Writing Tip: Celebrate Honesty
Today’s writing tip is about honesty. Honesty lies at the foundation of any good crime story. It can be the enormous quantity of the lack of honesty which drives mysteries. Welcome to National Honesty Day!
Exploring issues of honesty is an effective means to develop your characters. It allows you to reach out and connect with your readers. Let’s face it; we all face trials of our own honesty. It is part of life. How we deal with those situations is at the crux of the human experience.
To give life to your story, include narrative of how your characters struggle with issues of honesty. Your characters will become more lifelike. Your readers will be able to relate to their troubles. They will care about your characters and be compelled to finish your work. For a writer, this is the pinnacle of good writing.
Freelance Update
It’s been one month since I’ve made the move toward becoming freelance full time. Overall, the experience has been great.
I’ve learned a lot not only about my work habits, but also about the different subjecst of which I’ve researched. Now, I have a whole repertoire of cocktail facts to impress my friends and act as icebreakers. You know you’re a freelancer when…
Since then, I’ve learned:
- Being freelance has taught me many useful skills. I am on top of my taxes and my money. I am much more aware of my time and where it is going. I now view time as a commodity.
- I’ve learned how to maximize my productivity and when I am most creative. I learned to organize my research and how to properly cite material for a variety of websites.
- I’ve lost weight because I’m more conscious of the time I spend not being active. I’m healthier, happier, and have a more positive outlook on life.
- I feel in control of my life finally. I can control my finances. If I want to take a vacation, I can work extra hours to compensate. If I need more money to compensate for costs, I can work extra.
- I’ve realized the value and importance of off time.
Going freelance was the best decision I ever made in my career. I don’t miss the catty co-workers or the micro-manager for a boss. Thank goodness that I will never have to deal with these work pressures again as long as i am able.
Writing Tip—Schedule Your Ideas
We all know the value of carrying that ubiquitous notebook with us everywhere to capture that sudden idea. You don’t have to write for a long time before you realize that your memory is not a reliable companion.
Even if you write it down, it doesn’t do much good if you don’t review them. Even so, having a thick notebook of ideas is not going to help you be a more prolific writer. You have to use them.
When I get an idea that I know is a winner, I schedule on my blogging calendar. It’s a good way to sift through the seed and the chaff. If it isn’t worth writing about now, toss the idea away or just leave it in your notebook for another day.
My philosophy is similar to what you may have read regarding productivity. Rather than hanging onto old emails for whatever reason, I either act them, label them, or delete them. The same principle can be applied to your idea file.
It clears away the dead wood, helping you to get things done. It will also help you prevent writer’s block. If you put an idea on your calendar, your mind will have this wonderful habit of mulling over it. Then, when you are ready to write, the words will flow.
Writing is a business. You plan and try to optimize to make the most money, only your currency is in time. Optimize how you handle your ideas for greater productivity behind the desk.
Celebrate a Hero—Winston Churchill Day
Unfortunately, when I took history in school, we only made it to the beginning of World War I when the school year ended. Any knowledge I have of historical events after that has come from TV (Thank you, History Channel!) and other shows.
My husband is a big history buff, so we’ll watch shows now and again. That’s when I learned about Winston Churchill. Welcome to Winston Churchill Day!
You have to admire a man who once said:
“I am prepared to meet my Maker. Whether my Maker is prepared for the great ordeal of meeting me is another matter.”
He was an admirable war leader, soldier, and war correspondent. He encouraged and rallied the people of England during a time when many must have feared the end of western civilization.
He is one of only six who ever was made an honorary citizen of the United States. Learning about him, I stand in awe of his courage and bravery. The world is a better place because of Winston Churchill.
My First Week Full-Time Freelancing
In a word, my first week of full-time freelancing was relaxing. Sure, I had deadlines. Sure there were rewrites (Gr—rrrrr!), but all in all, I loved it.
I didn’t have to get up early and work that absolute killer 7 to 5 work schedule on back to back days. You know, there’s a reason business hours are 9 to 5. Anything else is inhuman.
I made good strides on keeping to my planned schedule. I met my self-imposed writing quotas. I walked. I exercised. I even was able to fit in time to do yoga and meditate. I know for sure that I’m going to love working for me.
I still have some tweaking. I need to implement more ways to increase my efficiency. I need to exercise exactly as I planned. I need to get up on time to take advantage of my best productivity time.
For the most part, I have the tools. I have my schedule on Google Calendar. I have my beloved Zotero. I have ToodleDo. I have Texter. The rest will come from exercising my motivation and will power. I have both in abundance. I just have to harness their power.
If you’ve made the move to freelancing, I congratulation you. Let’s continue to support each other in our quest to take charge of our financial future.
Get the 101 Book Now!
While You’re Surfing
Get free online storage with Dropbox
Get 20% Off QuickBooks Pro Small Business Accounting Software + Free Shipping + Free Learning CD
Toodledo.com is a powerful, online to-do list. Keeping track of all your tasks will help you avoid disorganization, stay motivated and be more productive. Check it out.
Articles
Writing Samples
For Writers and Readers
Extras
BookSwim
