Category Archives for Writing
Stop Talking About It and Just Write the Damn Thing Already
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.
Can I Put an Emoji in my Article?
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.
Egos, Credits, and Rewriting: How to Survive Open Writers Groups
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.
Outlining: When You Should vs When You Don’t Have To
When I hear the word “outline,” I shudder. It is by far the easiest way to strike fear into the heart of me, a habitual procrastinator and ~creative~.
Writers and non-writers alike often live by outlines. They provide organization and peace of mind when tackling a complicated topic or large project. In school, they are also highly regarded as the best way to take notes, and a good way to catch structural errors before most of the work gets done.
And I’ve always hated them.