Is your working space conducive to writing? Is it too near a tv, the couch or oh my gosh the fridge? I know friends who are writers that make themselves go to coffee shops or libraries to avoid the traps of the house and working at home. But even there you have to be careful you don’t channel surf on your computer or tablet on your various social media sites. A time killer no matter where you are.
I am a frugal person. No, not cheap but frugal. There is a difference. To go somewhere and pay for things I already have at home does not always sit well with me. One of the perks of writing by hand my manuscripts is I can write anywhere I chose to write. However when I transcript them on the computer that is where I need to watch and make sure I don’t get distracted.
It is easy to stop and get a quick snack, go pet your animal, watch a sort sitcom and the list goes on. That won’t hurt unless you doing it too often to where your craft suffers. One can get distracted regardless of where you are at. But to be able to find a nice quiet place, regardless where it is at, is a true treasure and one I hope you all find in 2018.
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy Hanukkah and all the ones I am missing. May the holidays be a time of peace and joy. If you are traveling safe journey whatever method that is being used. If you are alone for whatever reason may the season be kind to you.
Wishing all of you a Happy New Year, may it be better than 2017.
There are so many writing contests out there. All one has to do is search online or look inside one of the magazines for writing you might subscribe to or pick up to read. They come in every genre, word count and theme it seems possible.
However, do you make it a contest with other authors on who has the next book out? Who has the best cover? Who has the best story? We grow up, at least my generation, being told to compete, that winning is all that matters or being ahead or the best is where it is at.
But does this trickle down to writers? I think it does. I believe people try to best each other at every turn. Do we admit it to ourselves or others? No, we don’t. Instead I hear writers with t he remarks that clearly speaks volumes of how they are in essence ahead of so and so. You also hear how well they are doing in comparison to this or that writer. If you go to a seminar or class for writing just look around and pay attention to those around you.
It’s a shame really. There is space and room for all of us to showcase our work. Writing is already a solitary profession. Why make it even more so?
Sharon C. Williams-Author 