Dianne Bright's Blog

Not for the Faint of Heart

Writing is not for the faint of heart. It's an arduous task which often involves very little praise. Sometimes, you get positive feedback, but usually an editor tells you what's wrong with an article or a book proposal, not necessarily what's right with it. Of course, there are exceptions to this--but if you've been in the writing industry for very long, you know those accolades can feel few and far between.

Whether you're trying to make it as an indie-anything (writer, artist, musician, film-maker, etc.), you know the goals in front of you will require lots of hard work. So, staying the course has to mean saying "No" to certain things that will take you off-course. So, it's okay to turn down certain projects that aren't as good of a fit for that particular month or quarter; by being discriminating, you're able to focus on the ones in front of you that matter most.

Being a writer can feel pretty lonely at times. I'd even venture to say that most writers are introverts by nature (though I'm sure there are some exceptions). And speaking from experience, it seems like most writers are also runners, swimmers, or rowers--basically anything that checks off "individual sport" from the list.

With awesome play-lists, delicious snacks, and plenty of breaks, this solitude provides time to let the jumbled thoughts of a writer's brain to land in a safe space. This is where she can allow random or more specific thoughts to cycle their way down into more tangible forms of material regardless of how silly or serious they might sound. Note: This often involves talking to oneself to test them out. Or talking to nearby pets or plants. Inevitably, these ponderings might lead to random bouts of laughter, crying, or dancing, depending on the theme(s). Or more cleaning or baking (just keeping it real)!

You've probably heard an author share how she came up with her book idea from a dream. Or how she started taking notes on her iPhone after hearing an interesting conversation at a coffeeshop or on the train. Or how that screenwriter just started pooling notes from different napkins, from here or there, and they came up with something great!

The point is, it all happens because the writer is willing to slow down and practice the pause from the daily routine (even if that involves movement, like jogging, quilting, or gardening). It just needs to be a break from the regular to-do lists. A few more options include painting just for the hell of it, writing a letter to a friend, or playing Scrabble with a stranger online.

As a writer, you basically need to be your own cheerleader. Naturally, writing awards are given out each year, and some people leave positive reviews of your book(s). But for the most part, it seems easier for readers, reviewers, and editors to share the stuff they don't like. While the critical attitude primarily comes from a helpful mindset, sometimes you need a bit more praise to keep moving forward!

Even brief little phrases, like "best book for my teen" or "can't wait for book 2" go a long way. It means so much to writers if you could leave a quick review (omitting the mean stuff). Or, it could be as simple as someone tagging you and sharing your most recent article on their social feeds. What takes a reader less than 60 seconds to post lifts up a writer like she could hold the world in the palm of her hand (trust me).

If you aren't getting much praise or encouragement as a writer, start your day by listing out a few of your own strengths on a sticky note. Then add it to the wall or monitor in front of you. Remind yourself that you're putting yourself out there and hitting your goals!

Good self-care helps writers to stay the course as well. This translates into healthy boundaries. By setting up reasonable parameters for a particular article, manuscript, or screenplay, you can feel more included in the traditional workforce (especially when you're writing from home). When I set these goals ahead of time, it's easier to stop when my watch alarm goes off (and I just snooze it a few more times before closing my document).

The hardest part is keeping to your pre-set time-limits and deadlines. If you've allotted eight hours for a certain article, make sure the last hour includes final edits, or you'll be tempted to push it to nine or ten hours before you're actually done. Of course, there's more wiggle room on bigger projects and always exceptions when an editor sends something back for revisions. So, give yourself a half an hour or more to include that in the timeframe.

When you set a routine for the day that honors your value, you feel more valuable. That's a tautology that goes without saying, but honestly, if you feel worth the task, your writing is more likely to reflect the best that's inside of you. One caveat here: If you are in the zone with a 12-15 hour writing session, go with it. Just don't make that your norm. Otherwise, you will likely burn out. Then it's harder to keep hanging on.

This next tip will be tricky for some of you. It was for me until I became a more experienced "paid" writer. Here it is: If an editor asks more of you than what you can give, then ask for more money. It feels counterintuitive at first because all you want is more work. Sure, at the beginning when you're building up your platform, you might need to write as a volunteer blogger for free or for very little. But eventually, once you get going, the money starts showing up too. So, don't keep saying "Yes" for jobs that don't pay what you're worth. Fear that the next thing won't show up might keep you in that loop, but try to hold your ground. Other stuff is going to show up if you keep investing in yourself, and your time is important, so it's okay if an editor knows that.

As a reference point, the highest rate I've been paid for printed articles is one dollar per word and about 75 cents per word for digital. With more recent groups, I've negotiated based on the approximate number of slides. If it's too much research or writing for the amount of slides, I'll ask for more money--and sometimes, I'll just turn it down. This can feel scary, but remember your time matters! If you're not getting paid what you're worth, use the time to finish that manuscript you've had filed away instead. Or, use the time to build your platform by connecting with filmmakers, producers, or talent agents, etc.

For book deals, I've not yet hit the big one, so I basically move forward when something feels right depending on the season; adding readers always builds my platform, so I consider it a win when I put something out there that I'm proud of. But when I become a more prominent book author, it means I will be able to be more selective about the terms of my book deals. I'm so excited for that!

Last tip: Remember to give yourself lots of grace. Some days, I'm not as productive as others. This could be due to a health issue for one person or a busy list of family commitments for someone else. Maybe it's another job pulling you away from your writing since you need to pay the majority of your bills from that one. Try to pause; then remind yourself it's okay! Some of these things are outside of your control, so mentally berating yourself for not getting more done isn't going to help. During busy seasons, set the timer for 30 minutes or 60 minutes, and keep moving forward to meet your writing goals no matter what. Not giving up is what counts!

Look for Rainbows

It's March, which means leprechauns are keeping busy and you're likely spotting a plethora of rain clouds--keeping your favorite umbrella by the front door. You may have a mental shopping list going too, which probably includes corned beef, potatoes, cabbage, and Irish soda bread.

My advice for the month of March is twofold: 1) look up for rainbows, and 2) be prepared for good luck.

Of course, most people think a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow is just a myth. My wonderment makes me look anyway, but the point is--if you don't look up, you won't see the rainbow in the first place. And if you do find the rainbow, why not look for the pot of gold at the end of it? I mean, the return on investment is pretty good if you find it, right?

By looking up, it's a way of taking a break from all the to-do lists and worries of the day. Go for a walk. Toss a frisbee around at the park with a friend. Grab a glass of merlot with your spouse or relative and sit in the garden together (eyes open for a four leaf clover, of course).

Additionally, adopt an attitude of hopefulness--being ready for positivity to come your way. If you aren't open for good luck, it might just pass you by. The learned philosopher would likely contest this--but maybe our intentions really do act as a catalyst. What if an upbeat attitude could bring good luck into the day?

Have you ever been around a super positive person? It's about to rain, and they still see the ray of sunshine to the left of the glob of gloom in front of you. You see an empty fridge, but she or he finds enough ingredients to concoct an amazing veggie stew. And the culinary pic gets tons of likes on Instagram too.

Attitude counts for a lot with both of these tips. Let's look up for rainbows this month and count on the luck of the Irish to come our way. Gotta go find my St. Paddy's Day decorations now and my black t-shirt with the cheerful green shamrock. Also, I'm thinking of trying a brioche bread pudding this year. What's your favorite Irish dessert? Comment below.

Dianne Bright is the author of MOMS KICK BUTT and is a regular contributor with Reader's Digest.
Moms Kick Butt

Not giving up

It's pretty common to run into someone who says, "Oh, I've always wanted to write a book." But somehow, a decade or two has gone by, and they haven't even written a single page.

So, I'm here to offer some encouragement, plus a few tips. For starters, your goal to write needs to be because it's something you enjoy doing (not because it makes you impressive).

Also, if this is one of your life goals, it's more about carving out time to actually get the project started than selling a million copies (that said, building platform is important--but you can worry about that later). The main thing is to grab a piece of paper--to actually start writing. Now for four basic tips.

1) Begin with a simple brainstorm session. Which topics interest you? Do you have any professional skills? Have you overcome something hard in your life? What do you value most--family, friendships, finances? Just write them down on a sticky note or in your iPhone notes.

2) Turn these into starting points for different book ideas. Then order them from one to ten to see which ones really interest you the most. Sometimes too many ideas can be like good-idea-overload. So, pick the top two ideas, and save the others for later.

3) After the initial brainstorm, write a few sentences about certain aspects (or central themes) of those main topics (these will turn into chapter heads).

4) Now, you're going to dissect one of those chapter heads; it doesn't have to be the first chapter. You could even write the last chapter first. For example: if the book is on money--the chapter head could be "savings." The notes on savings could be about a) starting with 100 dollars, b) opening a separate savings account, and c) paying in cash so you spend less. Now the ball is rolling.

That's it for today. Just remember if you really want this, you have to start somewhere. If it's only one inch, that's okay. It's so much better than doing nothing--because each paragraph is a catalyst--energizing you into the next section.

Maybe the next day, it's ten inches (or you'll write 25 pages). Then a few feet the following week (or 50 pages). Just keep writing words, and worry about edits later.

Also, go ahead and count the small victories. If you wrote 50 words, that's great. On another day, it could be 5,000 words. Make it all count, instead focusing on the glass being half-empty.

You can do it! Don't give up! And get writing! :)

Dianne Bright is a regular contributor with Reader's Digest. Her new book: MOMS KICK BUTT is now available for pre-order and comes out in Feb/2021.
Moms Kick Butt

Heading into Fall

It's that time of year when PSL this-and-that are all the buzz. A cool breeze accompanies most people in the evenings now (just not where I'm writing from in so-Cal). ;)

We get excited about baking, and even those on special diets can get almond flour or use oat milk or cashew butter. There are almost too many recipes to take on--between Pinterest, Tasty, and all the other fun food sites, we might even end up overwhelmed simply screening on the couch. This can be especially true for writers (who get in our heads)--full of our sticky notes and to-do lists.

Because of COVID, it's particularly important to set up a list of ways to connect with others during the holidays. We sometimes wear a badge of honor that says, "No really, I'm fine. I've got this."

But it doesn't have to be that way. With the air getting colder and the coffees and teas abounding, why don't you grab your mask and invite a friend out for a warm drink? You can sit six feet apart out on the patio if you want to, and you can pack your hand sanitizer, just in case.

The important part is actually making human contact instead of just scrolling about your social group on social media. Or texting. Or emailing. The truth is, we get so tech-centered, that we can forget what it feels like to be social around other people (anyone remember the Net with Sandra Bullock?).

On this last day of September, I who struggle personally with mental health issues, would be amiss not to challenge you to focus on your head-space as well. Part of that health check-up involves going outside your comfort zone. All that means is taking the first step to initiate plans with a friend or asking a neighbor to go walking. You could even bake cookies for your kid's teacher or a colleague at work.

Just make sure to go into the fall without falling down too hard mentally. Part of that means plotting out the weeks ahead now, while the leaves are still on the trees. Keep it simple. But get it onto the calendar.

Gratitude

I wake to the sound that excites the average three-to-seven-year-old boy in his flannel PJs. He runs to the front window to check on his favorite big truck making its weekly rounds. Still in bed, I ponder the growing pandemic that shares a name with many people’s favorite beer. You may know it better by the emotions it inspires: FEAR and PANIC. But regardless of social distancing (necessary and smart), the trash guy shows up to empty my three bins out front. His familiar truck is a beacon of hope, reminding me that people are still working hard. THANK YOU to the trash collectors out there who keep our cities clean.

Many have been transitioning to homeschooling and working from home. During the start of this pandemic, my hubby’s contact lens gets stuck in his eye. We try all the tricks, but it still won’t come out. So, I call my optometrist (whose office is close to our house). “I know he’s not one of your patients, but is there any way you could squeeze him in?” I ask. Within the hour, she fits him in. Her assistant removes the unruly lens, and they won’t let him pay a penny. This simple act of kindness reminds me that humans are still good. THANK YOU to the small businesses who keep their calm, even when they could make another buck instead.

With recent UTI symptoms, I know I need an antibiotic. To avoid germs in the medical office, I call my doctor instead. One of the nurses calls me back pronto, offering a tele-visit instead. Within two hours, the medicine I need is called in to my local pharmacy. To anyone who needs medical help quickly, you get why this means a lot. THANK YOU to the nurses and doctors working around the clock to keep us healthy.

Our school district announces we will be off for a few weeks in addition to our regular spring break. A second call reveals it will actually be a few weeks beyond that, based on newer guidelines. Virtual tours, online learning sites, and e-books can keep our young people busy. But it reminds me how much teachers do year-round to provide engaging activities for our kids. THANK YOU to all the teachers who work so diligently to invest in our children.

This person helps and serves without an award or an annual raise. The smiles, laughter, and crumbs on the plates serve as adequate accolades—but with COVID-19, the days feel a little bit longer. Picking up dirty socks and stacking cups into the dishwasher are part of the routine. Cooking meals with whatever is in the pantry gets trickier, but we make it work because it’s who we are. We wear a smile, even when things get tough. THANK YOU to the caregivers who work around the clock, rarely taking a day off.

Members of our society who struggle with mental health issues know this FEAR and PANIC well. It’s nothing new, because it’s a daily part of life. With this new pandemic, these people take a deep breath thinking, “OMG, how will I survive this when my anxiety and depression are already high?” But they stay strong using their mental toolbox; likewise, they keep taking the medication prescribed by their doctor. For people like us, it’s already about taking it one day at a time. THANK YOU to those with mental health disorders who can offer perspective to their neighbors and friends during this difficult time. And THANK YOU to the mental health professionals who help us cope and find gratitude (even on the hard days).

This post is dedicated to my counselor, Michelle, and to my psychiatrist, Dr. S., who have been teaching me to practice daily gratitude.

Dianne Bright is a book author and freelance writer with Reader's Digest and The Healthy. Her parenting book: MOMS KICK BUTT, comes out this summer with CrossLink Pub.

Keep the Valentine's Day spirit going strong: "Kissing Contest"

A February breeze forced Madison to shut her shop window. She noticed Logan—in his red flannel jacket—closing up his ice cream parlor across the way.

Pulling the curtain tight, she pondered her loan for $50,000 from Mr. Langley, glad he’d seen the potential in her chemistry degree from Berkeley—or maybe it was just the handmade caramels she’d left on his desk.

Locking up, she stopped by Stan’s Diner for some chicken chili. Biking home was quick, then an hour on the treadmill—watching a romcom—trying not to worry about next month’s rent.

Chuckles’ incessant purrs awoke Madison Saturday morning, as he massaged her chin with his moist nose. She ate her standard cup of oatmeal with fresh berries and a strong cup of black coffee.

Setting the bowl in the dishwasher, she smiled—puzzled by her dream about Logan—before announcing to Chuckles, “That’s it, I’ll start a kissing contest. The hundredth customer of the day will receive a kiss on the cheek. And if the person doesn’t want a kiss, I’ll give them a box of candies instead.” Perfect for Valentine’s Day, she thought to herself.

Chuckles meowed his agreement, as she grabbed her laptop. “‘Kiss or Candy?’ That’s what I’ll call it.” Then, bouncing into a Word doc, she ordered a couple banners and printed a few dozen flyers to post around town.

By Tuesday afternoon, a line of fifteen people trailed out the door of Jellies & Jingles—where the kiss or candy option was paying out about fifty-fifty. Mr. Crane, a retired bus driver, won the kiss just before 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, and blinking—it was already Thursday with yet another kiss for Mr. Crane. Friday began with a quick hug for Chuckles before dashing out for the shop.

At a quarter to five, Madison looked up and saw Logan—holding a box of old-fashioned bubble gum.

He paid in cash. “Thanks for the gum, Madison.”

Her hand brushed against his. “You’re number ninety-four.”

He winked. “I guess I’ll have to try again tomorrow.”

“Good night,” her employee, Jane, interrupted, clocking out.

“See you tomorrow,” Madison answered, closing out the credit card machine, before refilling candy bins and prepping the coffeemaker for Saturday.

Now home, she grabbed a weathered copy of Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables before climbing into bed.

Saturday morning arrived with coughing and chills, plus a phone call to her mom. “Thanks for helping out, Mom. I hope the drive in from the desert isn’t too bad.”

“I’ll be fine, sweetheart,” Kathleen replied. “Tell Jane I’ll be there in an hour.”

At 2:17 p.m., it was the girl from Oceanside, who chose sour gummy worms. By 4:15 p.m., Kathleen texted saying they were at one hundred and seventy-eight. That’s when Madison called the shop, recognizing the man’s voice in the background.

“Hey, Jane. Where’s Madison today?” Logan asked.

“She’s home with a cold,” Jane replied.

Madison smiled, offering some deposit instructions before hanging up—laughing into her pillow. About ten minutes later, she heard a knock, grabbing her red floral robe. It has to be my mom, she said to herself.

“I heard you were sick, so I brought you some soup,” Logan said, his dark hair hanging loosely around his grass-green eyes.

She slammed the door shut. “Hold on…”

Tying her robe tighter—Madison opened the door, smiling.

“These are for you,” he said, handing her a bouquet of daisies.

“Thanks, Logan. Sorry for being rude,” she said.

He smiled, setting his keys on the pub table.

“Are you dating anyone right now?” Madison asked, blaming the bluntness on her cold medicine.

“There have only been a few people since Anne and I got divorced,” he answered. “She called it quits after her last miscarriage.”

Madison moved a couch pillow. “That must have been so hard. I’m sorry.”

He scooted closer. “The truth is, I’ve wanted to ask you out for the past several months. I just didn’t know...”

Madison blushed like a Mister Lincoln rose petal—putting her hand on his shoulder. “I haven’t dated much since Brian either.”

The next few hours of talking blew by like the winter howl just outside her stained-glass kitchen window.

Standing up to stretch, Logan reached for her hand. “If I don’t bump into you tomorrow at church, I’ll swing by the store on Monday—for a kiss?”

Now on her tippy toes, Madison reached for his lips—her heart beating faster than the pounding raindrops overhead. “How about now?”

He bit his lower lip, wrapping his arms around her waist.

"Not bad," she said. "Maybe even the best kiss so far."

"I hope I'm better than Mr. Crane," he replied, reaching for her lips again.

The following Friday, Madison closed up her store and walked a few blocks down Main Street to hand her shop landlord three months’ rent.

Loading up her bicycle’s basket with a container of homemade chicken noodle soup, a box of Kleenex, and a bouquet of daisies—she headed over to check on her Valentine.

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Please COMMENT BELOW if you would like to read this as a novella.

Bright is a contributor with Reader's Digest and has written two indie novels. Her book of parenting reflections comes out later this year with CrossLink Pub. For more info, go to DianneBright.com

The "Write" Words Sound Right

When editing your manuscript, it's funny how you can reread the same paragraph over and over again to no avail. Then, one day--not sure why exactly--it's like the stars have aligned. And with a few tweaks, the "write" words click.

I'll give an example from my young adult manuscript that's currently #onquery with publishers. Here's the old text:

"Run-off soaked into the soles of my shoes. Taxis were lined at the curb like hyenas waiting for a kill. The soft lighting from the creperie laughed at me. And I was now holding a girl's hand. Her strawberry blond curls were somehow familiar--but tighter than I'd remembered--like the moisture was clinging to them for hope."

By removing a few unnecessary connectors and adding one decisive adjective, the flow improves. Check out the revised text below.

"Run-off soaked the soles of my shoes. Taxis lined the Parisian curb like hyenas waiting for a kill. The soft lighting from the creperie laughed at me, and I was now holding a girl’s hand. Her strawberry blond curls were somehow familiar—but tighter than I’d remembered—the moisture clinging to them for hope."

Maybe the aha moment is just mine alone, but it feels better now--which matters--because it motivated me to take on another round of edits, and that's a good thing.

After recently devouring Stephen King's ON WRITING, my take-away is two-fold. First, write for one person--the ideal reader--not your grandma or your first grade teacher. Second, move the pages along like a screenplay, because readers have to stay hooked.

If you haven't read his book yet, add it to your TBR pile. And no matter what happens, keep writing, keep editing, and NEVER give up!

--Dianne :)

Dianne Bright has written for a variety of magazines including Scholastic. She is currently finishing book #2 of her #ya duology that is on query with her agent, Hope Bolinger. She recently outlined for an #mg series set in New Zealand as well.

New Year's Resolutions?

To set New Year's resolutions or not to set New Year's resolutions, that is the question. Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune or to take arms against MAKING NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS? Reading more of Shakespeare should be one of them if you're setting resolutions because he's timeless and dramatic in a good way.

But the point is, it's a new year so everyone says it's a new you too. I mean, when you glance in the mirror, don't you pretty much look and feel the same as last week? But it's as if an angelic cloud should lift us up into eternal bliss simply because the calendar upgraded by one digit.

I realize this sounds a bit cynical, but I decided a few years ago to stop writing New Year's resolutions. Not because I'm unmotivated or against being positive. Mostly because they just make me feel pressured instead of encouraged. Like a weight of doom instead of a pedestal of glory.

I'll give an example. I went against my gut last week and set one stupid resolution for 2019: to jog at least one mile per day for the whole year (a no-brainer because I love running). Three days in, I blew my knee out on the treadmill (I swear I wasn't drinking, but it was 11 pm). Anyway, I totally jinxed myself.

Now being balanced and healthy means letting go of my one idiotic resolution for 2019 so my knee can heal. Instead of running, I'll focus on gentle yoga and arm weights (plus a little more drinking--just kidding, kind of). :)

And because I'm magnetically drawn to three points, here are a few easy health hacks for a "NOT SO NEW YOU" (not resolutions, just little goals).

1) Drink more water (buy a fun, new tumbler because why not?).
2) *Load your smoothies up with veggies/fruits AND protein (vanilla whey powder is so yummy--see recipe below).
3) Try to fit in some kind of exercise most days (yoga totally counts and so does gardening; a walk does wonders too). I love the gym but not everyone does, and that's okay!

Brain Smoothie:
1 c almond milk, 1/2 c frozen cherries, 1/4 cup frozen spinach, 1/4 cup meyer lemon (including peel), 3 banana slices, 1/4 c celery, 2 basil leaves, 1/4 tsp turmeric, 2 Tbsp vanilla whey protein powder, + 2 shakes of cinnamon.

Comment below with your fave health hacks; I'd love to hear from you.

Dianne has published two novels, plus a digital parenting book. She has also written for a variety of magazines including Scholastic. Her young adult fantasy duology is on query with publishers via her agent: Hope Bolinger. For more updates, go to DianneBright.com.
Mommy's Hiding in the Treehouse--- With a Glass of Merlot

Yes to Hope!

After 200+ queries and ten requests for my full manuscript for consideration, I finally have a literary agent. Her name is Hope, and she gives me hope for the next chapter of my career. Writing isn't for the faint of heart. Anyone who can't take loads of rejection should consider a different job. In some ways, I'd say tenacity is my best character trait, though I'm pretty patient too. Mainly, it's just something in my blood that won't let me give up.

Along the way, it might have made more sense to simply call it quits. My background is in teaching, so it would have been easier to stop putting so much energy into my writing and jump back into that industry. My specific background is in Spanish American Literature and Linguistics (which I do love; don't get me wrong). It's not that I didn't enjoy teaching college students, but I LOVE writing.

It's all been used for the big picture. In my opinion, the pieces of our lives connect together as building blocks preparing us for the next step along the way. That said, I've learned so much from my literary background. Without my previous training, I wouldn't be the writer I am today. Laura Esquivel, Isabel Allende, and Carmen Boullosa gave me a strong foundation for writing fantasy. Magical realism is the equivalent of fantasy in Spanish literature in many ways, with a slightly different shape and voice. I'm currently finishing up the third book in my first series, in which Gabriel Garcia Marquez's over-sized butterflies played a huge role.

If you too have experienced more rejection than you thought possible, just keep hanging on. The voices I listened to, studied, and observed-- like in James Patterson's Master class and throughout Stephen King's ON WRITING kept telling me to press on. So I'm saying the same thing to you. I believe in you even if no one else does. And as a person with great faith (not explicitly a Christian author), I have found hope in two Bible verses along the way.

1) Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."

2) Philippians 1: 6, "Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

Some of you don't believe in God or in the Bible, so these verses may not offer equal encouragement. So, I'll add a few secular quotes to the list that sit next to me at my desk.

3) "Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars, to change the world," Harriet Tubman.

4) "Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game," Babe Ruth.

5) "Life is trying things to see if they work," Ray Bradbury.

When you get your next rejection letter, just remember, you're one step closer to the right fit. It's coming for you, so don't give up. Eventually the math works itself out.

DianneBright has written for a variety of magazines and professional blogs, including Scholastic's Parent & Child. She has also written SOUL READER and SOUL JUMPER. Her young adult fantasy duology is on query with her agent, Hope Bolinger.

Healthy Writing

To become a writer, you simply have to write, but it's easier said than done. Having readers is great too. But, there's more to it than just sitting down at the computer and tapping the keyboard.

The goal is to be a good writer, but that's pretty subjective, right? Is it possible good writing could be connected with healthy habits? Assuming my theory has some wisdom to it, here are three easy tips to get started.

FIRST, make sure you are eating well. This might sound weird, but food fuels the body and the brain. That means, if you put in good stuff, then you are more likely to produce good writing as well.

Go for leafy greens and fresh fruits and veggies. Combine these with lean meats and other protein rich foods, like low-salt nuts and beans. Cheese slices dipped in hummus is a favorite go-to.

Also, when possible, buy/pick organic to avoid harsh chemicals that can cause lots of weird side effects. Let's not harm those beautiful neurons making their way down to the keyboard.

SECOND, try to fit in some form of exercise every day! This could be a twenty minute walk around the block or some easy twisting on your FitBoard in front of the TV.

Doing sit-ups and push-ups during commercials can get you on the right track as well. You're like, "But I DVR my shows." Fine, fit some in between Netflix binge-watching episodes of Stranger Things and The Hand Maid's Tale. For a feel-cool bonus, add five to ten minutes of free weights after your morning coffee or before climbing into bed at night to stay toned.

For any middle-aged writers/reviewers out there (mentioning this for a friend)--extra muscle mass actually helps to increase bone density and improves joint health too.

THIRD, reduce screen time. I'm the guiltiest of all on this one. But wow, social media eats up way too much of my time. It's great to build our network marketing platforms, especially when it comes to promoting our books/WIPs/blog posts.

But let's take a daily break to rest our eyes by fitting in some afternoon yoga/meditation or a nap. As a reviewer as well as a writer, I love to grab an actual paperback book most days before snuggling into the couch with my afternoon cup of joe (man, I'm starting to sound like my Grandma now).

Hope these tips help! I'd love to hear what works for you. So please, comment below.

*Dianne Bright has written for Scholastic's Parent & Child magazine and blog, along with Today's Christian Woman and Thriving Family. She is the author of SOUL READER and SOUL JUMPER, and her new young adult duology is currently being considered for publication.

Soul Reader