ago.. I couldn’t think of any way to improve it, so I am repeating it here. The information is especially helpful for those participating in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo).

If you’ve ever read The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, you probably remember this opening line:

“If I have learned anything in this long life of mine, it is this: In love, we find out who we want to be; in war, we find out who we are.”

I’d be hard pressed to find any opening more poignant than this one. From the very start, readers are taken on an emotional journey that doesn’t end until the final sentence.

Writers are tasked with the challenge to create a similar experience with their readers. The start of any novel should accomplish several things: create the tone of the story, provide the point of view, reveal character, and show tension and conflict, among other things. Certainly, the opening line from The Nightingale accomplishes most of these objectives. Does your story do the same?

Why is the opening so critical? Because if it doesn’t grab the reader’s interest and keep it for the first few pages, the reader will likely close the book and set it aside, never getting to the end of it. Ask any published author, editor or agent what makes a strong opening, and you’ll hear a number of answers, which are summarized below. And these suggestions don’t just pertain to fiction, but to short stories, memoir and non-fiction works too. Without a compelling start, readers will dismiss your effort.

If you are participating in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month), keep the following suggestions in mind as you write the opening of your novel.

1. Skip the prologue. There is ongoing debate about the merits of a prologue. Many editors and agents feel they aren’t necessary. I tend to agree with them. I’ve rarely read a prologue that made a difference in my understanding of the plot. The one exception is Caught by Harlan Coben, which provided sufficient background on one of the main characters to make you second guess the outcome. But if you plan your story well and write the opening pages right, there shouldn’t be a need for a prologue.

2. Create a protagonist that readers will care about. The opening is your opportunity to reveal your protagonist’s character. Is he/she rebellious, angry, ambitious or curious? In the above opening from The Nightingale, the character speaking is introspective and perhaps has gained wisdom from life experience. It makes me care about who she is and what else she (and it is a she, btw) might have to say.

3. Ground your reader in the story’s setting. According to the Write Practice blog, let readers see where the story takes place. Establish early on what the setting is for the story – the time period, the location, the season of the year, etc. When the reader feels grounded in the setting, they feel mentally prepared to experience the events as the characters do.

4. Create conflict and tension. Identify what the inciting incident is – that starting point to your story that changes the status quo. Where is the conflict? Is that conflict with another character, with a situation or within themselves? That conflict is needed to create tension, which helps draw readers in and keep them reading to see how the conflict is resolved.

5. Don’t frontload with dialogue or action. According to Fuse Literary, too much action or dialogue can confuse readers. Sure, you want to start with some sort of action, but an opening chapter heavy on action and dialogue and not enough narrative or backstory can be confusing to readers who may need a point of reference to understand what is happening on the page. You need some action, of course, but balance it with some narrative so you don’t lose readers’ interest.

6. Don’t overload the opening with backstory either. According to recent Reedsy webinar, Crafting a Novel Opening, writers should focus on what the reader needs to know at that moment. There’s plenty of time to reveal backstory and world building as the story progresses, says Shaelin Bishop who led the discussion. Weave in backstory throughout the length of the manuscript, and allow details to breathe between scenes. This approach will help with the pacing too. If readers are overloaded with details up front, they may feel overwhelmed.

7. Hook the reader with an interesting twist. Start where the story gets interesting, which is usually at the point where there’s a change in the status quo. For example, the protagonist gets a letter with good news or bad news, a new person enters the protagonist’s life, or they get into an accident that alters the course of their life. “Show what is interesting rather than focusing on the mundane. It’s okay to show less of the status quo than you think you need to,” says Shaelin Bishop with Reedsy. This approach avoids overloading your opening chapter with too many details that can bore your reader.

8. Every scene should serve several purposes. For example, one scene can establish the tone of the story, reveal something about the character and hint at future conflict. This sounds complex, but it’s necessary to keep the story moving forward and keep readers interested. Don’t waste your first sentence, or any sentence for that matter. Write every scene with a purpose in mind. If it doesn’t serve purpose, and if a character doesn’t serve a purpose, cut them out.

To get into the habit of writing stronger openings, try these two exercises.

Exercise 1: Take 10 minutes and create as many opening sentences as you can think of. It could be for a current work in progress or any other story. Experiment with different perspectives. Here are a couple of examples of intriguing openings that made me keep reading:

“You would think it would be impossible to find anything new in the world, creatures no man has ever seen before, one-of-a-kind oddities in which nature has taken a backseat to the coursing pulse of the fantastical and the marvelous. I can tell you with certainty that such things exists ….”
The Museum of Extraordinary Things, Alice Hoffman

“My name is Serena Frome (rhymes with plume) and almost forty years ago I was sent on a secret mission for the British Security Service. I didn’t return safely. Within eighteen months of joining, I was sacked, having disgraced myself and ruined my lover, though he certainly had a hand in his own undoing.”
Sweet Tooth, Ian McEwan

Exercise 2: Select five novels from your collection that you enjoyed reading. Go back and read the first page from each one. What made you turn the page? Why did it grab your interest? Did it reveal anything about the setting, tone or character? Did it create tension and conflict? What can you learn from these first pages that you can adapt to your own work?

Follow these tips to make your opening chapter compelling enough to keep readers engaged to the very end.

The Seven Scariest Excuses People Make to Avoid Writing

October 25, 2023July 24, 2024 ~ The Regal Writer ~ Leave a comment

This is a repost from several years ago. The information is just as helpful and pertinent today as it was then. As always, thanks for reading, and keep writing.

If you’re like most people, you’ve probably made a myriad of excuses for not getting any writing done – lack of time, fear of failure, too busy, no privacy, nothing to write about, etc.

Below are the seven most common excuses I’ve heard people use to explain why they aren’t writing. I call them the Seven Deadly Excuses because I believe they can kill a person’s writing practice before it has a chance to flourish. Many of these excuses are influenced by negative messages and assumptions you might have heard since childhood. By reframing these messages and taking positive action, those fears can diminish over time.

Excuse 1: “I don’t have time to write.”
A lack of time is the most common excuse people make about not writing. If this is your biggest fear, chances are your writing practice has never gotten off the ground, or you write in fits and starts. You always talk about wanting to write, but you never do anything about it.

The problem isn’t that you don’t have time to write, but the expectation of how much time is needed for writing. If you expect a writing practice to take up two, three or four hours every day, that is unrealistic. No one has that kind of time. With full-time jobs, clients to take care of, families to raise and other important responsibilities, there’s little time left over for writing.

The truth is, you don’t need hours at a time to begin writing. When you’re just starting out, only 10 or 15 minutes a day will suffice. For example, while working as an attorney, A Time to Kill author John Grisham set a goal of writing one page per day, roughly 200 words, and he got up a half hour early each day to achieve that. Grisham shows it is possible to fit writing into your schedule.

Excuse #2: “I’m too busy.”
When you say that you’re too busy to write, what you may actually be saying is that writing is a low priority compared to other responsibilities, such as a work, school, taking care of kids or aging parents, etc. Who has time to begin a writing practice when all these other priorities compete for your attention?

Perhaps you learned in childhood that school work and household chores came first before you could do anything else, whether that was watching TV or playing with your friends. Writing became a low priority.

But maybe it’s time to rethink those priorities. Maybe it’s time to make writing a higher priority than before. When you make writing a priority, you’ll find it’s easier to begin a regular writing practice. If all you need is 15 minutes a day, that’s time well spent, no matter how busy you are.

Excuse 3: “My writing isn’t good enough.”
From the moment you put pen to paper, your writing probably won’t be very good. First drafts never are good. That’s true for most writers, including successfully published ones. Kristin Hannah, author of The Nightingale, writes as many as 10 drafts of each novel, according to her website. Experienced writers understand that the first draft is simply the starting point that you can build on.

If you continually tell yourself that your writing isn’t good enough, ask yourself why you feel that way. Is it not good enough for publication? For other people to see? Once you understand why you feel you’re writing isn’t good enough, you can take steps to rethink your approach to writing.

Instead of berating yourself for not writing well, make a plan to keep improving. Read authors whose work you admire, so you can learn from them. When you write something, ask for feedback. Avoid squirming when you receive their feedback. Constructive criticism can help you spot recurring errors. Most important, write, write, write.

Excuse 4: “I don’t know what to write about!”
Do you suffer from blank page syndrome – the act of staring at a blank page or computer screen with no idea what to write about? Or when you do come up with a story ideas, do you dismiss it as uninteresting?

When faced with a blank page, you may be overlooking the best source of story ideas: personal experience. You have plenty of life experience to draw from, so explore those events from your past to adapt to your stories. One way to access this reservoir of life experience is with writing prompts. You can find hundreds of prompts on sites such as Writer’s Digest and DIYMFA.com.

Excuse 5: “I don’t have a private space to write.”
If you share a home with a spouse, three children, a dog and two cats, it may be difficult to find a quiet, private space to write. Others believe that without ideal circumstances, such as a desk and comfortable chair, their favorite coffee mug and favorite pen, they’re just not able to write.

You need to ask yourself if the problem is an actual lack of space, or the expectation that you need a lot of space to write. I’ve drafted blog posts on breaks at work, on buses and trains or while waiting for appointments. If you wish you had ideal surroundings and your current environment is far from ideal, you may be waiting forever to start writing. The truth is, your environment does not need to be perfect to begin writing.

Excuse 6: “I’m afraid to fail.”
Another common excuse writers make is “What if I fail?“ The answer depends on how you define failure. What does failure look like to you? Not getting published? Not finishing your current work-in-progress? Not having anyone read your work? Not having anyone take your writing as seriously as you do? Everybody has their own definition of failure, but in reality, there is only one true failure: not writing at all.

To remove that fear of failure, it might be helpful to start small and work your way toward bigger projects. Start with stories of 100 words, then increase it to 200 words, and so on. Every week or so, add to your daily word count. When you reach these smaller goals, you gain confidence in yourself and you achieve small successes that you can build on.

Excuse 7: “What if I’m successful?”
While fear of failure is common among writers, others suffer from a different malaise: fear of success. “How can anyone be afraid to succeed?” you ask. You’d be surprised at how many people fear success, myself included.

Fear of success might manifest as an unfinished project – or two, or three or ten. You have several projects in various stages of completion but never seem to finish any of them. In your mind, finishing one of them means you’ve achieved success. Then you worry about what happens when you finish that project. Perhaps you edit your piece over and over again, never fully satisfied with what you’ve written – a useful delay tactic preventing you from finishing your work.

If you fear success, then you may need to rethink what success means to you. What does it look like? It may look and feel differently to you than to your spouse or your best friend. Are you defining success on your terms or someone else’s?

When you define success on your terms, there should be no reason to fear it because you’ve defined it based on real, concrete and meaningful terms. It’s when you follow the path of success that others have defined for you that can strike fear in you. Write according to your definition of success, not anyone else’s.

When you take steps to conquer your fears, the writing life won’t seem so scary.

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