Joseph Hunt's Blog, page 2
September 4, 2015
10 Ways to Become a More Productive Writer!
Embrace the words, or let them embrace you like a Facehugger*!
*If you’ve watched Alien, you might know what they are, if not, click the link for the image. You can thank me later!
In the age of the internet, productivity and procrastination come hand-in-hand, they’re the angel and devil, they’re the two wolves and the one that lives is the one that you feed, and all that jazz. I’m a notorious procrastinator; I pin things on Pinterest, I queue Netflix on my iPad, and the worst culprit is The Sims 4, I will play that game until the Grim Reaper has arrived and I try get the last remaining character into a relationship with them.
Procrastination knows no bounds, so set it some boundaries. There’s no problem with relaxing and playing games or watching films or Marathoning an entire season of a Netflix original, but priorities are important. If you’re new to writing or a seasoned writer looking for new ways to write more, this is for you. Writers get sh*t done! Become a more productive writer right now!Click To Tweet
I’ve compiled a list of ten different points I use to be a more productive writer, and they’ve made me a lot happier having the list printed out as daily reminders that I can be productive, and you can too! No excuses now!
1 Schedule Your Time!
The most important currency we have in this world is time. Everyone pays in time, and all time can be utilised through prioritising and maximising what you’re doing. Schedule time to write, and stick to it. Psychologists say it takes on average three to four weeks (21 – 28 days) to develop and form a habit, so stick to writing at a set time and soon your time spent writing will be worth more.
2 Write in Short Bursts!
It’s important not to burn yourself out. Writing several thousand words all at once is great if you’re looking for quantity, but the likelihood is, you’ll burn yourself out and only have those words because you don’t feel like writing. It’s happened to me. I’ve written over 10,000 words in the space of a day, only to find myself suffering for it the next couple of days.
How to Write in Short Bursts: set yourself a timer of 30 minutes, with the goal to write constantly for that allotted time. There are other ways of setting this time and encouraging people from Twitter by using the hashtag #1k1h – this tweet is for people who are aiming to write 1,000 words in 1 hour. These are writing sprints and are a world of wonder when it comes to getting engaged and connecting with other writers online. Between short bursts do something, I like to keep myself busy whether this is tidying my workspace and living space, light exercise; yoga, etc.
3 Turn the Internet Off!
Easier said than done, but it’s the easiest way to get anything done. If the internet is off on my laptop, there is literally nothing else I can do. I guess that’s the same for many people. Most of the time spent on laptops, tablets, and mobile phones is using social media and/or games that require the internet.
Yeah, turn it all off. Maybe wait until you’ve finished reading this list, but paired with writing in short bursts and you’ll be surprised about how productive you actually are.
4 Keep Goals & Track Them!
Being a writer in any capacity, as a hobby, self-employed, etc. means that you’re in charge of your hours, and what you need to achieve that day, week, month. In order to get the most out of your writing time, you need to keep goals, measurable goals that you can tracks. For me, it’s about the word count, I aim to write at least 500 words per day, often times it’s more than that but knowing the goal is low means it’s easily achieved, and once I’ve hit that mark, I’m often already writing a scene that I bypass the mark.
I have a spreadsheet where I put the word count for the day. It’s useful for me to have because it totals the numbers in any given week or month. Goals are good, having a goal is different to a deadline; goals are what you want to achieve, deadlines are set.
5 Reward Yourself!
Whether it’s a writing reward or rewarding in general, once you achieve a goal, make sure to give yourself something. Maybe it’s another cup of coffee, maybe it’s a jog, or even a weekend away from the interwebs!
For me, rewarding is about time, I reward myself spending time on different things. I’m a huge TV and film geek, so if there’s a new TV series starting or a new film on at the cinema, I’ll feel like I’ve worked hard enough to deserve spending time away from writing all the words! Whatever you love, make sure to incorporate it into your rewards; read a book, do that yoga class at your local gym, have a nap, just make sure you’re making yourself whole and happy.
6 Desk Space = Mind Space
Whenever I’m getting my brain in order I will clean my desk. If I have a messy desk, then my mind is a mess. This is what it’s like for most people, mainly because the mind associates it with clutter, destruction, and it will only frustrate you to see the mess. So cleaning your writing space up before writing works wonders. Desk space really is equal to mind space. Cluttered desk, cluttered mind and vice versa. Clean your surrounding area and you’ll see a world of difference.
7 Outlines Are Your Friend!
Between a planner and a pantser, I am most definitely a planner. I will plan chapters upon chapters before I even start writing, and if you’re a pantser you can still use outlines! Writing by the seat of your pants can still utilise an outline approach. If you’re writing in short bursts, make sure you know what you want to write before going into that sprint.
Outlines are there to serve you. They do not have to be detailed. They can be as broad as “MC meets girl, she ignores, he’s angry, bangs fists on school locker, angst, gets written up” — that’s the style I usually go for. I try and jot down what I want to happen in that scene/writing sprint on one line of lined A4 paper.
8 Speak, Write!
This one might make you feel stupid at first, especially if you’re living situation means that you have family members around you at all times. But let’s become the stereotype of a writer, the crazy one who’s known for speaking to themselves and now you know why! We’re speaking to ourselves because we’re speaking the words that we’re writing.
When I’m not listening to music, I like to either speak what I’m writing or mumble beneath my breath, because sometimes you might not want people to hear what you’re saying/writing. It allows you to get to grips with how the book will be read and easy to correct mistakes as you write. Not editing though!
9 Set Deadlines!
If you’re working in a team, this is easier, working on your own to a deadline you set is a little more iffy. If you sign with an agent or a publisher, you will have deadlines set on a timeline for drafts, revisions, edits, right before publication. If you’re doing this yourself, you will have to be your own boss and 
enforce these deadlines.
I like to make sure I have plenty of time before the release for things that might pop up. Create your deadline, and then have a pre-deadline. I do this because I’m usually late for everything, so by being late for the pre-deadline, I’ll have plenty of time for the actual deadline. Don’t let yourself become victim to the graveyard of past deadlines, it’s not a fun place to go, or a fun place to bury your projects!
10 Perfection Doesn’t Exist!
I have a quote on Goodreads, and it’s probably one of the most quoted things on the internet with my name attached to it:
“Perfect is a dream that you wake up from and spend forever trying to remember.”
It was over three years ago now and it’s stuck with me. Perfection doesn’t exist, and I see a lot of people continue to chase perfection, wanting to have every aspect of their book perfect. The best thing you can do as a writer is understand that your book isn’t perfect, so don’t try, and don’t frustrate yourself with it either. Once you get that, you’ll be pouring words out by the thousands! Get started: Be more productive and...Click To Tweet
Leave a comment if you use these or if you have any new ways!
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The post 10 Ways to Become a More Productive Writer! appeared first on Blog with Joey.
September 1, 2015
Coming Out a Writer!
A story of identity crisis and embracing the weird.
Hello, my name is Joe, Joey, Joseph, and I’m a writer.
I always find it a little awkward or difficult at first when meeting a new person to tell them what I actually do. I’m an awkward person as it is, but thankfully the internet won’t show you that yet.
Often, I have people who say their families aren’t respecting of what they’re choosing to do, they don’t see how you can support yourself with your writing. They say it’s not a real job, it’s not a career, and there’s so much negativity, for some, for others, there’s a world of optimism, and help.
I’ll welcome myself again.
Hello, I am Optimism, and I am Help!
I’ve been known to think negatively in the past, to always presume the worst because anything that isn’t the worst is surely good. Having that mindset wipes you out completely, you become all disgusting and disgusted, leading to all kinds of horrible thoughts.
I made the allusion to this as coming out because in a sense, this is a little like that, when I tell people I’m a writer, they’re immediately listing off the ten bestsellers they probably didn’t know until they interrogated you, and if you’re none of them or your book isn’t in bookstores, then your writing is a hobby, and you should get a real job. You don't need to have written a best-selling novel to consider yourself a writer!Click To Tweet
Maybe I’m being drastic, or maybe that’s just my experience.
Nowadays, with the internet, we have communities and tribes of readers and writers out there who are willing to help, and these people are the most amazing people you’ll ever meet on the internet. All writers need readers, and all readers need reading material. The best writers are readers, and the best readers are the people who take their time to read anything. If you’re reading this, hey, you’re pretty amazing.
My first laptop was a Christmas present, and I remember, I was 14, and I’m not the kind of person who shows emotion when people give me presents, typically people think I’m ungrateful for not screaming “thank you” and flailing my arms around them. So, my mum wasn’t sure whether I liked it or not, paranoid that I hated it, or it was the wrong one, there was nothing wrong with it. It was perfect.
Following Christmas I set up my first blog, and I tentatively titled my first post, “I will fail my exams because of The Sims!” — I didn’t fail my exams, in case you’re wondering. I was however obsessed with the game, and that’s carried on through to my adult life and the current Sims 4.
At the time I set up my Blogger account, I used a picture of a dragon. I then used this picture when I set up my second account, but the third and fourth attempt at setting up blogs, I decided on using these selfies a friend had taken on her phone and upload to Facebook. I know what you’re thinking. Damn, that kid was cool, 2009 (that’s when I set up the final Blogger account I had up until a few months ago when I closed it down to welcome you to a self-hosted site) and taking selfies!
During my stint on Blogger in the earlier years I thought I’d make it big, I thought I would be one of the Amanda Hocking’s or Christopher Paolini’s of the world. I wasn’t. But getting out of that mindset and telling myself just how one-in-a-billion their two stories are was one of the best things I ever did.
I finished my first manuscript aged 16, it was a 60,000-word piece of nonsensical garbage. I can fish it out if you want me to read a piece, and then you can gage how far I’ve come while also gauging your eyes out.
Coming out as a writer to my mum was weird, I was met with but don’t you want to do something you can make money from, like law, or becoming a doctor, and neither of those things were like yay, let’s do that, I think for the longest time I wanted to be a lawyer, or a chef, something to shut people up about needing a plan. Like I needed to have myself prepared because adulthood would snatch me up.
I always knew what I wanted to do, and now, being older, I feel like I’ve wasted opportunities and I can’t be the writer I wanted to be, but who am I kidding, I’m young and I’ve done pretty well so far. Several self-published titled and the ability to have an income from that is an amazing feat.
A lot of writers out there are writing for 22+ years before they even release their debut novel, self-publishing or otherwise. You might be one of those people, you might be here looking for someone to help you get published, someone to help jump the hurdles faced when it comes to writing, to editing, and everything we deal with publishing. You don't choose to be a writer, it chooses you!Click To Tweet
I can help. Every single week I’ll be posting three informative posts that will help you with whatever you’re facing, and if you have anything specifically, please contact me, I’ll try and make sure that’s on my list too.
Leave a comment describing your experience telling people you’re a writer.
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The post Coming Out a Writer! appeared first on Blog with Joey.
August 31, 2015
Writing Goals
I am a very messy thinker. When I begin a new project, it’s not a nice sight to see, online or in person. I become a mess. I do have goals when it comes to my writing, and those goals are usually around word counts, and getting great content out. That isn’t my only goal, and as much as I love writing fiction, I’ve always wanted to do more than write.
I’ve wanted to teach. I love to help people, so much so I hold a degree in society, young people, and community studies. Having answers and being able to share those answers with people who are pent up, frustrated, and without their voice being heard. And I love nothing more than seeing readers and fans start their books, setting off on that writing journey.
As a writer, I think I’ve been writing since I was little, my earliest memories of writing are around the age 9 as I studied or, copied the style of a book I’d been reading. Basically, I started my career as a plagiarist, and since then, I can safely say I haven’t plagiarized since. Of what I’m aware.
My goals as a writer have always been all over the place, and on the advice of a few people closest to me, both readers and writers, I’ve decided to streamline what I’m putting on my shoulders and what I’m giving my effort to.
I want a blog I can use to educate with. This is that blog. On my previous blog, I had over quarter of a million hits (250,000) and it was at the stage where it depressed me to log in and see six-years-worth of posts in draft stages that had once been published, and a lot of those posts were written from someone I no longer identify to be. I’m no longer the 16—18—20-year-old who posted passive aggressive rants; I’m no longer full of anger or angst.
This isn’t something I’m wandering into, it’s something I’ve felt passionately about for a long time, and I’m not going to wait for an opportunity to come around where someone offers to help. You have to help yourself! Help yourself to Blog with Joey! A website On Writing, Editing, Publishing, and Social Networking!Click To Tweet
I hope you’ll stick around. I have a lot of new content, for those of you who’re joining me from my old blog, and I have a few of the old posts to come back because there was a lot of great content.
You can sign up to the mailing list where you will be delivered three emails a week. It will all be helpful, great content-driven emails, making you a better writer, editor, publisher, and someone with a hand in marketing and advertising, because no matter whether you’re self-published or traditionally published, you will be doing a lot of the promotion yourself.
This is ground zero, and I’m sticking my foot on the shovel. I’m ready to break dirt. As someone who has been helping writers for over four years through my blog, through social networking, and through meet-ups, the content found on this blog will be valuable.
I will section the main three sections of writing (red), editing (amber), and publishing (green), as well as social networking. Coloured according to their function on a traffic light. Stop and write! Go and edit! Click to publish!
Expect me on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. I’ll be making your Monday less drab, your Wednesday’s less humpy, and your Friday’s a TGIF to remember!
What are some of your writing goals?
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The post Writing Goals appeared first on Blog with Joey.
March 3, 2013
Sample Sunday - Noctem
While Daniel slowly sucked on thought like a child sucked on a pacifier, a bolt of charged white electricity shot above his head. He gasped and blinked as he watched the men ahead of him group up. Another shot. This time to the forehead.
Jac stood by Daniel’s side as he collapsed. He reached out too late to grab him. Daniel sat in a slump. His eyes were wide and swollen red.
“Daniel,” Jac panicked as he shook Daniel’s arm before forcing himself on top of his body to try and shake the life back into him.
Three more zaps of electricity parted the air and found themselves grounding at Daniel and Jac’s side.
“Get here,” they shouted, and a thud hit Jac in his back. It sent him flying to the side and off Daniel.
Jac coughed as he glanced around to see the men as they gathered around Daniel. “Just—” he started to shout as he coughed.
Daniel’s pupils dilated and the first thing he saw was a man pulling at his arms to lift him up. “Get off me!” Daniel struggled beneath the tug of the man.
He sucked in a deep breath and found electric tendrils emerging from his fingertips. They slowly started to barb and wrap around his neck. Choking him.
Intrigued? Why not grab a copy of Lumen from Amazon. You can read the first three chapters of Lumen in the "look inside" section. How awesome is that?!
Lumen Blurb
On an island estranged from the rest of the world are people, people living by the teachings of the Luminary; seven pillars on which their existence rests and all belief was created. These souls have abilities that would make most mortal minds doubt their sanity, and at times it may come as a blessing, but the nature of their belief is based on a curse.
Daniel is going through his final transition, and once complete, he will be able to manipulate the bonds of his energy more freely. Not everything falls so smoothly, and after a near-death experience, Daniel is admitted into the island's only private school, a privilege he is not allowed to forget. While trying to fit in he opens mysteries and troubles beyond the life he came from, and they threaten everything and everyone he once believed in.
Could Daniel come from those legends he was taught about?
Joseph Eastwood
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February 27, 2013
Um. So I HAD a Secret!
But, I feel like it is for the best. I also feel like this look is more polished and book store ready.
So, without anything further... here is Lumen's new cover.
Now, I feel like you're going to hate me for this... but, this secret isn't THE secret that I've been alluding to most of the week.
"WHAT?!" I feel you breath down my neck.
In fact, I have several secrets that I want so badly to share with you guys. And share I will... in due course, but I can tell you that it is going to be an AMAZING giveaway, and also an AWESOME opportunity.
Joseph Eastwood
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And be AWESOME!
February 22, 2013
Poetry: Reading on YouTube!
Ever wanted me to read poetry to you?
Well, your wish is my command. There are four here for your viewing pleasure, and leisure. All poetry is from the collection "In the Flesh".
What did you think?
I'll keep you guys posted!
Joseph Eastwood
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February 13, 2013
Hectic Lifestyle + updates!
I need a routine, and the worst part about it is that I know I need a routine. So the need to write has been crushing me internally… not good.
I've been taking the bus journey to and from placement to write poems. Some of them will be featured in "In The Flesh" so yay on that front… and I bet you can guess where I'm writing this from… yup! On the bus!
I'll be getting off the bus soon, so I best wrap this up. Life is going really well, I can feel a huge burst of writing to come from me soon.
So, how are my favourite people from over the interwebs?
:D
Hectic Lifestyle + updates!
I need a routine, and the worst part about it is that I know I need a routine. So the need to write has been crushing me internally… not good.
I've been taking the bus journey to and from placement to write poems. Some of them will be featured in "In The Flesh" so yay on that front… and I bet you can guess where I'm writing this from… yup! On the bus!
I'll be getting off the bus soon, so I best wrap this up. Life is going really well, I can feel a huge burst of writing to come from me soon.
So, how are my favourite people from over the interwebs?
:D
February 5, 2013
Poetry Collection - "In The Flesh"
So, I've been keeping this a secret for a little while as I've been trying to write enough poems to go inside, and the other night I had a creative break through.I think Garden and Tonya are going to be especially happy about this, because I know that they've been asking for more poems. (And to anyone else asking for more poems, this might make you happy as well.)
I am going to be releasing a poetry collection called "In the Flesh", you can see the cover inset to the left. I will be releasing the collection towards the end of the month, or at the start of March.
So, here's the first, never before seen poem from the collection. Enjoy!
Fleshy
Where evil masquerades behind darkness and dreams,
And the story is told, but it’s tearing at the seams.
The screams are hindered, and lost inside minds,
And our mouths are gagged and our limbs are in binds.
The fear of letting go; submerged in the craze,
One fleeting thought, blinds a murderous haze,
Found in all bliss, where night terror calls home,
You’ve found happiness, and you’re free to roam.
What did you think?
I'll keep you guys posted!
Joseph Eastwood
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February 2, 2013
News and Things!
I haven't noticed that there are some new followers over here! Hey y'all, how a' you? I hope that you're all doing fabulously.
I have to tell you all about this: https://www.facebook.com/582745028405909 I posted this picture to my page on the 29th of January. I thought that it was going to be a fun little game... I didn't really read over it, I just stumbled upon the picture. And now, only a few days later there have been 2,432 comments, 204 likes, and 56 shares. A lot of people have been complaining about it because of the grammatical errors in the post etc. but I guess it just goes to show that people will just about comment on anything about anything.
I have published another short story, it is the fourth short story in the Over My Spilled Blood collection, and it it titled, Succumb: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B854J8A (US) http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00B854J8A (UK)
And did I mention that Succumb was FREE today (03/02)?
I've started to work on my horror/thriller pseudonym (Joseph Hunt) with the first title under his name, Starlight and Starlets, a Grayson Ryker thriller, being released some time in the year.Oh, and I finished the first draft of Salem Gates, a Caldwell Witches novel, I am excited about this series. I need to finish the novella that goes before the novel, as that's what will be released first.
I'm very excited for what's going to be happening this year!
Do you have any huge plans for the year?
Joseph Eastwood
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