Tag: Writing practice

Demystifying Common Writing Advice

~ The Regal Writer ~ Leave a comment
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I recently came across several discussion threads on Reddit where participants shared the worst and best writing advice they’ve received. 

In most cases, they felt the advice didn’t quite fit their skill level or genre. Others felt the advice was unrealistic. “How am I supposed to write every day when I have a full-time job, a family and other obligations?” was a common concern.  In a few instances the advice was deemed inappropriate and downright wrong, like the former college professor who advised students to include more violence in dark fantasies because “that’s what readers expect.” 

One thing to keep in mind: advice is just that–advice. Not rules which can feel more permanent and harder to shake (yet in the discussion threads the two terms were used interchangeably.) Advice is meant to be helpful; they’re recommendations or guidelines for improving our craft. We don’t have to accept any writing advice if it doesn’t work for us. 

All the same, some words of advice can be confusing. So for the purpose of this post, I’ll try to clarify a few of the most common ones.  

Advice #1: Write every day. It’s understandable that writing every day is unrealistic due to work schedules, school, family obligations, etc. This advice is usually given to new writers to encourage them to establish a consistent routine of writing every day. Even 15 minutes can make a difference. When you make time to write every day, you create momentum, you establish a consistent practice, and your craft improves exponentially. While many writers wish they had more time in their schedules for writing, the reality is, “more hours to write doesn’t guarantee they’ll be productive ones,” writes author Polly Campbell in the current issue of Writer’s Digest. “Writers who finish books and publish regularly aren’t the ones with more time to write–they’re the ones with a system that helps them write during the time they have.” 

So sit down with your schedule, find pockets of time, even if it’s only 15 minutes. Then develop a system for writing every day.

Advice #2: Write what you know. Writing requires two types of knowledge: personal experience and external supplemental knowledge. The “write what you know” part refers to personal experience, events that you’ve lived through that you can tap into while writing your story.

External knowledge represents the things you don’t know or perhaps isn’t commonly known. If you’re writing a crime novel, for example, you might need to understand how a police detective solves a crime. If your character works in a library or hair salon and you don’t know anything about either profession, it’s helpful to your story to find out about those professions.

So, yes, it’s important to write what you know, but there will be times when you need to find out what you don’t know.

Advice #3: Join a critique group. Some writers swear by getting involved in critique groups and have successfully honed their craft from their feedback. Others have gotten so bogged down by feedback that they never seem to progress toward the end of their piece. Critique groups can slow a writer down because the writer feels compelled to implement every piece of advice – whether that advice is suitable or not. Only you know if a critique group is right for you. If the group option doesn’t appeal to you, try working with a single critique partner or two. The important element is trust. No matter if you join a group or work with a single partner, you benefit from having your work seen by people you know and trust. 

Advice #4: You need a detailed outline before you start writing. The thought of using a detailed outline fills pantsers like myself with dread. A detailed outline is not for everyone and, in fact, can be limiting to the creative process. On the other hand, working with no outline can be problematic too because you may end up producing extraneous material that needs to be cut later. Most writers, I believe, fall somewhere in between. They might do a rough outline up front that is flexible enough to allow for new characters and plot points to show up during the initial draft. Or they will draft first, then create their outline afterwards before revising. Either way, it’s important to have some semblance of outlining to understand the structure of your story.

Advice 5: Don’t include a prologue. In my opinion, most novels don’t require a prologue. They tend to be dumping grounds for backstory and setting that’s not necessarily important or interesting. However, there are some situations and genres in which prologues can be helpful, or even expected. Many thrillers, mysteries and science fiction stories, for example, include prologues, usually written from a different character’s perspective or focused on an earlier time period. For most other fiction, prologues aren’t necessary and may only drag the story down. 

Advice #6: Write only when you’re inspired. Any writer will tell you that waiting for inspiration to strike before writing is a terrible waste of time because you’ll likely be waiting a long time. You have to prime the pump, so to speak. The best writers start writing even when they don’t feel like it or have anything meaningful to write about. There have been plenty of times when I didn’t feel inspired to write or my heart wasn’t in it. When I forced myself to sit and write, the words might come out wrong – at first – but eventually, the faucet turned on and the words started flowing. You almost have to show the universe that you are serious about writing before the creative muses show up for you. So even if you don’t feel inspired, start writing anyway.

Advice #7: Leave all editing until the end of the first draft. I’m inclined to agree with this advice. I prefer to finish the first draft before editing, and usually only after I’ve let the manuscript cool off for a few months. Then when I’m ready to review it, I’m able to see it with fresh eyes. Like everything else, there are exceptions. Some writers can’t progress through their first draft until they’ve edited the sections they wrote the previous day. One writer I know drafts the first five chapters, then goes back and edits them before continuing with the drafting process. As with anything else, you need to experiment to see which process works best for you.

Hope these insights help clear up any confusion about writing advice. As writers, we’re all trying to figure out this writing craft together. Take whatever advice you hear with a grain of salt, then find what works best for you.

This weeks writing prompt:
Imagine yourself hiking in the woods, either by yourself or with a friend or two. It’s getting dark out and it’s beginning to snow/rain. You realize you are lost. How do you find your way out of the woods?

Eight Ways to Reconnect with Your Writing

~ The Regal Writer ~ Leave a comment
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As much as I loved the holidays, I’m glad they’re over because I’m ready to get back to the business of writing. I haven’t looked at my current work-in-progress or completed any meaningful projects since October, and I have felt disinterested in any form of writing.

Now that 2026 is here, I’m ready for a fresh start but at the same time, I dread tackling the massive revision I’ve been putting off the past few months. Since then, I have felt disconnected with my writer self. Between the holidays, illness and a sore foot, I’ve had little interest in writing, not even a short story or essay. My only consolation is that several other writers I know have expressed similar experiences.

What does that disconnection look like? For me, it was staring at blank pages and having a calendar with no interviews scheduled. It also was a series of avoidance tactics and excuses for not writing. Anything to get out of my commitment to write or work on my novel. Everything felt like an effort. Disconnection affected my physical body too, such as brain fog and a general emptiness inside.

The good news is that there are numerous ways to climb out of this lull in writing activity and reconnect with your writer self. All it really takes is 15 minutes a day and a little ingenuity. Below are some of the tactics I’ve used to reconnect with my writing and jump back into a creative mindset.

1. Start your day with a warm-up writing exercise or brainstorming session. On a blank sheet of paper and pen (or your computer screen if you prefer) jot down whatever topics come to mind. It could be a bullet list of story ideas, a description of something you see out your window, or a description of the last thing you ate. You could write about your pet, your best friend, your spouse or your boss. Maybe write a quickie review of the last movie you watched or the last book you read. You don’t even have to keep what you write. The point of the exercise is to simply put words down on the page, so your creative juices start flowing again.

2. Write in your journal. If you already write in a journal, congratulations. If not, a journal can serve as a useful starting point to get back into a writing routine. While the exercise above is more about taking stock of your surroundings, the journal is meant to help you explore your internal landscape–your thoughts and feelings. Again, start writing for 15 minutes and see where it takes you.

3. Take a walk in nature. One of my writer friends swears by this technique. Whenever she feels stuck when writing a scene, she walks in nature, usually with her dog. By the end of an hour or so, her mind has cleared and she’s resolved her writing problem. The next time you feel stuck in your writing or need to reconnect with your writer self, go for a walk. Then when you feel refreshed, sit down at your desk and start writing, even all you write about is what you saw on your walk.

4. Use a writing prompt. If you’re still staring at a blank page, try using a writing prompt to get the words flowing. One common prompt is “I remember…” Fill in the blank with any number of situations you remember from your life. Other possibilities include: “What if…” and “I believe…”  There are plenty of other sources for writing prompts you can find online, such as Reedsy and Writers Digest.

5. Re-read something you wrote and published previously. It will remind you of the success you’ve had in the past. Would you do anything differently? Perhaps rewrite paragraphs differently, or give it a different ending? By re-reading something you wrote, you might feel encouraged to try something new.

6. Find a writing buddy or join a group write-in. As writers, we tend to spend a lot of time alone in our own imaginations. But spending time around other like-minded souls can motivate you to write again. You can bounce ideas off each other, swap writing tips and review each other’s work. Besides, it’s comforting to know that you’re not alone, and that can be enough motivation to keep writing. Group write-ins are similar but in a group setting, like a library or classroom. Everyone is writing. There is a feeling of community when you’re all working alone, but together (if that makes any sense).

7. Skim through a book (or two) about writing. One way to reconnect with writing is to read about writing technique. Learning something new can inspire you to experiment with it in your own writing.

8. Sign up for a workshop or webinar. Much like reading about writing, taking a workshop or webinar can inspire you to try out a new technique, or to look at your own work with a fresh perspective. Or check out some videos on YouTube to get into the spirit of creative writing again.

No matter which strategy you try, remember to start slow and ease into your writing routine, one day at a time. You don’t need to spend hours either. Sometimes all it takes is 15 minutes. Before you know it, you’ll be reconnected with your writer self in no time.

Use These Prompts to Kickstart Your Autumn Writing Practice

~ The Regal Writer ~ Leave a comment

There’s a hint of autumn in the air (at least where I live). Once Labor Day passes, I’m ready for pumpkin spice and apple cider, fall foliage, and making soups and stews.

It’s also an opportune time to reconnect with your writing routine especially if the long, hot, humid summer zapped your creative juices. If you’re looking for a chance to start up your writing routine or need some fresh story ideas for fall, I’ve put together a list of 40 prompts that can kickstart your imagination, including a few for Halloween and Thanksgiving. Feel free to embellish or tweak to fit your genre, whether that’s romance, fantasy or narrative nonfiction.

Hope these ideas inspire you to have a little fun with your writing this autumn season.

Just a reminder too that you can find writing prompts on my website, which are updated every couple of weeks.

Autumn-Themed Prompts:

1. An event that takes place in an apple orchard or pumpkin patch.

2. A child/children follow a black cat to some unknown destination.

3. A pumpkin carving contest with a surprise twist.

4. Someone gets lost in a corn maze.

5. An event or mishap takes place during a football game.

6. Grade-school students get a surprise visit from a famous person.

7. A group of people plan the annual fall festival.

8. A farmer and his crew bring in the fall harvest.

9. A character discovers or invents a new autumn-themed beverage.

10. A battle of the marching bands reaches a crescendo during a half-time show.

11. A football player pops the question to his girlfriend on the field.

12. A group of alumni celebrate their university’s Homecoming weekend in an unusual way.

13. A couple marries during a fall-themed wedding.

14. Something surprising and unexpected happens during a tailgating party.

15. A newlywed couple in their new home makes their first attempt at fall housekeeping, including cleaning the garage or attic and clearing out the gutters.

16. A story featuring caramel apples or apple cider donuts or some other apple treat.

17. Someone attempts to make soup, stew or chili and mistakenly adds one surprising and unexpected ingredient.

18. A character reminisces about the last day of the weekly farmer’s market.

19. A story that features one of the following: hot cocoa, hot apple cider or pumpkin spiced latte.

20. Someone sees the fall foliage for the first time.

21. A grade school class goes on a fall-themed field trip – farm, petting zoo or cemetery.

22. A broadcaster makes a blooper during a live telecast of a football game.

23. Someone discovers an old cedar chest in the attic, but it’s locked. How do they get it open? What do they find?

24. Someone without baking skills reluctantly joins a baking contest.

25. A college professor finds a mysterious package on their desk.

Halloween and Thanksgiving Themes

26. A young girl meets a friendly ghost in her new home.

27. A PTA meeting or dance takes place at a haunted high school.

28. A character watches a horror film for the first time.

29. A group of friends or a family tell ghost stories around the campfire.

30. A character wakes up one morning and finds a real skeleton in their closet.

31. A scarecrow in a corn field comes to life after dark.

32. Instead of leaves changing bright colors, they turn purple or black. Why did this happen?

33. Two rival families compete for the town’s annual Halloween decorating contest.

34. College students car pool home for Halloween weekend. What happens when their car breaks down or they make a wrong turn?

35. A child wakes up one morning and discovers he/she has magical powers.

36. A character experiences Halloween or Thanksgiving for the first time.

37. Something goes terribly wrong at the Thanksgiving Day parade.

38. An unexpected and unwelcome guest arrives for Thanksgiving dinner.

39. A character is forced to share a ride home for Thanksgiving with someone they don’t like.

40. Children find something unusual inside their Trick or Treat bag of goodies.

Seven Signs That You’re Sabotaging Your Writing Practice

~ The Regal Writer ~ Leave a comment
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Hi readers, I was about to do a story about self-sabotage. Then I realized I already posted about this topic several years ago. Here’s a repost of that article for those of us who struggle with self-sabotage tendencies. Enjoy.

A writing practice is only as successful as your level of commitment to it. The more committed you are to a regular writing practice, the more consistent your output. Makes sense, right?

But what happens when you get oh-so-close to finishing your manuscript, but never seem to get around to finishing it? What happens when you do finish a story, but never seem to get around to submitting it to editors for possible publication? What if, instead of finishing your manuscript, you suddenly find other more pressing things to do, like clean the garage or spend more time with your mother-in-law? Is it really a matter of changing priorities? Or is something else going on?

I’m certainly guilty of these behaviors as I’m sure many other writers are. Psychology experts suggest that these patterns of behavior – procrastination and self-sabotage – are inbred in us. No one is immune to them. Even the most successful published authors have admitted that they have utilized these sabotage tactics.

It’s tempting to blame your tendency for self-sabotage on external factors, such as a demanding family life or a faulty computer. But unfortunately, blaming outside factors is a waste of time and energy. The only thing that is standing in the way of your own success is you. It’s time to get out of your own way.

From my experience, I’ve noted seven signs that you may be sabotaging your writing practice.

1. You stop writing indefinitely. You could be coasting along with your writing practice, meeting your daily writing goals and making steady progress on your story. You feel confident about your accomplishment. But then you stop writing. Why? What went wrong?

Maybe you got a negative review of your latest work that stops you in your tracks. Maybe you look at your life and question whether anyone else would find stories of your childhood interesting. Maybe you’ve read so much about writing that you feel overwhelmed and feel unsure how to begin your next project.

Giving up on your craft is not the answer. Letting your ideas fade into the distant past and collect dust isn’t the answer either. If you stop writing, but you still want to write, you need to figure out why. Give yourself a deadline of, say three days, to regroup and contemplate why you have stopped writing. Maybe it is a need for a mental break. If so, then when you are sufficiently rested, get back to work. The important thing is to keep writing. Ironically, it may be the very act of writing that breaks you out of your malaise.

2. You focus on the negative. You overanalyze your own writing and decide it’s simply not good enough – You’re not good enough. You constantly look for what’s wrong with your technique than with what’s right. All this focus on the negative qualities of your writing can undermine your confidence. Too much analysis can freeze you in place. The next time this happens, have one or two people review your work and give you positive feedback – something to keep you motivated so you keep writing.

3. You take criticism too personally. It can be disheartening to hear negative feedback about a piece you’ve been working on for weeks. Don’t let it paralyze you. Some critique is necessary. See the feedback as an opportunity to improve your writing. Most important, don’t take it personally.

4. You constantly compare your work with others. So what if other writers have more experience than you do or they’ve had more stories published. You need to remember that they started at the beginning at some point. Stop comparing yourself at the beginning of your career to someone else who is further along. That’s like comparing apples to bananas. You will never get ahead that way. If possible, try to stay in your own lane.

In this situation, you might also need to re-evaluate your goals and expectations. Have you set them too high? Are they unrealistic? It may be time for a rethink of your expectations to make them more manageable.

5. You don’t believe you have anything worthwhile to write about. Everyone has stories to share. Just because you think you don’t have anything interesting to write about doesn’t mean you don’t have anything interesting to write about. It’s all perception. When you feel your work is not worth reading, it can be tempting to stop writing. Again, keep writing until you find a story worth telling others. If needed, ask someone to read your work.

Every experience in life counts for something. Every experience is worth writing about. The story is your perception of events as they unfolded and how they impacted your life. Believe that there’s a story everywhere you look. Believe that you do have something worthwhile to share – then start writing about it.

6. You focus too much on the past. We’ve all suffered failures in our lives. We’ve all made mistakes. We’ve all had situations that did not work out. Understandably, we don’t want to repeat those mistakes. Learn from those mistakes, then move on. Just because you made them once before does not mean you will make them again. Stop focusing on the past and stay focused on the present.

7. You focus too much on the future. Perhaps you dream of earning your own byline in a high-profile magazine or you are determined to get your manuscript published. But those goals are meaningless if you haven’t written a single word. It’s easy to get way ahead of ourselves, but just as in point #6 above, it’s imperative to stay in the present moment.

You can’t change the past and you can’t control the future. So you might as well stay in the present and make the most of it – by writing.

Seven Excuses Writers Make to Avoid Calling Themselves a Writer

~ The Regal Writer ~ Leave a comment
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When I first started writing fiction in earnest several years ago, I would call myself an “aspiring writer.” I still occasionally call myself an “aspiring novelist.” Only after hearing a published author suggest dropping the qualifier “aspiring” and simply say “I am a writer” did I feel brave enough to do that. When I did, something funny happened. I felt liberated and empowered, like I had grown wings and could fly whenever I wanted to.

Adding a qualifying term like “aspiring” to your writing title is like riding a bike with training wheels. Those wheels might help you learn to ride the bike, but at some point, you have to take them off and start pedaling.

“Adding ‘aspiring’ may feel small and inconsequential, but it’s not,” writes Lisa Fellinger, author of Write with Confidence: Shatter Self-Limiting Beliefs and Finish Your Book, at the Jane Friedman blog.  “It reinforces the belief that you’re not quite there yet, that you haven’t earned the title. Every time you call yourself an aspiring writer, you’re feeding the imposter syndrome that keeps you stuck.”

It doesn’t matter how much experience you have with writing either. Published authors struggle with this as much as novice writers. For example, at the KillZoneBlog, thriller writer James Scott Bell admits that he struggled to call himself a writer even after he had several published books under his belt. 

So why are so many writers reluctant to call themselves a writer? Fellinger hinted at one reason: imposter syndrome. But I can think of several other possible reasons for this avoidance tactic. 

  1. I haven’t published anything yet.”

    Maybe your current project is a work-in-progress. Never mind that you’ve been working on it for the past five years or longer, and you have nothing published to show for your  hard work. You believe that only published writers are worthy of the title. But the reality is as long as you show up and put in the effort, you’ve already earned the title of writer. So don’t shy away from it.

  2. “I don’t get paid for my writing; it’s volunteer work.”

    Many writers believe that they haven’t truly arrived as a writer until they’ve been paid for their work. Payment legitimizes their writing, and by extension, legitimizes the title of writer. Again, it’s about showing up and making the effort, not the final product or the reward. For many writers, writing is the reward.

  3. “My writing is a hobby, nothing more.”

    Maybe you already have a full-time job that pays the bills, such as accounting, teaching or fixing cars. That’s how you identify yourself. Writing may only be a hobby and you have no desire or expectation of publishing success. Perhaps you write for fun and relaxation. The belief is you can’t truly call yourself a writer if you’re only writing as a hobby. But in life, we wear many hats. Who’s to say that you can’t identify with several personas–a teacher, a mother and a writer? It’s okay to call yourself a writer, even if it is a hobby or side hustle. It’s the effort that matters.

  4. “No one knows I’m writing. This is a secret passion and I haven’t told anyone.”

    If no one knows that you’re writing, then you don’t have to explain yourself to anyone and you don’t have to openly call yourself a writer. Perhaps you believe no one will understand this strange compulsion to write. But the truth is that as long as you’re putting in the work–even in secret–you’re still a writer. What you’re lacking is confidence. If this sounds like you, try this experiment. Stand in front of the mirror and tell yourself, “I am a writer.” Keep saying it until you feel comfortable. Then reach out to your closest friend or family member, someone you know and trust, and speak those words to them too. With repetition and practice, you may eventually believe you are a writer.

  5. “I’m not a very good writer.”

    An inability to call yourself a writer may stem from a belief that your writing isn’t good.  The belief is that only the best writers deserve to be called writers. The truth is that no writer starts out their careers at the top of their game. In fact, many of them aren’t very good at all. But they became successful by working at their craft. Most writers produce really bad first drafts (sometimes even second and third drafts). That doesn’t make them any less of a writer. Through persistent, hard work, their writing improved. So will yours. It’s the effort that counts.

  6. “I’m afraid that once I call myself a writer, I will have to take this writing habit of mine more seriously.”

    Yes, that is likely true. Calling yourself a writer means making a stronger commitment to the writing journey and becoming the best writer you can be. It means doing the things that will improve your craft. Saying “I am a writer” shows confidence in your talents, even if you don’t necessarily feel that way inside. Sometimes you have to fake it to make it. Start calling yourself a writer and see what follows.

  7. “I was told when I was younger that writing is not a suitable, respectable or legitimate career path.”

    Sadly, many writers have heard this criticism. If someone has convinced you that writing  is a waste of time, you’ve got some work to do. Thanks to this brainwashing (because that’s what this is), you’ve avoided calling yourself a writer to prove to critics that you’re toeing the line. Worse, you’ve probably avoided writing at all. But deep down, that urge to write is still strong. I say, write anyway. What matters more is how you feel about writing. So the next time you take a shower, prepare dinner or lie in bed before sleeping, tell yourself “I am a writer.” Keep repeating it like an affirmation. Before long, the words will sink in

Many writers have overcome these mental obstacles to create satisfying, respectable and legitimate writing careers. Think about your own excuses for not calling yourself a writer. What’s holding you back? What can you do to change your mindset and proudly say, “I am a writer?”

Do’s and Don’ts of Maintaining a Writing Practice

~ The Regal Writer ~ Leave a comment
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Starting a writing practice can be difficult to start and maintain. There’s always the potential for distractions, like a child or pet wanting you to play with them. But with every milestone achieved, whether it’s finishing 1000 words or completing the first short story or essay, there is a sense of accomplishment. 

No matter what type of writer you are–or want to be–having a consistent writing practice is key to making progress. Inspired by this article on Writer’s Digest website recently about the do’s and don’ts of writing, I’ve created my own list based on my own experience on this writing journey. Because while writing is a solo activity, we can all learn from each other.

Do’s:

  • Do maintain a consistent practice. Whether that’s 500 words per day for six days or only one morning on the weekend for three hours, the schedule is up to you. The important thing is to be consistent about it. It may not seem like you’re not making much progress with your manuscript, but by the end of several months, you’ll have a completed story.
  • Do read and learn as much as you can about the publishing industry, particularly about the different paths to publication. There are numerous resources, magazines, industry blogs, and workshops that can help you understand what’s at stake. The more you know about the various paths to publication–whether traditional, hybrid or self-publishing–the better prepared you will be to decide which path is right for you.
  • Do read often and widely. Most writers I know are voracious readers. Reading different genres and authors exposes you to various writing styles. It’s just as important to read in your chosen genre so you know what readers are buying in the current marketplace. Reading widely can help you to develop your own narrative writing voice.
  • Do learn about story structure (if you’re writing fiction). When I started writing, I didn’t know anything about story structure, character arcs and creating tension. I know a lot more than I used to, but I’m still learning. I probably will always be learning because I’m a bit of a perfectionist and I want to write the best story I can. So do your homework. Once you understand the rules of story structure, you can break them later.
  • Do develop a professional support system. Surround yourself with people who can provide encouragement and support when you need it, like when you get your first rejection notice or when you feel stuck on your work-in-progress. Other writers can provide insights about your process, and friends who are avid readers can tell you what’s working and what isn’t. You don’t have to go through the writing process alone. Reach out to others when you need a lift.
  • Do keep writing. This is probably the most important to-do of all. There are times when you will feel like quitting, times when the motivation just isn’t there. That’s when it might be tempting to walk away from the desk or give up altogether. If you need to take a day off to clear your head of storylines and characters, that’s okay. But walking away from your writing will feel like you’ve given up on yourself. So even when you’re having a rough day at your desk, do keep writing.

Don’ts:

  • Don’t worry about the first draft (or even the second). It will always be garbage, a jumbled mess of ideas. This is a normal part of the story development process. Think of the first draft as the brainstorming phase in which you throw out all your ideas, no matter if they make sense or not. See which ones stick. The real writing begins with the revision phase.
  • Don’t let the revision process overwhelm you. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve stopped my own progress because the revision process overwhelmed me. Was I doing it right? Did I really need that scene? (If you have to ask that question, you probably don’t.) It’s okay to take baby steps with revision, and it’s also okay to ask for insights from a critique partner. Take one chapter at a time and review it to see if it aligns with your overall story. Does the scene push the story forward? Does it align with the story arc? Only you can answer those questions. Revision isn’t a race, more like a rough sludge through mud. But with a slow, consistent pace, you will get to the finish line.
  • Don’t wait for inspiration to strike. If you wait for the lightning bolt of an idea to strike you before writing a word, you may be waiting an awfully long time. Even if you don’t know what to write about, sit down and write anyway. So what if it’s all garbage to start with.  Inspiration will come. It usually does. You sort of have to knock on the door of inspiration first. The door will open and let you in.
  • Don’t deny your creative needs. We go through life taking care of our various needs, such as the physical need for nutrition and proper sleep and the emotional need for connection with others or giving back to the community. Most of us don’t think about the other basic need–the need to express ourselves creatively. Creative needs are as critical to our well-being as proper nutrition and self-care. They’re also as natural as breathing and sleeping. So don’t neglect your creative needs, and find ways to express yourself through your writing or other creative outlet.
  • Don’t be afraid to share your work with others. While you may prefer to keep your writing to yourself or wait until the story is absolutely perfect (guilty as charged), keeping your writing a secret serves no useful purpose. Some things are better when it’s shared. 

You probably have your own list of do’s and don’ts about writing. What’s at the top of your list? Is there anything here you agree or disagree with?

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.

5 Life Lessons Learned from 2024

~ The Regal Writer ~ Leave a comment
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Happy New Year!

With another year in the books, I like to look back on what I’ve accomplished over the previous 12 months—both in my personal life and in my writing. Like most people, I know there are some things I could have done better, like sticking to my writing practice when events disrupted my flow or spending less time on my phone playing games.

Fortunately, taking time to look back also gives me perspective so I can learn from those miscues and form a plan for the coming year. There are always lessons to be learned from each year. Here are five lessons I learned from 2024.

1. Stay flexible with your writing routine. While it’s important to set goals for your writing practice and establish a routine, recognize that those plans aren’t etched in stone. Allow some flexibility to your routine because you can be sure that life will throw you a curve ball or two, such as a work assignment that needs a rewrite, a sick pet that needs to be taken to the vet, or a weather emergency such as a tornado or flooding.

In my case, it was minor surgery to remove a suspicious mass (it was benign) and my cat’s illness which meant putting him down. I didn’t plan for either of these events, so I had to work through them to keep my practice going. I admit it was a struggle. There were days I didn’t write at all because my head and heart weren’t in the right space. I needed time to mourn and to heal. Once those phases ended, I knew I was ready to recommit to my writing practice.

So stay flexible and recognize when you need to change your writing routine. You can always come back to your writing when the crisis ends.  

2. Decluttering can cleanse the soul as well as your closet. Decluttering was one of my resolutions for 2024. But with my health and pet emergencies, I didn’t get to it until the fall. I managed to fill two large bins to donate to a non-profit group. But looking ahead, I know there’s more work to do in 2025.

The process of decluttering forced me to confront some things I didn’t realize I was holding onto, old dreams I once had. I had to decide whether to keep them or let them go. It’s an emotionally draining process, but a necessary one. It meant removing old memories and old dreams that no longer served me, but might have been holding me back from achieving new goals. Funny thing is, after this first round of decluttering, I was contacted by a potential new client about a writing assignment.  I’ve heard rearranging furniture can have the same effect. So if you’re feeling stuck or want to move forward in a new direction, try decluttering or moving furniture around. It might just help make space for something new to show up in your life.  

3. Practice self-care. No matter how many obligations you have, no matter how many assignments you’re working on, it’s important to practice self-care. It doesn’t require a lot of time either. Go for a short walk, soak in the bathtub, take a nap, exercise, read a book, meditate, or chat with a friend. Any short break away from the heaviness of everyday life and responsibilities can give you a fresh perspective and renewed energy. It will help you be more creative and productive too. So make time to practice self-care. Your writer self will thank you.

4. Be open to unexpected opportunities. Every now and then, the universe provides an unexpected surprise in the form of an opportunity. It could be a writing assignment from a potential new client or a chance to travel. When the sky opens up like that, it seems like fate is intervening. When it happens, I trust in the universe and say yes. You never know where that new opportunity may lead. And when it comes to my writing career, any stroke of luck is welcome.

5. Keep on writing, no matter what life throws at you. Life happens. People get sick, beloved pets die and friends move away—or show up suddenly in our lives. Through all the upheaval, it’s easy to dismiss our writing practice as non-essential, or worse, you’re too distraught to think or to write. On the other hand, writing can provide comfort and stability during those times when life seems uncertain. Even if you spend only ten minutes a day on your writing practice, every little bit takes you toward your writing goal while also helping you heal. So keep on writing, no matter what happens in your life.

What lessons have you learned from 2024? How will these lessons guide you into the New Year and motivate you to achieve your next writing goal?

Conquering the Scariest Fears about Writing

~ The Regal Writer ~ Leave a comment
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Happy Halloween! In honor of this occasion, I’m reposting this story from a few years ago. It’s my treat to you.

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 from people (and sometimes I’ve used them myself) for not writing. I call them the Seven Deadly Excuses because they can kill a person’s writing practice before it has a chance to blossom. Many of these excuses are influenced by negative messages and assumptions you’ve heard since childhood. By reframing these messages and taking positive action, those fears could 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, unless you are a professional full-time writer. With outside jobs, clients to manage, families to care for,  and other important responsibilities, there’s little time left over for writing.

The truth is, you don’t need hours at a time to write. When you’re just starting a writing practice, only ten or fifteen 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. Grisham shows it is possible to fit writing into your schedule.

Excuse #2: “I’m too busy.” 
When people say they’re too busy to write, what they might actually mean is that writing isn’t a top priority compared to other responsibilities. Work, school, taking care of family and a household take up more of your time. Why begin a writing practice when these other priorities compete for your attention?

Perhaps you learned in childhood that school work and household chores came first before you could entertain yourself by reading and writing stories. Naturally, that attitude and habit carried over into adulthood. It’s no wonder writing hasn’t become priority.  

When you make writing a priority, you’ll find it’s easier to begin a regular writing practice. Remember, you only need 15 minutes! If you can make room for 15 minutes in your schedule for writing, that’s time well spent, no matter how busy you are.

Excuse 3: “My writing isn’t good enough.”
From the first moment you put pen to paper, your writing probably won’t be very good.
That’s normal for most beginning writers. But it’s true for experienced ones too. Kristin Hannah, author of The Nightingale, writes as many as 10 drafts of each novel because she knows the first draft isn’t her best or final work. It’s simply the starting point that she can build on.

If you continually tell yourself that your writing is not good enough, ask yourself why you feel that way. What is your writing not good enough for? Publication? For other people to see?

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. Constructive criticism can help you spot recurring errors. Most important, write, write, write. That’s really the best way to improve your craft.

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 them 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 and turn them into stories, either as narrative non-fiction or as fiction.

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.

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 doctor 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. Look around you. I bet you can find a space to call your own that is perfect for creating stories.

Excuse 6:  “I might 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 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?

For some people, success means getting published, while for others, it simply means sitting down for a half hour every day to create stories with no thought of publication. There is no right or wrong answer. Write according to your definition of success, whatever that means to you.

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