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.

A blog about the topics of writing, Writing tips and ideas

How developed are your characters?

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How much of your personality goes into your books? Do any of the characters share any of your qualities? Do you create a character of someone you know? Maybe you create a character with traits you wish you had. To date, I have not done that with any of my books that are fiction.

Developing characters is fun to do, yet it does require an author to step back and mull over how this “person” will appear to the readers.

Some characters your readers will fall in love with others they will hate that will propel the storyline. But having a lack lusting person won’t do you and your book any favors.

One should not rush into this. You create a physical description, but you also have to include mental and emotional aspects. You need a well-rounded person, one that the reader can invest in love or hate and imagine in their head.

I have had children ask me about Jasper and if he is in any way like he is in the book. It is an easy question with Jasper being a member of our family in real life. It is easy to put into the book his personalities and antics I have observed over the years.

I am striving for this with the books I write in other genres. I want my fans to see my characters in their minds. I want them to have a range of emotions concerning the characters as they turn the pages toward the end.

If I don’t spend the time beforehand and mull over how to develop my cast, they won’t go very far.

A blog about the topics of writing, A writing supporting other authors

Recycling your content: Do you do it?

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Do you recycle content on your social platforms? If not, why?

Finding content is not always easy. Some days I stare at the screen trying to will a topic to come to the front of my brain. It is then I will check other sites or books on my shelves. I am hoping for a glimmer of an idea. But some content that you have discussed should be repeated well repeatedly over time.

Just now, I noticed a blogger reposting a post I did for her months ago. I was elated. I knew someone who was doing it as well. Plus, it was a topic I get on my high horse about with other authors. The topic? How authors should have a social presence with their brand.

Awesome. This is a blogger who has been very prolific in helping authors promote themselves. If it works for her, it works for me.

You have new authors arriving on the scene who might need the tidbit you are discussing. It could help authors who have been around the block but perhaps need a reminder refreshers course. It could also remind you of things that might have gotten sale.

So, don’t fret over reusing topics. It could be the very thing that someone needs.

The Musings of A New Englander