So many writers (and would-be writers) keep a “Big Idea” on their mental shelf indefinitely; often something they expect will be a challenge to write.
It could be a memoir, an e-book, an important piece for your niche blog, or maybe some kind of long-form story. You may develop a rough outline, make notes, plink out a few scattered paragraphs, do research, draw concept art, post about it on Facebook, and tell everyone you know—but never actually turn all of that into anything complete.
Here’s a spoiler before we get started: These roadblocks are secretly manifestations of excuses that we’ve told ourselves so many times that they’ve become ingrained as beliefs.
Below are some of the common roadblocks and ways to crush them, so you can finally reach that first great landmark on the way to publication—the first draft.
I’ve been a writer all my life; I’ve been writing professionally for over 20 years.
I’ve written almost every kind of product you can write. Some have been my ideas, some have been written for fun, and some have been written for huge brands or senior organization officials.
There’s only one kind of writing that scares me: anything about myself.
I hate writing my own bios. Personal essays are my kryptonite. Journaling? Too introspective.
When it comes to building a brand, I can help any individual or organization find their way. But when it comes to my own brand? Well, that’s a horse of a different color.
Buckle up, campers. Together we’re going to figure out how to tell our own stories professionally.
You’re probably familiar with–and often use–emojis and emoticons in your text messages and emails unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last decade.
In case you have been under a rock: Emojis are those small digital images we use to express the emotions behind a text message. There’s even a whole Emojipedia that helps you understand what each icon means. Emoticons are simply the “old school” version of emojis, made by a combination of keys, like this: : – )
I’ll be honest: I’m not the best at using emojis in my messages. If anything, I don’t know what most of them mean, so I stick to the classics: ? ? ??
Though I’m not great at using those little pictures instead of words myself, that doesn’t mean I don’t understand when others use them.
There’s a type of “emoji literacy” that’s become necessary in recent years, where a string of emojis can tell a story. Even better, emojis are often understood across languages.
You know when someone can write.
The sentences flow, their ideas are clear, there’s a sense of command where every word seems right regardless of the genre.
Sometimes, while getting to know new writers, you’re impressed with their publishing credits, awards, or attention from industry insiders before ever hearing a paragraph.
Sure, as critique partners we come together to help each other, but there’s always that thread of anxiety in your brain wondering how your writing will stand up to theirs.
But no matter the genre, talent, or personality of the participants, learning to give and receive critique is a valuable skill — one that improves the craft of everyone involved… at least when applied correctly.