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Writing Tips - Procrastination 

     Procrastination can be your greatest enemy in writing. It is easy to find a reason or excuse not to write; I am too tired, I am not inspired, I don't know what to write, What if no one will read it.... 

     Stop listening to that voice. If you have had story to tell, waiting in your heart and head, stop and begin to write it. Just start. As you begin to write, things around you soften, the noise silences, and all is left is your story.

Writing Tips - Learn from others

     It can be difficult to learn the craft of writing. You have a story and want to share it, but don't know the best format, how to get it edited, published, or sold.  

     The internet is a good source for research, but don't rely solely on it. Speak to other writers, go to events and workshops, or join a writing group. I joined a Writing Club and for the first year, rarely attended and didn't get much out of it. The following year, there was an opening for one of the officer positions. I ran for and was elected as an officer. During my two year as President, I learned so much from these dedicated, talented people. I learned to not give up, continue to learn and grown, and just WRITE!. 

Writing Tips- Know what you enjoy reading 

     You don't need to have read all the great works of literature, to enjoy reading. There are many different types of genres, or types or classifications of writing. Find the one that you like to read. I have found that I enjoy clean romance, faith based, historical, travel, and learning something new.  Then look at your skills and experience life has taught you. Use those two to combine your favorites to find your passion. 

Writing Tips- Edit, Edit, and STOP

     Editing is a blessing and a curse!  Editing helps refine your thoughts and stories, to read in a more compelling way. Edit your work to ensure that the story evolves, has something new to discover along the way, and leaves your reader wanting more. 

Once your story line is where you want it, begin to look at the grammar and punctuation. These can be challenging at best, but with many of the features of computers, there are some good basic grammar and punctuation tools. 

     Read your work out loud. Many times, if you read silently you mistakenly make the correction in your mind as you read. If you read out loud, you can find that the thoughts may need some work or don't flow as you intended.  

     Read, and re-read your work. Have other read your work. Then STOP! You can become stuck in edits and revisions. Inevitably you may end up with an error. We are human. If you are self-publishing, give yourself a break. How many times have we found an error in something we have seen or read in other's work?  Trust yourself, and the work you have put in, and stop the editing, and publish.

Writing Tips- Just JUMP!

     Ok, I have written my story, learned from others, spent endless hours on editing. How do I know when I a ready to publish it? Do I need a publisher? I have sent out inquire letters and there does not appear to be interest, or they are not taking new authors at this time.  Self-publishing has become a viable option. You can use a large internet based system to publish, advertise, and house your work such as Amazon. Putting your work in electronic format is an option to compliment a tradition print format. Self-publishing small houses will send you templates to use for formatting pages, and creating a cover. They give you a price by the book and you can order more on demand, such as Diggy Pod. Each method offers different options, pros and cons. Research them and see what is best for you and then JUMP in and publish your work!

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