Cate Russell-Cole's Blog, page 34
July 1, 2013
Secrets Your Inner Critic Would Kill to Keep
This article is not for everyone.
Some writers really love the actual process of writing. Some writers have so many ideas they don’t even know what to do with them all. Some writers almost always feel confident and upbeat about their writing.
I am not one of those writers.
It is incredibly difficult for me to sit down and do the physical work of writing.
This is real, honest and the key to success as a writer lies therein... thank you to Lauren for sharing her journey with us. As you know, I only pass on the great stuff!
June 30, 2013
Hang Onto Inspiration – Writing Excellent Descriptions
“My screaming-blue mountaineering parka makes me feel like some kind of toxin.” Anne Batterson, The Black Swan
“Incense perfumed the air, a special kind she bought in Little Tokyo, without any sweetness, expensive; it smelled of wood and green tea.” Janet Fitch, White Oleander
Several years ago I began collecting examples of scintillating material from books I read. I created the collection to study techniques of authors I admire, and it has dramatically benefited my writing. Perusing those clips has furthered my understanding of effective description and my skill in writing it.
In the beginning, I couldn’t quantify what these authors were doing besides using innovative adjectives and similes — as far as I could tell, it was magic. But rubbing the lantern that held that magic began stretching my view of life and the world, challenging me to see things in new ways. Reading a concentrated collection of pure excellence continues to prime my creativity pump. It pushes me out of my perceptual ruts and expands boundaries of awareness and possibility, showing me angles I may miss on my own.
When I read a print book, I keep a pad of sticky tags at hand to flag especially delightful, succulent passages as illustrated in the photo above from Anne Lamott’s book, Plan B: Further Thoughts on Faith. When I finish reading, the book often resembles a porcupine, with a couple of dozen tags protruding from the edge.
The next step is to type the flagged passages into a jerry-rigged database consisting of a table in Word. That may take half an hour or so for an especially inspiring book, but it’s time well-spent, reinforcing the power of the examples and setting them more firmly in memory. The screenshot below shows how it works.
Notice that I usually include the page number for the passage, in case I want to refer to it later. Publication data is minimal. Amazon makes it easy to fill that in later if I need it. As I enter the material from each book, I leave the Title column blank. When I finish all entries, I type the title and author once, copy it, and paste it in each row below for that book.
The Label column can include anything that helps or interests you. If you keep it to one word, you can sort the table on the Labels column and find all the material on that particular topic quickly and easily. Since I’ve begun adding additional labels, I use the Find function to look for them.
My method is crude, and someone with more savvy could improve upon it. A database would be a better approach, but the boundaries of my geekiness don’t stretch enough to include database expertise — a gal’s got to have limits!
When eBooks entered my life, I expanded the process. I love eBooks for many reasons, and the ease of capturing examples tops the list. I currently read on an iPad, and here’s my process, adaptable for your device.
Click on the cover to buy the book.
For Kindle books, I highlight passages and occasionally add a note. When I’ve finished reading on the Kindle iPad app, I open the book on Kindle for PC. From there I work my way through the Notes & Marks list, copying highlighted passages and note contents to paste into my table. Instead of page numbers, I enter the eBook location.
For ePub books (the format used by Nook, Kobo, and other readers), I read with iBooks. I copy highlighted passages and note content and paste them into an Evernotes file where I can access it on my PC for transfer to Word. Pasting this material into a self-addressed email or a Notes page would work just as well.
Write now: start a new file with a simple table like the one in the example and purchase a stash of sticky flags so you can start your own collection of juicy examples for further study and inspiration. Your writing skills will soar as a result. If you need help creating the table, refer to the last chapter in The Heart and Craft of Lifestory Writing.
Meet Sharon Lippincott:
Sharon Lippincott, life writing coach and teacher, is addicted to writing, specializing in zany observations of writing and life on her blog. The Heart and Craft of Writing Compelling Description. Her mission is to encourage the global use of Story to heal lives and the world.
Blog: http://heartandcraft.blogspot.com
Amazon page: http://goo.gl/WgK6f
This blog post is Copyright Sharon Lippincott 2013. All rights are reserved Internationally. You may not reproduce it in any form, in part of whole, without the author’s prior written permission. That includes usage in forms such as print, audio and digital imaging including pdf, jpg, png etc. A fee may be requested for re-use if it is for a commercial venture.
Filed under: "Writing Lessons from the Writing Life", Writing Resources Tagged: author, blog, blogging, books, challenge, characterisation, compelling, craft, description, discovery, fiction, ideas, Indie publishing, inspiration, novel, resource, Sharon Lippincott, success, writer, writing
June 27, 2013
The Friendliest, Least Pressurised Writer’s Support Online
Whether you write memoir, fiction, are a blogger, poet or feature article writer, join us for A Round of Words in 80 Days. Round 3 for 2013 is starting early July.
I started ROW80 last year and it’s the most helpful group I have had the joy to join. I helps me set goals, stay on track… and keeps me honest if I am too tempted to slack off! I have gotten a great deal of benefit and enjoyment from the company of the incredibly supportive ROW80 writers.
ROW80 has four rounds which will take you right through 2013. It is the writing challenge for people who do have a life! It is for every genre; friendly; inspiring and allows you to set your own, flexible goals which give you space to breathe!
If you can’t start this Round, you are welcome to begin late in the Round, or you can commence in January, April or October. There is a two week break between rounds, no fees, no obligatory sign-up and no spam!
The ROW80 page is here: http://aroundofwordsin80days.wordpress.com I will look forward to seeing you.
Filed under: Life Story / Memoir, What's On, Writing Resources Tagged: blogging, creativity, goals, growth, Indie publishing, inspiration, motivation, passion, resource, ROW80, success, writer, writing, Writing Challenge
June 25, 2013
Escaping Mental Quicksand: Your “Time of Readiness”
So many people were encouraged by this post when it came out, I decided to publish it again. I hope it helps you along your path to creative fulfilment.
Purchased from and Owned by http://www.iStockphoto.com. You may not use this image for any purpose without buying it for yourself.
Have you ever had a writing idea that just won’t come together, or a goal you want to achieve but can’t bring yourself to act on just yet? It could be a book you only manage to half write, an experimental change of genre in your writing or some opportunity which is outside your current experience. You may find yourself stalling. Or you may be frustrated when you start to work on that project, but it just seems to keep falling apart or halting, and you’re not sure why.
Is it because it’s just not your area? Do you have writer’s block? Are you being lazy? Are you a failure? Is it fear holding you back? It could be some of those things, or it could be that all the resources you need are just not in place yet. Perhaps it is a waiting game that will get you there if you’re patient.
There is a theory in psychology called the “time of readiness,” which states that unless a child has reached a point in their physical development where they can try a new skill, such as crawling or walking, no amount of pushing or imposed practice will get them there. They just won’t get it! There are some things in life you just can’t rush. Any kind of growth takes it’s own time.
I believe that the same principle works in a similar way in many areas of our lives as we continue to challenge ourselves to achieve in new areas. Personal growth is the key, whether that growth is of a mental, emotional, physical or spiritual nature.
We are often not able to make certain forward jumps until something clicks in our hearts and heads. Of course, the underlying problem may actually be writer’s block generated by feeling unsure or fearful that is holding you back. Even so, perhaps there will soon be an optimum time where you can overcome that hurdle. Just as long as you aren’t using fear as an excuse and you are actively working on trying to advance. Action is the key. If you’re not working towards your goal in some way, then time of readiness is probably not the answer.
There are decisive actions you can take when you feel stuck at any stage so that you can move towards. Don’t despair or get frustrated with yourself! Keep discovering new ideas, trying new skills and practicing what you need to master. Have a plan! Set clear goals and mix with people who can mentor you. Don’t be afraid to experiment and get imperfect results at first. You need to build up to what you want in stages which will, annoying as it is, take time: the time you need to become ready.
It will come, you may just need to be patient. One day it can click into place.
This post is a free chapter from Phoenix Rising: Conquering the Stresses of the Writer’s Life, Copyright Cate Russell-Cole 2012. All Rights Reserved. Available on Amazon Kindle. ISBN 978-0-9873175-4-4
Phoenix Rising addresses the challenges and frustrations of writers in the digital age. It has been written for all genres of writers and all forms of publication. If your creative energy is low, your word count flagging or the downsides of being a writer are taking away your joy, this book will give you new strength and hope with which to spread your wings and find new freedom.
Filed under: Writing Resources Tagged: authors, challenge, creativity, encouragement, failure, growth, inspiration, passion, problem solving, psychology, stages, stress management, success, support, time of readiness, timing, writer, writing
June 24, 2013
The Alliance of Independent Authors - a Q&A with Orna Ross
Reblogged from David Gaughran:
When I cover publishers behaving badly, self-publishing scams, or authors' rights, I always get asked if there is an organization which advocates for self-publishers.
The general feeling seems to be that we are particularly ill-served by the status quo, given that the pre-existing writers' organizations either don't let us in, don't care about the issues that matter to us, or take up positions contrary to our interests.
If you are an Indie, this may be helpful for you. I am finding that Indie organisations swing between the kind of unprofessional presentation and features that give Indie's a bad name, or they are simply way too expensive. Do your homework before you join anything and best of luck. Thank you David for a very informative post. I am on leave until July 1st, so all comments are off.
June 20, 2013
Should Authors Write Bad Book Reviews?
Reblogged from Kristen Lamb's Blog:
Okay, yesterday we had a little bit of a debate about leaving book reviews. First of all, the post is to warn you of the dangers of posting bad reviews as an author. Does it mean you can't? No. Can you tweet while drinking and listening to LinkinPark? Yes, but you do so at your own risk. Same here. I am not the social media gestapo, but I am here to warn you of the hazards that are REAL.
The kind of common sense we all need to hear: caring for others means you also, watch your OWN back. Thanks for another gem Kristen.
Choosing What You Love
An article I had published in Christian Woman Magazine in the late 1990s. This was my freelancing phase.
The mark of mediocrity is to look for a precedent. Norman Mailer
This week is the third anniversary of my current online writing and coaching business. It’s been a good week to look back at where I have come from and be grateful. Whether you want to write, teach, program, paint, assist people or be a plumber, the road to your dreams often takes strangely unexpected turns. Mine has been no different. I have gone from teaching and writing to social work; over to marketing work; back to freelance writing and teaching; then to desktop publishing; into teaching and course writing again… and I am now settled as a writer. I am not moving! When you keep coming back to the same roots, you know that is where you belong.
When I started working for myself, building web sites, desktop publishing and making money were my very sensible aims. Writing was pushed to the side and alas, nothing worked well. I was never satisfied. Running any kind of business seems to be one of those things you either have the gift for it or don’t. I never felt that I did. I’m people, not profit orientated: too soft, and far from being single-minded and ambitious. The successful business people I’ve met all seem to have that tenacious personality, which looks at the profit and the financial security they attain at the other end. I just see the ulcers and hefty personal price tag, and I’m far less obsessed with money.
Web site work I have done.
So I sat back and reviewed the lessons I’d learnt from working with other business people. They mainly involved stress: cash flow issues, taxation, economic recessions, staffing dramas, family time compromises and decreasing health. It is easy to become a slave to your freedom. I wanted to avoid that route and do something creative that was really mine.
I picked up a book by Cyndi Caplan titled, “Awaken Your Business Creativity,” and was inspired. I made lists of what I wanted to do. The women Cyndi had used as case studies all had taken a hobby they loved and it had expanded into a booming success they hadn’t planned or expected. Perhaps that was the secret, they were doing something they loved to make themselves happy and earn just a little extra money, not to become big and pull in their first million.
I concluded that some people with big dreams 
achieve little, possibly due to personality and their outlook on life (arrogance); and some talented people start with a little dream and an idea they love (passion). Those are the ones who become cheerfully successful. Maybe to succeed, I had to stop trying to be like the big guys in the marketplace. I had to concentrate on doing what I loved, and see where the path of fate took me from there.
I believe the biggest lesson I have learnt is to be myself. Sure, a fat income would be lovely, but would I have time to enjoy it? We often look to role models who are frayed and flawed underneath, but choose not to see those weaknesses. We want the success, the fame, the recognition: essentially to be them. Life doesn’t work that way. Unless you are at peace with yourself and following your own dreams, you will always feel cheated.
Gorgeous Cake Image from http://blog.oakleafcakes.com/recent-elegant-cakes/
This article / blog post is Copyright Cate Russell-Cole 2013. All rights are reserved Internationally. You may not reproduce it in any form, in part of whole, without Cate’s prior written permission. That includes usage in forms such as print, audio and digital imaging including pdf, jpg, png etc. A fee may be requested for re-using her work if it is for a commercial venture. Link sharing and Pinterest pins are most welcome as long as Cate is the attributed Author.
No images on this blog may be copied, captured, or altered for your own purpose without the consent of the originating owner.
Filed under: Writing Resources Tagged: ambition, authenticity, author, business, conflict, discovery, dreams, encouragement, goals, growth, happiness, inspiration, life story, motivation, problem solving, roots, stress, success, truth, writer, writing
June 19, 2013
Finding your ancestry roots through DNA testing
Reblogged from moonbridgebooks:
DNA testing for ancestry has been a high-tech new boon to those wanting to dig deep for their family roots. Whether just curious or have nothing else to go on to find ancestors, people are happy to spend $100 or so to discover their “genetic haplo groups,” (people groups) and perhaps link up with others whose DNA markers are close matches.
I am privileged to be a part of Linda's post today. I hope this helps others out there who are adopted. Everyone needs roots and this has given me a great deal of peace and closure. Thank you Linda for sharing my story.
If you are a memoir writer, please have a wander around Linda's blog. You will love it.
The Guaranteed Cure for Your Word Count Woes
Napalm used in Vietnam
I have had one of those days where you gain a priceless lesson in perspective.
Firstly, a beloved new friend is at the bedside of her dying brother, deciding whether or not to turn off his life support. That is living hell.
Secondly, I spent half my day talking to an amazing German lady about the holocaust and national guilt in Germany; plus the work she has done with abused families, then with orphans in Vietnam who have been born deformed and disabled by Agent Orange. They are now dumped by their families in droves. She is an incredibly peaceful, gentle woman. She changed my worldview in so many areas.
If you aren’t on a transplant list and may die; don’t have diabetes which is slowly destroying your body; don’t have an aneurysm which could kill you at any moment; or have any form of slow death illness, chronic pain disorder or physical or mental disability which stops you from being who you could be… or are in a war zone where you cannot do anything other than struggle to survive… then whatever ails you can be addressed and rectified.
Take advantage of what you DO have. Just go write.
After three weeks in nearly constant pain and now all this today, I feel like yelling “get over it.” Our lives are so cushy compared to many other parts of the world… and those of many who are hurting right next to us. It is too easy to become self-orientated and lose the bigger picture of what matters most in life. Appreciate the gifts you have that many are denied.
You have the power to get over whatever holds you back. Use it or waste it. It’s up to you.
Comments are off as I am still on sick leave until the end of next week. God bless you all. Thrive, be in good health and enjoy your creative journey.
This blog post by Cate Russell-Cole is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License. You are free to share and adapt it.
Filed under: Writing Resources Tagged: get over it, motivation, perspective, word count, work in progress
June 17, 2013
No Spam Risk, Safe Twitter Hashtags for Writers
Following last week’s post on “Twitter Tag Use and Tweet Scheduling for Writers: Accidental Misuse is Too Easy,” here is a list of safe tags which shouldn’t offend anyone.
(By the way, I am on sick leave for 10 days, so comments are off. However, I’ve still got great posts scheduled which will be auto-publicised via Triberr, Twitter and Facebook. If Ok, I may hang around Twitter. Cheers!)
#amediting – posts from people who are editing
#amwriting – posts from people who are writing
#askagent - agent questions and answers
#author
#authors
#editing
#fictionfriday
#fridayflash - flash fiction on a Friday
#novels
#novelists
#poem
#poet
#poets
#poetry
#pubtip - publication tips
#publishing
#scifi
#selfpublishing
#vss - very short story
#webfic - web fiction
#weblit - web literature
#wip - work in progress
#wordcount
#writegoal
#writequote
#writer
#writers
#writetip - writing advice
#writing
#writingtips - writing advice
#wrotetoday
You can also use tags on common words that people will look for such as #health, #free, #mentalhealth, #recipe, #pets, #memoir, #promotion, #fantasy.
This blog post by Cate Russell-Cole is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License. You are free to share and adapt it.
Filed under: Writing Resources Tagged: automation, block, blog, communities, duty of care, hastag, misuse, mywana, Nanowrimo, penalties, promotion, respect, ROW80, rules, scheduling, spam, Twitter, warning, Writemotivation, writers, writing
