One of the most basic, most quoted tenets of productivity, one engraved into our brains, is “avoid distractions”. Only, that isn’t taking it nearly far enough — something I (re)learned this week…finally. I don’t know about you, but when I read or hear a version of “avoid distractions”, I tend to slide over the statement […]
How Shiny Objects Derail You Despite Your Best Intentions Read More »
Is there such a thing as too many published books? Too much writing? I’ve been hearing a resurgence of comments and opinions heading in this direction lately, mostly aimed at very prolific authors like Bella Andre, who releases a novel every three weeks. Thanks to the #CopyPasteCris debacle, and the growing awareness of the use of
Is There Such A Thing As Publishing Too Quickly? Read More »
Ramit Sethi is the author of the runaway best seller, I Will Teach You To be Rich. I’ve ignored him for many years because the original version of the book was “for 20-30 year olds”. Even when it was first published, I had moved past that age bracket. Since then, though, Sethi has developed his blog
Think Writing Lots Isn’t For You? Try again. Read More »
How often have you said to yourself: “I could get this done if I was motivated enough.” We’re all motivated when we first start a new project, like a novel. The reasons why we want to write the book are right there in the forefront of our minds, our enthusiasm is fired up and
How to Motivate Yourself Right Up To “The End” Read More »
Ever reached a point of writing your book and think “This book sucks like there’s no tomorrow”? Do you do that with a lot of your books? Do you have a pile of uncompleted manuscripts, because they all stink up the room? I’ve got some good news for you, and some bad news. The
This Book #%#*$!! Sucks! Read More »
I came to a realization, this week just past. It began as a niggling sense of pressure, even when I was relaxed. It showed itself by the mild irritation I felt even when I had completed a full day of work, with all priorities handled. It manifested via constant tweaks to my 2019 weekly schedule,
The Case for Writing LESS Read More »
Anyone Can Become Productive, Including You. Productive and prolific writers don’t burst out of the egg pecking at their keyboards. Although, it’s possible Isaac Asimov asked for a second typewriter for his third birthday, but we’ll never know. Being productive is not a genetic trait you were either born with, or not (too bad). Writing
Anyone Can Become Productive, Including You. Read More »
I’m really tired. It has been three very long years of full time writing — six days a week (usually seven, actually), up to ten hours a day. In the last month, I have been trying to write as many blog posts and emails ahead of time as possible, so that I can take six
Prolific Idea Generation Read More »
I talk about willpower a lot on this blog — mostly indirectly, because I think that willpower on its own will never give you the discipline you want to be as productive as you want. Willpower brings to mind the idea of white-knuckling your way through chores you don’t want to do. I think writing
Willpower for Writers…and More Read More »
I was tickled pink when James Scott Bell, writing guru and suspense author, and also one of my professional heroes, wrote a post a few days ago, “What I Wish I’d Known When I Started Writing”. He starts the post with: Next year will be my 24th as a professional writer. So I knew I
