Monday 13 June 2016

9 REALLY useful tips for writers

A writer. Not me

1. If possible, write on something that is NOT connected to the internet. That way you aren't tempted to check Facebook/Twitter every 5 minutes. Or less.

2. If you are writing on an internet-free laptop, make sure it isn't in the same room as the internet connected one (see 1).

3. If you can't accomplish 1 and 2 for physical/financial reasons, try to allocate yourself specific times of the day to Tweet/update your Facebook. Do not weaken.

4. Unless specific, dickering about on Google is not 'research'.

5. Checking your Amazon rating and sales figures every two days is liable to lead to suicidal feelings. Ditto reading posts from other writers who do this.

6. Ditto reading the 'I wrote a whole novel today - go me!' claims on social media

7. There is no such thing as 'Writer's Block', it is just a posh excuse for not writing.

8. The only way to write a book is to write a book.

9. If you are not constantly awash with doubt/fear/insecurity/self-loathing/envy/anxiety/panic, you probably aren't a writer.

9 comments:

  1. Ah yes - in agreement with most of them (but we'll have to agree to disagree on writer's block 😊).

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    1. I always go on the basis: once you name it, it is. So I don't recognise WB ..and keep on writing...maybe a blog, a short story..or I just go for a walk, tell myself, I'm having a day off. Works for me.

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  2. I am writing today, Carol, and following your advice about the Internet. Oh, wait... rats. John

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  3. I define 'writer's block' as a pretentious excuse for lack of imagination!! Or for not choosing to sit down and make yourself really think the problem through.

    I check my Amazon ranking and sales for my two most recent books every day, sometimes more than once. So there. This is partly for research so I can see which are the best/worst selling times, and what promotional stuff has worked (although I am sure that most sales come simply from Amazon browsing)

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    1. Not saying you're OCD....not saying that at all ...hahaha. Mind, you are the Promo Queen...

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  4. Good stuff. I'm fortunate (in some ways) to have a sketchy internet connection, but even when it's working, I try to limit the email-checking and social media. Sometimes I feel like a virtual recluse, but I do get work done!

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    1. It is so hard to find the balance between being here and being at work!

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