Ian Dawson's Blog, page 5
September 23, 2024
Writing Tip of the Week: Progress, Not Perfection
Perfection is a myth. It’s an unattainable metric that no one should measure themselves by. Striving for perfection can lead to stress and anxiety and negatively affect one’s creativity. It's a struggle we all face, especially in a world where social media bombards us with the perception of perfection. This can be overwhelming and lead to procrastination and possibly walking away from one’s creative goals.
It's time we strike perfection from our creative vocabulary and embrace a better term: PROGRESS.
Progress begins wherever you are as a writer. Whatever that baseline is, you'll improve as you write and continue to write. Improvement is a positive goal to reach for. It means you are becoming a stronger writer, a better writer, and a more confident writer.
This is the path you want to follow, where you keep at it and progress toward finishing that sentence, paragraph, chapter, and book. Then, you can progress to the editing and publishing phases.
If you structure your creative goals in terms of progression, not perfection, you are now in charge of your goals and the outcome of your work. It’s not some fantastical out-of-reach concept that does more harm than good.
Each time you sit down to write, whether 100 words or 1,000 words, you are making progress on whatever project you’re working on. If you get trapped in the perfection trap, you may never escape those 100 words, become frustrated, and stop writing.
Don’t let that happen.
Remember that every book, screenplay, play, or other creative endeavor didn’t look like the finished product when it was started. Professional creative people don’t aspire to perfection; they aim for progress. More words each day. A new chapter each day. A new scene each day. Eventually, the work is completed and gets to a point where it can be shown to others and experienced.
If authors like Stephen King were locked in a perfection loop, he might still be agonizing over Carrie today instead of being the author of over 77 books!
You don’t get to numbers like that by being a perfectionist. You do it by making progress each time you sit down to write.
Progress, Not Perfection.
Happy Writing, and I’ll see you next time!
It's time we strike perfection from our creative vocabulary and embrace a better term: PROGRESS.
Progress begins wherever you are as a writer. Whatever that baseline is, you'll improve as you write and continue to write. Improvement is a positive goal to reach for. It means you are becoming a stronger writer, a better writer, and a more confident writer.
This is the path you want to follow, where you keep at it and progress toward finishing that sentence, paragraph, chapter, and book. Then, you can progress to the editing and publishing phases.
If you structure your creative goals in terms of progression, not perfection, you are now in charge of your goals and the outcome of your work. It’s not some fantastical out-of-reach concept that does more harm than good.
Each time you sit down to write, whether 100 words or 1,000 words, you are making progress on whatever project you’re working on. If you get trapped in the perfection trap, you may never escape those 100 words, become frustrated, and stop writing.
Don’t let that happen.
Remember that every book, screenplay, play, or other creative endeavor didn’t look like the finished product when it was started. Professional creative people don’t aspire to perfection; they aim for progress. More words each day. A new chapter each day. A new scene each day. Eventually, the work is completed and gets to a point where it can be shown to others and experienced.
If authors like Stephen King were locked in a perfection loop, he might still be agonizing over Carrie today instead of being the author of over 77 books!
You don’t get to numbers like that by being a perfectionist. You do it by making progress each time you sit down to write.
Progress, Not Perfection.
Happy Writing, and I’ll see you next time!
March 25, 2024
4 Splendid Places to Read at Home
I love to read, but sometimes, changing your reading location can help you stay focused and keep your eyes on the page. Here are four excellent areas of your home or apartment to use for reading activities.
#1 – The Couch
This is my favorite place to read. I can stretch out with my head on a pillow and immerse myself in a book. No matter the season, the couch is a great place to either hang out in shorts or cozy up under a blanket as you turn the pages.
Of course, if your living room is a beehive of activity and you need another place to read, I also recommend…
#2 – The Kitchen
You’re close to water and food, and depending on your kitchen's layout, you have multiple options for configuring your reading space. Use the table, use the kitchen chairs, or build a fort under the kitchen table to create a reading oasis. Just make sure to bring pillows and blankets in to maximize your comfort.
#3 – In the Backyard/Patio
The backyard or patio are excellent places to read during winter's rain and snow or the scorching heat of summer. Find a spot under a tree, utilize a lounge chair, or lay in the grass on a blanket. Create a tranquil space where you can focus on your latest reading adventure.
If you have a pool handy, you can always use that, too. I recommend reading a paperback or hardcover rather than an eBook. They are easier to replace, and you don’t have to worry about the battery running out before you finish reading.
#4 – In the Bathroom
No, not there. I was thinking about the bathtub. Here, you can submerge yourself in bubbles, light a few candles, and relax as you read.
Soak away the stress and anxiety of the day.
Final Thoughts
Finding that ideal reading place can make a world of difference. Experiment with different locations and configurations and find the one that helps maximize your reading time and comfort.
Happy Reading, and I’ll see you next time!
#1 – The Couch
This is my favorite place to read. I can stretch out with my head on a pillow and immerse myself in a book. No matter the season, the couch is a great place to either hang out in shorts or cozy up under a blanket as you turn the pages.
Of course, if your living room is a beehive of activity and you need another place to read, I also recommend…
#2 – The Kitchen
You’re close to water and food, and depending on your kitchen's layout, you have multiple options for configuring your reading space. Use the table, use the kitchen chairs, or build a fort under the kitchen table to create a reading oasis. Just make sure to bring pillows and blankets in to maximize your comfort.
#3 – In the Backyard/Patio
The backyard or patio are excellent places to read during winter's rain and snow or the scorching heat of summer. Find a spot under a tree, utilize a lounge chair, or lay in the grass on a blanket. Create a tranquil space where you can focus on your latest reading adventure.
If you have a pool handy, you can always use that, too. I recommend reading a paperback or hardcover rather than an eBook. They are easier to replace, and you don’t have to worry about the battery running out before you finish reading.
#4 – In the Bathroom
No, not there. I was thinking about the bathtub. Here, you can submerge yourself in bubbles, light a few candles, and relax as you read.
Soak away the stress and anxiety of the day.
Final Thoughts
Finding that ideal reading place can make a world of difference. Experiment with different locations and configurations and find the one that helps maximize your reading time and comfort.
Happy Reading, and I’ll see you next time!
January 29, 2024
Writing Motivation Mondays: The Tao of Creativity, Part Eight
We’re nearing the end of the Tao of Creativity series, and I’ve enjoyed sharing the insights I found in The Tao of Pooh that relate to being an artist and allowing your creativity to grow and strengthen. I encourage everyone to find a copy of Benjamin Hoff’s book and see what further inspiration you can discover.
Don’t Sell Yourself Short
We have the unfortunate power to be our own worst enemy. We can talk ourselves out of doing things that would benefit us. We can convince ourselves we aren’t good enough, strong enough, or creative enough to accomplish something we want to do. The same brain that can create can just as easily destroy.
It’s time for us to tell that part of the brain to shut up and sit in the corner!
If you want to write, paint, sculpt, dance, or undertake any other creative endeavor, don’t let that pessimistic voice in your head stop you from pursuing your goal. Even when others see our potential, we often refuse to acknowledge the truth that will empower us to express ourselves in artistic ways.
Benjamin Hoff states, “No matter how Useful we may be, sometimes it takes us a while to recognize our own value” (117). I believe this happens thanks to that irritating negative voice in our heads, but also out of a fear of failure or not immediately being an expert on what we set out to do. We can combat these issues by pushing forward, working on our chosen craft, and learning from those failures and mistakes to improve our creative efforts the next time.
No one you admire in any form of creative art was exceptional the first time. Overnight successes are a myth; they had to work as hard as anyone else to get where they are. Think of someone you admire in the creative field you want to explore, then research their background. I’m sure you’ll find that they didn’t knock it out of the park on the first try. They had to work at it, refine their craft, and find what creative methodology worked best for them.
You can do the same, and it starts with you recognizing your value and pushing through any negativity you may create inside your head to get to your goals.
I’m not saying it will be easy, but you’ll be further along in your progress working toward your goal than being paralyzed by fear and self-doubt and never starting.
Your Happiness Starts with YOU
Whatever creative endeavor you set out on, it’s important that you enjoy what you’re doing from start to finish. This doesn’t mean there won’t be challenges along the way, but you should be able to ride those waves of enjoyment through the process and come out at the end with a project you’re proud of, one that you’re happy with.
“Do you want to be really happy? You can begin by being appreciative of who you are and what you’ve got” (136). What are your strengths as an artist? How can you use those strengths to improve your weaker areas and make you even better as an artist? Too often, we dwell on the negative, which infringes on our ability to be happy in what we’re doing. That’s why it’s important to acknowledge our strengths and abilities and appreciate them.
Happiness can be found through confidence, and confidence can be found in understanding and accepting our talents and skills. It’s not arrogance to be proud of your abilities as a painter or writer. That pride can be used to energize you as you work on your next project. The skills you learned from the last thing you worked on can propel you forward and improve future work.
The more you create, the happier you’ll be because you’re doing what you’re passionate about.
And don’t we all desire to do what we love and enjoy?
Final Thoughts
By recognizing your value as a person and an artist and appreciating your skills and talents, you can silence the inner negativity preventing you from working toward your creative goals.
Happy Creating, and I’ll see you next time!
Don’t Sell Yourself Short
We have the unfortunate power to be our own worst enemy. We can talk ourselves out of doing things that would benefit us. We can convince ourselves we aren’t good enough, strong enough, or creative enough to accomplish something we want to do. The same brain that can create can just as easily destroy.
It’s time for us to tell that part of the brain to shut up and sit in the corner!
If you want to write, paint, sculpt, dance, or undertake any other creative endeavor, don’t let that pessimistic voice in your head stop you from pursuing your goal. Even when others see our potential, we often refuse to acknowledge the truth that will empower us to express ourselves in artistic ways.
Benjamin Hoff states, “No matter how Useful we may be, sometimes it takes us a while to recognize our own value” (117). I believe this happens thanks to that irritating negative voice in our heads, but also out of a fear of failure or not immediately being an expert on what we set out to do. We can combat these issues by pushing forward, working on our chosen craft, and learning from those failures and mistakes to improve our creative efforts the next time.
No one you admire in any form of creative art was exceptional the first time. Overnight successes are a myth; they had to work as hard as anyone else to get where they are. Think of someone you admire in the creative field you want to explore, then research their background. I’m sure you’ll find that they didn’t knock it out of the park on the first try. They had to work at it, refine their craft, and find what creative methodology worked best for them.
You can do the same, and it starts with you recognizing your value and pushing through any negativity you may create inside your head to get to your goals.
I’m not saying it will be easy, but you’ll be further along in your progress working toward your goal than being paralyzed by fear and self-doubt and never starting.
Your Happiness Starts with YOU
Whatever creative endeavor you set out on, it’s important that you enjoy what you’re doing from start to finish. This doesn’t mean there won’t be challenges along the way, but you should be able to ride those waves of enjoyment through the process and come out at the end with a project you’re proud of, one that you’re happy with.
“Do you want to be really happy? You can begin by being appreciative of who you are and what you’ve got” (136). What are your strengths as an artist? How can you use those strengths to improve your weaker areas and make you even better as an artist? Too often, we dwell on the negative, which infringes on our ability to be happy in what we’re doing. That’s why it’s important to acknowledge our strengths and abilities and appreciate them.
Happiness can be found through confidence, and confidence can be found in understanding and accepting our talents and skills. It’s not arrogance to be proud of your abilities as a painter or writer. That pride can be used to energize you as you work on your next project. The skills you learned from the last thing you worked on can propel you forward and improve future work.
The more you create, the happier you’ll be because you’re doing what you’re passionate about.
And don’t we all desire to do what we love and enjoy?
Final Thoughts
By recognizing your value as a person and an artist and appreciating your skills and talents, you can silence the inner negativity preventing you from working toward your creative goals.
Happy Creating, and I’ll see you next time!
Writing Motivation Monday: The Tao of Creativity, Part Seven
The Creative Process. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned veteran, everyone has their own unique way of getting from Point A to Point Z with a new creative project. Within the process, our ideas evolve, expand, and transform into something truly representative of us. For that to happen, we must appreciate and respect the process and its ups and downs.
Let’s talk about it!
More Than Just the Final Product
“Enjoyment of the process is the secret that erases the myth of the Great Reward” (112).
Completing that novel. Finishing that painting. Handing over that script. These are all great moments of pride for artists worldwide. It’s the excitement and elation of accomplishing something. Taking an idea and making it into a real, tangible thing.
We’ve all heard the clichés about the Starving Artist and the Tortured Artist, but it’s important to know that these are just stereotypical symbols that don’t reflect reality. Or, rather, they shouldn’t. Yes, sometimes the creative process can be challenging and frustrating, but if you accept and understand that that’s just how the process works, you’ll be prepared to face those difficulties with enthusiasm instead of grief.
Every project takes time. And within that timeframe, there will be elements that prevent you from doing your best work each day. It happens. The key is working through these rough patches to break through to the other side and get yourself back on track. If you are truly excited and passionate about what you’re working on, that should be motivation enough to keep you focused and on the right track.
You should never dread working on something that you have chosen to work on yourself. There’s no point in wallowing in misery over a self-assigned project. No one wins in that situation. If you decide to work on a project, make sure you’re 100% invested and ready to put in the hours, weeks, months, or even years to complete it.
The Creative Process is also a Learning Process. With each project, you’ll discover ways to make various steps easier, faster, or even eliminate them altogether. Once you’ve streamlined your process, you’ll have the framework to apply to any future project you wish to work on.
Remembering the “enjoyment of the process” is important since this is where you’ll live for 99% of the project.
Fun is the Key
“By Enjoying the Process, we can stretch that awareness out so that it’s no longer only a moment, but covers the whole thing. Then we can have a lot of fun.” (113)
A singing nanny once said, “In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. You find the fun and snap; the job’s a game.” The Creative Process requires a lot of hard work to get from a basic idea to a completed project. When we make sure that the entire process is enjoyable, we can keep our momentum going and make sure we follow through and get to the end.
This is why it’s important to take the time to really think about and understand your personal Creative Process. How do you work best? What time of day do you work best? Do you prefer to collaborate or work alone? Do you need noise or silence to stay focused? Do you need to write a detailed outline, or will bullet points work for you? How many hours a day can you work before you lose focus or need a break?
These and other questions are important to think about, experiment with, and fine-tune over many projects to see what works best for you.
Every writer has their own unique process of how they write. Some write for a few hours. Others write for twelve hours. Steven King writes six polished pages daily, while James Patterson works on multiple projects with multiple collaborators throughout his writing day. Some authors write on the computer, while others, like former President Obama, write longhand on legal pads.
Again, work out a process that helps you create and allows the ideas to flow, and you’ll enjoy the entire process from start to finish.
I always feel it’s better to be a little sad when a project is completed than relieved that it’s over.
Think About It
This week, think about your Personal Creative Process. What has worked for you in the past? What hasn’t worked? What new things could you try to see if they help make the process more enjoyable for you? What can you do to help your creativity and creative process flourish over the next year?
Happy Creating, and I’ll see you next time!
Let’s talk about it!
More Than Just the Final Product
“Enjoyment of the process is the secret that erases the myth of the Great Reward” (112).
Completing that novel. Finishing that painting. Handing over that script. These are all great moments of pride for artists worldwide. It’s the excitement and elation of accomplishing something. Taking an idea and making it into a real, tangible thing.
We’ve all heard the clichés about the Starving Artist and the Tortured Artist, but it’s important to know that these are just stereotypical symbols that don’t reflect reality. Or, rather, they shouldn’t. Yes, sometimes the creative process can be challenging and frustrating, but if you accept and understand that that’s just how the process works, you’ll be prepared to face those difficulties with enthusiasm instead of grief.
Every project takes time. And within that timeframe, there will be elements that prevent you from doing your best work each day. It happens. The key is working through these rough patches to break through to the other side and get yourself back on track. If you are truly excited and passionate about what you’re working on, that should be motivation enough to keep you focused and on the right track.
You should never dread working on something that you have chosen to work on yourself. There’s no point in wallowing in misery over a self-assigned project. No one wins in that situation. If you decide to work on a project, make sure you’re 100% invested and ready to put in the hours, weeks, months, or even years to complete it.
The Creative Process is also a Learning Process. With each project, you’ll discover ways to make various steps easier, faster, or even eliminate them altogether. Once you’ve streamlined your process, you’ll have the framework to apply to any future project you wish to work on.
Remembering the “enjoyment of the process” is important since this is where you’ll live for 99% of the project.
Fun is the Key
“By Enjoying the Process, we can stretch that awareness out so that it’s no longer only a moment, but covers the whole thing. Then we can have a lot of fun.” (113)
A singing nanny once said, “In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. You find the fun and snap; the job’s a game.” The Creative Process requires a lot of hard work to get from a basic idea to a completed project. When we make sure that the entire process is enjoyable, we can keep our momentum going and make sure we follow through and get to the end.
This is why it’s important to take the time to really think about and understand your personal Creative Process. How do you work best? What time of day do you work best? Do you prefer to collaborate or work alone? Do you need noise or silence to stay focused? Do you need to write a detailed outline, or will bullet points work for you? How many hours a day can you work before you lose focus or need a break?
These and other questions are important to think about, experiment with, and fine-tune over many projects to see what works best for you.
Every writer has their own unique process of how they write. Some write for a few hours. Others write for twelve hours. Steven King writes six polished pages daily, while James Patterson works on multiple projects with multiple collaborators throughout his writing day. Some authors write on the computer, while others, like former President Obama, write longhand on legal pads.
Again, work out a process that helps you create and allows the ideas to flow, and you’ll enjoy the entire process from start to finish.
I always feel it’s better to be a little sad when a project is completed than relieved that it’s over.
Think About It
This week, think about your Personal Creative Process. What has worked for you in the past? What hasn’t worked? What new things could you try to see if they help make the process more enjoyable for you? What can you do to help your creativity and creative process flourish over the next year?
Happy Creating, and I’ll see you next time!
January 8, 2024
Writing Motivation Mondays: The Tao of Creativity, Part Six
Writer’s block. Being stuck creatively. Not feeling challenged. These are all things that can prevent us from moving forward with our writing or other creative goals in the new year and beyond. While it can be frustrating to face and work through these issues, it is by overcoming them that we can reach the next level of our creative development and become even better at our craft.
Let’s explore a few insights about this from The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff.
Growth Can Be Hard But Necessary
When we hit a creative block, succumbing to the urge to give up and do something easier is tempting. After all, why agonize over a plot point or character’s dialogue when you could binge-watch a whole TV series while lounging on the couch? And while you might feel relief in the moment, you would regret your choice in the long run.
Most of us prefer the path of least resistance, but that doesn’t mean we should take it whenever it presents itself. And, believe me, in our modern age, these paths are everywhere. The next time you feel stuck, take the time to think through why you might be. What is causing the writer’s block? Is something on your mind preventing you from embracing your creativity?
Being patient with yourself and working through the problem instead of avoiding it will benefit you and your work. After all, “real progress involves growing and developing, which involves changing inside” (105). And you can only change if you try to work through challenges and not run away from them.
We can begin the process of “changing inside” by altering how we work through creative challenges. One of the best ways to do this is not to stop working when problems arise. Write your way through the problem, especially when you’re drafting a story. You have hundreds of options to play with, and sometimes, one of those will be the solution to your problem. But you’ll never get past what’s holding you up if you don't explore these options.
So, the next time you get the urge to crash on the couch when a story hiccup occurs, allow yourself to sit down and brainstorm solutions instead. Just making a few small changes to your productivity – by actually being productive – will help boost your problem-solving skills and motivate you to move forward.
Time Stops for No One
It’s a hard truth that many wish they could change, but in the end, “you can’t save time. You can only spend it. But you can spend it wisely or foolishly” (109). Humans have become quite skilled at wasting time. From scrolling on our phones, binge-watching TV shows and movies, listening to another true crime podcast, or mindlessly looking at social media, time wasters are built into our culture. And they’re not going away anytime soon.
But you have the power to cut down, cut off, and cut out these time suckers and use your own creativity to be more fulfilled as a human. So, when you can spend your time “wisely or foolishly,” spend it wisely by working on yourself and your art.
Our days and weeks demand so much of us with work or school, kids or grandkids, pets, and errands that we can lose track of our own creative passions and goals.
Let this year be different.
I challenge you to give yourself one hour a day to do something creative. It can be writing. It can be photography. It can be art or sculpture. Whatever it is, give yourself permission to take 60 minutes for yourself and work on something you want to do. As time passes, you may find that an hour isn’t enough, so you work a little longer. Soon, you’ve worked and completed a creative endeavor thanks to giving yourself an hour to work on it each day.
Time is something you can never get back, but if you use that time to bring creative productivity and positivity to your life, it’s a much better use of your time than any of the time wasters mentioned above.
Final Thoughts
Change can be hard. It can be frustrating. It can be painful. But change can also lead to amazing outcomes. As you progress through the year and work on your creative goals, fight the urge to run away to something easy and safe when creative challenges arise. Instead, work through them and work to get to the other side of the problem. You’ll learn more about how to solve creative issues and become a better artist in the end.
It's also important to utilize our time wisely and not allow our minds to become distracted by all the noise the world provides as an alternative to our ability to think and create. By carving out a little time each day for creative pursuits, we can give ourselves a great gift that will benefit us positively.
Happy Creating, and I’ll see you next time!
Let’s explore a few insights about this from The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff.
Growth Can Be Hard But Necessary
When we hit a creative block, succumbing to the urge to give up and do something easier is tempting. After all, why agonize over a plot point or character’s dialogue when you could binge-watch a whole TV series while lounging on the couch? And while you might feel relief in the moment, you would regret your choice in the long run.
Most of us prefer the path of least resistance, but that doesn’t mean we should take it whenever it presents itself. And, believe me, in our modern age, these paths are everywhere. The next time you feel stuck, take the time to think through why you might be. What is causing the writer’s block? Is something on your mind preventing you from embracing your creativity?
Being patient with yourself and working through the problem instead of avoiding it will benefit you and your work. After all, “real progress involves growing and developing, which involves changing inside” (105). And you can only change if you try to work through challenges and not run away from them.
We can begin the process of “changing inside” by altering how we work through creative challenges. One of the best ways to do this is not to stop working when problems arise. Write your way through the problem, especially when you’re drafting a story. You have hundreds of options to play with, and sometimes, one of those will be the solution to your problem. But you’ll never get past what’s holding you up if you don't explore these options.
So, the next time you get the urge to crash on the couch when a story hiccup occurs, allow yourself to sit down and brainstorm solutions instead. Just making a few small changes to your productivity – by actually being productive – will help boost your problem-solving skills and motivate you to move forward.
Time Stops for No One
It’s a hard truth that many wish they could change, but in the end, “you can’t save time. You can only spend it. But you can spend it wisely or foolishly” (109). Humans have become quite skilled at wasting time. From scrolling on our phones, binge-watching TV shows and movies, listening to another true crime podcast, or mindlessly looking at social media, time wasters are built into our culture. And they’re not going away anytime soon.
But you have the power to cut down, cut off, and cut out these time suckers and use your own creativity to be more fulfilled as a human. So, when you can spend your time “wisely or foolishly,” spend it wisely by working on yourself and your art.
Our days and weeks demand so much of us with work or school, kids or grandkids, pets, and errands that we can lose track of our own creative passions and goals.
Let this year be different.
I challenge you to give yourself one hour a day to do something creative. It can be writing. It can be photography. It can be art or sculpture. Whatever it is, give yourself permission to take 60 minutes for yourself and work on something you want to do. As time passes, you may find that an hour isn’t enough, so you work a little longer. Soon, you’ve worked and completed a creative endeavor thanks to giving yourself an hour to work on it each day.
Time is something you can never get back, but if you use that time to bring creative productivity and positivity to your life, it’s a much better use of your time than any of the time wasters mentioned above.
Final Thoughts
Change can be hard. It can be frustrating. It can be painful. But change can also lead to amazing outcomes. As you progress through the year and work on your creative goals, fight the urge to run away to something easy and safe when creative challenges arise. Instead, work through them and work to get to the other side of the problem. You’ll learn more about how to solve creative issues and become a better artist in the end.
It's also important to utilize our time wisely and not allow our minds to become distracted by all the noise the world provides as an alternative to our ability to think and create. By carving out a little time each day for creative pursuits, we can give ourselves a great gift that will benefit us positively.
Happy Creating, and I’ll see you next time!
January 1, 2024
Happy 2024 from Author Ian Dawson
Happy New Year, everyone!
Whether you’re making new writing or creative goals for 2024 or continuing projects from last year, do your best to stay positive and work on things you enjoy.
Have a great rest of your holiday season!
Whether you’re making new writing or creative goals for 2024 or continuing projects from last year, do your best to stay positive and work on things you enjoy.
Have a great rest of your holiday season!
December 25, 2023
Merry Christmas from Author Ian Dawson
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, everyone! I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday weekend and were able to see family and friends.
Happy Celebrating, and I’ll see you next time!
Happy Celebrating, and I’ll see you next time!
December 18, 2023
Taking a Holiday Break
Hi! It’s that busy holiday time once again, and I’ll be taking a little break from posting as often as I have been.
I’ll post when I can, but I will be back posting weekly in the new year.
Have a wonderful holiday season, and enjoy your time with family and friends!
I’ll post when I can, but I will be back posting weekly in the new year.
Have a wonderful holiday season, and enjoy your time with family and friends!
December 15, 2023
Writing Tip of the Week: S.W.O.T. Your Writing Goals in 2024!
‘Tis the season to reflect on the past year and plan ahead for the new. When it comes to writing goals, it’s a good idea to have a game plan that gives you some direction about what you’d like to work on in the new year. It can be anything from writing more each week to writing a novel.
No matter what you want to do, make sure to write it down so you can keep yourself motivated and on track throughout the year.
One way to reflect and plan is to use a management term known as S.W.O.T. Analysis. Applying this concept to writing will give you the opportunity to examine the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats that can help make you a stronger writer going forward.
Let’s talk about each one!
Writing Strengths
Where do you feel you excel as a writer? What areas of the writing process really make you excited and ready to jump in and get started? Reflecting on your writing strengths is a great way to show yourself the skills and talents you bring to your writing. You can also see how you’ve more than likely improved over time and acquired new skills that have aided in making your writing stronger.
Your strengths could also be your editing abilities, writing clear and concise synopses or blurbs, or even drafting strong outlines for your stories. If it’s related to writing and you feel like you’ve got a handle on it, add it to the list.
Writing Weaknesses
We all have areas of the writing process we need to improve upon, and this is where to reflect on those. This is no time for a pity party, however. This is the time to understand and accept that these areas need your attention and work to make them stronger.
For example, one of my weaknesses is writing blurbs and synopses for my novels. So, this coming year, I’m going to focus on getting better at writing those and being more concise in my writing.
As you focus your attention on these weaker areas and actively work to improve them, you’ll find that your writing as a whole will also be elevated and better.
Writing Opportunities
Look for more ways to fit writing into your schedule. It’s amazing how much free time most of us have, and it gets eaten away by watching TV or scrolling on our phones.
Decide this year to write for an hour or more a day instead of watching something or doomscrolling the news. It’s a much more productive use of your time, and you’ll feel better afterward.
If you seek out the time to write, you will find the time to write.
Also, look for ways to share your writing with others, enter writing contests, or publish your work. These can be great motivators to get projects done and help you experience the writing process from beginning to end.
Writing Threats
What things might be preventing you from writing? They can be internal or external, but identifying them is a good step toward eliminating them. It might be your own fears about writing or a fear of feedback from others. These fears can threaten your ability to write and stop you before you start.
Once way to push past the threat is to write through the threat. Have a journal. Every time you feel that fear or other negative force that’s preventing you from writing loom over you, write about it. Why does it exist? What strategies can you use to push past it and start writing? Could you write a short story where you battle the threat that’s preventing you from writing?
Whenever a threat pops up that prevents you from being creative, identify it, work through it, and move forward. Don’t allow yourself or others to prevent you from writing.
Final Thoughts
By identifying your writing Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats and making clear writing goals for the new year, you can help yourself develop into a stronger and more consistent writer.
Happy Goal-Setting and I’ll see you next time!
No matter what you want to do, make sure to write it down so you can keep yourself motivated and on track throughout the year.
One way to reflect and plan is to use a management term known as S.W.O.T. Analysis. Applying this concept to writing will give you the opportunity to examine the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats that can help make you a stronger writer going forward.
Let’s talk about each one!
Writing Strengths
Where do you feel you excel as a writer? What areas of the writing process really make you excited and ready to jump in and get started? Reflecting on your writing strengths is a great way to show yourself the skills and talents you bring to your writing. You can also see how you’ve more than likely improved over time and acquired new skills that have aided in making your writing stronger.
Your strengths could also be your editing abilities, writing clear and concise synopses or blurbs, or even drafting strong outlines for your stories. If it’s related to writing and you feel like you’ve got a handle on it, add it to the list.
Writing Weaknesses
We all have areas of the writing process we need to improve upon, and this is where to reflect on those. This is no time for a pity party, however. This is the time to understand and accept that these areas need your attention and work to make them stronger.
For example, one of my weaknesses is writing blurbs and synopses for my novels. So, this coming year, I’m going to focus on getting better at writing those and being more concise in my writing.
As you focus your attention on these weaker areas and actively work to improve them, you’ll find that your writing as a whole will also be elevated and better.
Writing Opportunities
Look for more ways to fit writing into your schedule. It’s amazing how much free time most of us have, and it gets eaten away by watching TV or scrolling on our phones.
Decide this year to write for an hour or more a day instead of watching something or doomscrolling the news. It’s a much more productive use of your time, and you’ll feel better afterward.
If you seek out the time to write, you will find the time to write.
Also, look for ways to share your writing with others, enter writing contests, or publish your work. These can be great motivators to get projects done and help you experience the writing process from beginning to end.
Writing Threats
What things might be preventing you from writing? They can be internal or external, but identifying them is a good step toward eliminating them. It might be your own fears about writing or a fear of feedback from others. These fears can threaten your ability to write and stop you before you start.
Once way to push past the threat is to write through the threat. Have a journal. Every time you feel that fear or other negative force that’s preventing you from writing loom over you, write about it. Why does it exist? What strategies can you use to push past it and start writing? Could you write a short story where you battle the threat that’s preventing you from writing?
Whenever a threat pops up that prevents you from being creative, identify it, work through it, and move forward. Don’t allow yourself or others to prevent you from writing.
Final Thoughts
By identifying your writing Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats and making clear writing goals for the new year, you can help yourself develop into a stronger and more consistent writer.
Happy Goal-Setting and I’ll see you next time!
December 4, 2023
Writing Motivation Mondays: Planning Ahead for 2024
I’m taking a little break from the Tao of Creativity series this week to discuss writing goals in 2024. It’s less than a month away, so this is a great time to reflect on what you accomplished this past year and what you want to accomplish over the next twelve months.
How Was Your 2023?
Did you have any writing or creative goals this past year? If you did, how much did you complete on the list? This can be as simple as writing an outline, a first draft, or publishing a novel. Even small writing victories are worth noting and celebrating!
Were there projects you started but didn’t finish? Were there ideas you planned to develop that didn’t go anywhere? That’s perfectly fine. Life can often hinder our creative goals, so it’s important not to get down on ourselves or give up. After all, it’s just one year in a string of many, and the next one is just around the corner!
New to Writing Goals?
If you’re new to creating writing goals, don’t put unnecessary pressure on yourself by planning to write the Great American Novel. Start small. Write a short story. Write a poem or two. Maybe just plan to journal daily.
The key is to write, write some more, and keep writing. Try to make writing a habit in your daily routine. If you are writing for yourself and for fun, it should be an energizing activity that you look forward to. If you’re not enjoying your work, change course and start something new and different. Eventually, you’ll come across a story idea that clicks, and the words will flow.
Another Year, Another Set of Goals
I’m in this category. While I don’t always hit every goal on my list, I do try to complete at least one writing project, either as a full draft or a completed manuscript. It’s easy to become too ambitious at the start of the year and have to adjust accordingly if needed.
That’s perfectly fine, too. For example, I planned to write two novels this year, but I decided halfway through the year to focus on creating a new author’s website. That took up much of my time (I had to write a lot of content), so I published one novel this year and launched my new website. The second book is on my 2024 Writing Goals list.
Any Writing is Better Than No Writing
Don’t be afraid to be ambitious and make lofty goals. At the same time, don’t let yourself become overwhelmed and stop writing because it feels like too much to work on. Always keep in mind that writing should be an enjoyable and fun activity. You’re creating! It’s an adventure! Get excited!
Yes, you’ll have days that you don’t feel like writing, and that’s okay. The important thing is that you go back to it and keep going. In the end, you may not reach all your planned writing goals, but you will have written. And writing only helps make you a stronger writer in the long run.
Final Thoughts
A new year brings new resolutions and goals. It’s helpful to reflect on what we did and didn’t accomplish the previous year and challenge ourselves in the upcoming one. Whether you are new to writing or have done it for a while, give yourself goals that challenge you and make you want to sit down and write. As I said before, any writing is better than no writing.
Happy Writing and Planning, and I’ll be back with The Tao of Creativity series next week!
How Was Your 2023?
Did you have any writing or creative goals this past year? If you did, how much did you complete on the list? This can be as simple as writing an outline, a first draft, or publishing a novel. Even small writing victories are worth noting and celebrating!
Were there projects you started but didn’t finish? Were there ideas you planned to develop that didn’t go anywhere? That’s perfectly fine. Life can often hinder our creative goals, so it’s important not to get down on ourselves or give up. After all, it’s just one year in a string of many, and the next one is just around the corner!
New to Writing Goals?
If you’re new to creating writing goals, don’t put unnecessary pressure on yourself by planning to write the Great American Novel. Start small. Write a short story. Write a poem or two. Maybe just plan to journal daily.
The key is to write, write some more, and keep writing. Try to make writing a habit in your daily routine. If you are writing for yourself and for fun, it should be an energizing activity that you look forward to. If you’re not enjoying your work, change course and start something new and different. Eventually, you’ll come across a story idea that clicks, and the words will flow.
Another Year, Another Set of Goals
I’m in this category. While I don’t always hit every goal on my list, I do try to complete at least one writing project, either as a full draft or a completed manuscript. It’s easy to become too ambitious at the start of the year and have to adjust accordingly if needed.
That’s perfectly fine, too. For example, I planned to write two novels this year, but I decided halfway through the year to focus on creating a new author’s website. That took up much of my time (I had to write a lot of content), so I published one novel this year and launched my new website. The second book is on my 2024 Writing Goals list.
Any Writing is Better Than No Writing
Don’t be afraid to be ambitious and make lofty goals. At the same time, don’t let yourself become overwhelmed and stop writing because it feels like too much to work on. Always keep in mind that writing should be an enjoyable and fun activity. You’re creating! It’s an adventure! Get excited!
Yes, you’ll have days that you don’t feel like writing, and that’s okay. The important thing is that you go back to it and keep going. In the end, you may not reach all your planned writing goals, but you will have written. And writing only helps make you a stronger writer in the long run.
Final Thoughts
A new year brings new resolutions and goals. It’s helpful to reflect on what we did and didn’t accomplish the previous year and challenge ourselves in the upcoming one. Whether you are new to writing or have done it for a while, give yourself goals that challenge you and make you want to sit down and write. As I said before, any writing is better than no writing.
Happy Writing and Planning, and I’ll be back with The Tao of Creativity series next week!
