Laura VanArendonk Baugh's Blog, page 10

Digital Brains for Writers (To Write and Have Written)

Sorry, guys — had some tech issues this time, but there is info in here still. In this episode we’ll talk about SPREADSHEETS and MIND MAPS, two tools — linear and organic — for getting information out of your head and into an organized format for easy reference. Video (from… Continue reading

Why Can’t I Finish Anything? Procrastination (To Write and Have Written)

Let’s talk about Procrastination! (Spoiler: You’re probably not just lazy.) Speaking generally, writers procrastinate. A lot. But why, and what can we do about it? Here are five primary reasons why creative people procrastinate on their projects, and what to do about it. Plus a lot of fun chat. Video… Continue reading

How (Not) To Network – To Write and Have Written

Networking! You’ve heard before how authors are colleagues, not competitors, and how we need to stick together to get ahead. That’s all true. But there are social conventions and best practices to ask for help, and knowing how to ask is as important as knowing what to ask. Show Notes… Continue reading

Historical Fiber Arts (To Write and Have Written)

Ivorivet joins us again to talk about historical fiber arts, from carding to spinning to weaving! Great for historical or fantasy world details. Show Notes Women’s Work: The First 20,000 Years Women, Cloth, and Society in Early Times (Elizabeth Wayland Barber)Warp-weighted Loom imageMorgan Donner, medieval hem video Video (from Twitch… Continue reading

Author Platforms (To Write and Have Written)

Often the idea of building and maintaining an author platform can be daunting. Let’s talk about the myths of author platforms and what we really do need to focus on (and how we can keep it manageable and fun). Get Sendy, self-hosted mailing software. Video (from Twitch and YouTube): Transcript:… Continue reading

World Anvil for Story Bibles, Organization, Discovery (To Write & Have Written)

In this bonus episode, I welcome the fabulous ShyRedFox and SableAradia to explain the many features of World Anvil, a worldbuilding platform, for authors, from organization to content sharing to discovery. (Apologies for the chaotic start and rearranging — we had a slew of technical mishaps and had to shift… Continue reading

Metal-Casting for Writers! (Learn With Me, To Write and Have Written)

This week we welcome Emi Blaser to talk about metal-casting in historical and contemporary context for writers to use in historical or fantasy settings. Hurstwic Viking iron smelting: http://www.hurstwic.org/history/artic... Haunted scrambled eggs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHkMS... Emi on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ivorivet Emi on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/ivorivet Emi on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxr9... Video (from...

How to Use Criticism and Rejection in Your Writing Career (To Write & Have Written)

This episode is on evaluating and handling negative feedback in a positive, productive way. Hint: It’s way more than, “Grow a thicker skin.” Negative feedback can hurt, but let’s talk about how to make it useful — or at least not harmful. Video (from Twitch and YouTube): Transcript: How to… Continue reading

Writing Career Maintenance for the New Year! (To Write and Have Written)

Let’s talk about backups, passwords, to-do lists, and oh yeah, goals (but actionable ones!). Mentioned: LastPass | Authy | Dropbox | Onedrive | MS Sculpt ergonomic keyboard | cheap vertical mouse | Trello Video (from Twitch and YouTube): Transcript: Business of the New Year! Set yourself up for success with… Continue reading

Field Trip: Death in Floreana (To Write and Have Written)

For today’s field trip, we travel to Isla Floreana to explore the murders which may or may not have taken place. Another real life story to inspire you! Video (from Twitch and YouTube): Transcript: Field Trip! Come explore Isla Floreana and MURDER. (maybe.) – powered by Happy Scribe Everybody, I… Continue reading