*This is a new segment to my blog. I hate my characters to have the same old jobs and yet, I struggle to locate new positions where their work can be either a hindrance or a necessary component to the plot. Let’s face it, if I have a character stumbling across dead bodies on a…
Exercise on a Tight Budget
As a writer, I sit more than I should admit. I can get awful cranky when I don’t expend enough energy. Especially, if I’m mentally taxing my brain, but not my body. Exercise is a must: It keeps the oxygen pumping to my brain, it makes me feel accomplished when I push myself to train…
Yes, You Do Have Time
I love encouragement. I also love the truth. Which makes it hard for me to trust a lot of the encouragement I receive because when people are supportive they tend to do little white lies or omissions. As in, “It’s okay you didn’t get to your writing, it’s hard to write with kids around.” When actually they’re…
So Your Character Needs a Job – Merchandiser
This is a new segment to my blog. I hate my characters to have the same old jobs and yet, I struggle to locate new positions where their work can be either a hindrance or a necessary component to the plot. Let’s face it, if I have a character stumbling across dead bodies on a…
No, It is NOT Amazing, Shocking, or Surprising – Enough with Slideshow Hell!
The Reason We Fall Admit it, you’ve clicked on one of those slideshow links from Twitter, stumbled on one from a news site, followed one that was shared on Facebook by your best friend – not random friend number 436 – your honest to goodness best friend who was the reason you signed up for…
Reading a Book with Similarities to One You’re Writing?
I had an epiphany the other night. One of those light-bulb, head-smacking moments that seem so obvious, but for whatever reason, I was too blind to notice before now. I was reading a novel and noticed similarities between the book I was reading and the book I am writing. Normally, this would discourage me. I…
Thoughts On…
(Apparently, my second-grade teacher approved when I learned how to think ) Today is a random thought day. A day where all the thoughts I’ve collected over the past few years are begging to be heard outside of my journal pages. Some, I may have shared, some I have not. Whatever the case, they are…
The Best Strategies for Accomplishing Writing Tasks (or any other task)
previously posted on Contentedly Neurotic blog October 17, 2008 Writing I’ve been lucky enough to attend a free online writer’s group this week. It’s called the Muse Online Writer’s Conference (Status Update: Defunct). As I write this, I’m still absorbing what I’ve learned and know there is much more learning ahead. Now that I’ve shared…
3 of the Best Tips to Be Positively Positive + 1 Suggestion
Roll your eyes. Just do it, because I’m going to use a cliché. Don’t believe me, huh? Fine, “It’s all about attitude, a positive attitude.” Told you I was going to throw out a clichéd whopper. When we’re in a total funk we feel like we’re choking on that cliché. Once we come out of…
16 Motivational Exercise Quotes To Get You Moving
Motivation Some days we lack the desire to exercise. Whether it’s because we got a cruddy night’s sleep or plain old lack of motivation, sometimes it’s hard to find the oomph. Find a quote that speaks volumes to you. Print it. Tape it beside your bed. Look at it. Live it. HASFIT.COM has many great motivational memes….