Writing Prompts and Inspiration

“You are a living magnet. What you attract into your life is in harmony with your dominant thoughts.” – Brian Tracy

So, what are your dominant thoughts? Do you visualize writing success or do you ruminate over the latest rejections? Do you moan about lack or focus on abundance?

You really are a living magnet so make sure you think positive thoughts and dream out positive scenarios so that you start attracting success. Over the next few weeks, try it out! What have you got to lose?

“A man will turn over half a library to make one book.” – Samuel Johnson

Most good writing is the result of diligent research. Whether you’re writing a book or an article, you need to draw upon experience or knowledge from other sources to produce an informed piece of work.

You can certainly turn over a library to find the information you need for your own writing project. In fact, it’s important to research as many different sources as possible – not just written sources but experiential ones.

Depending upon what you need, go out and capture the experience or interview people with first-hand knowledge of your subject. Factor in research activities into your writing routine, and don’t forget to take detailed notes and list your sources. Apart from supplying you with all the information you need to do a good job, research activities will open up a new dimension to your writing life. It can prove both enlightening and fun!

If you’re going to treat yourself to a new note book, then take a look at the Creativity Journal.

This spiral bound A5 journal is filled with creativity prompts and plenty of blank space for all your ideas and notes.

Writers are finding the journal really beneficial. Melissa Lawrence, Freelance Journalist & Writer, said, `I am really pleased with my Creativity Journal. I am amazed at how helpful and inspiring it is.’

Others have said how the creativity prompts have inspired ideas for articles and stories.

How will it work for you? Follow the link and place your order, while stocks last!

“Every writer I know has trouble writing.” ~Joseph Heller

It’s true! Writing can be damn hard work if you want to produce something of quality. It also takes time and patience. Some writers are able to chip away at their writing each day while others need to retreat somewhere for a sustained period. What works best for you?

If you can, it’s worth trying a writer’s retreat for a week or more. Many writers find they can use a retreat to start or finish a book project or to explore other types of writing. It really is the perfect focus. Rent a quiet cottage or book an organised writing retreat. Look out for opportunities for writing retreat fellowships and bursaries. (Check out writethismoment.com as these do appear from time-to-time). See a retreat as an investment in your writing. It really can provide a turning point in your writing career!

`I’m not a very good writer, but I’m an excellent rewriter.’ - James Michener

It’s very rare that a good piece of writing is produced in the first draft. Excellent writing is often the result of lots of rewriting. It’s important to get into the habit of editing your work once you finish a draft to ensure that it’s as perfect as it can be. Reading your work aloud will help you spot any weaknesses. Also, don’t forget to put your writing aside for a few hours or days. It’s surprising what you can spot when you return to your work with fresh eyes.

“The greatest things ever done on Earth have been done little by little.”- William Jennings Bryan

This is a great quote for writers. Whether you’re growing a freelance writing business or writing a book or script, be patient. It takes time to create good writing but what you do, little by little, every single day will contribute to your ultimate success. Focus on your writing and all the elements that will make you a successful writer. Dedicate yourself to producing the best possible work. And, little by little, you will achieve your dreams.

`Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors where there were only walls!’ -Joseph Campbell.

We love this quote but even if you’re passionate about writing, there’ll be times when you’re just feeling tired, low, or even a bit lazy, and it seems as though the walls are caving in. This is when you’ll find the following writing warm-up handy for kick-starting the creative process.

Sit down with pen and paper (use your Creativity Journal) and just start writing. Don’t think about it. Just write whatever comes into your head. It can be complete gibberish. Don’t stop to read or edit what you have written. Keep writing until you are in the flow.

You’ll find this `focus’ provides a gentle warm-up exercise for your mind and creative processes that will ease you into your writing project.

Whether you’re having an off-day or struggling to find a starting point for a new project, this simple technique will have the words flowing in no time at all.

Recommendation: If you think you have what is typically known as writer’s block and need to experience creativity on demand, check out the popular Writer’s Block CD!

“Don’t be afraid of the space between your dreams and reality. If you can dream it, you can make it so.” - Belva Davis

True words indeed! What are you visualizing right now? Are you dreaming about publishing your book, novel, or securing regular writing commissions? If you can dream it, you can make it reality. Set your intentions and then follow through with action. Ensure that you plan your day with activities that bring you closer to achieving your dream. When you devote time each day to your goal, you will make progress more quickly than you think. So, your mantra for today is: `I will make my dream a reality!’. Believe it and make it so!

Writing is easy: All you do is sit staring at a blank sheet of paper until drops of blood form on your forehead. – Gene Fowler

At times, I’m sure you can relate to this fantastic quote. Writing is easy. Anyone can pick up a pen and start writing. Good writing, however, is another story.

Good writing requires concentrated effort and a keen eye for detail. It requires focused thought and imagination. You need to be in tune with your target reader and know exactly what they want. Good writing, although challenging to do, is effortless to read. What’s more, publishers love and want good writing.

So, as you march deeper into 2010, commit yourself to being a good writer – a great writer – a published writer.

Enjoy the journey!

There are three essentials you should know before you even start typing a word if you want to be published and paid.

They are:

1. Focus on taking a fresh approach. It’s challenging to conceive completely original ideas these days, which is why you should place emphasis on finding new angles for well-used topics. Can you imagine the number of stories the editor must receive that focus on the same information again and again? Editors are crying out for fresh approaches and if you can come up with a different slant to a popular subject, you will be in a much stronger position to pick up a contract.

2. Always write to suit your target audience. This is absolutely essential. Find out as much about your target audience as possible. Research the publication or publisher. Check out their house style. Do they use casual or academic language? Is the tone serious or friendly? Make sure your chosen subject and your writing style, tone, and delivery is ideal for your readers.

3. Adhere to the guidelines. If an editor or publisher provides you with writing and submission guidelines, make sure you do what is asked of you. There’s nothing that annoys an editor more quickly than a writer who fails to follow basic instructions. So, before you submit any work for publication, check available guidelines carefully. Similarly, if you’re entering a writing competition, do read and follow the rules.

Whether you are writing features for magazines, writing a book or writing a story for a competition, applying these pointers will increase your chances of paid publication tenfold.

Good luck!