Why should you never use the Tab key when writing your book? So many teachers taught so many students to use the Tab key on computers, but it causes problems when manuscripts are turned into books. Here are some potential issues with Tab-indented paragraphs: A full tab indent may be substituted for a single space […]
Acre of Diamonds, Drawer Full of Gold
At a one-day, in-person mastermind event in October 2018, I mentioned that a number of people had asked me to do group coaching for writers because they couldn’t afford my one-on-one coaching, and that a few hundred people have asked me if I will teach them how to become a freelance editor. Vincent Pugliese’s eyes […]
Environment affects productivity
Environment affects productivity Environment affects productivity, plain and simple. Does it have complete control over how much we accomplish? Are we looking for something to blame for our lazy days? No. Can setting up the right situation and conceding that indeed environment affects productivity help us to get more done? Absolutely. How can we use […]
Goal SPA Units
Goal SPA units Goal SPA units are the smallest practical actionable units (or pieces) into which you can break a goal. Goal SPA Units come in very handy when you want to set and accomplish micro goals. What is a micro goal? A micro goal is a bite-sized, usually single-step goal. It can be part of […]
Writing habits, or what helps me be productive and might help you, too
I’m participating in Andi Cumbo-Floyd’s course, and here is my response to today’s email from her. If you have a chance to take any of her courses, please do! Also, please tell her I sent you. I won’t get anything out of it except for the fact that she’ll feel my love every time someone says […]
Mind maps for writing books
Using mind maps for writing books may replace outlining, at least as the first step in writing a book. Find out how to use a mind map to jumpstart your next project. What is a mind map? A mind map is a graphic organizer, a way to organize information or ideas on paper, in an […]
Child author
In 2010, Joel Michael Harshman decided he wanted to be a writer. In 2015, he published his first book, and at age 14, he became a published child author. This photo was taken around the time he announced his intention. Child author got his start in homeschool We homeschool, which means he has opportunities that […]
Help writing a book
You and 1,482,599 other people searched for terms related to “get help writing a book” this month. This post is going to tell you about an easy and affordable way to do that—a way that is still pretty secret, a way that is unheard-of among most writers. It’s almost diabolical and might seem like cheating, […]
Words of encouragement for you, right now
You have a home to manage, and children, and maybe a spouse, and possibly some money-making ventures… You’re tired, and you may even be hurting physically. Brain fog sets in…how are you supposed to write anything?! That’s what this whole blog is about: how you can write, with all the other things you have on your plate. How to find the motivation and the energy, carve out little bits of time and space, come up with ideas, how to shape up the mess you see on your screen (or in your notebook), how to find a place for your writing in the world.
Your emotional journey
When you write your book, you’re going to be nervous, excited, and scared half out of your mind. During the months after your manuscript is done and ready to go (and for a lot of writers, even before it’s done), at every step of the way, you could feel a mix of things: happy, afraid, nervous, defensive, proud, sensitive, bulletproof— though that one doesn’t usually last long, it’s straight back to “Will people LIKE it?” It’s important to know that all of this is normal, and you will get through it.
