WRITER'S BLOCK REVIEW

Freelance Copyriters: Double Your Income

2005-07-13T10:21:00.000-07:00

Freelance copywriters are a strange group of people when it comes to running their own businesses.They are outspoken and enthusiastic while selling their clients' products and services, but are hopelessly shy and reticent about blowing their own horns.They grumble and gripe about their clients being disorganized and unfocused, but are terminally disorganized and unfocused themselves.>> Yes, the situation is awash with ironyThe thing I hear most from freelance copywriters is that they feel too shy to promote their own services aggressively.They won't make cold calls.They won't speak at local business events, at conventions or conferences.They have never written a direct sales letter to send out to prospective clients.The result? The result is tens of thousands of dollars in lost revenues.>> Stranger and stranger...I would hazard a guess that the majority of freelance copywriters make only a fraction of the money they could. Their time is spent inefficiently. They work for too long on jobs that pay too little. They fail to replace low-paying clients with high-paying clients. They fail to negotiate higher fees for their work. They never outsource to other writers and make money on the margin. They pay too much tax. They put no money aside. Their cash-flow is horrible. Their promotional efforts are zero. And so on and so on...It's a ridiculous situation. Why ridiculous? Because as copywriters we expect to get paid well for the very set of skills we fail to use on our own behalf.>> Double your income by getting serious about your businessYes, if you work as a freelance writer, you are running a business. And as a business, you need to take things seriously.Can you really double your income? Of course you can. Just use your time more efficiently and get more and better-paying clients.We all know we have too many days when we don't get as much work done as we should. That's fine if you want to view yourself as a lone 'artiste' struggling with writer's block. But it won't cut the mustard if you view what you do as a serious business. Use your time efficiently. Get the work done.And promote your services. If you are truly too shy to pick up the phone or speak in front of a crowd, at least use your writing skills and create a promotional sales package you can send out to prospective clients.And here's the easiest way to double your income: get better clients and negotiate higher fees. In fact, the better the quality of client, the more open they will be to negotiation, and the more they will respect your work.>> Concluding thoughts...The first step to doubling your income this year is to change your attitude about your work. Think of yourself as a BUSINESS. You are. And apply all the disciplines that are used when running a business. Aim to make money. Organize your time. Get the job done.It isn't so very hard. And the result will be that you'll make a great deal more money, and will probably enjoy your work a lot more at the same time.
About the Author
Nick Usborne is a freelance writer, author and speaker. For more articles and resources on making money as a freelance writer, visit his site, www.FreelanceWritingSuccess.com. To find out more about doubling your income, read my review of Selling Yourself as a Copywriter.
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Writer's Block

2005-07-11T11:23:00.000-07:00

Eighteen months into my daughter’s life, I sat down to write. About something. Anything. Two years ago, I had considered myself a writer. I knew that having a baby would mean less time to write; I anticipated tired bones dragging an aching body to the computer at three in the morning after a midnight feeding, or disregarding the pile of dirty dishes in the sink for twenty minutes with the keyboard during an afternoon nap. I had a romantic notion of an affair with my typewriter, finding each other in darkened hallways and spending a passionate five minutes touching, our time together always abruptly ended before we were ready. I knew I would be bursting with words desperately trying to come out, searching for outlets in each of my ten fingers; I imagined sleepless nights prolonged by an unrelenting urge to write wild fairytales that I would sprinkle with glitter and bind in a book for her sweet eyes to peruse as she grew. I thought that although the time would be sparse and of course I would never get to write everything I wanted, I would grasp those precious moments of peace with unheard of gusto, filling pages with drawings and poems and stories and other such craftiness. Never before had I had reason for such inspiration; the coming months would provide me with a wealth of creative fire, which I would put out little by little in the stolen minutes while she was napping or frolicking with her father. Imagination had been my buoy through life so far, keeping me afloat during even the most vicious of storms. I had felt love and death and brokenness travel through my blood and limbs to exit on a page of often sappy poetry and stories. And so, of course, in this most momentous time I was sure to be filled with such ideas as I had never experienced the likes of. So I knew there would be little time, maybe even no time. I was prepared to feel frustrated and loaded with a traffic jam of creative genius. What nobody told me, what I didn’t anticipate, was the complete lack of creative genius I actually felt. In all the classes and books and conversations with authentic mothers, no one ever told me that writers block was a possible side affect of giving birth. Those first few weeks when I sat down to excitedly to write the story of my daughters birth (an absolutely perfect night), I was shocked to find myself afflicted with writers block. For the first time in my life, I had nothing to say. But how could this be? Perhaps more than any other time in my life, there was so MUCH to say. And yet time and time again I hurried to the computer anxious to let the prose flow only to sit paralyzed. I eeked out miserable paragraphs, struggling with each sentence and never feeling fulfilled. I imagined my daughter reading these colorless words in the years to come and felt robbed of the gift I always assumed I would give her. The mother I was in my dreams recorded her first maternal days in a lively and dedicated journal, but I was quick to find out that we can’t all be Anne Lamott. It seemed that raising a child, at least a newborn, was in and of itself such a creative trial that there was none left over. And I had (read: had) a relatively easy baby. She was mostly happy; she slept peacefully nestled next to me, waking often but only to nurse and fall back into dreams. Friends and family were constantly around, feeding us and taking turns admiring her infantness. I was happy- elated, even- adrenaline pumped but still tired (although looking back on those days, I think, crazily enough, not as tired as I am now). I was perhaps steeped in delusion, filled with a Wonder Woman-like feeling that not only would I, should I, raise this little baby of mine, but I would also write beautiful stories and poems and adventure tales. In my post-partum craziness, I didn’t realize that I was spent. The hours of rocking and walking, of singing sweet lullabies and silly songs, conversations where I was the only one talking- this was where my poetry was written. The experience was not so dull and uninspirational as to neglect provocation of creative endeavor, nor was I suddenly transformed into such a dull and uninspirational person as to inhibit imagination. I was simply redefining it for myself. Temporarily.Eighteen months later I am only beginning to find words again. I am just starting to call myself a writer. I feel the spark again, deep in my gut, like an old friend I am so happy to let back in the door. My daughter still takes up most of my time. At eighteen months, she runs and plays and sings and talks; we dress up and kick down castles, dump out buckets of water and take long walks on the beach. There is hardly a moment to get a word down on paper, and sometimes I wait all week for that opening, only to find myself at a loss for words once again. But sometimes, when she has slept well the night before and had a relatively peaceful morning, she may fall asleep for an afternoon nap and I may have just enough energy to forgoe the nap and snuggle for an hour or two with the keyboard instead. What I realized is that not only is raising a child all the things that everyone tells you: it is also an art form. Raising my daughter, right now, for me, is an art. I paint her and mold her and shape her and write her into each of my own dawns, and then I stand back and admire her as she learns to paint and mold and shape and write herself into each of her own days.
About the Author
Abigail lives in Southern California with her daughter Ruby Jane. Her work has appeared in the anthology Loving Mama: Essays on Natural Parenting and Childbirth, on Mothering Magazine's website, and in Growing Up In Santa Cruz.
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Knock-Out Writer's Block: Listening to Your Inner Voice

2005-07-05T15:09:00.000-07:00

When I was young, I used to talk to myself. Long, drawn out, one-sided conversations. I didn’t have an imaginary friend, I just talked to myself. My mother says that’s why I became a writer: because of my overactive imagination. I admit she may be right. Those conversations currently get me through my worst cases of writer’s block.I have to laugh when I read articles on breaking through a writing slump. They always have tips like: go to the mall and make up a story about the people you see there..or..write down a dream you had the other night..or..think about the happiest moment in your childhood and write about it. You can even sign up and have a writing “prompt” emailed to you everyday. And I can’t help but think, Does this work for anyone? I mean, really? I’ve come to discover that I’m not like the average author. The normal methods of combating writer’s block do not apply to me. In writing mode, I can only concentrate on one novel at a time. I get distracted easily, so writing something on the fly only leads me down one path: The-Hey-I-Just-Came-Up-With-Another-Great-Idea-For-A-New-Book-So-I’m-Gonna-Drop-The-One-I’m-Currently-Angsting-Over-And-Start-A-New-Novel path. Believe me, it’s happened before. I was young (seventh grade to be exact), just starting out, and I didn’t know any better.Now, I just put the novel away..and wait. The wait has been known to last six months to a year. Sometimes longer. For others, the time frame may be shorter, but eventually they will come. The inner voices, I mean. I no longer hold verbal one-sided conversations with myself. My characters have one-sided conversations with me..in my head. When they start talking to me about dialogue and plot, that tells me it’s time to pull out the novel and jump in again.So, go on. You try it: Open up your mind and listen to your inner voice. If we ever meet at a conference or a book signing and you tell me that you’ve been hearing voices, I won’t think you’re crazy. I promise.Copyright © 2004 – Celise Downs. Reprinted with permission.
About the Author
Celise is a Young Adult fiction author and owner of Gemini Mojo Press. Her books, “Secrets and Kisses” (Mar 2004) and “Dance Jam Productions” (Sept 2004), are currently available on the publisher website at www.GeminiMojoPress.com

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A Cure for Writer's Block

2005-06-29T10:50:00.000-07:00

Writer's block is a favourite topic of writer's, and no wonder….nearly every writer suffers from it at some crucial point in their careers. Writer's block usually comes to visit at the most inopportune times, like during projects of tremendous importance where there's not a moment to waste, or when there are firm deadlines involved and a nasty boss waiting in the next room anticipating a brilliant end-product. Writer's block is such a prevalent problem that articles, essays, books, and entire websites have been dedicated to the topic.How will you recognize writer's block? It appears like a blank page or screen that doesn't change for hours or days. It feels like stress and pressure. It frustrates and angers you and causes you a great deal of anxiety. You may experience an overwhelming sense of desperation and panic. You can definitely be sure you are suffering a mild case of it if you catch yourself staring at your blank computer screen, hoping that, magically, the keys will start typing on their own, and words will appear, nicely organized into coherent paragraphs and sentences. I think the worst case of writer's block I ever had was when I was writing my Masters thesis. It lasted for four complete years -- exactly as long as my last marriage. When the marriage ended, so did the block... funny how that worked.How often we sacrifice our own creativity for the sake of someone else. We turn off that inner light and give control to the other person, effectively killing our creative selves along with whatever drew them to us in the first place. It wasn't the first time I'd done this, but for sure it will be the last. I've made it a personal challenge to myself not to ever give away my power again! I will fight tooth and nail to hang on to every victory no matter how small, and to build on each victory until I see myself as the winner that I know I AM!What does this rant have to do with curing writer's block? It's the direct result of using a quotation to stimulate creative writing. I first learned this technique from reading Sarah Ban Breathnach's _Simple Abundance Companion_.The idea is to take a random quote and write whatever thoughts come to mind as you contemplate it. The quote I chose to create the above piece was Henry Ford, "Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right."It's more apt to say that the quote chose me, rather than the other way around. I never know what I'm going to get when I reach into the box to pick a card. That way I'm not predisposed to sort through them until I find one I *want* to write about. The whole thing with writer's block is that the ideas aren't flowing the way you want them to. By picking a random quote and writing whatever comes to mind with what you get, you allow the words and the creative energy to flow in the direction it chooses. It's also surprising how often the random quote ends up being a message that is needed right at that moment. In this instance, I was feeling the trepidation that always comes after finishing a book and putting it out there. What if no one likes it? What if no one buys it? By the time I finished the first draft of this article, it didn't matter any more. My writer's block was cured, and my self-confidence got a boost in the process thanks to Henry Ford's eleven words from long ago.
About the Author
Ruth Ritchie-Farmer is the managing editor of Ritchie Media, and the author of Perceptions of Success: A Collection of Quotations. Visit her on the web at http://www.whytedove.net/perceptions.shtml to pick up your copy today.

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The Benefits of Journal Writing

2005-06-27T11:43:00.000-07:00

Everyday we experience many different events. Some good, some bad, some memorable and some that can be forgotten the next day. For writers, these events of our lives are a treasure trove of material that could be very valuable to us.You just had a fight with your mother? Why not write it down?You just broke your leg? Why not sit down and scribble a few lines describing how it feels?Through journal writing, we can not only understand the events that occur in our lives better, we can improve our writing ability and create an immense archive of events we could use in our writings.The many benefits to writing your own journal.Writing in a journal is a simple practice. It doesn't take any special writing abilities or any degrees, all it takes is a notepad and a pencil. It can be done before you go to bed or after you sleep to recap the previous day.Journal writing helps to keep the writer occupied with writing. With journal writing, you will always have something to practice writing with, something that is simple to practice and something that will help you to be more active in other writings. As with freewriting, journal writing is another good prevention against writer's block and boredom. Including journal writing in your writing schedule can help to create variety in your work.Journal writing can help to promote memory, when you constantly remind yourself of what occured during the day, you increase your attention to the details of your life and the events that occur within it. The more you use your mind and the more you pay attention to the events that occur, the easier it is to remember them.Journal writing and improve a person's spelling and attention to the details of a sentence. As with any pratice, the more you continue on it the better you will become. Even if you are terrible, if you practice enough you will eventually have far better handwriting and spelling.Journal writing allows us to deal with the issues in our life in a more observant and less frantic perception. When we write in our journals, we allow ourselves to let go of the issues that occur in our lives and instead place them in the notebook, ready to be dealt with when we are more capable or more understanding.As with freewriting, journal writing is an excellent form of brainstorming. Journal writing allows us to focus more and pay more attention to our ideas. You could be talking about your dad yelling at you and suddenly come up with an idea for a book on a woman who must deal with her abusive father. Through journal writing, we allow ourselves to brainstorm without even really realizing it. And that is always a good thing, atleast to me.Journal power, or how I learned to write my own journal.Journal writing is one of the easiest activities to perform. You don't need a fancy notebooks. A simple notepad will suffice. I personally use OMNI. I find they make me feel right at home writing on them. Then again, you don't even need a notepad. If you have a pc you can create a file for your journal. This is good for those who get wrist cramps from writing with the traditional notepad and pencil.With journal writing, your aim is to simply describe the events of the day, your thoughts and the actions of others. The special and not so special events in your day. The mundane or special, they are all potential material for your journal.Here is the tricky part. You have to sit down and write. Talking about it and wondering what to write down is not journal writing. It is only when you actually sit down and start writing the events of your day that you are journal writing.Since this journal is just for you, it doesn't have to be spelled perfectly or even be neat if you can read not so great handwriting. As you continue to write, you will improve in both spelling and handwriting.Keep on with it and by the time you've worn the journal out, you will be more observant, more skilled in writing and detail, and you will have a stronger grasp on the world around you.Every story has to end. Closing.Journal writing can be tedious or it can be a wonderfully fulfilling experience. It's all in what you make of it. The journal is your personal canvas to describing the events of your world and your life. You are the main character. Enjoy your story.
About the Author
David is a freelance writer who is enthusiastic about writing. He is also the webmaster for http://midnightlibrary.net/

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Overcoming Writer's Block -- 7 Methods That Work

2005-06-26T15:42:00.000-07:00

Writer’s block is something most writers have to deal with at one time or another. It can be quite daunting staring at a blank piece of paper or a blank computer screen, not knowing what to say. Presented here are seven methods for overcoming writer’s block that will help you to get unstuck as a writer.ResearchMay writer’s develop writer’s block when they feel unprepared. The feeling of not knowing what to say can be pretty overwhelming. You can combat these feelings by doing some research on the subject that you’re writing about, so that you do, in fact have something to say on the subject. Doing online or offline research is a great way to arm yourself with facts, thoughts and opinions on whatever you’re intending to write about, even if you intend on writing the next “Great American Novel.”BrainstormBrainstorming is a great way to tackle writer’s block. Instead of staring at a blank space, use that space to write down peripheral words and ideas that are both on the subject and off the subject of what you’re intending to write about. Don’t edit yourself. Just have fun coming up with all sorts of ideas that may only loosely relate to what you want to write. Don’t pressure yourself to use these ideas in your writing. Use brainstorming simply as a writing exercise that will help you loosen and get you kick started.ExerciseTaking an exercise break is an excellent way to combat writer’s block. Exercise helps get the blood flowing and helps the body and mind to relax. Relaxation is what you’re looking for if you’re experiencing writer’s block. Take a break to hit the treadmill, go to the gym or take a long walk. Don’t be concerned that time away from writing is wasted time. Your taking time not away from writing but from not writing. This is a healthy choice that will help you rejuvenate personally and as a writer.Write About Having Writer’s BlockWhen you’re staring at a blank piece of paper or a blank computer screen, many writers become intimidated and freeze up. “I don’t have anything to say,” is often bemoaned. But you do have something to say. If you practice your Zen and stay in the moment, you’ll write about what is happening right now. Write about having writers block. Write about what it feels like to stare at blankness and have nothing to say. Write about feeling frozen, scared, intimidated, pressured or whatever else you’re feeling. Also, save this piece of writing for later as you can use it for reference and add to it the next time you have writer’s block.Lower Your StandardsAvoid perfectionism on the first draft and do not stop when you’ve made a mistake. Keep going, mistakes and all and just write. Do not try to edit while you write. This comes later. Let your first draft be a free flow of ideas, thoughts and concepts leaving the “critical editor” part of yourself for later. Just think to yourself that perfection is not to be tolerated on the first draft. After you’ve completely finished writing the first draft, then it is time to bring put on your editor hat and start the rewriting process. Don’t jump the gun, though, as the conflict of trying to write and edit at the same time causes many cases of writer’s block. Keep these two tasks separate. Clean House Literally and FigurativelySometimes writers will start a writing project but become stuck over a particular line or paragraph that just isn’t working. Either delete this or copy and paste it into a new document and save it for later. Don’t let a line or paragraph disrupt the flow of your writing. Get rid of it. Clean house. In addition, sometimes a writer’s messy surrounding will reflect on their ability to write. Take a break to clean up your writing area. If you work from home, take a break to clean house. Many times the act of cleaning and throwing out the old will open us up to the new, such as new ideas, thoughts or perspectives. Cleaning house literally and figuratively can help sweep away writer’s block.Take an “Art” BreakTake a break to draw, paint, sculpt, collage or any other right brain artistic endeavor. Sometimes a writer’s brain can get out of balance with all the stimulation and activity that is happening on the left side. Taking a right brain artistic break will help balance this activity out. You may even wish to paint yourself and then write. Kooky, offbeat ideas that get you out of the norm will work wonders for conquering writer’s block.Overcoming writer’s block is something that most writers will need to learn how to deal with for the long haul. One method may work for you now and a different one in the future. It will be handy to have these methods at your fingertips. Print out these methods for future use and share them with other writers, writer’s groups and clubs. Writers need to stick together and this is the eighth method for overcoming writer’s block, which is to put together a support group to help overcome it.
About the Author
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The Laid Daughter --- Book Review

2005-06-25T15:24:00.000-07:00

There has been a lot of publicity lately centered on the issue of child molestation. Child molestation is a horrific form of child abuse that leaves its victims with a deep loss of self and the inability to cope with life's challenges.
Another form of child abuse, that leaves its victims powerless and confused, is incest. Incest is a topic that most families refuse to discuss and sometimes deny that it ever existed. The Laid Daughter, by Helen Bonner is such an example.
In this riveting novel, the author discusses her own issues with incest. What is so unique about the novel itself is that the author has been journaling her strange feelings and dreams for over 20 years before she realizes that her journal entries depict her true life experiences.
The author takes us on her journey through self discovery and healing by allowing us to see her daily struggles in life. She is plagued with failed marriages and her inability to have honest and open relationships with others. She cuts herself off from her family and friends. There is however, something very striking about Ms. Bonner's character. She is able to hold down a job and build herself a lucrative career while dealing with the incest issue.
Going through the healing process was not an easy road for Ms. Bonner. Early on, she was given erroneous advice from some early therapist. She found herself dropping out of therapy with the belief that somehow she could conquer her demons on her own. She then seeks therapy through a wonderful therapist by the name of Glenda Parkinson who discovers that Helen was not just a survivor of incest, but she also suffered from a Multiple Personality Disorder.
Glenda Parkinson also expresses how quickly Helen was able to work through her demons as shown by the following excerpt:
"Helen spent only a year in intense psychotherapy with me. The average length of treatment time is somewhere between five and ten years. She was highly motivated and followed her gut instincts in making therapeutic decisions for herself. She read. She wrote. She practiced suggestive directives. She attended a national conference for adult survivors. Her art work was another vehicle for self-understanding. She used relaxation techniques when feeling panicky. She begin to fill her new "house" by acknowledging and fulfilling the needs of her integrating selves. Decisions Helen made for herself rather than against herself were the catalyst toward wholeness."
As you can see by the above excerpt, healing from incest or any other form of childhood abuse can be done with hard work and determination. I would recommend this fine piece of work to anyone who has suffered the pain and anguish of child abuse or to anyone who wants to discover how they can make changes in their own life that can help them move forward to living life to its fullest.
ISBN: 1884178235Author: Helen BonnerPublisher: Kairos Center
Faye Brown, Author of the upcoming novel, Strange Fruit In A Small Town. (http://www.lookingforbooks.blogspot.com)
Copyrighted 2005: Faye Brown: All Rights Reserved.
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Become A Poet In Ten Minutes

2005-06-24T13:42:00.000-07:00

Have you ever sat there staring at the paper, ready to write, but unsure where to begin? Want a solution that will overcome even the worst writer's block? Anyone can start writing poetry today using a few simple techniques.
One, two, ...?
Did you say or think three when you saw the above? If not, you certainly would when I asked you to fill in the blank. Your mind is a powerful machine that recognises or creates patterns. To make this work for you as a poet, you simply have to lay out the materials in an implied pattern, and let your mind do its thing.
The "materials," in this case, of course, are words or ideas. So let's round up some materials for an example. If you want to write a poem about thunderstorms, you might start by writing down relevant words, and then choose the more evocative ones: flash, blowing, rumble, night, deadly and rain, perhaps.
Now you set the pattern. In this case, we'll write a four-line poem, using one of our words in each line. We'll only decide if we want a ryming poem after we start. This is what I came up with after five minutes:
Rain stands still in the sky
Trees dance as in a painting
In a flash it is here and gone
And night grumbles at being revealed
It doesn't matter if most aren't good poems. You just have to write a lot of them, and then work on re-writing the ones with potential. With a little practice, you can write a dozen poems in an hour, then pick out the gems. My wife has had poetry published using Deal-a-Poem, a game we created based on this technique, so we know that it works, and it's fun as well.
More Tips For Fast Poetry
The technique above works because when your mind focuses on a word with the intent to use it in a line, it is stimulated into action. It wants to find the pattern - or create it. To make this work even better, try the following:
1. Start with words that are evocative and metaphorically rich. You'll be more inspired and probably write a richer poem with "howled," "torn open," and "festering," than with "said," "broken," and "rotten."
2. Use this or any other technique as a starting point only. If you have a great line already in mind, don't force one of the words from your list into it. If a poem starts to write itself, and becomes ten six-line verses, forget about the technique. Treat it as a tool to be used when you need it.
3. Don't sit there waiting for inspiration. Write anything NOW. Start with any topic, or even random words. The surest way to get inspired in your poetry is to start writing a poem.
Steve Gillman has been playing with poetry for thirty years. He and his wife Ana created the game "Deal-A-Poem," which can be accessed for free at: http://www.dealapoem.com
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get rid of that writer's block; writer's block

Price That eBook to Sell Well

2005-06-23T16:39:00.000-07:00

Q. The big question asked me in teleclasses or client sessions is "How should I price my eBook?
A. The big answer is "it depends."
Here's seven tips to help:
1. Determine your audience's need and demand for your book. If your book solves a particular problem for a preferred audience, it will sell well at any price. When you know your 30-60 second "Tell and Sell," you'll be more likely to know a proper price.
Let's say you have a book "Stop Divorce Now." Your tell and sell includes "Helps the nearly divorced audience, both men and women." That audience gives your book a slant, and makes it more valuable. In the "Tell and Sell" you must also include the benefits your book brings its audience. The top benefit of this book is that it stops divorce now.
No matter the number of pages, anywhere from 15-99, this kind of book will bring a healthy price. Maybe $39.95, maybe more.
2. Sell to your "wants it short, easy, and cheap to yield big profits audience. You can charge more than some general information book aimed at a general audience.
The 8 and 1/2 by 11" forty-page book "Write Your eBook or Other Short Book--Fast!" loaded with how to's and which specific steps to do first, along with hundreds of Web and email resources is well worth the list price of $24.95. The author puts it on discount several times a year for only $18.95, but it sells well at $24.95.
If someone wants to write and publish a book, this price tag is small for what it gives and the speed one can finish a short book to start making money within 60 days.
3. Know that eBooks bring as big a price as print books. Don't under price yours. Assign it the highest price you feel your audience can afford. If you don't sell many (remember to sell many you need to promote your books Online and on Web sites) try a lower price. Always start with the highest price.
4. Rethink your title to sell more books. Make it short and compelling, but be sure to make it clear. Three-six words will sell better than a really long title, although there are exceptions.
One eBook "High Traffic=High Web Sales" sells better than "How to Dramatically Increase your Web Traffic and Sales."
5. Know that "how-to" books bring a larger price than a story.
6. Price your personal growth and health books lower than the specific how-to books. Shorter eBooks such as 10-30 pages will easily go for $7.95 to $12.95. Longer ones can go for $15.95. This audience is huge, but your book has far more competition in this group. Think Chicken Soup for the Soul series, selling over 70 million.
7. Promote your eBook Online to catch the Online business people. Reach 1000's, even hundreds of thousands each day you submit a related article. They want all kinds of books. Learn how to sell more books by learning this kind of promotion.
Apply these tips to your print books too. You can make 1/4 to 1/2 your income from book sales if the price is right.
About The Author
Judy Cullins: 20-year author, speaker, book coach
Helps entrepreneurs manifest their book and web dreams
eBk: "Ten Non-techie Ways to Market Your Book Online"
http://www.bookcoaching.com
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go to http://www.bookcoaching.com/opt-in.shtml
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Ph:619/466/0622
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cure that writer's block by writing an ebook.

The Writer's Angst

2005-06-22T16:35:00.000-07:00

What is this annoying, insidious angst that permeates my psyche? In all other regards, I'm a moderately confident guy. I'm secure in my abilities to be a good father, husband, employee, friend, gardener, etc. And, heck! Lots of folks tell me I'm a good writer. I'm passionate about my writing. I consumed by my stories. I can't stop, can't envision life without it.
Yet, I have this persistent fear that I will be "outed" as a fraud by the next highbrow literary critic that comes upon my work. Even though complete strangers have given surprisingly glowing reviews to my first (and worst) book, even though my readers tell me otherwise, I can't get over the fear that a "real" writer will some day come along and renounce me, sending banishing me into the netherworld of faux writer fools who tumble around with ridiculous stories and are woefully inadequate when put to the task.
I know it's absurd. I've told friends, many friends, who write beautifully, that they are writers simply due to the process. If it's in your blood, if you can't stop, if your day is filled with the details of the next chapter, if you write for therapy, then you are a writer! You don't need a degree in English Lit or Composition to qualify. Heck, my degree is in Engineering. You don't need a degree, period! And yet, I have trouble applying that philosophy to myself.
I guess I have been slowly improving. Having taken part in an author's fair, having been called a "local author" by newspapers and radio hosts, having been dubbed "Genesee Valley Writer," has helped. As I receive more and more reviews from strangers (those who don't "have" to tell me I'm good), the anxiety has lessened a tad. But still, each time I know someone is reading the book, this annoying worry niggles around in brain. Will they like it? Will they see through me and spotlight the flaws? Will my still-fragile author ego be smashed?
It's so silly. I really hate it. I have to stop caring that when I've bared my soul to the world, it might get trounced on, smashed, and spattered with criticism. I guess it's time to admit... I am a "real" writer. And that's a step in the "write" direction.
Aaron Paul Lazarwww.legardemysteries.com
Aaron Paul Lazar resides in Upstate New York with his wife, three daughters, two grandsons, mother-in- law, two dogs, and three cats. After writing in the early morning hours, he works as an electrophotographic engineer at NexPress Solutions Inc., part of Kodak's Graphic Communications Group, in Rochester, New York. Additional passions include vegetable, fruit, and flower gardening; preparing large family feasts; photographing his family, gardens, and the breathtakingly beautiful Genesee Valley; cross-country skiing across the rolling hills; playing a distinctly amateur level of piano, and spending “time” with the French Impressionists whenever possible.
Although he adored raising his three delightful daughters, Mr. Lazar finds grandfathering his “two little buddies” to be one of the finest experiences of his life. Double Forte', the first in the series, was published in January 2005. Upstaged, number two, is in production. With eight books under his belt, Mr. Lazar is currently working on the ninth, which features Gus LeGarde and his family. http://www.legardemysteries.com
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Freelancers Can Jump-Start Your Publicity Initiative

2005-06-21T19:24:00.000-07:00

If you find that your progress is blocked by a lack of time or experience, consider hiring a freelancer to jumpstart your project.
Writer's block got you down? Don't let it. Every town has a freelance writer who can help you get a release or article written quickly. Or you can search for one nationally on one of the free classified ad sites like Craig's List.
A good freelance writer can take your information over the phone and create the piece that you are looking for.
True, writing is not rocket science, and you can do it yourself. But if you find you’re procrastinating, put a writer on your team. You can pretty much rent ‘em by the hour or the project, so you’ll pay only for what you need.
Placing a story, just like writing one, is more common sense than rocket science. But if you’re stuck for time or want a professional boost, consider a freelance publicist. Local freelance publicists usually have good contacts with local media, and they are easy to find.
These well-connected pros can bolster your media outreach just by working for a few hours a week or month. Like freelance writers, they usually charge by the hour—you don't have to pay a monthly retainer to work with a publicist.
Ned Steele works with people in professional services who want to build their practice and accelerate their growth. The president of Ned Steele's MediaImpact, he is the author of 102 Publicity Tips To Grow a Business or Practice. To learn more visit http://www.MediaImpact.biz or call 212-243-8383.
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Get Write To It

2005-06-20T13:52:00.000-07:00

The toughest thing about writing a news release is getting started. But writing doesn't have to be hard. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you beat writer's block.
Before the story, think about:
• audience. who do I want (or expect) to read this? What do they want to know? What do I want them to know?
• “gatekeepers.” These are usually the editors who will decide if they will use your story. What kind of story do they normally use? How long? Style?
If you just can’t get the first word down on paper, here are some things to try.
• Talk to someone about your story. Listen to yourself. Write the story like you told it. You can always rearrange sentences or paragraphs later.
• Go through your notes. Star the things you think are most important. Then try to start a story with at least one or two of those important things in the first sentences.
• Write the headline first. Then make sure your first paragraph or two says essentially the same thing as the headline.
• Try being childlike. How do kids tell a story? They blurt it out, getting to the point fast with plenty of action verbs.
• Plagiarize, sort of. If you see something written that you like, borrow the idea, but not word-for-word. I’m especially talking about borrowing ideas of style.
Now you have the tools to bust writer's block. Get write to it.
About the author: Harry Hoover is managing principal of Hoover ink PR, http://www.hoover-ink.com. He has 26 years of experience in crafting and delivering bottom line messages that ensure success for serious businesses like Brent Dees Financial Planning, Duke Energy, Levolor, North Carolina Tourism, Ty Boyd Executive Learning Systems, VELUX and Verbatim.
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Business Blogging --- 5 Tips to Help You Smash Through Writer's Block

2005-06-19T13:04:00.000-07:00

It’s inevitable. Everyone hits the wall. Whether you’ve been blogging ten weeks, ten minutes, or ten months, eventually you’ll find yourself with absolutely nothing to say. Or so you think. So what in the world do you do when you’re stumped? 1- Talk about what you’ve already talked about Pick a topic you’ve gone over before and give it some spin. Try a new angle, like playing devil’s advocate. For example, if you are a search engine journalist, and last week your position was that most mainstream sites need Google traffic to survive, try proving your point from the “con” perspective, instead of the “pro” position. There are dozens of ways to write about the same thing. By putting your point another way, you might give someone in your audience what a client of mine referred to as an “Ah-ha!” moment. That's when they realize the true value of the items for sale at your site to them and their business. 2- Talk about what someone else is talking about If you want to have a popular blog, find other bloggers in similar areas, and talk about what they said in their posts. Friendly debate can often spark the soap-opera like drama that will have both your audiences visiting both blogs to see what “the other fella” had to say. As an added bonus, if both of you are using Trackback in your blogs, you’ve got yourself a mini-link party that other people who are speaking on similar topics will want to join.. 3- Have yourself a good rant The intimate nature and voice of blogs lends itself well to the opinionated, angry ramble. But as a professional, don’t let yourself get too unfocused, and remember to back up your opinion with facts. 4- Feature someone, something or somewhere I like to call mine “of the Day”. As I zip around the Net conducting my business and research, if my attention is called to a resource or tool that my audience might find useful, I hit my blog bookmarklet and save that bad boy for later. Then when I get too busy for a full blown tip, I’ll crown the resource, feed, tool, download or freebie the featured “Deal of the Day”, changing the word deal to something else more appropriate as needed. After a while, my audience started to look for it as a feature, as opposed to being upset at the interruption in my mad, mad rambles. 5- Let someone else talk for a change Invite a guest blogger, or post an article that offers free reprint rights, the same way you would in a newsletter. Of course you want to leave the resource box intact, or let the guest promote their site, which brings me to the most common complaint about this tactic. “But I don’t want to send people away from my site.” Guess what? You’ll never believe what I found out. Ready? In a recent startling discovery, I’ve found that 100% of my visitors eventually turn off their computers or take otherwise drastic measures that cause them to leave my site. Apparently this is beyond prevention, though you can stall them for hours sometimes with good content. Of course you don’t want to send them on their way prematurely, but if you’re a good blogger, and have done what you can to make sure they sign up to your blog email updates or site feed, they’ll be back. Just be sure that you’re giving them a good enough reason. In the meantime, since they’re going to leave anyway, it might as well be somewhere that gives you some direct or in-direct benefit. So there you have it - enough material for five more days of posts. Happy Blogging!
Need more than five days worth of blog posts? Get more at http://www.freetraffictip.com/blogaboutthis .or learn more about blogs and RSS at FreeTrafficTip.com .
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Three Ways Journaling Can Boost Your Creativity and Your Business

2005-06-18T08:28:00.000-07:00

I have a friend who has struggled with her creativity for a long time. She's extremely uncomfortable thinking of herself as "creative." We've been working together on it, and making progress. One of the tools that's really helped her has been journaling.
From Julia Cameron's The Artist Way to Natalie Goldberg's Writing Down the Bones to Linda Trichter Metcalf, Ph.D. and Tobin Simon, Ph.D.'s Writing the Mind Alive to numerous other publications, journaling has enjoyed a long history of creative-nurturing along with a host of other benefits.
For my purposes, I'm defining journaling as any sort of loose, longhand writing. Whatever thoughts come into your head you put them down on paper. There's no structure, no form, nor concern about spelling or grammar or even legibility.
Even if writing isn't your dream, incorporating a regular program of journaling into your life is a wonderful way to jump-start your creativity and cultivate a constant flow of new ideas. Here are three reasons why.
1. Helps you get rid of the junk in your head. We all have it. Junk thoughts. Everything from self-defeating comments ("Oh, I'll never be good at that." or "Who told you that you could be a writer?") to the "worry of the moment" to neurosis of every type to the ever-growing, constant to-do lists.
Who can be creative with all that noise going on? For that matter, who could even hear a creative thought over all that racket?
Journaling is a way to quiet the mind. Writing all that junk down transfers it from your head to the paper. Suddenly, you find you can actually think rather than simply react.
The best part is this quiet lasts long after the journaling is done for the day. And if you journal frequently, then the effect is cumulative.
When I finish journaling, I find that I feel peaceful. Calm. Able to focus. The junk is gone, leaving space to be creative.
2. Gives you a chance to try new ideas. What better way to see if a new idea will work than to try it out on paper? You can write out the pros and cons, describe a scenario, play "what if" games ("What if my new business was successful?" "What if I tried that new advertising campaign?" "What if I contacted the editor at Money Magazine?"). And the best part is it's all in a private little notebook that no one will ever have to see.
Try writing down your hopes, dreams, goals, visions. Play around with them. You may find as you journal about them, a strategy for making them come true suddenly presents itself, right there in the pages of your notebook.
3. Helps you build a bridge to your muse. This one really only kicks in after you've sufficiently done number one (at least, this is the way it works for me). It seems only after I've gotten most of the junk out of my head that the muse sometimes slips out to play a bit.
How do you know the muse came to visit you? When that brilliant idea flashes in your head. It may not happen while you're journaling, but instead while you're showering, walking, driving or something else. This is the muse talking to you.
It's important to remember muses have quiet voices. They can easily be drowned out by the incessant bickering of the other noisy chatter going on in your head. Once you can get those other voices to shut up, you can start to listen for the muse.
Don't worry if this doesn't happen right away. There have been weeks and even months when I write nothing but junk down. But then, one day, that great idea appears on the paper or in my head as I'm walking my dogs.
And when that happens, I know all the time I spent journaling about nothing has paid off.
Creativity Exercises -- Journal more ideas
I would love it if you made a pact with yourself to journal regularly for a month. If that's too much of a commitment for you, try it as a creativity exercise.
Write down your challenge at the top of a piece of paper. Maybe it's ways to increase business or promote your products more or a new PR campaign. Now just start writing about it.
Don't think, just write. Fill a few pages of musing about that particular challenge. Don't type it either -- write longhand. If you wander away from it, try nudging yourself back.
Write for at least 20 minutes. If no answer presents itself in that time, don't get too hung up about it. Try it again the next day or a few days in a row. Sometimes it just takes awhile to jar things loose. And remember, great ideas have a tendency to pop up in the most unexpected places, not just when you're doing something "creative."
Michele Pariza Wacek is the author of "Got Ideas? Unleash Your Creativity and Make More Money." She offers two free e-zines that help subscribers combine their creativity with hard-hitting marketing and copywriting principles to become more successful at attracting new clients, selling products and services and boosting business. She can be reached at TheArtistSoul.com.
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10 Ways to Shatter Writer's Block

2005-06-18T03:05:00.000-07:00

1. Use Logic: Check for External Pressures
Are you under physical or emotional stress? Is your diet lacking? Do you need more sleep, or more restful sleep? Would a visit to the doctor be in order before you start beating yourself up about your inability to concentrate?
2. Start brainstorming
Jot down all the possible plot permutations you can think of. At first, these will be fairly logical. Then, as you run out of options, you'll find that you start to come up with more off-the- wall ideas. These might be just what you need to get you going again.
3. Ease into your writing
Start your writing session with something that's 'easy' - a letter, a shopping list, a recipe, a 'to do' list. Then move on to a brief session of free writing. THEN go back to your story. You may find, as others have in the past, that a half-hour session of writing in a journal or diary is a good warm-up for a writing session.
4. Take some time out
Only you know how much time this should be. Sometimes the subconscious simply needs time to work its magic. That might be a day, a week or a month. Obey your instincts. You might think that the danger is you'll never get back to it. Okay: perhaps that means you don't LIKE it enough to get back to it. Writing shouldn't be a penance. Find a job or a hobby that you DO like.
5. Revisit the last few pages
Go back ten or twenty pages and revise. You could even retype the last page completely, and see if that releases new ideas.
6. Use the tried and true 'carrot' trick. Reward yourself!
Think of something you'd really, really like. (Of course, the family might object if you want to reward yourself for your diligence with a trip to Bali.) A chocolate? A trip to see a movie? Dinner out? New clothes? Set yourself a task that is commensurate with the size of the reward - and DO IT.
7. Pressure Cooker Tactics
Some of us work well only under pressure. You'll probably know if this applies to you by thinking back to how you handled homework, assignments and exams at school. If you can produce when the pressure's on, then set yourself a deadline. Don't make that deadline too unrealistic, though, or you may find that you're setting yourself up for failure - again.
8. Change the time and venue
J.K. Rowling wrote the first Harry Potter book in extended stints in a cafe (or so the story goes). Roald Dahl worked in a battered garden shed. Try changing the venue or the time of your writing - from home to a library; from late evenings to early morning; from the kitchen table to a table in the corner of your bedroom.
9. Meditate or go walking
Sometimes it helps to get out in the fresh air, or to sit quietly and move into a meditative state and just let the ideas flow. Or not flow. Perhaps what you need is to dissociate yourself from the world for a while.
10. KEEP walking... remember Forrest Gump...
Don't want to write any more at all? OK. Then walk away and keep walking. Nobody said you have to write. Why write if it makes you miserable? It may ALWAYS make you miserable. If that's the case, don't do it. It really is that simple.
Or...it may be making you miserable NOW, but you loved it in the past and you expect you will again. If so, walk away just for a while. Give yourself an extended break - and only go back to the keyboard when you just can't stay away any longer. That's the best cure there is for writer's block.
(c) copyright Marg McAlister
Marg McAlister has published magazine articles, short stories, books for children, ezines, promotional material, sales letters and web content. She has written 5 distance education courses on writing, and her online help for writers is popular all over the world. Sign up for her regular writers' tipsheet at http://www.writing4success.com/
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Writers Block -- Melting the Ice

2005-06-17T04:22:00.000-07:00

What does one do as a writer who loves writing and feels empty of creativity?
When the writing process stops, there is the experience of fear. There is a sense that something precious has been lost. Out of this fear comes a sense of clinging. There is a clinging to all my beautiful words. It feels as if all my beautiful creativity is melting.
I guess all writers live with this fear. That is until they remember that this flow of creation does not belong to ‘me’ or ‘mine.’ I find a wondrous freedom in such recognition. If the writing is not mine then it is a gift given to ‘little me.’ The ‘I’ in ‘little me’ has only to learn how to receive it.
I remember that the fear of not being able to write creatively is the very thing that gets in the way.
This writer waits and watches. He waits as anyone with a little bit of wisdom waits. He waits as anyone who has been graced this day on this beautiful earth waits. He waits at the centre which is always empty but is always full.
I write one word and then I write the next word. There is no judgement of the word. Or there is the observation of such judgement. This is the watching. It is like observing a cloud passing through the blue sky of awareness.
This discipline is the observer observing the action of writing. When the focus is deep enough this writer disappears into the flow. Then creative writing happens. Then the discipline has become discipleship. ‘Little me’ disappears into the timeless. Creativity flows and freedom arrives. The soul is allowed expression and re-creation arrives. The soul is allowed expression and re-creation happens. There is fullness pouring into the emptiness of the surrendered heart.
This writing becomes a dance. The Beloved knows the steps and all I have to do is learn the grace of surrender. I remember that to live a life of grace is a balance between discipline and surrender. This is the real work. This is the real life.
Tony Cuckson is an Anam Cara. This Celtic term means “Soul Friend.” He specializes in providing insight for the spiritual journey, Blessings for YOU, words of wisdom and finding inner peace. Visitors to Irish Blessings Matter website and Tony’s Blog get the opportunity to develop a purpose driven life through articles, newsletters and other programs. Get your free report called “7 ways to it’s a wonderful life” at http://www.irishblessingsmatter.com">Blessings for YOU or go to Tony`s Blog at http://www.irishblessingsmatter.info/ Blessings for YOU Blog where you will find links to information related to spiritual guidance, spiritual coaching and spirit in business.
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Writer's Block Begone

2005-06-16T19:13:00.000-07:00

Back when I was in college, I belonged to one of those professional associations for the video industry. (I was a student member.) The monthly newsletter had a column called "Writer's Block." Although called Writer's Block, no one ever wrote about this mysterious and debilitating condition. So, finally, one day I decided to tackle the subject.
I don't remember much about the article except it seemed to be about eating chocolate, taking walks and not doing much writing (it was supposed to be tongue in cheek). I don't think it turned out as successful as I had hoped.
Anyway, my point is this -- while I still eat lots of chocolate and take lots of walks, I've also been forced to wrestle with that particular nightmare many a time. And in those wrestling matches, I've learned a few moves that might help you in your own struggles.
First, I've come to view writer's block as a friend more than an enemy. Okay, maybe friend is too strong. An ally. (Okay, maybe he's a really mean ally, but an ally all the same.)
Writer's block isn't about the writing. Writer's block isn't telling you you can't write or you'll never write again or you'll never have another idea again. Writer's block is telling you something else is wrong, and you need to deal with that something before you can get down to the business of writing.
Now, when I say writer's block, what I'm talking about is the inability to write. You have no idea where to start, no idea where the project is going, or maybe you have no ideas at all. That's true writer's block, not to be confused with writer's procrastination. Writer's procrastination is when you know what you want to be writing (or should be writing) yet you've somehow lost the ability to sit in a chair and type. Oh, but you can still check e-mail. And surf the Web. And lots of other tasks that have nothing to do with the writing project you should be doing. But try and start that project -- you'll just fall right off that chair.
I've had more than my share of encounters with that particular fellow as well, and I'm planning to share tips on beating writer's procrastination in future issues. (Trust me, you need to beat writer's procrastination. He is the enemy and he's evil.)
But writer's block is different. Writer's block says there's a problem. Writer's block says you haven't researched this project enough or you haven't thought this through enough or you're missing crucial information. Maybe your approach is all wrong. Maybe you should be writing a Web site and not a brochure for your business. Maybe you're trying to force a book-sized idea into an article-sized container and it just doesn't fit.
If your ideas have suddenly dried up, maybe writer's block is telling you to take it easy. You've been working too hard -- you need to take time and recharge your creative batteries. Or maybe you haven't dealt with some old hurt or anger and you need to take some time and deal with that block.
Writer's block also might be telling you the project is all wrong for you. (Although be careful with the last one -- writer's procrastination is a wonderful mimic and he might be trying to slip something past you.)
When I'm stuck, the first thing I do is get away from the computer. I take a walk, jump in the shower (I get a lot of great ideas in the shower) or eat some chocolate. (Some things never change.) I think about the project. I review my notes. I analyze what I'm doing. And I ask myself questions. Do I have all the information I need? Should I do more research? Is my approach right? Have I thought this project through enough?
Sometimes I can spot the problem in a few minutes. Sometimes it takes a few days. But always, without fail, I've discovered writer's block was right. There WAS a serious problem with the project. A fatal flaw in the foundation -- a weakness in the structure. Eventually, it would have collapsed.
And by stepping in, your writer's block stopped that from happening.
Creativity Exercises -- Make friends with writer's block
I realize this might be a scary exercise for some of you, especially if you're in the throes of writer's block (and I've been there -- I know how terrifying it is) but that's all the more reason to do this.
Now, when I say make friends with your writer's block, I'm not talking about inviting it to move in and existing in a permanent blocked state. What I'm talking about is a way to put writer's block in its rightful place -- where it uses its talents to help and not harm you.
Take a few moments and thank your writer's block. Thank it for all the times it blocked you. Tell it you know it was trying to help you and you appreciate it.
Whatever you do, DON’T fear your writer's block. You give it too much power if you fear it. Power corrupts. You don't want to corrupt your writer's block, you want it to do its job -- helping you craft the best writing pieces you can.
If you're in the middle of a bad case of writer's block, try asking your writer's block what the problem is. Why won't it let you start that project or what happened to your ideas? Do it as a journaling exercise or a meditation. You may be amazed at what it tells you.
Michele Pariza Wacek owns Creative Concepts and Copywriting, a writing, marketing and creativity agency. She offers two free e-newsletters that help subscribers combine their creativity with hard-hitting marketing and copywriting principles to become more successful at attracting new clients, selling products and services and boosting business. She can be reached at http://www.writingusa.com
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A Summer of Faulkner

2005-06-07T12:14:00.000-07:00

We will be spending a summer with Faulkner. I wonder if William Faulkner ever experienced writer's block. Writer's block is something most authors have experienced. Nevertheless, we will be reading three of Faulkner's classic novels this summer.

A summer of Faulkner consist of such classics as, As I Lay Dying, The Sound and the Fury, and Light in August. You all are invited to join us this summer on this reading adventure. William Faulkner's three-book collection can be purchased at Amazon.com. Purchase your collection now.

Ability

2005-06-02T11:33:00.000-07:00

Some writer's may experience writer's block because they feel they lack the ability to write. This may have been the result of constant rejection by literary agents and major publishing houses.

A writer can overcome this feeling of inability by having faith in his story. If he/she is writing about a subject matter that appeals to him/her, then that is what is important. A writer has to remain true to himself first. Overcoming writer's block can be as simple as gaining more confidence.

Abhorrence

2005-06-01T06:23:00.000-07:00

A writer may experience writer's block if he/she is suffering from abhorrence. Yes, it is possible that a writer generally abhor his/her work. If the writer finds himself/herself in this position, he can abort the project and start anew or he can just get over it.

But how does a writer overcome writer's block if he suffer from abhorrence? That is up to the writer. There is not predetermined answer for this question.

Abeyance

2005-05-29T23:37:00.000-07:00

Abeyance may be the cause of writer's block. If abeyance is not the cause of writer's block, it can be a contributing factor.

In order to overcome writer's block the writer has to get rid of abeyance.

Aberration

2005-05-29T11:26:00.000-07:00

A writer may experience writer's block if he/she is suffering from an aberration.

In order to cure oneself from an aberration, a writer has to get back on course. This in turn may alleviate his/her writer's block.

Overly Anxious

2005-05-28T10:30:00.000-07:00

When a writer is overly anxious, he/she may experience writer's block. There are a variety of causes for being overly anxious.

If the writer can identify those causes, he/she may be able to overcome writer's block.

Memorial Day

2005-05-27T13:49:00.001-07:00

Since this is memorial day weekend, I will not be discussing writer's block. I would like us to spend time honoring those who gave their lives for our country.

Memorial Day

2005-05-27T13:49:00.000-07:00

Since this is memorial day weekend, I will not be discussing writer's block. I would like us to spend time honoring those who gave their lives for our country.

Trauma

2005-05-26T09:23:00.000-07:00

Writer's block can be brought on by some sort of trauma. The writer may have experienced some sort of personal trauma that has caused him/her to experience the effects of writer's block.

A writer may have also experience some sort of trauma in his/her writing career. For instance, if a writer feels that his/her work has caused some type of harm to himself or others, this would be considered a writing trauma.

If the trauma is severe, the writer may have to seek professional help. The writer should also share his feelings with someone he/she feels close too. Being able to talk about the trauma, with someone, may be all the writer needs to overcome writer's block.

Fear

2005-05-25T19:44:00.000-07:00

Fear can cause a writer to experience writer's block. Perhaps the writer has reached the stage when he views the statistics of the average novel's success, he feels that his novel will not be successful.

Yes, it is true that over 100,000 novels are being published every year and a small percentage of those ever reap any rewards. Facing these statistics, the writer may fear that his work will not receive the attention it deserves. This realization may be at the root of the writer's writer's block.

The future cannot be predicted. The only thing you can do is your best. Take a deep breath and keep going. If writing is something you love, then let nothing stand in your way.

Exhaustion

2005-05-24T16:33:00.000-07:00

Exhaustion has been confused with writer's block. Sometimes when a writer is just plain exhausted, he/she may believe that it is writer's block. The writer should remember that exhaustion can stymie creativity.

The best way to deal with exhaustion, for a writer, is to take a long break from the writing assignment. As a result, the writer will be able to view his/her writing project through fresh eyes.

Impatience

2005-05-23T18:58:00.000-07:00

Impatience occurs when the writer does not allow his work to take shape at it own time. They have that need to rush things along. They do not sit back and allow the words to flow naturally. Their is some deep seated need to be in full control of how many words they put on paper or in print a day. This has sometimes been call writer's block.

It is not writer's block. My suggestion is to sit back and relax. Savor the words that you have written. Allow them to take a life of their own.

Frustration

2005-05-21T18:12:00.000-07:00

Here is another tidbit that some of you may not have considered when determining whether or not you suffer from writer's block: That heart wrenching frustration. Yes, that heart wrenching frustration. Heart wrenching frustration occurs when the writer has become totally frustrated with the entire writing process. The daily grind of plugging away at the computer or putting words on paper. All of a sudden, the writer is hit with a certain awareness: What am I doing? I did not intend for my manuscript to proceed in that direction.

Well hold on folks. There is a solution to this heart wrenching frustration. Do you believe in what you are writing about? I mean, do you deep down truly believe in your project? If the answer is yes, then allow your words to flow the way they are flowing. You are writing what first come to mind. Do not change that. Your first mind will not lead you astray. After all, it is what first led you to write.

Follow your judgment and have faith in your abilities. The old dreaded ordeal of frustration will soon subside and then disappear.

Preemption

2005-05-20T21:29:00.000-07:00

Preemption occurs when a writer has an idea but fails to move forward with it. They may mistaken believe that this is writer's block. When the writer has a deep thought that will not go away, the writer should go ahead with the idea. This will help relieve the writer of what may have been mistaken as writer's block.

Writing from the heart is the only way for a writer to proceed. If the writer does not choose this format, the writer will constantly feel what he/she perceives to be writer's block.

Hesitation

2005-05-19T18:57:00.000-07:00

Hesitation can be another factor in writer's block. This can occur when the writer hesitates to write down his first thoughts. He/she sits back and ponders whether the words are consistent.

The writer refuses to let the words flow easily from his/her mind. In order to conquer this aspect of writer's block, let the words flow naturally. You can always go back and edit what you have written.

Guilt

2005-05-18T19:18:00.000-07:00

Guilt can be a chief factor in writer's block. Suppose you have a son who is playing little league or has some other major event in his life. Suppose you have a daughter who is having a dance recital. As a writer, you may sometimes miss events in your family's life. This will cause you to feel guilty. As a result of the guilt, you may later suffer from writer's block.

Try to relieve that guilty feeling by talking with your family members. If you have a deadline to meet, explain to them that they do come first. Help them to feel like they are a part of your work and how you draw inspiration for them. With open communication, you can then relieve the guilt and conquer writer's block.

Ask For Help

2005-05-17T05:10:00.000-07:00

If you are feeling in a rut and cannot write, just ask for help. It may be best for you to seek out a writing buddy to talk to. If you can share your feelings with someone else who has been in your shoes, this may help to rid your writer's block.

Talk therapy has been proven to relieve a variety of ailments. It too can relieve writer's block.

Paralysis

2005-05-16T06:41:00.000-07:00

Paralysis is a direct cause of writer's block. The author or writer usually becomes paralyzed with fear of even writing words on paper or typing words on their computer. The cause of this type of writer's block is difficult to pinpoint.

The writer or author should take a break from his writing. He/she should then try to discover when this paralysis occurs. If he/she can pinpoint the onset of paralysis, the author or writer can come up with strategies to handle it.

Doubting Your Ability

2005-05-14T22:45:00.000-07:00

Writer's block can be cause by suddenly doubting your ability to write. You may have started writing your novel. You have just finished a couple of pages, then all of a sudden, depression sets in. You now have started doubting your ability.

You notice that there are so many novels out there. You suddenly wonder, how will my novel do? Will anybody buy my novel? This is call doubting your ability.

Stay focus and remember why you started writing your novel in the first place.

Procrastination

2005-05-14T06:00:00.000-07:00

Procrastination can sometimes be confused with writer's block. If a writer is one who procrastinates in other situations in his life, he is likely to procrastinate in his writing. In order to rid oneself of procrastination, the writer has to stop procrastinating in the other aspects of his life.

This can be accomplished by making a conscious effort everyday and keeping track of the progress. Once the writer ends his procrastination elsewhere, he will notice that his writer's block has subsided.

Self Criticism

2005-05-13T05:47:00.000-07:00

When dealing with writer's block, try to rid yourself of self criticism. Self criticism can cause a lot of writers to suffer from writer's block. Remember that there is always another day. When the next day come and you are still suffering from writer's block, just stop writing. Try to clear your head by engaging in your favorite activity.

Writer's block has many causes and it takes time to discover the root of your writer's block. Just be patient and stop self criticism.

Stuck

2005-05-12T12:25:00.000-07:00

Stuck with writer's block. Strange place to be. Fruit of labor destroyed. In a small town is hard on the writer. By Faye Brown would advise what to do. Writer's block is hard to get over. Writings become strange fruit in a small town if you do not release the energy.

What would Faye Brown do if she was in that situation. Faye Brown would release the writer's block. Do that sound strange to fruit. In a hurry you would run. Small town can be a dark place to be. By Faye Brown will tell you how to rid yourself of writer's block.

Articles

2005-05-11T07:10:00.000-07:00

1. Writer's block. (Oracle Night) (Book Review): An article from:New Statesman (1996) [HTML] by PeterBradshaw (Digital)

2. How wethink. (The Midnight Disease: The Drive to Write, Writer's Block, and the Creative Brain) (An Alchemy of Mind: The Marvel and Mystery of the Brain. An article from: The Women's Review of Books[HTML] by Peg Aloi (Digital)

3. High-tech literary coaches: get past that writer's block with a little help from your cyberfriends. (bookbytes): An article from: Black Issues Book Review [HTML] by Sheryl Estrada (Digital)

For your reading pleasure, you can also purchase: Strange Fruit In A Small Town by Faye Brown

All of the above listed books can be purchased at Amazon

For Writers Only

2005-05-10T08:39:00.000-07:00

1. The Midnight Disease: The Drive to Write, Writer's Block, and the Creative Brain by Alice Weaver Flaherty

2. Breaking Writer's Block Write Now by John Wolcott

3. When a Writer Can't Write: Studies in Writer's Block and Other Composing Problems

4. Right Brain--Writeon: Overcoming Writer's Block and Achieving Your Creative Potential by Bill Downey

5. Write for Your Life by Lawrence Block

Block

2005-05-08T22:49:00.000-07:00

1. Overcome Writer's Block by Kay Porterfield

2. Outwitting Writer's Block by Jenna Glatzer

3. On Writer's Block by Victoria Nelson

4. Unstuck: A Supportive and Practical Guide to Working Through Writer's Block by Jane Anne Staw

5. The Courage to Write: How Writers Transcend Fear by Ralph Keyes.

Finger Arthritis

2005-05-08T13:36:00.000-07:00

Finger arthritis occurs when a writer is unable to write. This is not a medical condition. It occurs in writers who are trying to write a book or novel. The fingers cannot move because the ideas are not flowing from the brain.

You cannot take tylenol or any other pain reliever to get rid of finger arthritis. The only thing you can do is to keep writing about anything and everything until it passes.

Reading Books

2005-05-07T17:59:00.000-07:00

Reading books is a soothing way to relieve writer's block. Sometimes writer's block can be the result of too much focus on the given project. Reading books can take the mind away from the given writing project and allow one to focus on the realm of different possibilities.

Reading books will allow you to go to that place of the unknown. It will give you a different prospective on how you want to proceed with your writing project. I am not suggesting that you steal the ideas from the books that you are reading. I am only suggesting that reading books allows your mind to be free.

The Former Contestant Of The American Idol

2005-05-06T20:01:00.000-07:00

The former contestant, of the american idol television show, apparently does not suffer from writer's block. He has written a book about his alleged relationship with Paula Abdul. If his story is true, then his words flowed easily on the pages. If his story is false, then he has a wild imagination.

Perhaps we have to stay tuned for the results. We know the former contestant do not suffer from mouth block. He is on the major television stations spouting off at the mouth about this alleged relationship.

Perhaps us writers could learn something from the former contestant of the american idol. Let the press follow us on our journey in order to relieve us from writer's block.

Pat O'Brien

2005-05-05T13:22:00.000-07:00

Pat O'Brien, of The Insider, is hot right now. Pat O'Brien is not suffering from mouth block. But is Pat O'Brien suffering from writer's block? One truly does not know. If Pat O'Brien could replace his mouth with his fingers, Pat O'Brien would definitely not suffer from writer's block.

Pat O'Brien could write the whole script for The Insider now. Go, Pat O'Brien, start writing now. The New York Times will love you.

The Runaway Bride

2005-05-04T05:38:00.000-07:00

The runaway bride would not have suffered from writer's block if she had written her story. Sitting down to write about feeling overwhelmed from the pressure of her upcoming wedding would have flowed swiftly on the pages. The police involvement would have been a great whodunit moment. The groom would have been the number one suspect in her kidnapping. No one would have suspected the ending.

The runaway bride would not have suffered a bit of writer's block if she had chosen to sit down
and write her story.

The Desperate Housewife

2005-05-03T04:40:00.000-07:00

The Desperate Housewife do not suffer from writer's block The Desperate Housewife can write about anything and everything all of the time. The Desperate Housewife is a published author. The Desperate Housewife loves Laura Bush. The Desperate Housewife has a husband like President George Bush.

The Desperate Housewife can woo an audience with her words. Words flow naturally from her computer and paper. She never have to think about her writing. She is a wonderful writer who can write novels at the rate of every Sunday evening.

In order to cure yourself of writer's block, follow Laura Bush and President George Bush example.

Online Novel Writer's Group

2005-05-02T11:56:00.000-07:00

If you are interested in learning from others about how to handle writer's block, then the online novel writers group is for you. This is an online forum where writers and authors gather to discuss various aspects of their writing.

Their website address is: Online Novel Writer's Group

A Writer Speaks

2005-05-01T03:21:00.000-07:00

I was speaking to Faye Brown about how she handles writer's block. I thought I would share her insights with you. She feels that there are several ways to deal with it:

1. Do not try to write when you are extremely tired.
2. Do not force yourself to stick to a routine; try to break away from your computer as often as possible.
3. When an idea comes to you, write it down immediately.
4. Try to exercise; this gets the creative juices flowing.

Ms. Brown followed these simple steps and others while working on her new novel. There are a lot of different avenues to take, you just have to find what works for you.

Keep Telling Yourself That

2005-04-30T18:01:00.000-07:00

Perhaps it is really not writer's block you are suffering from. Maybe you realize that you are a failure. You know that no one wants to hear yoou. You just keep putting off the obvious. You just cannot write. Face it. Deal with it and move on. Try doing something else with your life. Not being published will not kill you.

Today's Review

2005-04-29T18:17:00.000-07:00

Brad gave me his opinions concerning writers block. I asked him what he does to conquer it. He said he was considering psycho therapy. Poor Brad, his block is so bad that he is willing to spend a lot of money. I told him that maybe he should give up writing all together since his writing is not that great anyway. Brad went into a deep depression after I spoke with him. Brad, I am so sorry for causing you so much grief.

The Frustrating No Dilemma

2005-04-28T04:56:00.000-07:00

The frustrating no dilemma is all around. The writing keeps flowing and the heart keeps pumping. Where do I put the words to be seen? I have tried everything I can think of. I have gone back and forth looking for a place to showcase the words. How did others get the words showcased?

My words appear to be better. Is it because they have been expressing their words longer? No one knows but it is worth finding out the secret. Should the front page be filled with others words? If I do that, I am really just helping them out. If they wanted the words, they should not ask for anything in return. They should just want the words for others to see. If I cannot figure out how to showcase their words and they drop me as a result, I just have to live with that.

The frustrating no dilemma is another factor to having writer's block. It does not come from inside the writer's own hands, but it is an outside phenomena that he constantly deals with.

Blaming The Television

2005-04-27T13:52:00.000-07:00

Blaming the television for not being able to write can occur when a writer feels that he has to follow something on televsion. He later blames the TV for not being able to write. That writer looks for excuses. Yes, there is a lot going on in the news. The writer, however can make his own news. He can write, He can change the world through his writing.

When the writer spends most of his time viewing the television, he may take away from his writing creativity. For example, he just may keep his mind on the events he just heard on the television. Blaming the television may not at first become obvious to the writer. He needs to take that quite break from all media outlets. Perhaps a quiet cabin in the woods can get those creative juices flowing again.

Do something different to eliminate writer's block. Take the leap and keep up with your changes in overcoming your writer's block.

Writer's Remorse

2005-04-26T13:42:00.000-07:00

Some writers develop writer's remorse. Writer's remorse occurs when a writer has written several pages of a manuscript and regrets every word on the page. This can be a tremendous blow to the writer. He/She often wants to start all over from the beginning. He/she may even want to give up altogether.

Sometime depression sets in and the writer can't cope. What I suggest is to take a step back from what you have written. Leave it alone for awhile. Come back to it later. When you get back to it, try looking at it from a different perspective. Maybe you can use it after all.

Whatever you decide to do, keep working at it and don't give up.

Being In A Rut

2005-04-25T08:31:00.000-07:00

Being in a rut is when a writer starts off on the right track about writing his/her novel and then backslides. Being in a rut is when a writer knows he is suppose to be writing his novel but starts making excuses. Being in a rut is when the writer starts to lose confidence in his/her abilities. Being in a rut is when the writer thinks about giving up. Being in a rut is when a writer is concerned about what others might be thinking. Being in a rut is when a writer wonders whether or not he/she will finish his novel. Being in a rut is when a writer realizes how his/her writing is taking away from his/her family obligations. Being in a rut is when the writer is exhausted.

How can the writer get out of the rut? Start thinking positive thoughts. This can occur when the writer realizes the true reason why he wanted to write. Once the writer delves within his/her inner being then the words will flow. The mind will become clear. The heart will open up to the possibilities. The writer will then realize that he/she has something to offer. What he/she has to offer is that little piece of himself/herself. That little piece that may change some other person's life. That is the best blessing that a writer has to offer.

Making A False Promise To Yourself

2005-04-24T15:13:00.000-07:00

Making a false promise to yourself involves telling yourself that your will get back to your writing today and that day passes without you writing. Making a false promise to yourself involves telling yourself that you will stop surfing on the internet and get back to your writing and that day passes without you writing. Making a false promise to yourself involves telling yourself that you will write 15 pages of your manuscript everyday and that day passes without you writing.

Making a false promise to yourself is simply just lying to yourself. It has nothing to do with writer's block.

Conquering Writer's Block By Drawing On Your Inner Feelings

2005-04-23T11:20:00.000-07:00

Writer's block can be conquered by drawing on your inner feelings. What I mean by that is taking that break from your writing and just sitting back and start writing about your inner feelings. Keep drawing upon your inner feelings until your hands cannot move anymore. Just do not think about what you are writing.

Let the words flow from your mind without even thinking about what you are writing. Step back and start drawing on your inner feelings to allow yourself to relax, think, and write. This practice of drawing on your inner feelings will become a great release for your creative ability.

Your thoughts should not be considered when drawing on your inner feelings. Just write in order to relieve your writer's block. It will refresh you. Do not consider any preconceived deadlines you may have established for yourself.

This will prove counterproductive to your quest for relieving writer's block by drawing on your inner feelings.

FOR ALL BLOGGERS

2005-04-22T09:13:00.000-07:00

COME JOIN IN TO HAVE YOUR COMMENTS POSTED REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCES WITH WRITER'S BLOCK.

WHAT IS WRITER"S BLOCK?

2005-04-21T06:06:00.000-07:00

Writer's block is that feeling wriiters get when they cannot compose. writer's block is that feeling writers have when they are overanxious about their work. Writer's block occur when the writer starts to lack confidence in their work. Writer's block can occur when a writer feels no one will buy their work. Writer's block occur when a writer is upset. Just sit back and relax and watch your writer's block disappear.

Getting Back To Writing

2005-04-20T14:47:00.000-07:00

All writers face writer's block during thier writing career. How to handle writer's block is essential. If writer's block is not handled properly, a writer can become discouraged and abandon the project they are working on. One of the best ways to handle writer's block is to put down what you are writing and just relax. Just relax when you are dealing with writer's block. Another way to handle writer's block is to start writing about anything. Yes, if you are experiencing writer's block then start writing about anything. This will free your mind and help you deal with writer's block.

When My Head And Fingers Disagree

2005-04-18T09:53:00.000-07:00

My head tell me one thing, my fingers tell a different story. My head tells me I am behind schedule. I should move forward. Why am I so far behind? Why can't I get it right? My fingers tell me to keep moving. Keep moving until the story comes about of my head. My mind says what you are writing is not coherent. Fix it now. Stop and fix it now. My mind says for me to do it today. Do it today. Do not put it off until tomorrow. Go ahead and do it today.

DO EVERYBODY WANT TO REFRESH THEIR MIND

2005-04-14T02:38:00.000-07:00

THEN READ.....

STRANGE FRUIT IN A SMALL TOWN

Faye I. Brown

If I Only Knew...Five Tips To Save You Time

2005-04-13T13:45:00.000-07:00

If you ever experience writer's block the following tips can help:

1. take a break and listen to music.
2. Walk your dog and forget about it.
3. Go to dinner with family.
4. Get back to it when you feel refreshed.
5. Write about the first things that come to mind.

Copywright:2004 Rights reserved to original author. Faye I. Brown

SIGN UP FOR FREE TIPS PROMOTING YOUR NOVEL

2005-04-12T12:33:00.000-07:00

We will be offering tips on how to promote your novel. Stay tuned for more information.

OPINIONS OF LITERARY AGENT J.Q. PETERS

2005-02-11T08:22:00.000-08:00

My colleague, J.Q. Peters, provided the following information with regard to what he looks for in a potential client. He explains that he is just not interested in what the writer says but how he feels. A beginner should feel comfortable with the type of genre they write about. They should not try to emulate others. In other words, be original as possible. According to Peters, if a writer feels confident with his ideas, then he should pursur his dreams. Some of the most interesting work that has made the best seller list was not so widely accepted before publication. The writer should not be concerned with what he/she feels will sell. He/she should write about subjects that appeals to that particular individual and not try to concentrate on what the potential readers may or may not like.

Views On Handling Writer's Block

2005-02-09T14:30:00.000-08:00

Margie Mason provided me with her suggestions concerning writer's block. Her suggestions are somewhat out of the box, but I will provide them to you.
1. Do not write when you are exhausted.
2. Do stretching excercises berfore you write.
3. Write about a funny story you heard.
4. Ask others about some things they enjoy.
5. Share your thoughts with others and get feedback.
6. Write down those thoughts.
7. Take a nap.
8. Get up and start writing about anything without giving it a second thought.