WritingSpirit.com
Home | Tell a Friend | Text Size | Search | Member Area
 Join Us
Gain immediate access to all of our interviews, articles, features, how-to's, and archives plus... FOR ONLY $1. Click here for details.
 About this Site
 Member Benefits
 Sample Articles
 Contact Us
 CREATIVE TOOLS
 A Writer's Arithmetic™
 Inspiration
 Journaling
 Mindset Mastery
 WRITING
 The Writing Process
 Anthologies
 Articles
 Blogging
 Fiction Writing
 Screenwriting
 PUBLICATION & PROMOTION
 Writing a Book Proposal
 Getting Published
 Author to Infopreneur
 MEMBERSHIP FEATURES
 Expert Interviews
 Bonuses
 Tip of the Week
 Audio
 Most Popular
 Download Library
 Help
 Other
 Our Guarantee
 Privacy Policy
 Terms of Use
 CREATIVITY TIPS

Put first things first. We often put our writing off until after everything “important” or “immediate” gets done. Our dreams, our happiness—OUR WRITING—are BOTH important and immediate. They need and deserve to come first, not last.


Beginning has “genius, power and magic in it.” Start writing. First one word, then another, and another. Before you know it, the words will be flowing. 


Be fearless in your first draft. Bury all your “shoulds” in the backyard. Send your inner critic out for ice cream. Relax. Have fun. Let ‘er rip!


Without commitment, discipline is impossible. With commitment, discipline is inevitable. So let go of trying to force yourself to be disciplined. Instead, focus on deepening your commitment to yourself, your dreams and goals, and your writing.


Writer’s Block is not “the problem.” It’s merely pointing you towards whatever’s really getting in your way: fear; lack of commitment, clarity or organization; being tired, stressed or not feeling well. With “writer’s block” don’t get frustrated, get curious. Once you discover the real problem, the solution becomes obvious. To move forward you’ll need to: brainstorm, make a choice, be specific, get a good night’s sleep.


Find a brainstorming partner, or join a mastermind group. Besides the wonderful ideas that others will come up with just for you, brainstorming with others sparks ideas in you that you wouldn’t have come up with on your own. It creates a powerful synergy.
  


Fear is a liar. It says, “You can’t do this,” when you can. It says, “You’re not inspired. Why bother writing,” when writing is the very thing that will open up your connection to inspiration. It says, “You’re too tired to write,” when writing is what gives you energy. It says, “You’ll never be as good as them,” when it’s your unique voice that is your greatest asset. It says, “You’re a dreamer. Get real,” when everything of value that sas ever been created, started as a dreamer’s vision. Fear is a liar. Start writing and turn the volume down on fear.    


Whenever you're stuck remember—where focus goes, inspiration flows. So stop, take a deep breath, relax and focus.


Always remember to “Divide and Conquer!” Or, to be more specific, “Divide and Complete!” There isn’t any writing project, no matter how large and overwhelming, that can’t be divided into smaller, more easily completed pieces. As you complete more and more of the “pieces,” your large project will feel more doable and less overwhelming. One day, one piece, one page, one paragraph at a time.


When facing the blank page makes you go blanktreat it like a Jackson Pollock canvas. Throw words at it without worrying how they’ll land, or what picture they’ll paint. The more words and the less white you have, the easier it is to write, and the more confidence and creativity you bring to the page.


Celebrate! every page, every piece, every publication. Celebrate! every risk taken, every goal met, every milestone achieved. Celebrate! every fear faced, every excuse overcome, every time you thought you couldn’t do it, and then did. Focus less on “when?” and “not good enough,” and “so much more to do,” and focus more on acknowledging how far you’ve come, appreciating who you are and what you’ve done, and celebrating every step along the way.

 




WritingSpirit.com


Bullet_fancy_red_2Do you have a great idea, but are having trouble getting started writing?

Bullet_fancy_red_2Do you jump from idea to idea, only to end up going in circles?

Bullet_fancy_red_2Do you have difficulty finishing the writing projects that you start?

Bullet_fancy_red_2Do you have finished writing projects, but not know what to do next?

Bullet_fancy_red_2Do you feel something is standing in the way of your being as successful as you know you can be?

If you answered YES to any of these questions, then you have come to the right place. At WritingSpirit.com you will...

Get Creative, Now!
And write, Write, WRITE.

At WritingSpirit.com you'll find
Inspiration & Support for your Creative Journey
From Idea to Manuscript… and Beyond!

Whether you're having trouble getting started, staying focused and completing your writing projects, or you're simply looking for writing support, strategies, and information-packed interviews (with authors, literary agents, and other writing, creativity & publishing experts),

WritingSpirit.com is RIGHT for you.

Learn_more_5

Featured Content
Screenwriting, A Director's Perspective: An Interview With Arthur HillerScreenwriting, A Director's Perspective: An Interview With Arthur Hiller
Oscar winning director Arthur Hiller has directed 33 films, including Love Story, The Americanization of Emily, The Hospital, Man of La Mancha, The Man in the Glass Booth, Silver Streak, and Outrageous Fortune. We talked about Neil Simon, Paddy Chayefsky, and the relationship between writer and director.


. . .
keep reading

The Gold in Your Journal: An Interview With Sheila BenderThe Gold in Your Journal: An Interview With Sheila Bender
Sheila Bender has written several books on journaling, and helped develop Life Journal's journaling software for writers. We talked about how journaling can enhance your writing on a daily basis, as well as how to turn old journal entries into essays and stories.



. . .
keep reading

Meditation, Mindfulness & Writing: An Interview With Susan PiverMeditation, Mindfulness & Writing: An Interview With Susan Piver
Susan Piver is the New York Times bestselling author of "The Hard Questions" and "how not to be afraid of your own life," She's also a meditation instructor in the Shambhala Buddhist lineage. We talked about meditation, moving beyond fear, and what it's like to be on the Oprah Winfrey Show--twice!


. . .
keep reading

The Call to Write: An Interview with Mark David GersonThe Call to Write: An Interview with Mark David Gerson
Mark David Gerson wrote the award-winning visionary novel, "The MoonQuest," and my favorite book on writing, "The Voice of the Muse: Answering the Call To Write." Mark David's writing advice is practical, compassionate, and inspiring.


. . .
keep reading

A Writer's Arithmetic™: Doing the Basic Math
A Writer's Arithmetic™: Doing the Basic Math As sure as 1 + 1 = 2, if you start focusing on and following some basic productivity principles (which I've likened to a very unscary type of math), you'll move forward with your writing project more quickly and easily. The basic math of completing a project consists of dividing your project into small pieces, subtracting distractions, adding positive reinforcements, and multiplying your writing time. Put these altogether and they equal a finished project. . . . keep reading
The 11 Qualities of Deep Journaling
The 11 Qualities of Deep Journaling Diving deeply into yourself, or your creativity, through the journaling process takes more than simply applying memory or imagination to the page, it takes courage and curiosity, honesty and compassion. Your journal can take you on a journey of discovery and wonder if you're willing to look beyond "the same old story" . . . keep reading
Go With the Flow--Journaling Exercise
Go With the Flow--Journaling Exercise This journaling exercise is about being fully present to the moment, to what you see, hear, think, and feel as you follow the flow of life that's dancing through your awareness. . . . keep reading
Haiku Journaling Exercise
Haiku Journaling Exercise A haiku boils a moment down to its essence. It describes what you're doing, thinking, feeling, or what's happening in a only a handful of words. This journaling exercise will help you stop and notice what's going on both within and around you. . . . keep reading
BONUS: Living With Intention Workbook
Deanna Davis, Ph.D.
BONUS: Living With Intention Workbook The Living With Intention workbook is all about exploring your priorities & passions, and capitalizing on your skills & gifts. It's about honoring what is important to you now and making purposeful choices about what you want to do next. It's about finding meaning in all you do. . . . keep reading
BONUS: The Soul of Creation, A Guided Meditation
Mark David Gerson
BONUS: The Soul of Creation, A Guided Meditation Mark David Gerson guides you through a short, yet powerful meditation that connects you to to the heart of your creativity, to your Writing Spirit, to that magical place where everything is possible. . . . keep reading
Screenwriting, A Director's Perspective: An Interview With Arthur Hiller
Screenwriting, A Director's Perspective: An Interview With Arthur Hiller Oscar winning director Arthur Hiller has directed 33 films, including Love Story, The Americanization of Emily, The Hospital, Man of La Mancha, The Man in the Glass Booth, Silver Streak, and Outrageous Fortune. We talked about Neil Simon, Paddy Chayefsky, and the relationship between writer and director.


. . .
keep reading
The Gold in Your Journal: An Interview With Sheila Bender
The Gold in Your Journal: An Interview With Sheila Bender Sheila Bender has written several books on journaling, and helped develop Life Journal's journaling software for writers. We talked about how journaling can enhance your writing on a daily basis, as well as how to turn old journal entries into essays and stories.



. . .
keep reading
Meditation, Mindfulness & Writing: An Interview With Susan Piver
Meditation, Mindfulness & Writing: An Interview With Susan Piver Susan Piver is the New York Times bestselling author of "The Hard Questions" and "how not to be afraid of your own life," She's also a meditation instructor in the Shambhala Buddhist lineage. We talked about meditation, moving beyond fear, and what it's like to be on the Oprah Winfrey Show--twice!


. . .
keep reading
BONUS: Writing Personal Essays
Shelia Bender
BONUS: Writing Personal Essays Sheila Bender shares her thoughts on personal essay writing, including ideas and tips gleaned from her own experiences with drafting and rewriting, working in writer's groups, learning from teachers, and keeping at the work . . . keep reading

The Call to Write: An Interview with Mark David Gerson
The Call to Write: An Interview with Mark David Gerson Mark David Gerson wrote the award-winning visionary novel, "The MoonQuest," and my favorite book on writing, "The Voice of the Muse: Answering the Call To Write." Mark David's writing advice is practical, compassionate, and inspiring.


. . .
keep reading
Blog Basics: A Few Last Thoughts
Blog Basics: A Few Last Thoughts A few straggling tidbits about blogs, including the World Live Web, why search engines love blogs, and the site optimization and traffic generating benefits of blogs . . . keep reading
9 Ways to Use a One-Page Book Proposal
From
9 Ways to Use a One-Page Book Proposal The one-page book proposal is fast and easy to write, and can help you brainstorm your book or book proposal, compare book ideas, craft a query letter, pitch your book (or multiple books) to agents and editors at writing conferences, and so much more. . . . keep reading
Make Your Book Proposal Stand Out by following these 3 simple rules
From "The One-Page Book Proposal"
Make Your Book Proposal Stand Out by following these 3 simple rules To make your book proposal stand out from the hundreds of others that are constantly competing for an agent's or editor's attention, always keep in mind that a book proposal is primarily a business proposal. . . . keep reading
The Best Books On the Book Biz
From "The One-Page Book Proposal"
The Best Books On the Book Biz A few of my favorites, as well as some of the best regarded books on the book biz. Including books on how to write a book proposal, promote your book, make the perfect pitch, get an agent or a publisher, navigate your book contract, and more. . . . keep reading
What Is An Author's Platform?
From
What Is An Author's Platform? "Publishers don't just buy a book, they buy an author." Today, it's not enough that a book be well written, publishers are looking for authors who already have a following, are active in the community, and connect with their readers through speaking, teaching, networking, bloging . . . keep reading
The 3 Types of Non-Fiction Book Proposals
From "The One-Page Book Proposal"
The 3 Types of Non-Fiction Book Proposals The three types of non-fiction book proposals (one-page, mini, and full-length) all have a different flavor and focus, yet all describe the same book. While the essential elements of a book proposal remain the same, no matter the proposal's length, the differences between these three run deeper than the amount of space dedicated to each section's description and detail. . . . keep reading
Blog Basics
Blog Basics If you don't know what a blog can do for you, or how to create one, then this article is for you. It answers the What? Why? When? Where? and How? of blogging. . . . keep reading
A Writer's Web Glossary
A Writer's Web Glossary Whether you want to use the web to promote your writing, repurpose your book, or create infoproducts, you need to learn the "lingo," to master the language of the web, and how it specifically relates to authors. . . . keep reading
Writing Inspirational Stories for The Anthology Market
Writing Inspirational Stories for The Anthology Market An inspirational story is a true personal story that embodies a universal principle. It can tell the tale of a life-changing moment or relationship, a triumph over adversity, a miraculous synchronicity, or a profound realization. It inspires action, as well as hope, and leaves one with a sense of what's possible. . . . keep reading
More HeadlinesMore Headlines   

 Tip of the Week
 EXPERT INTERVIEWS
 TESTIMONIALS

Here's what they're saying about Julie Isaac and WritingSpirit.com...


 "You’ve done a superb job with this. All very clear, very easy to follow, very well organized. I would say it definitely delivers on its promise."

Hal Zina Bennett
Author of over 30 books, including:
Write From the Heart
Writing Spiritual Books


"Julie, I am looking forward to writing in a way that I haven't in many years. I completed a long short story, got published, did a bunch of readings, am applying to an artist colony, in other words, something has broken open."

Cheri S.
Chicago, IL


"I never considered concepts like courage, curiosity, intention as journaling tools. I can begin to see how they are just as important as a working pen and sheet of paper."

Judy C.
Madison, WI


"Somehow 'starting', putting those first words on paper, is daunting.  These exercises give me focus and purpose."

Barbara B.
Charleston, SC


"It got me motivated to write again which has been great."

St. Louis, MO

"A lot of excellent advice presented in a nuturing way."

Carol F.
San Francisco


"Thank you for your inspiration.

Peggy L.
Washington, DC