The uninspired writer

Sometimes getting to the computer is a chore, much less trying to string a few words together.

Writer's block is a procrastination tool the mind uses to get out of doing stuff.

"I don't feel like writing today."

That's the problem, you're going on feelings. The biggest lie is that you must feel inspired to write. Not true. You must be dedicated, committed, and disciplined. That's what will keep you going until you've finished the project.

I'll admit, some of my worst writing occurs when I'm just spitting out any old words due to a lack of inspiration. BUT... I do get stuff down on paper during these trying times, and that can be epic. Writing is getting the ideas out of your head and onto the paper or screen. Then you rewrite. And edit. And edit. And rewrite. 

When I'm on a deadline, I have to produce whether I feel inspired or not. I'm usually not. I'd rather be doing something else, like staring out the window and dreaming about writing my novel. So I use this to my advantage. I write quick and in a hurry, and I don't care how I feel or how it reads. The goal is just to get the words out. Hurry up and finish so I can do something else.

"OMG it's terrible!"

Good. Let the rewriting begin. It may take a couple of drafts before you get it right, but that's okay. That's part of the process.

If you have creative ways of making yourself write when you don't feel like it, we need to know!

Donna Marie

The Celebrity Editor's now on Pinterest! Be inspired! Cure writer's block! Stop procrastinating! What are you waiting for? Visit 

A quickie thought:

 

"Write drunk;

edit sober."

Ernest Hemingway

'What is a book?'

"Ah, stupid question, but what is a book?" "Novel" episode #8, Stella

I used to love the feel of a book in my hand. The reading of words and the feel of the paper between my fingers was a meditative experience for me.

I suspect many writers still feel that way. Well, at the risk of sounding blasphemous, I now feel that same sensuality when pushing the tiny button on my Kindle Fire and then seeing my entire library of books, music, and audiobooks explode on the screen. After a hard day of work, I love nothing more than to get on the quiet car on the train and read by the light of my Kindle Fire.

So what is a book? I'm willing to concede that a book is a paper medium with its own formatting conventions.

On the other hand, digital "books" require different layouts, fonts, functionality, interactivity, and even paragraphing to fit the technology, whether on a larger Kindle-type screen or a smaller iPhone app. We've been calling them "e-books" for lack of a better term, but maybe they deserve their own name. Got any ideas??

Bottom line, writers must broaden their perspective of what a book really is.

I've surprised myself at how willing I've been to throw paper books under the bus, but I have to admit, there are times when I crave the feel of a book on my lap, in my hands, between my fingers. It's a mood thing. Sometimes I'll even get out my yellow highlighter pen for old times sake and highlight key passages. But you know, on my Kindle Fire, I can do the same thing and I don't even need a highlighter pen. 

What are your feelings about books vs. digital? Are you thinking about using different mediums for your writing projects? This is a great time to be a reader because you can pick and choose how you want to read "books." And after all, as writers, our purpose is to serve our readers.

Donna Marie

I'm back

Hi guys!

I've missed you so much, and I know it's been a long time since I last posted. In 2011, I accepted a "real job" that turned out to be extremely demanding. Not only did I have to learn an entirely new language, new jargon, new technologies, and a new industry, in the process I reinvented my corporate self as a business development writer. I still have the soul of a creative writer, but those damn bills had to be paid.

I've been learning a lot, and hope to share all with you. More than ever, I'm fascinated with the intersection between our craft and business realities. As writers, we walk a fine line between writing about what we love and writing to pay the bills. It's a delicate balancing act.

To be honest, I wasn't excited about reinventing myself at my age. It's been extraordinarily difficult. I'm the oldest member of our team, and came in with no industry skills. Yikes! All I had were my writing, editing, and proofing skills, and honestly, sometimes that wasn't enough. This reinvention has been challenging, but it's amazing what you can do when you put your mind to it—and when your back is against the wall! 

My first love will always be working with indie writers, both purist and nontraditional (speakers, etc.). I'm more convinced than ever that we must meet the times head on and learn from other disciplines.We must embrace branding, marketing, creative financing, and even merchandising. And we must get out in front of technology.

We've got a lot to talk about, so let's reboot!

Donna Marie