I was chatting with some writers recently about our biggest struggles. A few issues came up over and over including ‘lack of accountability’. It’s hardly surprising that this is a biggie for many of us. We often don’t have bosses, so it’s entirely up to us to find the self-discipline, drive and determination to sit down…
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The Surprising Benefits of Writing Just For Fun!
I often talk about writing with a specific goal in mind – whether it’s getting your draft finished or selling your work. I think it’s good to be clear and focused. But what about writing without a goal in mind? In other words, writing just for fun? Does that sound like a waste of time?…
Little Trick To Help You Meet a Big Writing Goal
I had a call with one of my writing coaching clients, recently. We were talking over a big, impending writing goal, working on a plan to make sure she succeeded. But we soon realised she was behind with her work. Uh oh! This wouldn’t normally have been a problem, after all, schedules ebb and flow. But the…
How to Waste Less Time Online (and Get More Writing Done)
Today I want to share some tips to help you waste less time online. So, you’ve sat down to write. Or maybe you’re planning to do some writing related marketing. You have a goal. You’re all set to go. But then, you somehow find you’ve wasted the morning scrolling through tweets, randomly online shopping or…
Are You Procrastinating Over Your Writing? Try Some Self-Compassion
Today I want to share a tip for anyone suffering from procrastination: try using some self-compassion. This wasn’t a term I was particularly familiar with, but I just listened to a fascinating episode of the podcast The Happiness Lab, which was all about how developing self-compassion is vital to helping us achieve our goals. Stay with me…
6 Quick Writing Exercises to Help You Warm Up
Over the last couple of weeks I’ve shared tips about the end of the process – when you are completing a draft and getting ready to submit it. This week I’m going to do something a little bit different. I’m going to take you back to the start of the process, and share some writing…
Quick Tip If You’re Feeling Stuck
Today I want to share a simple tip if ever you’re feeling stuck. This little strategy saved my bacon when I recently hit a stumbling block during a rewrite. So if you too need to get unstuck with your writing — Try making a very small change. I’m not talking about a massive block…
How the Pomodoro Technique can Help you Focus
Do you ever have days when you just can’t focus? You might have a deadline or just want to meet your daily word count, but no matter what you try to do, your mind keeps straying? Perhaps you can’t stop checking your emails, or maybe you keep reading the news, or drifting into your favourite…