Tag Archives: Writers Resources

Writing, focus, breaks, and closing up shop.

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In the past week I’ve realized I’m not working hard enough. I haven’t put enough effort into my writing, my editing, and that it’s time to do that.

I have 2 novels, a few short stories and other things that need to be done, and soon.

Somewhere I lost my focus. I’m not sure where it went but I have a plan to get it back.

It’s been involved in other things. It’s kept me from doing what I need to.

So here’s what’s going to happen.

I’m taking a break from the blog. It’s difficult decision since I’ve gained almost 200 blog followers since last March.

I appreciate every one of you. But it’s time for me to get shit done.

I will return in June 2020.

I hate to do this. I’ve found that I need to do what’s best for me and my family.

I’m also disabling my Instagram.

It’s a full stop on social media.

I realized that I’ve been caring too much about what others think about my work and that’s coming to a stop.

Critics don’t scare me anymore, not getting published does.

If I don’t see you…

Continuing, finding me, and the path to where I need to be.

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I find writing more enjoyable when there are other things going on in my head. Let’s take yesterday as an example.

I bartended last night, had writing to finish or continue(not sure which it is day-to-day)and I discovered that I got better, more focused work.

This comes as I’m trying to find a story for compilation I’m submitting to.

I’ve written two and started a third. It doesn’t need to be ready to go until the end of January, but I’m trying to find a story that fits and the best way for me is to write a few until something clicks.

That click hasn’t happened, though I’ve written two short stories, very short. One is under 1,000 the other is just over. I’m trying to get one that’s about 5-6k then I can clean it up in editing.

I’ll keep going, keep on the path and find where I need to be in my writing and life. I’ve found a few things that are working and others that aren’t. It’s all trial and error. But I’ll get there.

Have a good weekend.

The point of no return.

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There’s a moment when I’m writing and something sinister comes to my mind about the story.

I could do something really messed up to the characters and they have to deal with it. Or, I could not and it won’t be as much fun.

It’s in this part of the story that I realize I can write some twisted things if I just get past the perceived judgment of others

Most of my family wouldn’t read what I write anyway. They don’t like horror or don’t read books.

I used to wonder what someone would think about the story and I would hold back.

Now I write something and think, “damn, that was sick and twisted” and don’t think about what those people think or what they’d say.

If they read it fine, if it freaks them out, even better. But I won’t stand hand on hip waiting for their opinions of what I write as if it’s a reflection of who I am.

It took me a long time to break that thought process and I won’t go back.

I hope you’re all enjoying NaNoWriMo and getting words on the page.

I’m plotting something for a contest and I have words to write.

Finding the dark and harnessing it.

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I’ve been listening to “Relentless” by Tim S. Grover for the last few days. This book is my go to when I’m having issues with life and writing. It’s my centering book.

The thing is, I shouldn’t need to be centered.

I thought a while about his dark side talk.

I think about it every time I listen and I’ve realized what mine is, but I’m not going to get into that.

This thing keeps me going, makes my mind straight and keeps life in perspective as well as keeping my goals centered.

When I listen to it Audible, what he says repairs where my head has been, what has been focusing on and kicks the bullshit to the curb.

It’s all mostly bullshit by the way.

The lack of focus and the way our mind distributes things causes hazards and it’s those hazards that divert our focus.

Come back to your focus. Come back to your goals and use that dark side.

Everyone has one.

We all use it to get through the asshole in line at the grocery store, the fights with family members and we use it to keep our heads straight.

Keep going.