Bryan Collins's Blog, page 77

What’s The Best Writing Productivity Systems? 6 Top Choices

You can pick from dozens of established writing productivity systems.

Each one focuses on various ways that people can manage their work. Many of these systems borrow elements from each other, and some are more popular than others.

These systems come with a range of apps, software programs, and various supporting materials and books.

But what types are best for creatives and writers? And will they help you overcome procrastination and start writing faster?

Although a perfect producti...

What is a Grammar Nazi?

Does someone constantly correct your grammar, either in person or online?

If you do, then you just might know a grammar nazi.

Grammar nazis are quick to point out improper use of the words their, they're and there.

They're fast to comment on a misplaced modifier. They'll even criticize your use (or lack thereof) of a problematic comma or semi-colon.

So as you strive to become a better writer, should you take the advice of the grammar nazi or ignore it?

Understanding where t...

How To Beat Procrastination in Writing: 10 Proven Strategies

Attention procrastinators!

Do you put your work off until the last minute? Or perhaps you struggle with procrastination in writing, in different ways, for example, missed deadlines?

Well, Neil Gaiman's advice for writers is simple: “You have to finish things — that's what you learn from, you learn by finishing things.”

But what if you're having trouble getting started, let alone finishing your work?

I faced this problem a few years ago. I worked as a journalist for a local newspaper. It was my j...

16 Great Proofreading Tips for New Writers

What proofreading tips do the best writers rely on?

Here's one: they hire professional proofreaders to help with long-form works. But what else should you know?

If you write a lot, read through your work aloud and mark up every missing punctuation mark and capital letter with a red pen.

Practical proofreading tips like these will help you learn how to find and fix common errors in your writing. The proofreading process is easy when you know how!

Let's cover some more.

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Creative Writing Ideas: 12 Powerful Exercises That Work

Would you like to find more great creative writing ideas that you can use for your stories, articles, or even for your book?

Perhaps, you're facing more common problems like writer's block and can't think of anything good to write about?

Or maybe you want to take your articles or stories in a different direction?

This post covers 12 different, great creative writing ideas that work for new fiction and non-fiction writers of all types.

1. Work on Your Writing Skills

Consider the weakest part of...

Roald Dahl On Writing: 13 Inspiring Lessons

Roald Dahl was one of the greatest writers of all time.

During his career, Dahl wrote over 17 stories for children alongside two novels and a series of short-story collections.

He accepted numerous awards for his work, including the World Fantasy Lifetime Achievement Award.

Many of his books were later turned into popular films, including The Witches, Matilda, Gremlins, and The BFG.

Dahl is also a writing hero, along with Ernest Hemingway and Ian Fleming.

I first came across Dahl's writings whe...

How to Earn Money Writing on Medium with Adrian Drew, Editor of Mind Cafe

Do you ever wonder how you can earn money writing on Medium?

Medium is the number one platform for non-fiction writers who want to find readers, share their message and earn a little for doing it. Members of the partner program regularly earn four and five figures a month.

But what if you’re just starting out and don’t have and subscribers, much less a portfolio? 

Is it too late to start writing on Medium?

Adrian Drew is the editor and owner of one of Medium’s top publications M...

The Best Self-Help Books: 10 Inspiring Titles You Must Read

What are the best self-help books available today?

This round-up lists some of the best self-help books worth reading.

I've always found the genre of self-help fascinating.

Over the past decade I've read many different self-help books for business, sports, writing and even my personal life.

I like self-help books because they usually contain interesting techniques and strategies for fixing problems. 

I've even written in the genre. My most recent book, This is Working, is ba...

How To Become a Better Writer? 10 Easy Ways That Work Fast

Several readers recently emailed me, asking: “How can I become a better writer?”

Learning how to become a better writer (or even a good writer) depends on what level you’re at, what you write, and what becoming a better writer means for you.

For example, great writers like Stephen King may think success means topping the New York Times best-seller list.

(Suffice to say, Mr. King did not email me.)

Success for a new writer could mean getting published in a magazine for the first time.

Years ago, ...

The Inciting Incident: 7 Tips For Starting Your Story With a Bang

What is an inciting incident?

Do your friends or family yawn when you show them your latest work of fiction? Are you struggling to start your story in a way that your reader never forgets?

Do you want to light a fuse in your script so that your reader has to read on and discover how the tale turns out?

What you need is an inciting incident.

How do you do that? Let’s find out!

I’ve spent the last few months rewriting a collection of short stories, and I’ve faced all of these problems.

I won’t lie...