get organized

Do You Have a System for Getting Unstuck?

Last week, we talked about how systems make it more likely that you’ll achieve your goal.  Today I’d like to talk about creating systems for overcoming the obstacles that we all hit at one point or another.

In other words, systems for getting unstuck.

Because we all work a little bit differently, one size doesn’t fit all here.  What helps me might not help you.  The first step in creating your “unblocking” system is to take a few minutes to think about how you’ve written in the past.Read more

Why New Year’s Resolutions Don’t Work (and What Does)

The idea that next year could be different–that we could be different–it’s almost irresistible, isn’t it? Next year could be the year we lose that weight, get organized, and write the novel that’ll make us famous.

So many of us set ambitious goals for ourselves in December, only to drop them before the end of January. The goals we dub “New Year’s resolutions” aren’t enough.

Sure, you start with the goal. Write a novel. Or a non-fiction book. Or a collection of short stories. Or a memoir.

That’s the “what.”

But you also need to create a system to help you achieve that goal.Read more

The 30 Day Novel: NaNoWriMo Series, Day 30

Welcome to Day 30, the final day of NaNoWriMo!

Today we’re talking about your story’s resolution and how to tie up all those loose story ends, as well as the emotion that you’ll end your story on.

Thanks for stopping by! Come by tomorrow–we’ll talk about what to do next and how to get started on editing your novel.

The 30 Day Novel: NaNoWriMo Series, Day 30

Welcome to Day 30 of NaNoWriMo!

Today we’re talking about what makes for a great resolution, how to end your story on the right emotional note, and–you knew it was coming, didn’t you?–EDITS.

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Congratulations on making it to the end of NaNoWriMo!

Next week, we’ll be talking about some things to consider when editing a first draft–I hope to see you then.

The 30 Day Novel: NaNoWriMo Series, Day 29

Welcome to Day 29 of NaNoWriMo!

Today we’re talking about the defeat or victory of the protagonist during the climax of your novel and how to make it pay off in the biggest way possible, as well as handling endings in a book that’s part of a series.

Thanks for stopping by–come back tomorrow for Day 30 tips!

The 30 Day Novel: NaNoWriMo Series, Day 28

Welcome to the 28th day of NaNoWriMo!

Today we’re talking about the beginning of the final, epic showdown between your protagonist and antagonist, and what makes a good climax.

Thanks for stopping by–come back tomorrow for Day 29 plotting tips!

The 30 Day Novel: NaNoWriMo Series, Day 27

Welcome to NaNoWriMo Day 27!

Today we’re talking about how to isolate your protagonist from his/her allies and set up the final showdown with the antagonist.

Thanks for dropping by–come back tomorrow for more plotting tips!

The 30 Day Novel: NaNoWriMo Series, Day 26

Welcome to Day 26 of NaNoWriMo!

Today we’re talking about the initial skirmish between the protagonist’s and antagonist’s forces, and the role your secondary characters play as we build to the climax.

Thanks for coming by–stop in tomorrow for Day 27 plotting tips!

The 30 Day Novel: NaNoWriMo Series, Day 25

Welcome to Day 25 of NaNoWriMo!

Today we’re talking about how your protagonist and his/her allies are preparing for the climax and what kind of climax you’re promising the reader with what you show or don’t show.

Thanks for stopping by–come back tomorrow for Day 26 plotting tips!

The 30 Day Novel: NaNoWriMo Series, Day 24

Welcome to NaNoWriMo, Day 24!

Today we’re talking about how your protagonist rallies after the dark moments and is launched into a final do-or-do confrontation with the antagonist.

Thanks for stopping by, and I look forward to seeing you tomorrow!