Discover Your Writing Voice (TWS - Part 1)

Posted by Hope

A lot of writers struggle with finding their voice. I personally believe new writers make too big of a deal out of this. Instead of practicing the craft of writing and learning how to write well, some struggle over finding their writing voice. I speak from experience.

Many moons ago I worried about this very thing. I fretted over sounding right. In all truthfulness, I had absolutely no idea what a "writer’s voice" meant. And because I didn’t know what it meant, I worried even more over how to find my own voice.

Every writer possesses his or her own voice. It isn’t something you can necessarily create on your own. Rather, your writing voice is who you are. If you’ve ready my blog for very long, or any of my work, you have probably noticed I have a very down-to-earth, conversational voice. I tend to write like I talk.

I didn’t discover this overnight though. In fact, I’d say it took a few years for me to even understand what writing voice was, let alone understand my own writing voice.

If you haven’t discovered your writing voice yet, I am of the opinion that you shouldn’t worry about it. A lot of writers get hung up on not knowing what their writing voice is…to the point where they stop writing. Don’t do this to yourself.

If you attempt to force your voice, you’ll not only sound stuffy and weird, but your writing will begin to sound exactly like the voices you are mimicking. It’s okay to try things you like that other authors do, but don’t allow yourself to copy another writer so much that you start sounding just like him/her.

Several years ago when the Junie B. Jones series came out, I started buying them to read to my daughter. I adored Junie and couldn’t get enough of the precocious little girl’s stories. So I decided I would try my hand at writing a children’s chapter book.

I completed the first book and sent it off to a few friends for critiques. In the meantime, I developed a ton of ideas for more books with the same characters. After I received feedback, I decided to let my first book sit on the back burner for a bit while I wrote the second one.

A couple months later when I went back to the first book I’d written, I immediately realized that it just wasn’t good enough. The biggest reason was because I’d unintentionally imitated Barbara Park’s writing voice. My characters weren’t really MY characters.

The best thing for any writer to do is–you guessed it–WRITE. Practice writing what you love. Work on the craft of writing. Learn new techniques. Develop and hone your writing skills. In doing so, you’ll naturally develop your own writing voice, which is what you want to happen.

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Writing Is Easy

Posted by Hope

All too often would-be writers talk themselves out of the pleasure and joy of writing all because they think it’s too hard. Are you rocking that same boat?

Let me tell you right now…all those people who say writing is terribly hard are lying to you. Writing isn’t hard. Writing is easy. Those who say it’s hard think so because they make it hard.

There have been times when I said the same thing, "It’s too hard. I can’t do it. I can’t write anything decent." But it was also during those times that I’d churn out quite a few pages every day, most of which was pretty decent writing.

What’s even more interesting is that during the times when I thought writing was too hard, the biggest reason why I felt that way was because I had drained myself entirely of all creative energy I possessed. I worked myself to the bone, never stopping to refill my well or replenish my creative surges.

Make Writing Fun

The simple truth is that you have to make writing fun. Even more true is that there will be days when writing isn’t fun at all. It will be hard work. But the end results and the gratification you feel at having completed the work will be well worth it all.

You can make writing fun by…

• taking frequent breaks.
• brainstorming with writer friends.
• infuse creative ideas into your writing.
• sketching a picture of your character(s).
• creating a collage of certain aspects of your work to give you a visual goal.

Writing is easy if you make it easy. Writing is difficult if you make it difficult. Make writing what you want it to be. Love writing and it will love you right back. Despise it and it will return the heartache.

Do you think writing is easy?

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How to Write a Quiz in 6 Easy Steps - Part 1

Posted by Hope

So you want to write a quiz, but you aren’t sure how or where to begin? No problem! I’m going to show you a step-by-step formula that will make writing quizzes as easy as pie.

Step 1: Choose your topic.

Before you begin writing a quiz, you need to settle on a topic. What will be the subject of your quiz? You can write quizzes on just about anything. But you should never start until you know what your topic will be.

Got your hot topic? Good, let’s move on to the next step.

TIP: Choose a topic that is "hot" and you’ll generate lots of immediate interest.

Step 2: Determine the purpose.

Now that you know what you’re going to write a quiz about, it’s time to decide what the point of your quiz will be. What purpose will the quiz have? Is it to test the quizzer’s knowledge about a certain subject? Will you help the quizzer determine if they are ready for something in particular?

Every quiz should have a purpose. If yours doesn’t, then maybe you should start back at the beginning and choose a different topic. Do not move to the third step until you have a topic and purpose.

TIP: The purpose of your quiz should be to answer a specific question that your reader has.

Step 3: Decide what type of quiz to write.

As you already know, there are a variety of quizzes. Do you want to write a multiple choice quiz? Or maybe you want to write a True or False quiz. How about a quiz that allows the reader to answer on a sliding scale?

In addition to deciding what type of quiz you’ll write, you need to determine how many questions your quiz should have. Most quizzes contain 5, 7, or 10 questions. If you’re new at writing quizzes and still unsure, start with a 5-question quiz.

TIP: What type of quiz do you enjoy taking? Write that kind of quiz first.

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Do You Recognize These Early Warning Signs of Writer’s Block?

Posted by Hope

If you are a writer, you already know about writer’s block. If you’ve experienced writer’s block then you know what a heartache it can cause. The good news is that you can stop writer’s block cold in its tracks. The key to doing this is knowing the warning signs of writer’s block.

The seven early warning signs of writer’s block are:

1. Feeling tired. When you start to feel tired, save your work and take a break. Tense muscles, aching neck and shoulders and a headache are just a few signs that fatigue is setting in. Don’t ignore these aches and pains.
2. Long hours at the keyboard. Writers commonly suffer from pain in our hands, fingers, wrists, and elbows. This comes from long hours at the keyboard. If your arms or hands feel numb or tingly, take a break from the keyboard. Performing simple hand and arm exercises regularly can help, too.
3. Several looming deadlines with no plan for completion. Is your plate so full that you feel like you can’t breathe? Don’t pile on too many deadlines close together.
4. Procrastination. This is quite possibly the biggest warning sign of writer’s block. When blocked, writers tend to deflect by doing other things. House cleaning, laundry and cutting the grass suddenly seem like better tasks than writing when you are blocked.
5. Jumping from one project to another. Are you having trouble staying focused on one thing at a time? Are you jumping from one writing project to another, instead of finishing a single project at a time?
6. Starting several new projects at once. The worse thing you can do when you feel blocked is start another new project. However, many writers tend to do this so they don’t have to think about the work that needs to be completed.
7. All work and no play. Too much work and no play makes Johnny a dull boy…right? Right!

While these early warning signs may seem ridiculous, stop and think about it. At some point, if you’ve ever been blocked, you most likely found yourself in one of these positions. Pay attention to yourself and your work habits.

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You Don’t Have to be an Expert to Write Good Articles

Posted by Hope

Have you been putting off writing articles because you don’t think you have anything to say? I have seen way too many people discount their knowledge and article writing ability, just because they think they have to be an "expert" to write articles. This simply isn’t true.

You really don’t have to be an expert to write articles. In reality, everyone is an expert…even if you don’t realize it. Even more so, just about anyone can turn out a good article with some amount of effort. Here are some quick tips to help you write a good article, even if you don’t think you can:

• Be yourself. Don’t try to write in a scholarly tone of voice. Write just like you talk. Pretend you’re writing a letter to a good friend. What would you say? What kind of advice would you give? Just be yourself.

• Write clearly. Be sure what you write makes sense. Re-read each sentence to ensure they each make a clear point. Does each paragraph contribute to your main idea? Will readers be able to easily follow your train of thought?

• Use an outline. A lot of people get hung up on the idea of outlining because they think of those rigid outlines from high school. An outline can be as simple as a few sentences, phrases, or even single words describing each part of your article.

• Write a rough draft first. When I write, my first draft is always an outline. If you don’t like to outline, quickly write a first draft from start to finish without stopping to edit. Once you have the basic idea on paper, then you can go back and flesh it out and edit it for clarity.

• Proofread. Before you send your article off, don’t forget to proofread it. A lot of writers tend to skip this step, but it’s very important.

• Edit. Even if you’ve already edited your article, go back after you proofread and edit it again. Be sure your thoughts are clear and your words are concise. Say what you can in as few words as possible.

• Publish. By now, you have a polished piece of work that is ready to be published. Send your article off and reap the rewards of comments from happy readers.

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Writing Ruts - What To Do When You Get Stuck

Posted by Hope

I know you’ve heard about writer’s block. You might even think you suffer or have suffered from writer’s block. But what do you do when you get stuck?

Do you just stay in the rut? Do you whine and complain about not being able to write? Do you seek inspiration or do you hide away hoping it will find you?

I’ve been a writer for many years. I can honestly say that I’ve been stuck many times myself. Sometimes, I’ve allowed that block to stop me in my tracks. Thankfully though, I’ve learned to pull myself up and out when I start feeling stuck. Here are some things you can to help pull yourself out of your rut, too:

- Take a break. Sometimes you just need to walk away. Step outside or just walk away from the computer for a little while. When you return, you’ll most likely find that your head has cleared and you can think and write again.

- Go for a walk. Taking a 10-minute walk can do wonders for you when you’re stuck. It’s even better if you can walk for a longer period of time. Go to a park or walk in a heavily wooded area. Nature’s sights and sounds will open up your senses.

- Refill your well. How long has it been since you refilled your creative well? All work and no play will cause you to become blocked quicker than anything else. Feed your starving artist: buy a new paint set, take horseback riding lessons, visit an art gallery.

- Brainstorm for ideas. Keep a notebook handy at all times to write down ideas. This will quickly become your rich source of inspiration when you can’t come up with a new idea.

- Write with pen and paper. Technology is great, but sometimes it helps to do something different. Shake up your routine by writing with pen and paper. Even better, take your notebook outside and write to the tune of a song bird.

- Ask a friend for help or ideas. Get some input. It never hurts to ask for help. Call on a few artist friends to have a brainstorming session. You’ll really get the ideas flowing fast!

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What Do You Want To Know?

Posted by Hope

As we round out this year and head into 2008, I thought I’d take a moment to find out what’s on your mind. If you have a question about writing, I’d love to help you out with it. Leave your question in the comments below or email them to me at hopewilbanks@gmail.com. I’ll answer your questions in detail in future posts. (If you prefer your name not to be used with your question, just let me know and I’ll keep you anonymous.)

So what’s on your mind? What questions do you have? What are you interested in learning more about? Talk to me!

Popularity: 29% [?]

Writing To The Christian Community

Posted by Hope

The Christian community is a thriving and growing niche for writers. However, many writers seem to shy away from this niche because they feel inadequate. It is just as easy to write articles for Christians as it is to write articles geared towards any other niche. I’ll give you some quick pointers.

First, don’t freeze up. Write just exactly as you would if you were writing to any other market. Christians do not require a particular vernacular or different kind of vocabulary.

Second, don’t speak down to them. Christians aren’t dumb. They don’t need you to write as if they have no formal education. Write your articles exactly like you would any other time.

Third, write interesting and compelling articles. Fill your articles with hearty information. Give your readers something to chew on. Write inspiring and educational articles that handles important topics with grace and dignity.

Finally, do your research. Be sure that you are writing articles that the Christian market are interested in. There are some subjects that are considered to be taboo in some Christian circles. If you research your market well, you’ll know what topics are okay and which ones aren’t.

The most important thing to remember when writing articles geared towards the Christian community is that you aren’t writing to “special” people. You are simply writing to others, just like you and me, who hold Christian beliefs. Don’t treat them as if they are weird or different. Keep your articles simple and straight to the point and your newfound niche will love you.

As published at EzineArticles.com

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27 Best Writer Gifts From Cafe Press

Posted by Hope

My sisters and one special aunt are the three main people who always know exactly what to buy me for special occasions. They never fail to nurture my writer’s soul with special writer-ly gifts.

If you know a writer, why not give him or her something extra special this year for Christmas? Here is my top 27 picks for writer gifts from Cafe Press (no affiliate links):

#1 - Novel T-Shirt - $17.99	#2 - Brainstorming Tote Bag - $19.49
#3 - Blank Page Mousepad - $15.99	#4 - Write On, Dad - $9.99 (Infant Bodysuit)
#5 - Rem-Blick Typewriter Journal - $10.50	#6 - Bad Grammar Clock - $12.59
#7 - Grammar Queen Pillow - $17.90	#8 - Editor Mousepad - $11.99
#9 - Will Write For Food Mug - $15.99	#10 - Literary Diva Mug - $14.99
#11 - Red Hot Writer - $5.99	#12 - The Original Laptop Calendar - $4.99
#13 - Word Size Mini Poster - $7.99	#14 - Writer Clues Calendar - $7.99
#15 - Writer At Work Journal - $9.49	#16 - Writer Cap - $15.99
#17 - Pet Peeves Cap - $17.99	#18 - Library Goddess Messenger - $24.99
#19 - Writer’s Warning Tote Bag - $14.99	#20 - Dickens Tote Bag - $17.99
#21 - Bestseller Cap - $20.99	#22 - The Reader Button - $1.75
#23 - I Write. Vinyl Sticker - $2.99	#24 - Deadlines Amuse Me Magnet - $5.99
#25 - Rather Be Writing Mug - $14.99	#26 - Broke Writer Golf Shirt - $25.99
#27 - Writer’s Mantra Mug - $14.99	#28 - HOPE’S FAVORITE PICK (If you love me, you can gift me with this one.) Will Write For Coffee Mug - $13.99

 

 

 

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Are You Confident In Your Writing?

Posted by Hope

I’ve seen it time and again: Writers who have absolutely zero confidence in their writing. In fact, I’ve experienced this more times personally than I care to admit, or remember.

Lack of self-confidence seems to be a common tie linking many writers. The daily drill of writing and perfecting your own writing, then submitting and/or selling your writing is challenging. It pushes your every limit, until sometimes it you reach a point where you say, “What’s the point?”

 

Confidence Can Be Learned

I was an abused child. I taught myself how to be defensive and mentally tough in order to protect myself from the physical and mental torture I had to endure. Nobody ever taught me how to love myself or be proud of my skills and talents though.

As an adult, through reading and educating myself, I began to learn how to nurture my inner self and develop specific talents that I’d never considered as such.

Believe it or not, you can foster confidence in yourself. You can give to yourself what no one else can give you–self-confidence. This especially applies to writing.

 

Stop Being So Harsh On Yourself

As a writer, you are naturally more critical of your own work. You spit shine every sentence and paragraph until you think you’ve plucked all the flaws. And yet you’re still not happy with the end result. Sound familiar?

Even though you need your editorial hawk-eyes, you have to be willing to cut yourself some slack. Nobody’s perfect. (Ask me, I should know!) Do you nit-pick your writing to its death? This should never happen. Be as kind to yourself as you would anyone else.

 

Never Stop Learning

One of the easiest ways to build your confidence is to further your education. I’m not talking about going back to college, necessarily, unless that’s what you want to do. But as a writer, you should never stop learning.

You can learn in many ways:

• Magazines
• Newspapers
• Library
• Internet
• Books
• Interviews

You should feel a constant thirst for more: more knowledge, more understanding, more practical usage of what you already know and what you’re learning.

 

Stop Second-Guessing Yourself

Just as you shouldn’t be so tough on yourself, you also shouldn’t second-guess yourself. If you do this a lot, you’re not alone…I do it all the time. (I’m preaching to the choir here.)

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve completed a project for a client, emailed it to them, then sat at my desk a nervous wreck, waiting for a response back. Even more, expecting a negative response.

My husband refuses to even entertain my whining anymore when I get like this. “You did fine, and you know you did,” he’ll say, as he rolls his eyes and shakes his head at me. “You always do this. You always second-guess yourself, but you’ve never gone wrong yet.”

I know this to be true, but yet my lack of confidence in my own writing at times causes me to second-guess the greatness of my work. Second guesses only lead to frustration and anxiety. Stop doing it. (That goes for me, too!)

 

Start Small, Work Your Way Up

To build your confidence as a writer, begin with what you know best. You can sit and fret over what to write all day long. Or, you can get up this very second and start a new draft. The easiest way to begin is with what you already know.

Try answering some of these questions to find a starting point:

• What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
• What do you talk about with friends, colleagues, or family?
• What kind of magazines do you buy or browse on the racks?
• What kind of books do you enjoy reading?
• What are your top 5 favorite websites?

I can tell you from personal experience that trying to build a writing career around niches you don’t know much about is not only tiring but it’s extremely unrewarding. It’s totally doable, but you get very little, if any, feeling of reward from your work.

Make a list of 10 topics you can pluck from the questions above. Then add three more to your list. Chances are, those last three will be the topics you enjoy the most. Use those as your starting point.

If you’re nervous about sending queries or looking for paying work, start by writing a few articles to include on your website as samples. Just by taking this small step, you’ll begin building your confidence because you’ll show yourself that you can write, and write well.

Keep practicing every day. Confidence isn’t created overnight. You have to work long and hard at it on a daily basis.

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