Writing is my passion. I’ve been at this crazy endeavor since I penned my first “story” about a battle between a chimera and a swordsman (big D&D nut here). But now, decades later, I have a full time job and a family. Oftentimes, my writing time each day is a scant fifteen minutes. But I’m on a mission to change that and maximize writing time.
Tag: anxiety
Embrace Discomfort: The Path to Writing Success
Us writers yearn for comfort. Yet true growth lies beyond the well-trodden path. Stepping out of your comfort zone to embrace discomfort is an essential aspect of a writer’s journey. Writers can harness the power of being uncomfortable to propel their creativity and achieve their writing goals.
Niksen: Unleash the Power of Doing Nothing
In this hyperconnected, hyperproductive world, we often find ourselves caught in the clutches of endless to-do lists. But fear not, dear creatives, for Niksen offers a momentary escape. Niksen is a Dutch concept translating to “doing nothing”. We need to embrace the art of idleness! Take a break from the warp-speed of life and allow your mind to wander freely. Sit back, relax, and let the celestial winds of inspiration gently caress your weary soul.
How to Come Up with that Really Great Idea
Why is it that when we hunker down to come up with a new idea, our minds suddenly empty of any interesting thought? As writers or artists, our basic job description is the come up with new and interesting things. It’s the definition of creativity. But how to come up with that really great idea? Sometimes, you have to trick your brain in to being creative.
Stop Fixing Yourself, You’re Not Broken
So many self help books and gurus focus on how to fix yourself and turn you into the person you’ve always wanted to be. But this implies that you’re somehow broken. That the problems you struggle with were hardwired into you from the start. What if all this is hogwash? Then you could stop fixing yourself and start living your life.
Your Brain is Built to Forget
Memory aids and brain boosts are available by the truckload. Apps advertise how to retain more and keep your brain fit. However, it turns out that your brain is built to forget. In fact, the natural state of many animals is to forget.
5-4-3-2-1 Method for Sensory Details in Writing
Writers, do you sometimes get so wrapped up in dialogue or action beats that you neglect some good, solid sensory description? Try a technique of grounding used to help sufferers of anxiety.
Use Layers in Your Writing to Meld Spontaneity and Planning
Often us writers want to create a perfect chapter right out of the gate. But this just isn’t practical.
Don’t Fear the Blank Page
Sometimes the words won’t come. Or your pencil hovers over the page, unsure what to draw. These are all symptoms of art-block.
The World Reveals Itself to Those Who Walk
Werner Herzog once walked 515 miles to visit a dying friend because he knew that his friend wouldn’t dare expire before he got there.
