Category Archives: Writing Advice

A blog about the topics of writing, Writing Advice

It’s okay to fail in writing: Seriously

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t’s okay to fail when it comes to your writing. You have probably have already many times and will again.

How can we fail? For me, it’s grammar and tenses. Those are my Kryptonite, at the top of the list.

Another way to fail is failing to run it by an editor and critique group. Authors also do not learn about social media before they promote to the top of the world that their book is complete. Now, buy it. Failing to do the proper research for your book can doom it.

But there are instances where failing is needed to improve. One volume of my Jasper, Amazon Parrot series had me writing a three-page scene about elephants. I was sure these animals lived in the same area. It occurred to me to do a simple search when I finished the section. But I did so I could confirm I was right. I was so massively wrong.

One should define in their writing career what aspect of it you consider failing. For me, one way to stop submitting to publishers after getting rejected would have been a failure.

What works for me might not work for you.

I suggest you take a few minutes to determine the line between calling something a failure versus something you are okay with at the end of the day. It could save your sanity and those around you.

A blog about the topics of writing, Writing Advice

When is your manuscript ready for submission?

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I always figured the hard part of being one was writing the book. I soon found out writing the book was one of the easiest parts of the journey.

Revising is a big part of getting one’s book in the best shape possible. If you don’t have all the ducks in a row, the novel may not go very far.

But how many revisions and editing is too much? Can you go overboard and make it worse?

I get the fact that we want it as perfect as we can make it. But revision can take up a lot of one’s time. If you are fortunate to be part of a critique group or beta group, that can help you shave off some of that precious time.

But there comes a point when you have to say enough is enough. I’ve done all I can do and move that manuscript forever. That is not easy to do. We want it to fly as well as possible. It may even come to a point where we become obsessive in our revisions and editing. I have been there a few times. It is not fun. LOL

But at the end of the day, we need to step back and evaluate how close we to being done, are we just tired of it all and let move on or realize that you have done all one can without ruining your story. Only you can decide when you are ready. Let’s hope you don’t keep your fans waiting so long they move on.

A blog about the topics of writing, Writing Advice

Do you get distracted when you write?

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Do you get distracted when you write? Are you near your TV, fridge, music, and things to keep you from writing your next great novel?

Focusing your mind on your story or your book is hard enough, but we have things that keep your mind off it makes it even harder. Help you if you go online to social platforms, Youtube, the weather, news, and anything else that can keep you distracted.

If so, how do you get yourself back to writing? One thing that I do is start a timer. I write for 10 minutes or more, and all I do is write. When time is up, I take a break from the computer. I get a snack, watch a video or walk around the house. Just taking a break from the writing helps me to stay more focused instead of just riding all the time.

By doing so, it breaks up my time. I can be more productive with my writing. If all you’re doing is writing, your mind will wander on things that aren’t relevant to the book. I also time my breaks with the same timer so when it goes off, I can get back to work. Does this work all the time? No, no it doesn’t. But it works a good portion of the time.

This is just an idea or thought that might help you with your writing. It may not work for everybody. It might just work a small percentage for you than it does for me. But maybe give it a try. You might find that you’re getting more writing done by taking breaks and having a bit of fun in between the sessions.