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Tag: reading

How to Overcome Writer’s Block and Keep Writing

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On May 3, 2023

In Writing

Writing is a great form of expression, and it can be therapeutic for many people. However, there are times when writers hit a wall and struggle to put their thoughts into words. This is commonly known as writer’s block, and it can be frustrating, especially when you have deadlines to meet. In this article, we’ll discuss some practical tips on how to overcome writer’s block and keep writing.

Take a break
Sometimes, the best way to overcome writer’s block is to take a break. Walk away from your computer or notebook and take a few deep breaths. Take a short walk or do some light exercise. This can help to clear your mind and get the creative juices flowing again.

Change your environment
A change of scenery can also help to overcome writer’s block. If you’re used to writing in your office or bedroom, try moving to a different room or going to a coffee shop. A change of environment can help to stimulate your brain and get your creative juices flowing again.

Write at a different time of day
If you’re used to writing at a certain time of day, try changing your routine. If you typically write in the morning, try writing in the evening or vice versa. Sometimes, a change in routine can help to overcome writer’s block.

Set a timer
If you’re struggling to get started, set a timer for 10-15 minutes and just write. Don’t worry about spelling, grammar, or structure. Just write down whatever comes to mind. This can help to get the ball rolling and break through the initial resistance.

Brainstorm
If you’re stuck on a particular topic, try brainstorming. Write down as many ideas as you can think of, even if they seem silly or irrelevant. This can help to generate new ideas and get the creative juices flowing again.

Read
Reading can also be a great way to overcome writer’s block. Read something that inspires you or that is related to the topic you’re writing about. This can help to generate new ideas and get your creative juices flowing again.

Talk to someone
Sometimes, talking to someone can help to overcome writer’s block. Share your ideas with a friend or colleague and get their feedback. This can help to generate new ideas and get your creative juices flowing again.

Write a different piece
If you’re struggling with a particular piece, try writing something else. Write a blog post, a short story, or a poem. This can help to get your creative juices flowing again and break through the initial resistance.

Break it down
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by a large writing project, try breaking it down into smaller pieces. Set smaller goals for yourself, such as writing a certain number of words or completing a particular section. This can help to make the task more manageable and less overwhelming.

Get rid of distractions
Distractions can be a major obstacle to writing. If you find yourself constantly checking social media or email, try getting rid of distractions. Turn off your phone or put it in another room. Turn off notifications on your computer. Create a distraction-free environment that is conducive to writing.

Write in short bursts
If you’re struggling to write for long periods of time, try writing in short bursts. Set a timer for 25 minutes and write without stopping. Take a short break and then repeat the process. This can help to make the task more manageable and less overwhelming.

Don’t worry about perfection
Perfectionism can be a major obstacle to writing. Don’t worry about spelling, grammar, or structure in the first draft. Just focus on getting your ideas down on paper. You can always go back and edit later.

In essence, writer’s block is a common obstacle that many writers face, but it doesn’t have to stop you from writing altogether. By taking a break, changing your environment, setting a timer, brainstorming, reading, talking to someone, writing a different piece, breaking down your project into smaller pieces, getting rid of distractions, writing in short bursts, and not worrying about perfection, you can overcome writer’s block and keep writing.

It’s important to remember that writer’s block is a natural part of the writing process, and it doesn’t mean that you’re a bad writer or that you lack creativity. It simply means that you need to take a step back and try a different approach. Experiment with different techniques until you find what works best for you.

If you find that you’re still struggling to overcome writer’s block, consider seeking help from a writing coach or joining a writing group. Talking to other writers who have experienced similar challenges can be a great way to gain support and get new ideas.

Ultimately, the key to overcoming writer’s block is to stay positive and keep writing. Remember that every writer faces challenges, and that it’s all part of the creative process. With time, patience, and perseverance, you can overcome writer’s block and achieve your writing goals.

Finding Your Writing Voice: Tips and Techniques

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On April 17, 2023

In Writing

Writing is an art form that requires more than just technical knowledge and grammatical correctness. It requires creativity, imagination, and most importantly, a unique voice. A writer’s voice is the individual style and tone they use to communicate their thoughts, ideas, and emotions. It is what sets them apart from other writers and makes their work distinctive. However, finding your writing voice can be a challenging task for many writers, especially those just starting.

In this article, we will discuss some tips and techniques to help you find your writing voice.

Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash

Read extensively
Reading extensively is one of the best ways to find your writing voice. By reading a wide range of books, articles, and other written works, you expose yourself to different writing styles, genres, and voices. You can identify what you like and dislike about different writers’ voices and take inspiration from them.

When reading, pay attention to the writer’s tone, style, and choice of words. Analyze how they create a particular atmosphere, convey emotions, and engage the reader. This way, you can learn from the best and incorporate their techniques into your own writing.

Experiment with different writing styles
Experimenting with different writing styles can help you find your writing voice. Don’t be afraid to try different genres, techniques, and styles. This can help you discover what works for you and what doesn’t. You can try writing in different genres such as poetry, fiction, non-fiction, or screenplays. You can also experiment with different techniques such as using metaphors, similes, or allusions.

Trying different writing styles allows you to discover what you enjoy writing the most and what comes naturally to you. You can then develop your voice around these elements and create a unique style that is true to yourself.

Write regularly
Writing regularly is essential to finding your writing voice. The more you write, the more you develop your writing skills and discover your writing style. Regular writing also helps you establish a routine and develop discipline. This can help you become a better writer and find your voice faster.

When writing regularly, try to be consistent with your tone and style. This way, you can see how your writing evolves over time and identify what works best for you.

Write from your heart
Writing from your heart is an excellent way to find your writing voice. When you write from your heart, you write authentically, and your voice shines through. You can convey your emotions, experiences, and ideas in a way that is unique to you. This way, you create a personal connection with your readers, and they can relate to your writing on a deeper level.

Writing from your heart requires vulnerability and honesty. It can be challenging to write about personal experiences or emotions, but it can also be therapeutic. When you write from your heart, you give your readers a glimpse into your soul and create a connection that goes beyond the page.

Be true to yourself
Being true to yourself is crucial to finding your writing voice. Your voice is a reflection of who you are, and it should be authentic. Don’t try to imitate other writers or adopt a style that doesn’t feel natural to you. Instead, write in a way that is true to yourself.

Your writing should reflect your values, beliefs, and experiences. This way, you create a style that is uniquely yours, and your readers can connect with you on a personal level.

Edit ruthlessly
Editing ruthlessly is a vital part of finding your writing voice. When you edit, you refine your writing and make it more polished. You can identify areas where you need to improve, and you can eliminate anything that doesn’t contribute to your voice.

When editing, pay attention to your tone, style, and word choice. Make sure they are consistent throughout the piece and that they reflect your voice. Eliminate any jargon or unnecessary words that don’t add value to your writing.

By editing ruthlessly, you create a clear and concise style that is unique to you. This way, you can develop your voice and refine it over time.

Get feedback
Getting feedback from others is essential to finding your writing voice. You can ask other writers, editors, or even readers to give you feedback on your writing. This way, you can get an objective perspective on your style, tone, and word choice.

When getting feedback, listen to constructive criticism and take it into account. Use it to improve your writing and develop your voice. However, don’t let criticism discourage you or make you lose sight of your style. Remember that your voice is unique to you, and it’s okay if not everyone likes it.

All things said, finding your writing voice takes time, patience, and practice. By reading extensively, experimenting with different styles, writing regularly, writing from your heart, being true to yourself, editing ruthlessly, and getting feedback, you can develop a unique voice that sets you apart from other writers. Remember that your voice is a reflection of who you are, and it should be authentic. Don’t be afraid to take risks, make mistakes, and try new things. Your voice will evolve over time, and that’s okay. K

5 Sources of Inspiration for New Writers

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On March 3, 2023

In Writing

Writing can be a challenging task, especially for new writers who are just starting their journey. One of the biggest hurdles that writers face is finding inspiration for their work. Inspiration is the driving force behind every piece of writing, and without it, the process can become stagnant and frustrating.

Fortunately, there are several ways in which new writers can find inspiration to fuel their creativity. We’ll explore some of the most effective methods for finding inspiration, as well as where new writers can look for it.

Photo by Thought Catalog on Unsplash

Read Widely
Reading is one of the most effective ways to find inspiration for your writing. By reading widely and exploring different genres and styles of writing, you can expose yourself to new ideas, perspectives, and techniques. Reading can also help you identify your own writing style and find your voice as a writer.

To find inspiration through reading, start by making a list of books and authors that you admire. Look for themes or motifs that resonate with you, and take note of the writing techniques and styles that you find particularly engaging.

Explore the World
Another effective way to find inspiration is to explore the world around you. Whether it’s traveling to new places, trying new experiences, or simply observing the people and events in your daily life, there’s no shortage of inspiration to be found in the world.

To find inspiration through exploration, try keeping a journal or taking notes on your observations and experiences. Look for details and moments that stand out to you, and consider how you might use them in your writing.

Seek Out Prompts
Prompts are writing exercises that can help stimulate your creativity and inspire new ideas. They can take many forms, from a single word or phrase to a more complex scenario or image. There are many websites and resources available online that offer writing prompts for free.

To find inspiration through prompts, try setting aside time each day or week to work on a new prompt. Challenge yourself to write freely and without judgment, and see where your creativity takes you.

Collaborate with Others
Collaborating with other writers, artists, or creatives can also be a great way to find inspiration. By working with others, you can bounce ideas off one another, share feedback, and gain new perspectives on your writing.

To find inspiration through collaboration, consider joining a writing group or attending workshops or events where you can meet other writers. Look for opportunities to share your work and receive feedback, and be open to new ideas and perspectives.

Embrace Your Emotions
Finally, one of the most powerful sources of inspiration is your own emotions. Writing can be a cathartic and healing process, and exploring your own emotions and experiences can help you find new ideas and themes to write about.

To find inspiration through your emotions, try journaling or writing about your own experiences and feelings. Consider how you might use these experiences to create characters, settings, or plot points in your writing.

Where to Find Inspiration
Now that we’ve explored some of the most effective methods for finding inspiration, let’s take a look at some specific places where new writers can look for inspiration.

Social Media
Social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest can be great sources of inspiration for writers. Follow writers and writing communities to stay up to date on new trends, prompts, and events, and look for inspiration in the images and posts that catch your eye.

Nature
Spending time in nature can be a great way to clear your mind and find inspiration. Take a walk, go for a hike, or simply sit outside and observe the world around you. Look for details in nature that you can use in your writing, such as the way the light hits the trees or the sound of a babbling brook.

News and Current Events
Current events and news stories can be a great source of inspiration for writers. Follow the news and read articles on topics that interest you. Look for stories that spark your imagination or that you feel passionate about. Consider how you might use these stories to inspire your own writing, whether it’s by creating a character inspired by a real-life figure or exploring a theme or issue that’s relevant to current events.

Music
Music can be a powerful source of inspiration for writers. Listen to music that inspires you or that matches the mood of the scene you’re writing. Pay attention to the lyrics and the emotions they convey, and consider how you might use these emotions to create a compelling story or character.

Personal Experiences
Your own personal experiences can be a rich source of inspiration for your writing. Draw from your own life experiences, whether it’s a childhood memory, a difficult moment, or a happy occasion. Consider how you might use these experiences to create compelling characters, settings, or plot points in your writing.

Finding inspiration for your writing can be challenging, but it’s an essential part of the writing process. By exploring the world around you, collaborating with others, and tapping into your own emotions and experiences, you can find the inspiration you need to create compelling and engaging content. And by optimizing your article for SEO, you can ensure that your content reaches a wider audience and ranks higher in search engine results.

Writing Tips and Techniques

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On February 27, 2023

In Writing

Writing can be a fulfilling and challenging experience for many people. Whether you’re writing a novel, an article, or even an email, it’s important to have a solid grasp of the basics of writing. In this article, we will share some writing tips and techniques to help you improve your writing skills.

Photo by Nick Morrison on Unsplash

Know your audience
The first rule of writing is to know your audience. When you know who you are writing for, you can tailor your language and tone to suit their needs. If you’re writing for a casual audience, use informal language and a conversational tone. If you’re writing for a more formal audience, use formal language and a professional tone.

Start with a plan
Before you start writing, it’s important to have a plan. This could be a simple outline or a more detailed plan with a clear structure. Having a plan helps you stay on track and ensures that your writing is focused and coherent. If you’re struggling to come up with a plan, try brainstorming ideas and organizing them into a logical sequence.

Keep it simple
One of the biggest mistakes that writers make is trying to be too clever. Writing should be clear and concise, so avoid using overly complicated words and sentences. Instead, aim to write in a way that is easy to understand and engaging for your readers.

Edit and revise
Editing and revising are essential parts of the writing process. Once you’ve finished writing, go back through your work and check for spelling and grammar errors. You should also look for ways to improve your writing, such as cutting out unnecessary words or adding more detail.

Use active voice
Using active voice in your writing can make it more engaging and easier to read. Active voice puts the emphasis on the subject of the sentence, while passive voice puts the emphasis on the object. For example, “John ate the cake” is active voice, while “the cake was eaten by John” is passive voice.

Once you’ve finished writing, go back through your work and check for spelling and grammar errors.

Show, don’t tell
“Show, don’t tell” is a popular writing mantra that encourages writers to use descriptive language to create vivid images in the minds of their readers. Instead of telling your readers what is happening, show them through the use of sensory details and descriptive language.

Write every day
The more you write, the better you will become. Make it a habit to write every day, even if it’s just a few sentences. This will help you develop your writing skills and become more comfortable with the writing process.

Read widely
Reading is one of the best ways to improve your writing skills. Read widely and diversely to expose yourself to different writing styles and genres. This will help you develop your own writing style and give you new ideas for your own writing.

Take breaks
Writing can be a mentally taxing activity, so it’s important to take breaks. This will give your brain a chance to rest and recharge, which will help you write more effectively in the long run.

Be yourself
Finally, don’t be afraid to be yourself when you write. Your writing should reflect your unique voice and perspective. Don’t try to mimic someone else’s writing style or use words and phrases that you wouldn’t normally use. Instead, focus on being authentic and true to yourself.

In essence, writing is a skill that can be developed with practice and patience. By following these writing tips and techniques, you can improve your writing skills and become a more confident and effective writer. Remember to always keep your audience in mind, start with a plan, keep it simple, edit and revise, use active voice, show don’t tell, write every day, read widely, take breaks, and be yourself. With these tips in mind, you’ll be on your way to becoming a better writer.

Short and Sweet

By

On July 5, 2022

In Writing

Photo by Green Chameleon on Unsplash

“I liked the idea of putting a book of drabbles together, but I knew I would need a lot of stories. I had no idea how many authors would be interested in writing a drabble, so I decided to ask them. The response was overwhelming and the drabbles started flooding in almost instantly.” -Kevin J. Kennedy

Who said drabbles are read by only a few? I believe drabbles are becoming more popular.

Drabbles were first written in England in the 80’s by science fiction authors. Today, you can find them around the world written in different genres, not only science fiction. 

Why do I enjoy them? 

1. They’re short. You will not get bored reading 100 words.

2. Different authors are in one book, so you get to read different styles of writing. This alone is already intriguing.

3. If you’re a writer you get to learn how to compress a story into 100 words, no more, no less. The mode has to be an introduction, a middle and an end. Some drabble writers don’t follow this, nevertheless their write-ups are intriguing enough to be read.

4. Many drabbles are written to make the readers think. At times you have to read the drabble more than once to find out what it’s saying.

Drabbles are, to coin a phrase, short and sweet. Short, because they’re only 100 words, sweet depending on your mood when you read them. To end, I leave with a quote from Mark Twain.

“I didn’t have time to write a short letter, so I wrote a long one instead.” -Mark Twain

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