Tag: nanowrimo

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Writers Chat

Writers Chat Recap for October Part 2

Writers Chat Recap

Writers Chat, hosted by Jean Wise, Johnnie Alexander, and Brandy Brow, is the show where we talk about all things writing, by writers and for writers!

“Because talking about writing is more fun than actually doing it.”

Featuring…

Come Write With Us: NaNoWriMo Prep with Brandy Brow

The month of October is commonly known as Preptober for all those writers gearing up for November’s National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). In this episode, Brandy Brow shares a terrific Infograph she created that will spark brainstorming ideas. After introducing her Story Elements Infograph, we brainstormed a story idea that began with answering “Who?” and meandered into other important questions such as: What, Where, When, How, and Why. The questions can be adapted for nonfiction writing, too. For more information and resources, be sure to check the replay from this week

Watch the October 18th replay.

Brandy Brow is a writer, editor, vocalist, and artist who took ten years away from writing to care for her special needs child and sick parent. During that time, she trained in fiction editing, ran Christian Writers’ Group International, and became a worship leader for her church and national anthem singer for a NASCAR short track. Back at writing, she is focused on flash fiction with a side of children’s stories. Magical realism and science fantasy are some of her favorite genres. Brandy lives in Vermont with her husband and most of her seven children where she eats way too much maple syrup and makes too many planners.

In the episode, Rachael M. Colby shares her methods and ministry of hosting interviews as a bridge for reconciliation and understanding, to encourage faith, and uplift those who serve in tough places. She shares tips that have helped make interviewing go more smoothly. She also reminded us to keep recording or taking notes until the interviewee leaves, because you never know what great morsel might mentioned at the very end. For more information and resources, be sure to check out this week’s replay.

Watch the October 25th replay.

Rachael M. Colby has a heart for reconciliation and a passion to uplift those who serve in tough places. She writes to connect cultures’ questions with Christianity’s answers, inspire faith, and motivate through articles, devotions, and poetry. She is a multi-award-winning writer with works published in compilations and online. Her article The Integration of Oak Ridge featured in the Oak Ridger Newspaper won the 2022 Selah Award for Articles in Print at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. This Jamaican-born wife and mom makes her home in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. She runs on copious amounts of coffee and chocolate and a whole lot of “Help me, Jesus.”

Writers Chat is hosted live each Tuesday for an hour starting at 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET
on Zoom. The permanent Zoom room link is: http://zoom.us/j/4074198133

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A Lighter Look at the Writer's Life

National (What?) Month

lighter look at a writer's life

As you are reading this, it is December, the last month in the slog that has been 2020. Many of you have just finished Nanowrimo, or National Novel Writing Month (for those of you who have eluded this illustrious event).

Writers around the country commit to writing an ENTIRE NOVEL during the month of November. There’s even a website, an accountability program, and more. Writing can be stressful, especially in these times, but, hey, let’s write a book in an entire month!

November is typically a hectic month for me, which I’ll discuss below, and that’s why I have never participated in Nanowrimo. Until this year. Sort of.

I have written some fiction, but my current focus has been devotional writing. I have been kicking around some ideas for new devotional books, so I decided to work on one of those during November. I guess you could call it “Nadevowrimo.” Has a certain ring to it, don’t you think? Seriously, I don’t think I’ll be starting a new trend any time soon, but it worked for me, for a while.

I figured if I wrote one devotion every day except Sunday (I need rest, y’all!), I’d have a good start on a new book by the end of November. The commitment of writing one piece a day would certainly help my discipline, wouldn’t it?

I am a teacher, and November tends to be “crunch time” as we barrel toward the end of the fall semester. Add virus concerns to that mix, and it has been even more intense, as my administration encouraged teachers to finish as much of our class work as we could by Thanksgiving break.

I am the Operation Christmas Child (OCC) coordinator at my church and one of the county coordinators in my area. At the beginning of November, I supervise the packing of a ton of shoeboxes, and then, the week before Thanksgiving, I oversee a drop-off center, where other churches, groups, and individuals bring their boxes to us. My fellow church members and I are then responsible for collecting them and transporting them to the Regional Drop-Off Center an hour away.

So, I wrote religiously for the first two weeks of November. Then OCC Week hit simultaneously with the new guidelines for wrapping up my semester at school, and what happened to Nadevowrimo? It flew out the window.

You know what? That’s okay.

For two weeks, I was disciplined. For two weeks, I got a lot of writing done. As I write this post, there is a week and a half left in the month, and I plan to “climb back on the horse” next week. Instead of beating myself up about missing some days, I’m celebrating what I did accomplish and looking forward.

Another thing about this experiment: I didn’t particularly like the stuff I wrote. There were times I wanted to close up the laptop, quit writing, and eat a package of cookies. Then I realized: programs like Nanowrimo are all about FIRST DRAFTING, getting the thoughts out of the mind and on the page. For me, it wasn’t about quality or even quantity. It was about roughing out those ideas to give me plenty to work with when I am ready to complete the project.

Now, I still want to eat an entire package of cookies, but only for fuel to give the strength to keep writing.

Carlton Hughes, represented by Cyle Young of Hartline Literary, wears many hats. By day, he is a professor of communication. On Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings, he serves as a children’s pastor. In his “spare time,” he is a freelance writer. Carlton is an empty-nesting dad and devoted husband who likes long walks on the beach, old sitcoms, and chocolate—all the chocolate. His work has been featured in Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Dating Game, The Wonders of Nature, Let the Earth Rejoice, Just Breathe, So God Made a Dog, and Everyday Grace for Men. His latest book is Adventures in Fatherhood, co-authored with Holland Webb.

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Writers Chat

Writers Chat Recap for April, Part 2

Writers Chat, hosted by Jean Wise, Johnnie Alexander, and Bethany Jett, is the show where we talk about all things writing, by writers and for writers!

“Because talking about writing is more fun than actually doing it.”

Writing Through the Hard Times

In this open mic episode of Writers Chat we share many tips on how to keep writing through the tough time. This episode is relevant whether you’re stuck at home due to a pandemic, you’ve experienced personal hardship, a tragedy, or maybe life just isn’t going the way you planned. Times like these tend to sideline us writers because the creativity just isn’t flowing like it once did. Whether the rug has been yanked out from under you or you’re simply having a time of discouragement as a writer or you want to help a discouraged writer, this episode if for you. Tips shared in this episode range from inspirational sources, to self-care, to using a different creative outlet, to reliance on God. This is one of our most timely and pertinent episodes, which has left viewers feeling more encouraged.

Watch the April 14th replay.

To see the list of our sixteen tips and more, check out this week’s Show Notes and Live Discussion.

Fiction 101 with Johnnie Alexander, Melissa Stroh, and Norma Poore

We know, especially in the writing world, that things have a way of changing at the last possible moment. This was the case today and Johnnie was not able to join us. Melissa and Norma took to reigns and led a discussion on basic fiction elements. A gallery of Writers Chat friends joined them as they shared how-tos on story idea, setting, characters, and a plot, with an emphasis on character development. Without strong relatable characters our stories will flop. If you write fiction or nonfiction check out this week’s episode for great story ideas.

Watch the April 21st replay.

To see the list of recommended books and more, check out the Show Notes and Live Discussion.

Lessons from Camp NaNoWriMo with Leslie S. Lowe

Many writers are familiar with the NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month aka NaNo) challenge to write fifty thousand words in the month of November. But they may not be aware of the two camps NaNo puts on in April and July. The camps are great because you set the goal writing goal. Leslie is an avid supporter of NaNoWriMo and today she shares the benefits of participating in camp. This year, Writers Chat had their own cabin, organized by Leslie and she shares the purpose of being in a NaNoWriMo cabin. If you’re interested in NaNo or need writing tips on ways to get creative juices flowing when there seems to be a clog, then check out the replay of today’s episode. Happy Writing!

Watch the April 28th replay.

Bio

Leslie S. Lowe, the youngest of six children, raised with a common thread of love despite their differences. Her blog posts are geared to help others identify their spiritual gifts and talents. Leslie writes historical Christian fiction and her first novel is set in 1890 Victorian England and focuses on the orchid market as well as finding one’s identity. The sequel is set in 1910 Savannah Georgia, covering the U.S. industrial period. Currently, she is drafting a contemporary gem mining story, based on prophecy of end times that incorporates supernatural experiences she’s had in her journey of getting closer to God. You can fins Leslie on Face Book or on her website https://HisGiftsMyJourney.wordpress.com.

JOIN US!

Writers Chat is hosted live each Tuesday for an hour starting at 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET on Zoom. Here’s the permanent Zoom room link. 

Participants mute their audio and video during the filming then we open up the room for anyone who wishes to participate with our guests. The “After Party” is fifteen-minutes of off-the-record sharing and conversation.

Additionally, you can grow your network and add to the conversation by joining our Writers Chat Facebook Group.

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The Intentional Writer

What’s the Big Deal About NaNoWriMo?

The intentional writer

If you are a writer, you have probably heard of NaNoWriMo—National Novel Writing Month.

Maybe you’ve tried NaNoWriMo in the past.

Maybe you’re in the middle of it right now. (If you are, Bravo! I wish you success.)

If you haven’t participated, you may have decided it’s too intense, or doesn’t apply to your genre, or it’s just not your style. Maybe so, but there are good reasons so many writers join the movement, and the rest of us can apply some of those benefits even if we’re not participating.

Here are some principles from NaNoWriMo that all writers can apply to their work no matter what they write or what month they write it in.

A good writer benefits from:

  • Pre-planning: It is much easier to write when you know the main point you want to communicate or where you want the story to end. Whether you are trying to complete a manuscript in one month or a weekly post for your blog, appropriate pre-planning will help you succeed more confidently and efficiently. How much foundation do you need to write a good story?
  • Concrete goals: Most of us work better when we have well-defined, reasonable goals to shoot for (such as the typical NaNo goal of 1,667 words per day). What specific and measureable goals will inspire you to keep going, even on the tough days?   
  • Consistency: The best way to get better at any skill is to practice consistently. First of all, if you write consistently it will become a habit, which means you will be more likely to keep at it even on the days you don’t feel like it. Secondly, writing consistently strengthens the connection to your subconscious where true creativity comes from.
  • Accountability: Hitting your goals on a consistent basis is easier when you know others are following your progress. If you struggle to be consistent in your writing, look for someone to keep you accountable. A regular meeting (face to face or virtual) with critique partners is one good option.
  • Support: Being part of a world-wide community of writers is often cited as a key benefit of the NaNo movement. Writing is a lonely business. Even the most introverted of us need support from other humans to keep going.
  • Motivation: Some writers are motivated by goals and deadlines. Others thrive on competition. Yet others work best in a community of like-minded peers who can spur each other on with daily boosts of encouragement. If you know what style of motivation works for you, you can find fellow writers to help you keep at it.
  • Creativity without judgment: Most of us have a critical voice in our heads that wants to edit every word we write. That voice is deadly to the creativity needed in a first draft!  If you find it impossible to allow yourself to write a lousy first draft full of typos, clichés, and bad grammar, maybe you should try NaNo. Pushing through a novel in a month leaves no time for that pesky editor to meddle with your creative output. Writing sprints are another strategy that can help you work past your inner critic.  
  • Limited and achievable milestones: Part of the beauty of NaNoWriMo is that the commitment is only for one month. It’s easier to keep going when we know there is finish line in sight. And celebrating each small milestone as you reach it helps, too.

I hope these concepts have inspired and encouraged you, no matter where you are in your writing journey. Which of these principles will be most helpful to you today? What’s keeping you from giving it a try?

Award-winning writer Lisa E. Betz believes that everyone has a unique story to tell the world. She loves inspiring fellow writers to be more intentional about developing their craft and courageous in sharing their words. Lisa shares her words through speaking, leading Bible studies, writing historical mysteries, and blogging about living intentionally.

You can find her on Facebook  LisaEBetzWriter Twitter @LisaEBetz and Pinterest Lisa E Betz Intentional Living.

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Writers Chat

Writers chat Recap for October, PArt 1

Writers Chat, hosted by Jean Wise, Johnnie Alexander, and Bethany Jett, is the show where we talk about all things writing, by writers and for writers!

“Because talking about writing is more fun than actually doing it.”

Marketing Strategy Sessions Part 2 with Bethany Jett and Michelle Medlock Adams

These PlatLit partners were to partner up again to give us another round of mini strategy sessions. Life happens and schedules have last minute changes, as was the case here. Our dynamic duo was cut down to a dynamic uno. Do not be discouraged, Bethany brought her A game (as she always does). She brought power packed ideas for proposal or ideas of three guests—Annette Whipple with her children’s nonfiction work, Marlene Houk with her woman’s Bible study, and Stephanie L. Robertson with her dystopian YA fiction. If you need marketing ideas, come watch Part 2 of Marketing Strategy Sessions and get your creative marketing juices going.

Watch the October 1st replay.

For resources and more information check out this week’s Show Notes and Live Discussion.

NaNoWriMo Preptober with Johnnie Alexander

“What in the heck is NaNowhatever you call it,” you may be asking. Well, the full name is Nation Novel Writing Month (often shortened to NaNo) and the goal is to write 50k unedited words in the month of November. (Rebels who write nonfiction can join in the fun and frenzy as well.) This is a tall order; not for the faint at heart. However, there are ways to make the process easier with preparation…the reason October is called, “preptober” by NaNo enthusiasts. In this episode, Johnnie Alexander will share tips and strategies on preparing to write a novel in one month. She is no stranger to NaNo, Johnnie has participated a few times before and two of her stories birthed in NaNo went on to be traditionally published. Come check out the episode with a strange name. Who knows maybe your next (or first) published book is waiting to be birthed in Nation Novel Writing Month!

Watch the October 8th replay.

For tips and resources on NaNoWriMo, check out this week’s Show Notes and Live Discussion.

JOIN US!

Writers Chat is hosted live each Tuesday for an hour starting at 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET on Zoom. Here’s the permanent Zoom room link. 

Participants mute their audio and video during the filming then we open up the room for anyone who wishes to participate with our guests. The “After Party” is fifteen-minutes of off-the-record sharing and conversation.

Additionally, you can grow your network and add to the conversation by joining our Writers Chat Facebook Group.

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Writers Chat

Writers Chat Recap for November, Part 1

Writers Chat, hosted by Jean Wise, Johnnie Alexander, and Bethany Jett, is the show where we talk about all things writing, by writers, and for writers!

“Because talking about writing is more fun than actually doing it!”

Book Chat: Getting Into Character with Johnnie Alexander and Melissa Stroh

In this episode, Johnnie and Melissa lead an open mic discussion based on the book, Getting Into Character: Seven Secrets a Novelist Can Learn from Actors by Brandilyn Collins. If you want characters your readers get attached to, then this fiction help book is for you.

Watch the October 30th replay

If you want more information about this great book as well as other valuable resources, check out this week’s Show Notes and Live Chat Discussions.

 

Book Proposals: Mastering the Comparative Section with Cherrilynn Bisbano and Bethany Morehead

In this episode, Cherrilynn and Bethany share their expertise in presenting the comparative part of a proposal. They share examples from different publishing houses of how to make your proposal rise above the others in a very competitive market.

Watch the November 6th replay

To learn more on mastering the comparative section of book proposals, plus some great resources, take a look at this week’s Show Notes and Live Chat Discussions.

Meet our guests

Cherrilynn Bisbano is the founder of The Write Proposal book proposal services. As submissions reader and junior literary agent with Cyle Young, Cherrilynn learned the importance of a professional book proposal and many other aspects of the literary world. If you need help making your book proposal shine, visit Cherrilynn at www.thewriteproposal.com

Bethany Morehead is a Jr. Agent at Hartline Literary Agency and Associate Agent at Cyle Young Literary Elite. She keeps her own personal blog focusing on ministry, being a wife, and relationships. She is acquiring in the genres of Children’s Board and Picture Books, Romantic Fiction, and Speculative Fiction. You can visit Bethany at bethany@welcometocyle.com or www.bethanymorehead.com.

Open Mic: NaNoWriMo & More

In this open mic issue of Writers Chat we discuss conferences, Nation Novel Writing Month, affectionately called NaNoWriMo, and fun family traditions for Thanksgiving.

Watch the November 12th replay

To be encouraged in your writing and get ideas for new holiday traditions, check out this week’s Show Notes and Live Chat Discussions.

 JOIN US!

Writers Chat is hosted live each Tuesday for an hour starting at 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET on Zoom. Here’s the permanent Zoom room link.

Participants mute their audio and video during the filming, then we open up
the room for anyone who wishes to participate with our guests. The “After Party” is fifteen-minutes of off-the-record sharing and conversation.

Additionally, you can grow your network and add to the conversation by joining our Writers Chat Facebook Group.

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Time Management

Get Ready, Get Set, Go! It’s NaNoWriMo!

As most of us know, this month (November) is known to writers as “NaNoWriMo” or “National Novel Writing Month.” I’m actually giving a NaNoWriMo workshop at my local library on Nov. 6 so I thought I’d tie it into my time management blog here and share on the subject since the two are integrally related – and help you (whether or not you participate in NaNoWriMo, or would just like to start, finish or publish your next book as soon as possible) focus on churning out some pages and getting them published!

First a Little History

NaNoWriMo is a creative writing project and was started in July, 1999 by freelance writer Chris Baty in San Francisco Bay with 21 participants. It was moved to November in 2000 to “to more fully take advantage of the miserable weather” and launched an official website. Participants attempt to write a 50,000 word manuscript between Nov. 1-30. By the 2010 event, over 200,000 participants wrote over 2.8 billion words. In 2013, January and February were deemed NaNoWriMo’s “Now What?” Months, designed to help novelists during the editing and revision process with a goal of getting published.

It’s All About the Numbers

To win NaNoWriMo, which focuses on quantity or length and awards those who finish, participants must write an average of approximately 1,667 words per day in November to reach the goal of 50,000 words.  Let’s see, my newest novel, The Jealous Son, due out next year, is 80,270 words (before editing). I actually was working from home primarily as a full-time author during the time I wrote it (between Jan.-April 2017). I was lucky, I had quit my day job and I could focus on my writing. I learned that a “system” that worked for me was to write during my “prime time” of day – from the time I woke up, coffee in hand, at 7 am until I felt worn out from writing and needed to work on my other “jobs,” (marketing my other books, teaching writing at my local college and as a book coach) – which was typically around 1-2 pm. I figured I could write 3 pages in 2 hours…which meant about 9-10 pages a day. One day at a time I got it finished, edited and submitted to a literary agent by July…and it’s being published in June, 2019!

When you focus and concentrate your best time to a project, you achieve the quickest and best results. Of course you can only do what you can do. But the bottom line is to schedule writing time into your week and stay focused!

Decisions and Deadlines

Organizers of the event say that the aim is to get people to start writing, using the deadline as an incentive to get the story going and to put words to paper. As a former news reporter, I’ve always worked best with a deadline. But you also have to make some choices in advance of putting pen to paper.

Make those choices as soon as possible so you can be free to write. Come up with a good catchy title (narrow your selection to two or three and Google said titles to see if they are unique (or close). Come up with your character outlines too so you “know” your characters and they can flow along with your plot (see below). Do as much research up front as possible. Also devise a timeline for your narrative so you don’t lose track of your characters’ ages, birthdays, etc. And know your readers (or audience) which will help determine your genre.

Put the Finish Line First

How does your story end? You need to know before you start! Decide on your storyline or plot and write it down in a chapter outline. I am a firm believer (as a marketing expert) in the need for a plan. If you have a chapter outline, you will have a road map to get where you’re going much faster and easier than if you don’t.

Do you know where you want your novel to end up? In the hands of friends and family? On the New York Times Bestseller List? In the hands of movie producers for adaptation? This will be important when it comes to making more choices down the line such as finding a publisher, marketing your book and setting goals for yourself. Finally, what message do you want to leave for your readers? (I also believe the best books and movies leave a message – be it educational, informational, inspirational or transformational – behind. Decide what you want your readers to get out of your book so you stick to the main message.

Save the Editing for Later…but Still Use Good Style

You don’t want to have writer’s block too soon in the game, which is why you want to edit your work at the end – after you’re finished writing. If you get too bogged down in word choices and proper grammar, you may lose your motivation, creative genius or writing zest – and it may take ages before you’re done. BUT, do use all of the recommendations of those who know the craft (and if you don’t know, read books on it like “Elements of Style” by Strunk & White, take a writing course, go to a good writers conference or email me). Show not tell, use strong nouns and verbs, don’t use clutter, etc. etc. The more effort you spend in writing well up front, the less work you’ll have to do later.

Now go forth, write, write, write! And make sure you celebrate when you’re all done – let me know and I’ll celebrate too!

Michele Chynoweth is the award-winning author of The Faithful One, The Peace Maker and The Runaway Prophet, contemporary suspense/romance novels based on Old Testament stories in the Bible that get across God’s messages to today’s readers through edgy, fast-paced fiction. Michele is also an inspirational speaker, college instructor on book writing, publishing and marketing, and book coach/editor who helps writers become successful authors. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, she and her husband have a blended family of five children.

Social Media/Website Links:

Website: michelechynoweth.com

Blog: michelechynoweth1.wordpress.com

Facebook Author Page: ModernDayBibleStories

Twitter: AuthorMichele

You Tube: MicheleChynoweth

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Dear Young Scribes

5 Qualities Every Serious Writer Needs to Possess

The writing journey is not a smooth, easy ride. There will be setbacks, failures, doubts, and frustrations along the way to achieving your dream. Yet I believe that, with the right attitude and right approach, this journey can not only become bearable, but enjoyable for the aspiring author.

Here are five qualities every serious writer should possess before heading out on their journey:

           

            1. Humility

This is the single most important trait a writer should have. Why? Because it’s the foundation to all of the other qualities on this list. You can’t maintain the right attitude throughout your writing journey if you lack humility.

Writers need this trait for the following reasons . . .

  • So we can accept criticism and make our manuscript stronger
  • So we can understand that there will always be room to prove
  • So we can support other authors and give them the help they need in their own journey
  • So we can be an easy client for agents and editors to work with
  • So our head doesn’t swell when we receive positive feedback and reviews

            2.  Patience

One of the reasons why I wanted to begin my writing journey at 16-years-old was because I knew the publication process wouldn’t be quick. Every stage of the journey takes time — writing the manuscript, growing as a writer, building a platform, revision/editing, submission process, contract process, publication process, marketing, etc. And when there’s a dream that’s heavy on your heart, each stage seems much longer than it actually is.

The writing journey is just that: A journey. Although there are milestones along the way, I don’t truly believe the career novelist should have a “finish line”. Every milestone is an opportunity for celebration and a reminder that you’re closer to your Publication Dream. Aspiring authors especially need this trait so they don’t enter the journey with false expectations and give up when the process takes longer than they imagined.

            3. Generosity

Which writer do you believe leaves the best impression — the arrogant, haughty writer who is only in the business to achieve his/her own dreams? Or the writer who seeks to serve readers and fellow writers? The writing community is close-knit, and most of us are more than willing to share knowledge that we believe will help other writers. (This is why there are so many writing-related blog and books on the craft.) Don’t be that one writer who hoards their knowledge and seeks to gain help and info without ever giving back to the writing community. Most authors do not publish a book without the help of multiple other people (that’s why there are acknowledgements in the backs of books!). If you’ve reached where you are today because someone took the time to help you, don’t forget to return the favor — even if it’s not to the same person who helped you. What goes around will certainly come around!

            4. Selflessness

How can you be generous if you’re only focused on your own growth as a writer? Or how can you remain humble if your Ultimate Goal as an author has to do with “me, me, me”? It’s possible for the aspiring author to chase their dream (publication) and remain selfless in the process.

I advise re-evaluating the reason(s) you write and the Ultimate Goal for your writing journey. Is it to gain success and see your name in print? Or do you hope to offer stories that will provide entertainment for readers, shed light on a certain topic, minister to readers, etc.?

Again: The author who makes a lasting impression and gains the most popularity amongst readers is the one who not only writes great stories, but one who stays focused on others as well. This is the author who wants to connect with their readers. This is the author who will promote other books within their genre because in doing they’ll support their Ultimate Goal as an author: To introduce entertaining stories to readers.

            5. Self-confidence

(No, being selfless and having self-confidence is not an oxymoron!) I’ve noticed that, if a writer neglects to have confidence in their ability to write, they don’t get far in this journey. They’ll quit as soon as someone criticizes their work. If you truly want to reach publication, you’re going to have to start believing in yourself — and that will involve believing in your potential even if no one else does. Just because your writing isn’t perfect now doesn’t mean it can’t improve. And just because your story might have plot-holes doesn’t mean it’s too late to fix them. These are only obstacles to overcome, not Dead End signs. Every published author, I’m sure, has struggled with self-doubt at one point or another. But just because you don’t write in the same style as your favorite author doesn’t mean you can’t write.

Every writer has a unique style. Every writer has a unique calling for their publication journey. Focus on your own strengths, accomplishments, and purpose as a writer, and don’t allow yourself to compare yourself to others. Those writers have already been taken! Instead, be the best version of yourself that you can be. Keep growing in your craft, and write stories that you feel called to write and in the best way you know how.

Your future readers will some day thank you for not giving up!

[bctt tweet=”5 Qualities Every Serious Writer Needs to Possess #writerslife #amwriting @TessaEmilyHall” username=””]

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Which quality on this list is hardest for you to attain? Are there any you’d like to add to this list? Let me know in the comments!