Tag: Productivity

How AI Can (and Cannot) Help Writers

~ The Regal Writer ~ Leave a comment
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I recently attended several webinars about AI, and while I don’t think it’s appropriate for writing, I do see its potential in other areas, such as research and administrative tasks. 

I’m not alone. Many journalists and communicators are cautiously feeling their way around this new technology, wondering if and how it can make a difference in their workflow and productivity. The key is finding a balance between using it for practical purposes and maintaining creative and professional credibility.

How AI Assists Writers and Journalists

In a recent webinar by the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE), Bridget Botelho of B2B publisher Informa Tech Target outlined all the things AI can and cannot do. I think her insights are worth sharing. 

* Save time. Tasks like research or drafting a report using multiple sources can take hours. But AI simplifies the effort. Case in point: A colleague was charged with drafting a year-end report incorporating data from several sources that her employer had published throughout the year. Using AI, she was able to produce a rough first draft in a matter of minutes rather than hours.

* Research. Journalists like myself love this aspect of AI. We can ask AI to sift through vast amounts of data to uncover trends and connections. That makes it easier to write about those trends in a published article or news story.

* Cross-referencing. Users can request AI to cross-reference information claims against trusted databases to verify that the sources are credible.

* Transcription. Another aspect of AI I like is transcription. When recording Zoom interviews or attending press conferences, AI can quickly transcribe the recordings so you have a printed piece to review. I’ve used Otter.ai for this purpose which has been a huge time saver. You can set it up to connect with Zoom so it will automatically take notes during Zoom chats.

* Summaries. AI can generate concise summaries of lengthy articles, legal documents, research reports and speeches so you have a brief outline of key points.

* Source vetting. Looking for an expert to interview? You can ask AI to produce a list of sources with expertise about certain topics. AI will scour the web for their website and provide their background, location and contact information so you have their basic info before following up.

* Multilingual support. If you’re looking for a quick translation of a document that’s in a foreign language, say Russian or Arabic, AI can scour the language and present a clean English-language version.

Mind you, AI is not used for writing purposes but for non-writing tasks, such as research, administration, and organization. It’s meant to streamline our task operations so we have more time to do the things that DO matter, such as writing.  

What AI Cannot Do
Despite its advantages, AI has its limitations. There are many activities that are best performed by humans.

* Conduct nuanced interviews and build rapport with sources. You still need that ability to communicate and connect with the other person, listen actively for their responses and ask follow up questions. There’s a more active give-and-take when interviews take place.

* AI cannot break news stories. While it can collect and disseminate information upon request, it can’t keep track of what’s happening in the current moment. For breaking news stories, you need to follow the reporters who are on site gathering the news as it happens. You won’t find AI on the ground reporting on the wildfires or flash flooding.

*  AI can’t exercise ethical judgment on sensitive reporting situations. Journalistic reporting requires a certain amount of discretion so that sensitive information isn’t shared, such as the name of underage victims of assault.

* Understand cultural differences. While AI can handle quick translations, it doesn’t understand cultural nuances, say between the U.S. and Canada. The political environment in every country is different, so what might work fine in the U.S. may not be acceptable behavior elsewhere.

* Make editorial decisions that balance the public interest and ethical considerations.

* Generate a loyal following for your brand. It doesn’t know how to create the trust that’s needed to entice customers to follow your brand.

AI can’t do these things because it lacks critical thinking skills, which is (or should be) a human creator’s strength. Another characteristic it lacks is human emotion. It doesn’t know how to express love, fear, guilt, sadness or anger. That is where human writers excel, and that’s what sets us apart from the bots. For that reason alone, AI will never replace writers and journalists.

To use AI well is to understand its strengths and weaknesses, to recognize when it’s making stuff up, then push it to correct itself. It will do that, insist the professionals who use it regularly, especially if you say “please” and ‘thank you” in your prompt. 
Which leads to the final point of this discussion: make sure you prompt AI properly. One common mistake is to accept the output AI gives without looking at it critically. Here are a few  tips for creating prompts.

* Start with a simple request that describes the task you want done.

* Give clear directions. Describe the desired output you want, including format, structure, audience and any specific details you want included.

* Evaluate the output. Review the information from AI, check for quality and accuracy. Then provide feedback if something in the output seems off.

* Restate your request. Add on to your initial request with additional details to get the output you’re looking for.

* Double check the revised output. Always edit and fact check against reliable sources.

AI is here to stay. Rest assured it will not replace writers, editors and journalists. It’s up to us to make peace with this new technology and learn how to make it work for us. 

Dealing with Internal Distractions (or How to Get Out of Your Own Head)

~ The Regal Writer ~ Leave a comment
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One of the most frustrating aspects of writing is dealing with distractions. You could be making steady progress on your current work-in-progress, only to be derailed by interruptions and negative thought patterns. But to be successful, or at least to successfully complete that beloved work-in-progress, you need to figure out a way to conquer those distractions.

There are two types of distractions: external and internal. External sources of distraction occur outside your work space. It could be extraneous noise, like ambulance sirens blaring in your neighborhood, the sound of drilling as construction work is being done outside your window, or a group of children playing. There could also be external interruptions closer to home–the frequent ringing of your phone, the sudden desire to do housework or the constant temptation to check your social media for updates.

For the purpose of this post, I’m focusing on internal distractions–the ones that claim valuable headspace. Those thoughts are often counterproductive, derailing you from your best creative efforts. There are five internal distractions that I’ve come across in my writing practice, and I’ve given each of them a name. You’ve probably met them at some point too. 

For each “character,” I’ll briefly describe how each one interferes with your writing practice and what you can do to limit its impact.

Negative Nellie
Nellie is a chatterbox who won’t stop talking about what a horrible writer you are. Her negative self-talk grates on your nerves and drains your self-confidence. If you keep listening to her, her words will sink in and you’ll begin to believe all the negative comments she makes. Negative Nellie is adept at pointing out all your faults and suggesting how you will never measure up.  Negative Nellie’s main purpose is to slow you down enough to make you rethink your career as a writer.

To offset Nellie’s negativity, you have to remain positive. To turn those negative thoughts into positive action, try repeating some affirmations. Here are a few examples, or you can create your own:

* I’m a talented and creative writer who works hard to develop my craft.
* I write every day with passion, enthusiasm, and determination.
* I experience joy whenever I write.

Debbie Doubter
Debbie is Nellie’s close cousin. They’re very similar in mindset, though Debbie isn’t as relentless in her derailing efforts as Nellie. Still, her words can hurt you by prompting you to question yourself. “What made me think I could become a writer?” or “No one will ever want to read what I’ve written.” Once you begin to doubt yourself, you lose faith in your writing, and you lose heart. If enough doubts set in, you might give up on writing altogether.

What you need at times like this is more confidence. One way to gain that confidence–and keep the self-doubt at bay–is to focus on your small successes. Did you write only 300 words when you were aiming for 1000? Congratulate yourself on those 300 words. Did you finally finish that chapter you’ve been slaving over for the past week? Great! That’s one more milestone you’ve reached. When you celebrate each small success, confidence builds over time.

Wendy the Worrier
Wendy wastes much of her time worrying about things that will likely never happen. That’s because her thoughts are geared toward the future instead of being focused on the present. “But what will you do if you fail?” she might ask. “What about your regular job? You can’t give that up just to write full time.” 

The solution to all this worry about the future is to stay in the present. The truth is we can’t control what happens in the future, but we can control what we do in the here and now–like writing. We can control what we write and how much we write. But we can’t control how people will respond to our writing. Their emotional responses belong to them. Focus on what’s important now, and the future will take care of itself in its own time.

Unfocused Fiona
Fiona is a distraction magnet. Every little thing bothers her. She can’t concentrate on any of her work because her mind is drawn to so many things, like activities she’d rather be doing on a fine summer day or knowing that her friends are out enjoying dinner while she has to finish the  next chapter. Maybe you had an argument with your spouse, and you’re still feeling upset about that and can’t concentrate. Or maybe you’ve learned a loved one has died. Emotional disruptions can interfere with your productivity too because you’re thinking about those episodes rather than on your current project.

The antidote to Fiona’s lack of concentration is to work in small bursts. Rather than one long writing session of, say three hours, work for twenty minutes, then if you feel up to it, do another twenty minute session later. Those smaller sessions don’t require as much emotional or physical energy. The fact is being under such emotional duress isn’t going to help your writing. If, even these shorter sessions don’t work, then take a break from writing and exercise self-care for your emotional needs. Another option is to work on non-writing tasks that will still give you a sense of accomplishment. Try sketching out a few scenes or sorting through files. 

Critical Chris
I’ve saved Critical Chris for last because she is the most disruptive relative of all, and I think she affects almost every writer. Critical Chris can’t help herself. She’s down on everyone. No matter  how talented another writer is, she’ll find fault with their writing. “It’s too business-like. You’re not writing for corporate executives.”  “There’s too much dialogue.” or “Is this the best you can do? I’ve seen ten-year-olds write better stuff than this.”

Admittedly, it’s hard to shut off the criticism. But it’s imperative to try. For every criticism, reframe it as a positive statement. For example, if Critical Chris complains that there’s too much dialogue, your reframed response might be: “Sure, but the situation calls for it in the story.” Or “it’s only the first draft; I’ll fix it during the revision.”

If any of these characters are frequent visitors in your headspace, acknowledge that they’re there, then find a way to minimize their distraction. Most importantly, keep writing. Writing is a form of therapy. 

Have any of these internal distraction characters interrupted your writing life? How did you handle them?

Don’t Let Doomscrolling Interfere with Your Writing

~ The Regal Writer ~ Leave a comment
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These days, it’s a struggle to stay focused on writing. With so much happening in the world, worry and fear can consume our thoughts about what the future will bring – and how it might impact our writing careers and well-being.

While it’s important to know what’s going on, spending time doomscrolling news feeds not only can halt your writing progress, it can affect your mental health.

If you’ve never heard the term, doomscrolling is the act of spending hours reading news sites and social media news feeds that can be negative and make you feel sad, anxious, angry or upset.

Doomscrolling isn’t productive for several reasons:

  • It’s a waste of time and energy.
  • It takes you away from your writing and other constructive activities that you enjoy.
  • Reading other people’s comments can attract negativity into your mindset
  • With a negative mindset, your emotional state is compromised.  When your mental health suffers, you don’t feel like writing.

    But how do you balance the need to understand what’s happening in the world with the need to remain sane and positive?

Fortunately, there are things you can do instead of doomscrolling to help you maintain balance and equilibrium and to minimize the negativity.

Author Bryn Donovan offers her list of 100 activities to do instead of doomscrolling. Inspired by her list, I’ve created my own. It’s not nearly as extensive (only 25 activities) but they promise similar results – maintaining balance at a time when life seems rocky and unpredictable.

  1. Use writing as an outlet for escape. Try journaling or bury yourself in your latest work in progress.
  2. Commune with nature. Go for a walk, do some stargazing, sit by a river and watch the water flow, listen to the birds chirping, or watch squirrels chase one another.
  3. Listen to music. Ideally something soft and calming that will take the edge of your emotions.
  4. Get some exercise. Lift weights, go running, play golf or do some yoga. Staying active can give you peace of mind.
  5. Watch a movie. Fictional worlds can be easier to deal with.
  6. Dance. Put on some happy music and let your feet move.
  7. Call a friend or family member you haven’t talked to in a while.
  8. Watch sports. Go to a baseball game or watch a match on TV.
  9. Work on a puzzle or play a computer game.
  10. Cuddle or play with your favorite furry friend. They’ll appreciate the love and return it in kind.
  11. Spend an hour at the library or bookstore and browse the shelves.
  12. Spend time in the kitchen. Bake cookies or try out a new recipe.
  13. Read a book. Reading is always a good option to escape the stresses of life.
  14. Draft your next story or poem. Exercise those creative juices.
  15. Do some light housekeeping. Sweep the floors, do laundry or wash dishes.
  16. Take a bath or shower. Wash away those blues.
  17. Start a garden. Grow your own herbs.
  18. Sketch or draw. Or if you’re not artistic, color in an adult coloring book.
  19. Work on a crossword puzzle.
  20. Read the dictionary or thesaurus. Yeah, I know it sounds strange, but imagine how you can grow your vocabulary.
  21. Plan your next vacation. Check out different places you’d like to visit, then make plans to see them in person.
  22. Sign up for an online course. You’d be surprised how many low-cost or free courses are available through Udemy or Coursera.
  23. Read about writing. With so many writing blogs, your choices are endless.
  24. Update your music playlists. Add some new music or create a playlist with songs that make you feel good.
  25. Create something beautiful. Indulge in a craft of some sort, like make a floral arrangement, design a spring-themed wreath, make your own scented candle. Bringing beauty into the world, no matter how imperfect, can make you feel better.

    The next time you’re tempted to indulge in doomscrolling on social media, take a step back. Consider doing something constructive instead. Your writing life and mental well-being will thank you.  

Tips for Creating a Flexible Writing Routine

~ The Regal Writer ~ Leave a comment
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We’ve all heard that well-worn piece of advice to write every day.  This is certainly ideal if you’re starting a writing practice. It doesn’t take into account work schedules, domestic responsibilities and health.

The reality is, sometimes health issues like ADHD, autism, auto-immune disease, even cancer, can wreak havoc on our energy levels, which can affect our productivity. In those situations, it may not be possible to write every day, like the experts suggest. It might feel like you’ll never finish your manuscript.  That you will always have to choose between your personal life and your writing life.

Believe it or not, it doesn’t have to be that way. Yes, you can be a writer, and you don’t have to force yourself to write every single day to get there. The key is creating a routine that fits your needs and obligations. You create a process that is flexible so you don’t have to feel guilty if something comes up and you have to skip a day or two of writing.

During a writing summit recently, Amy James, author of A Five-Letter Word for Love, suggested that before starting a writing practice, writers should ask themselves a series of questions about their writing needs. This initial assessment can help you determine how you handle disruptions, noise, social media, and technology. This is especially critical if you have ADHD or other health issues that can interfere with your energy levels and productivity. Once you understand your preferences, you can create a process that is flexible and more in tuned to your personal needs.

Self-assessment questions:

1. When do you feel most productive and creative? Many writers I know love writing first thing in the morning. Others feel more productive in the evening before bedtime. Is there a time when creative inspiration strikes more easily than others?

2. Do you need the Internet shut off in order to write? Are you too tempted by the internet that it interferes with your ability to write? It may be helpful to turn off access to all online platforms while you write. Even better, try handwriting your story in long hand. I use that approach often for my fiction writing, and it helps me to stay focused on the project in front of me.

3. Do you need to avoid social media before you write?  Social media can be emotionally draining and can easily upset our creative process. It might be wise to avoid browsing your social media until after you’ve finished your writing.

4. Do you need to keep your phone in another room or turn it off? Our phones can be useful when we need them. But do you really need it when you write? If you feel it’s too much of a distraction—or worse, a temptation—try turning it off or leave it in another room with the door closed. Trust me, your messages will still be there when you finish you’re working on your creative project.

5. Do you prefer working in a quiet setting, or can you work with some noise or music in the background? Many writers I know need it completely quiet so they can hear themselves think. I’m amazed at the people who can sit and write in a coffee shop with so much activity and conversations nearby. How do they concentrate? I need quiet so I can hear the dialogue of my characters. If you’re having difficulty concentrating, try working in a quiet setting and see if that makes you feel calmer and gives you a clearer head.

6. Are you a discovery writer or do you need to know how the ending will be? Some writers can’t begin to write until they’ve plotted out every scene and chapter through to the end. Others can sketch the first few scenes before digging in to their story. Knowing what kind of writer you are can determine what kind of process you’ll need.  

7. Do you need a writing goal to get you motivated? It could be a word count of, say 500 words per session. It could be a time limit, like a half hour. It can also be an internal goal too, such as that moment when you simply run out of energy.

8. Do you need a break from writing? Perhaps it’s been difficult to return to a routine because you’re overworked already and need a break. Sometimes we stop being in love with our story because we’ve been working on it for too long. Stepping away from it for a few days or weeks can help restore your mental and physical energy and give you a fresh perspective. When you’re ready to get back to work, start slow. Start by rereading what you’ve written and do some light editing to restore your motivation.

9. Can you be patient with yourself during the writing process? And can you be patient with the process itself? Writing a novel or memoir is like running a marathon. It takes time to train yourself and get yourself in proper physical and mental shape. Then it takes time to run the race. Our growth as writers doesn’t happen overnight. If you can be patient with yourself, then you know you can count on yourself to be consistent with your writing practice, even if you’re not writing every day.  

10. Do you need to change your writing process depending on the type of story you’re writing? Only you can answer that since you know your story best. The beauty of having a flexible writing practice is that you’re not locked into it. You can change it as your needs change—and as your story changes.

Writing every day isn’t going to work for everyone. Creating a flexible routine can help you take advantage of those times when you have the most energy and focus, so you feel more productive.

List Making Can Make a Writer’s Life Easier

~ The Regal Writer ~ Leave a comment
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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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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?

How Much Patience Do You Need to Be a Writer?

~ The Regal Writer ~ Leave a comment

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The longer I work at this thing called writing, the more I realize how much patience it requires. When I’m forced to wait for something else to happen, I realize I’m not nearly as patient as I think I am.

While the physical act of putting the pen to paper can make you feel productive, there are times when you have to take a step back, whether of your own volition or because of circumstances. That’s when you feel at your most unproductive. Maybe you need to let a story idea simmer on the mental back burner. Or you need to let a story idea breathe a bit so it has time to sprout into something worth writing. On the business end, sometimes you need to wait for sources to return messages or that critical invoice to be paid.

So how does writing test your patience?

When the story idea is there, but you can’t work on it right away.
You have a brilliant idea and you’re eager to start writing, but you can’t because you have to finish up your current work-in-progress. Or you have work assignments or school projects that require your time and attention. As anxious as you might feel about starting a new project, you have to wait until you finish other obligations first.  

When you get an idea for a story, but it needs time to develop.
You need time to figure out the conflict, character motivations, plot twists, and whether it ends happily or mysteriously. Your patience is needed to allow the idea to gestate into a more visible form before you begin writing.

When you finish your first draft.
Experts recommend that you allow several weeks to pass before you begin the editing or rewriting your draft. That time away from your work in progress allows the story to settle a bit. When you begin reading what you’ve written, you can see the story with a fresh eye and make the changes necessary to make it publishable. That in-between time, whether that’s one month or six months, is another test of your patience.

When your work is being read by beta readers.
There’s lag time while beta readers review your manuscript. So you play a waiting game, wondering if they will like your work.

Freelancers face other lessons in patience.

When there’s downtime between assignments.
Especially if you write for bi-monthly and quarterly publications, there’s often a longer lead time between assignments. You have to find a way to fill that time. It can be a test of patience, not knowing when the next assignment will come or if it will come at all.

When you must wait for people to respond to your messages.
You may have to wait for sources to return phone calls or emails so you can set up interviews or get answers to your questions. Sometimes you can wait several weeks if the person you’re trying to speak with is traveling out of the country. Zoom calls may be out of the question. It’s hard to be patient when you’ve got a deadline looming and your assignment isn’t finished because you’re still trying to reach a source.

When you need an editor’s review before you can proceed to the next step.
Once you submit the article to the editor, there’s more waiting. You have to wait for the editor’s review and approval. They may have to submit it to another person for review, so you have to wait for them as well. This phase can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. With more waiting, more patience is needed.

When you’re waiting to be paid.
The worst scenario requiring patience is waiting to be paid. Some clients can take an inordinate amount of time to pay you. I usually require 30 to 45 days for invoices, but because of the quarterly publishing dates, it has been known to take longer. Editors have their own internal protocol to follow, such as not submitting invoices from freelancers until the publication goes into production. When you’ve got bills piling up, though, that extra time to wait for payments from clients can be nerve-racking. An email or phone call to follow up may be necessary; but so is patience.

It does no good to sit at home twiddling your thumbs, however. There are things you can do to pass the time. In the meantime, you can:

* Work on individual scenes for your story idea that are clearer to you or that are more fully fledged out.
* Catch up on errands and chores that have piled up
* Catch up on reading and research in preparation for your work in progress
* Catch up on sleep, since sleep is so important to your creativity
* Make pitches to other editors to keep work assignments flowing toward you.
* Experiment with other types of writing. It’ll keep your writing fresh.

Who knew that having a writing career would require as much patience as it does?

Tips for Spring Cleaning Your Writing Practice

~ The Regal Writer ~ Leave a comment
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The calendar may read April but the weather outside my window says winter. Nonetheless, at this time of year, my thoughts often turn to spring cleaning. I notice the layers of dust everywhere (my place is a dust magnet), the piles of papers, the books scattered about, the dust bunnies and cob webs, reminding me it’s time for a deep cleaning. Needless to say, housekeeping has never been my strong point. So while I recognize that spring cleaning is a common rite of spring, it’s also one I dread.

Beyond the housework though, there are other areas that may need spring cleaning, such as my writing practice. Like many writers, I can get lost in my own head to the point I forget about my writing environment. It’s easy to get so caught up in everyday work that I forget that my writing practice might need some sprucing up too.

There are numerous half-finished projects sitting in my file drawers and notes from completed freelance assignments. Not to mention the backlog of emails and texts that have piled up in my archives, and the miscellaneous notes and newspaper clippings I’ve collected over the years, believing that they might come in handy for an essay I hoped to write one day.

Spring cleaning is a tough task, but a necessary one if you want to feel more productive. The good news is you don’t have to do the spring cleaning all at one sitting. Take an hour a day over the course of a week or two, and you’ll get through each one. By the end, you’ll likely feel lighter and freer than before. By clearing away the deadwood and clutter of unfinished manuscripts and story ideas, you can make room for fresh, new ones.

Here’s my to-do list for spring cleaning a writing routine. You may have a few different tasks than what I’ve listed below.

1. Review and reassess story notes. This is a biggie, which is why I’ve listed it first. This can also take the longest time because it can be tempting to lose yourself in story lines from the past, just like going through old photos can bring up memories.

If you’re like me, you’ve created a notebook of miscellaneous notes for each story idea, which means I may have ten or twelve notebooks sitting on my shelf, taking up valuable space and collecting dust. There’s no guarantee that I will ever get around to writing these stories. It may be time to unload some of those stories, especially the ones that are too vague. If you’re reluctant to let go of the idea, but want to lose the notebook, I suggest making a spreadsheet for each story idea. A spreadsheet will help you organize your ideas and streamline your writing activities, while making room on your shelf.

If you use notebooks to handwrite drafts of your stories, and you’ve already typed the up, it’s time to lose the notebooks. Dump them since you likely won’t review them anymore.

2. Go through old emails and text messages. If you have long chains of emails and text messages unrelated to one another that go back several years, take time to delete them.  They’re taking up valuable space on your computer and phone. But you might ask, “What if I need to go back to them later for some reason?” If you haven’t gone back to them by now, then you probably won’t need to in the future. Besides, it feels cleaner to get rid of them. Remember to clear out the messages you’ve sent too, not just the ones you’ve received. Those sent messages can pile up in a hurry.

3. Reassess your social media. When was the last time you assessed your social media needs? How often do you use them, and for what purpose? If you use Twitter to learn about freelance assignments, by all means, keep it. But if you’re never on that platform, or worse, you spend countless hours on it when you could be writing, then it might be time to let it go.

4. Reassess your writing tools and equipment. Do you still use a desktop computer from ten years ago? It might work fine for you now, but like anything that ages, it’s likely slower with time. Which doesn’t help your writing practice. It’s time to find another home for that desktop if it’s still in good, working condition and upgrade to a newer, faster version or transfer to a more portable laptop. Ditto with printers. Today’s versions can spew out more pages in a shorter period of time. If you do decide to upgrade, think about what your writing needs maybe in the future as well as today.  

5. Reevaluate your book collection. Do you have books about writing or freelancing still sitting on the shelf that you read a long time ago, or worse, not at all? Then it’s time to go through them to decide if they should go or stay. If you haven’t read a book and it’s been sitting on your shelf for three years, it may be time to donate it to someone who might appreciate it.

6. Spruce up your writing environment. Does your designated writing space still inspire you? Or do you avoid working there because you’re not comfortable there? Think about the chair you use, the desk, the lighting. If any of these items aren’t helping you feel more productive, It might be time to replace them.

Try to keep your space clean at all times. There’s nothing more uninspiring to a writer than a cluttered work environment. Add an inspirational poster on the wall and a live plant to be close to nature. Little things can inspire you to write every day.

7. Review your calendar. Are you so busy with non-essential activities that you can’t find time to write? If you feel overcommitted, it’s time to reconsider your priorities. If writing is important to you, you need to make room for it in your life. Don’t be afraid to say no to invitations and obligations if they will interfere with your writing practice.

Conversely, is your calendar fairly empty? Not having many outside interests can be as damaging to your writing practice as having too many. Work-life balance means different things to different people. You’ll need to assess what balance means to you and how you will achieve it.

There’s a lot more to spring cleaning your writing practice than just dusting off your shelves. Imagine how good it will feel when you’ve cleared the clutter from your writing life.

What tips do you have for spring cleaning your writing practice?

Nine Habits of Highly Productive Writers

~ The Regal Writer ~ 1 Comment
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“You can’t edit a blank page.” Unknown

Whether you’re a veteran writer who’s been published previously or an aspiring novelist, it helps to develop good habits that can make you more productive. Here are some of the things that have helped me in my writing practice.

1. Read a lot. To be a good writer, you need to read – and read a lot. Further, reading deeply and across different genres – both fiction and non-fiction – can broaden your mind. When you expose yourself to different authors and writing styles, you naturally absorb their techniques into your own.

2. Write a lot. This is a no-brainer. The more you write, the better you become, just like practicing a musical instrument or rehearsing lines for a play. It’s all about practice, practice, practice. Over time, as you write, you not only are able to express your thoughts clearly, but you’re able to writer faster in less time. The hard part for many novice writers is getting started. But really, all you need is 10 minutes a day. No matter how busy you may be, it shouldn’t be difficult to find 10 minutes to start your writing practice. Start small and build up your writing routine by adding another 10 minutes every day. Before you know it, you are writing – a lot.

3. Don’t wait for inspiration. Many novice writers believe they can’t begin writing until they feel inspired. But if you wait for inspiration, you will be waiting forever to begin your writing practice. Start writing first, then inspiration will come to you. It was only after I took a few writing classes and wrote in my journal that I began to find inspiration for several novels.

“But what if I have nothing to write about?” you ask. Then start by writing about the fact that you can’t find anything to write about. Or use a writing prompt to brainstorm story ideas. You can find numerous resources on the internet for writing prompts, including Writer’s Digest and DIYMFA. Remember that inspiration comes when you begin writing. So start writing, and write a little every day. The more you write, the more easily inspiration will find you.  

“Don’t think and then write it down. Think on paper.” Harry Kemelman

4. Study the craft. Keep up with your knowledge. Take classes, webinars and workshops to build your skills. Read blogs and magazine articles about your craft. Talk to other writers and learn what works for them. Learning about the art and craft of writing is a never ending process and it’s constantly changing. So keep writing and studying.

5. Persevere when things don’t go right. Nobody is perfect, and certainly, no author’s writing is perfect at the first, second or even the third drafts. Keep at your writing and it will all come together eventually. Remember, that rejection is a normal part of the process too. See it as an opportunity to improve your writing. There will always be rough patches where you don’t feel like writing, where too many rejections get you down, and criticism can drain your enthusiasm. Keep persevering. Nothing ever gets accomplished if you decide to give up.

6. Be open and curious. Many writers I know are naturally curious and love to do research. How many times have I reached for my smart phone to look up something on the internet when I came across a topic that caught my fancy? Curiosity is nearly synonymous with creativity. Writers look at the world with wonder in their eyes, and they’re willing to ask the questions that everyone else is afraid to verbalize. Think of the five Ws – who, what, when, where and why. And don’t forget the H – how.

7. Meet your deadlines. No matter how busy you are, don’t ever let your deadlines slide. Meeting your deadlines shows you are serious about your work and that you’re reliable and professional. Editors will know they can count on you to fulfill your obligations, which means they’ll be more likely to come to you for future assignments.

8. Keep your work space clean. A clean work space is a sign of an uncluttered mind. Make sure everything is in its proper place. and off your desk space. When your space and mind are clear of junk thoughts and papers, it gives your brain free reign to produce quality work. Personally, with a clean work space, I find it easier to maneuver throughout the day and to find things that I’m looking for.

9. Have fun. Writing is supposed to be fun, so relax and enjoy the writing process. Seeing your stories come to life on the page is one of the most satisfying experiences you may ever have. If it stops being fun, then it might be time to find something else to do.

To be a productive writer, it’s necessary to establish your own ground rules. Form good habits from the start, and you can enjoy a satisfying writing practice, whether you get published or not.

What about you? Do you have any habits that make you more productive with your writing?

Don’t forget to check out my weekly writing prompt. See the website for this week’s prompt.

Need Motivation for Your Writing Practice? Find a Writing Buddy

~ The Regal Writer ~ Leave a comment
Photo by Lisa Fotios on Pexels.com

Don’t forget to check out this week’s writing prompt.

Last week I wrote about participating in a writer’s group to help you get past writing blocks and keep you on track toward your goals. But writer’s groups aren’t for everyone. Sometimes you don’t want to share your work with a group of people, but instead, only one other person. That’s where a writing buddy comes into the picture.

A writing buddy is just as it sounds – a person to share in the journey with you. You may have different writing goals (publish short stories vs. polish off that novel that’s been hiding in a desk drawer), write different genres (women’s literature vs. romance), live in different parts of the country (the West Coast vs. the Midwest) and live different lifestyles (one married and one single, for example). While you may have different writing experiences, one thing you do share is a love of writing.

The concept of the buddy system is borrowed from the fitness world where two people might engage in a weight loss plan together. They may arrive with different fitness goals and use different approaches to reach those goals, but neither wants to go through the journey alone. It helps to have a buddy to experience the ups and downs of the process, and to challenge and motivate one another along the way.

Writing buddies can provide the same kind of support. They’re there to inspire and motivate you when your interest lags. They make you accountable for your progress. You know you have someone who supports your efforts, encourage you every step of the way. Writing buddies can also exchange ideas and knowledge about crafting stories. They can also serve as a beta reader for your current work-in-progress, and be your initial reviewer, editor and proofreader.

However, writing buddies are not collaborators; they’re not there to work with you on the same project. Rather, a writing buddy has their own project that they are working on, separate from yours. They are also not a mentor or coach, who provides encouragement and support, but don’t receive any support from you in return. They’re not a boss either, who might teach you a few things about the craft, but may not be working on any project at all.

For a better idea who makes a good writing buddy, check out this article from Writing-World.com. Carol Sjostrom Miller writes that over a six-month period of working with a writing buddy, she wrote more, submitted more stories for publication and sold more than she had before finding her buddy. If you’re a new writer or want to ramp up your writing production, having a writing buddy might be the solution you’re looking for.

So how do you find someone that wants to be your writing buddy, and where do you find them? For starters, it should probably be someone you already know, not a total stranger. It could be someone you’ve met at a writing workshop, at a conference or a former member of a writer’s group that’s looking for a similar arrangement.

When you already know someone, you don’t have to go through that uncomfortable “let’s get to know one another better” phase. Since you’ve already bypassed that phase, you can focus on assessing your writing goals and what you want from your writing buddy.

If you think a writing buddy is right for you, here are a few characteristics you might want them to have – and what you should be willing to share in return.    

1. They must love to write as much as you love to write. This is obvious. The key is “as much as you love to write.” Are you both at the same level of writing? Are you each writing every day, or are you each struggling to make your daily word count goals? If you already have someone in mind for this important role, assess where you both are in your writing practice. Knowing where you each are on the journey and where you want to go will make it easier to work on equitable terms.

2. They’re non-competitive and non-judgmental – and so are you. Check your egos at the door. Writing buddies are neither collaborative nor competitors. They’re not there to judge you harshly or tell you how silly you are to write for young adults. They’re supportive and helpful, like the volunteers who pass out cups of water on the marathon race route or cheer you on at the finish line.

3. They bring an alternate perspective to your writing, and vice versa. Because you may both have different writing backgrounds, you’ll provide alternate perspectives that the other party may not have considered. Having that different perspective means you can share practical and meaningful insights that will help you each grow as writers.

4. You learn as much from their writing process and they do from you. Because you’re each on your own writing journey and working toward individual goals, you each have something to learn from and share with the other person. Perhaps you’ve discovered a more efficient way to edit a first draft that can help your writing buddy, or they have heard of a new online magazine that publishes your genre of short story. There’s an easy give-and-take in the relationship.

5. You both provide helpful, insightful and constructive feedback. Feedback is important to help you improve, so both you and your writing buddy should know how to provide meaningful feedback, not just be a cheerleader. Criticism can be hard to take, but it’s necessary to grow as a writer. Be constructive with criticism and communicate clearly and with sensitivity. There is a way to provide helpful advice without destroying their ego.

6. You both practice positivity. It’s easy to lose faith in your project and your talent over the long haul, so it’s important to team up with a buddy who can stay focused and optimistic to help you out of the doldrums. Likewise, your own positivity should motivate your buddy to stay the course.

7. You celebrate each other’s successes. When you’ve reached milestones, gotten over writing humps or finally published that story you’ve slaved over for months, a writing buddy can share in your joy. Be sure to share in theirs, writes Barbara Beckwith at the National Writers Union.

Writing buddies aren’t a perfect solution, and some buddy relationships may go through rough spells or end altogether. Yet others can last longer than some marriages. But for greater motivation and productivity, a writing buddy may make your writing journey more worthwhile.

Five Signs That You’re Ready to Join a Writer’s Group

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This week’s writing prompt: What date on the 2021 calendar do you have circled? Is there a special event that you are looking forward to this year? Why is this date circled?

Writing is often a solo journey, but sometimes you need to pick up a few passengers along the way. You may be at a point where you need to hear different perspectives about your work-in-progress or pick up tips from fellow writers. Perhaps you hit a wall and can’t seem to write another word. That’s when you may benefit from joining a writer’s group.

Not every writer needs or wants to join a writer’s group. They can get by with working in isolation before sharing their work with two or three close confidants. Other writers, especially beginning writers or hobbyists, relish the social interaction and feedback that groups provide.  

Wherever you are on the writer’s spectrum, there will come a time when you will want to seek support or feedback for your work. That’s where a writer’s group might be a practical move on your part. Sometimes the insights of other writers can point you in the right direction – or a different one that you had not considered.

Writer’s groups aren’t for everyone, however. There are a few dangers to groups, writes Jennie Nash in this guest post at JaneFriedman.com. You may find that the writers in the group are either more experienced or are all beginners. You will have to decide what level of writers you want to work with. Writers who are struggling with their own writing may not be the best judge of your work.

Other times, members may not know how to give constructive feedback because they either don’t want to offend you or because they simply don’t know what they should be commenting on, Nash adds. In those instances, it might help to express what you want them to look for. Generic feedback may not help you improve your writing. But a more specific request, such as whether the dialogue sounds natural, may be more helpful.

Then there is the decision to join a writer’s group. How do you know you are ready to take the plunge? Here are five signs that you might be ready to join a writer’s group.

1. You’re tired of working in isolation. When you work solo most of the time, it’s necessary to grab some social time to balance your writing schedule. This is especially important during the current pandemic where most of us are working from home. A writer’s group can provide that social outlet. Whether you decide to meet once a week or once a month, you can develop some meaningful friendships while improving your craft.

2. You want feedback on your current work-in-progress. Perhaps you’ve been plugging away on a novel that just doesn’t’ seem to be moving along at the pace you intended. Or your characters seem flat, or you’re unsure where to go next with the plot. Having other writers review and provide feedback on your work can help you figure out what you may doing wrong and what you can do to fix it. Your group members may see things that you don’t. 

3. Your productivity is lagging. You want accountability for your writing practice so you can stay productive and meet your writing goals and deadlines. Since writing is more of a marathon than a sprint, a writer’s group can provide the support you need through the long haul.

4. You’re looking for beta readers to test out story ideas. You’ve come up with one or two story ideas, but you’re uncertain whether there’s enough substance to make them work. A writer’s group can help you assess the story, whether it needs more development or whether to save a scene or two for another plot, or simply to dump the idea altogether. Again, member feedback can give you needed perspective.

5. You’ve exhausted all the traditional modes of learning your craft. Through a writer’s group, members can swap stories of personal experience, learn from one another, and exchange writing resources. It’s another form of education beyond classes and workshops.

Before signing up for a writer’s group, however, you need to assess your own writing needs. According to Brooke McIntyre in this guest post at Jane Friedman’s blog, there are several questions you need to ask yourself.

* What is your writing experience? Are you a beginner or are you more experienced. Joining a group of beginners may test the patience of a more experienced writer.

* Do you have a completed manuscript to share now? Or are you more interested in a group that will motivated you through the finish?

* Do you have a consistent practice currently? Or are you looking for motivation to start a consistent practice?

* Where do you want to go with your writing? What can a writer’s group do for you now to help you get there? What do you want from it?

* What other ways are you developing your writing progress? Have you attended workshops and classes? Have you read books, blogs and magazine articles to learn about writing? If you’ve exhausted all these avenues, then a writer’s group might be the next step.

Once you understand where you are in your writing practice, where you want to go and how to get there, you can decide if you’re truly ready to join a writer’s group.