Writing Tip–Setting the Stage for Writing
Nice to see you again! Join in the discussion!As I wind up my first mystery, I am looking to the second. As a business person myself, I can appreciate the increased salability of an author with a book and another in the works.
My next mystery uses my same protagonist, but in a different setting. The site happens to be an area I know well, one which I have visited for over 20 years. That’s where a program like Creawriter comes in handy.
Creawriter bills itself as a distraction-free word processor. It is a full-screen application, to hide all those pesky applications out of sight. It also allows you to use the background of your choice. I chose one of my favorite pictures to inspire my writing.
You can also have the application play an audio file of your choice for a complete sensory experience. If keeping focused on your work is problematic, these features will make this program useful.
The best part of it is that Creawriter is free. Download the application and begin your next work with inspiration all around you.
Download Creawriter
Writing Tip: Take a Total Break
Today’s writing tip is about recharging your batteries. If you write most days, it is important to take a total break from your routine. It’s like any activity. Your muscles get weary after awhile. Your brain screams for a disconnect. I remember that when I used to work as a receptionist the last thing I wanted to do was talk when I got off work. It’s the same kind of thing with writing. I want to do something which doesn’t require research.
One of the ways I love to give my mind a needed rest is to watch sports. Whether it is Time Warner sports or Cox sports, it doesn’t matter. I just need to do something other than writing. Since I don’t watch it all of the time, it always seems to feel like I’ve entered another world. Stats and contracts of a different sort matter.
I’m not a fanatic sports fan. I do enjoy the energy of a bar filled with screaming fans. You can’t help but get caught up in the Sunday ticket games. It makes for the best people watching. People do funny things when they get caught up in sports action. I watch sports to do something that is about as far removed from my work as possible.
The fact is that it works. I come back to the computer feeling recharged, refreshed, and creative. I’m ready to begin writing again. I may have even happened upon some great material for my writing. So, grab a beer and become a better writer.
Writing Tip: Using Rewards as Motivators
Like many writers, I face what may be referred to as the dreaded deadline. I actually don’t mind deadlines. I find them very motivating. This week, I found a way to increase my productivity by using rewards as motivators.
I’m a visual person. Seeing items ticked off of a to-do list boosts my productivity. This time, I had a deadline which while not tough, was looming in front of me. Recently, I made the decision to try embracing the barefoot walking lifestyle. The idea is simply this; we evolved getting around on our bare feet. It stands to reason that it is the best way for us to walk or run.
So much of our physiology reflects a lifestyle we no longer lead if you look closely at our fight-or-flight responses. Why not walking? Anyway, I decided that I wanted to give it a try with a pair of Vibram Five Finger shoes. So, for reaching my deadline, buying these shoes became my reward.
I usually associated rewards with exercising. Accumulate enough points, then get a reward. Now, I use them as a motivator for my writing goals. What a great way to get immediate satisfaction with completing goals!
Writing Tip – Don’t Fight the Muse
Today’s writing tip is about the antithesis of writer’s block—the noisy Muse. I have the idea for my second mystery formulated. Of course, it’s just an idea at this point that is in much need of fleshing out.
However, the Muse is liking the idea already. I’m trying to stay focused on my current work to wrap it up, yet the Muse wants to talk about the new mystery. Today’s writing tip is to not to fight it. When she wants to talk, pull up a chair. Grab a cup of coffee. Enjoy a good chat.
Ideas are a precious commodity. As many of you know, you don’t have control always when happen along. The Muse sets her own schedule. That is why you should always carry a notebook with you. Never rely totally on your memory. Trust me: it doesn’t work.
When she starts talking, listen. Take good notes if the timing isn’t the best. You need just enough to help you recall the idea. The time ruminating in your subconscious can help flesh it out.
Once you have developed a relationship with the Muse, cultivate it. Respect it. Above all, listen to it.
Writing Tip: Indulge Your Taste
If anything says more about a character than it has to be his indulgences. When developing characters, think about what your characters crave, whether it be an activity or a particular food. Welcome to National Caviar Day!
Think about it. A character that has a yen for caviar has mature tastes. Caviar, based on my own experience, is not for everyone. You have to go beyond taste to experience and mouth feel.
It is also a more mature taste in terms of actual taste and expense. How many people do you know would seek out, much less pay for a tin of caviar?
I can remember the first time I had caviar. I was at a fundraiser. The atmosphere was festive and gay. The spread was magnificent. I joined a few colleagues in some caviar with a nice white wine. I don’t remember especially liking it, but the idea of indulging was incredible.
You can use similar associations to say volumes about your characters. It doesn’t have to be something extensive. Just a little blini will do the trick.
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.
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.
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