It’s a nice day for a good read!

I’d like to share some suggestions for brainstorming your story ideas. Focusing on at least one of those ideas and ultimately bringing your story to life.

• Ask, What If?
• Consider writing about things you know about.
• Revisit your journals. Anything interesting?
• Organize your thoughts and ideas. Include any titles for story, genres you’d like to explore, storylines, characters, voice, settings, your audience.
• The tool you use is up to you. What are you most comfortable with? Pen and paper. Notes in your cell phone. Desktop computer. Laptop or Tablet. A board.

Happy writing!

It’s a nice day for a good read!

Even as a writer, and having 30 years of professional writing experience, I still work toward improving my writing skills. I recommend writers look for ways to improve their skills.

Here are 6 ways that will help strengthen your writing skills:

1. Write every day. Whether an email, a letter to a friend, your journal, write every day.
2. Take a writing class or a writing work shop.
3. Research or re-revisit writing principles.
4. Find writing opportunities, such as writing for a church, community or an organization’s newsletter.
5. Practice writing. Assign yourself some prompts and write or notice what’s going on in the news and write the story.
6. Read. Read. Read.

It’s a nice day for a good read!

Writers have a space or two where they write. It is important to keep your focus and take your writing seriously. Here are 6 ways to create a space or two:

1. Schedule your day and time and try to stick to it.
2. Limit distractions but practice tuning out any distractions.
3. When writing from home, choose a comfortable desk, table or even your favorite chair.
4. When writing outdoors, find a chair, bench or swing and embrace nature while you write.
5. When writing in places such as a coffee house, restaurant or library, find a quiet spot where you are most comfortable.
6. Wherever you write, make it your perfect for you.

It’s a nice day for a good read!

Good writers, including myself, journal. I journal nearly every, single day.

Here are 6 reasons why as a writer, you should journal:

Reason Number 1

Writers have to live in the world in order to write about it. What’s going on?

Reason Number 2

Writers have to live in the world in order to write about it. Who’s in it?

Reason Number 3

You can refer to situations you’ve written about in your journal that may spark story ideas.

Reason Number 4

You can refer to situations you’ve written in your journal that may be used to develop your story.

Reason Number 5

You will gain inspiration from your own written work.

Reason Number 6

Journaling will keep you focused on the business of writing.

Grab your pen and paper and start your journaling journey today – if you haven’t already!

It’s a nice day for a good read!

How many books do you read a month? A year?

I once met someone who wanted to write a book. I asked, “What story are you telling?” “What authors are on your shelf?” Questions I always ask fellow writers, which leads into long conversations about books on our shelves. From Baldwin, to Angelou to King and Sparks. From Morrison to Dickey to Grishom and Patterson. From Alers to Steel to Roberts and Hill. I could fill this page.

Except, the response I received was, “I don’t read. I don’t have time.” I didn’t hear anything that was said after that. Tell me, have you ever met a writer who didn’t read?

Writers read and they read a lot. Part of learning what good writing is, and how to write well, is studying other authors. What kinds of stories are they telling? How are they bringing their stories to life?

I advise any writer to study their favorite author’s work and spend a lot of time reading the genre they’re most interested in writing about. Since I am a publisher, I am well read. I try to get my hands on as many different stories as I can.

If you do not have time to read, you don’t have time to write. You will see that studying your craft is part of becoming an author.

It’s a nice day for a good read!

Thank you for stopping by. I’m glad you’re reading my blog. I am an independent publisher looking for writers who want to become authors. If you have a story waiting to be told, check out the Call for Manuscripts section for submission criteria. I’d love to hear from you.

I hope you’ll check out my monthly blogs. I will use this space to write about all things – what else – writing! I’m excited about sharing tips and strategies that will help any writer on their writing journey.

Hoping you’re just as excited.