Self-publishing and the hot mess of actually writing
Hello!
Welcome back!
So, you want to to be an author? A writer?
If you already started writing your novel/idea/short story/ poem…whatever it is, you, my dear, are already a writer.
So, start saying it out loud. The first thing you need to do is change your vocab and mentality. Say that shit loud and proud. Once you start saying it, you’ll start believing it.
If you read my first blog post SELF-PUBLISHING AND THE HOT MESS EXPRESS about the bare basics of self-publishing you would remember that the first thing I suggested when writing your book is to FINISH WRITING YOUR MANUSCRIPT.
Let me tell you a little story…
When I was eighteen years old, I found out that one of my favorite writers was going to be at Barnes & Nobles for a book signing. I had just started my first semester of college and I legit skipped my class to stand on a long ass line, on a gloomy NYC morning just to meet her.
I waited an hour, just going over in my head what I wanted to ask and how that question was going to be the catalyst for our budding friendship. Me being a Leo, I envisioned it all! When it was finally my turn, I handed her my book to sign, took a deep breath and asked, “Any advice for someone who wants to write books for a living?”
I held my breath as I waited for her to instill some words of wisdom; something that I could pass on from generation to generation like some ancient secret.
Without looking at me, this chick had the nerve to say, as if her shit didn’t stink, “Did you even write anything yet?”
She did the whole eye roll and all.
Because she was a NYT’s best-selling author, I just stood there, embarrassed to my core. She seemed annoyed with me and the audacity I had to ask that question. I was too stunned to answer.
There was no mention of queries, or editing, or beta readers…my knowledge of that would come in my late 20’s and only after a ton of trial and error. Instead, I was ushered out of the way and onto the register line where I would take out two loans, sell my first born, provide a blood sample just to pay for an autographed copy of her latest book.
This scene would play forever in my mind. I change the scene a little bit. Instead of standing there, I tell her off, throw the book into the crowd, knock over some bookshelves and throw deuces up as I make my way out the store.
My love for her died a little that day.
Still, she made a good point. People need to finish their stories before they can think about other aspects of publishing.
Actually writing? I’d be the first to admit that that is not an easy feat. There are many distractions in life that make it hard to focus and get words down. This weeks blog is for the writer who needs help writing. That way if some snooty NYT’s best-selling author ever gives you attitude and asks if you wrote anything, you can stand up proud and say, “YES! Now tell me what’s really good!”
Here are a couple of tips that helped me and hopefully you’ll find them helpful too. And please don’t come for me if you think these are too simple and lame. I AM NOT AN EXPERT. I like to think I am but I’ve self published two books and a bunch of flash fiction, that hardly makes me an expert. I’m still learning too. I just know the struggle to write is real.
These are my tips to help you get some writing done.
Writing ideas in your Notes App could be beneficial. This is my Notes App.
FIND A COMFORTABLE, QUIET PLACE:
Now be real? Do you always set yourself up for success? Along with being a bad-ass romance writer, I’m also a wife and a mom to an always energized 7 year old. Finding a comfy, quiet spot is a luxury that I know a lot of people think they can’t afford. Negotiating with a 7 year old is tedious but after talks, we come to a compromise. When the buzzer on my phone goes off, we run around the room and play for 10 minutes (I need breaks too) and then I get back to work. On the days that the house is complete chaos, I head to a coffee shop (I know, what a cliche), or if the weather is good, I head to the park. Sometimes there are days where my bed has worked just fine for a writing space…I just make sure to lock the bedroom door.
There was one summer where I treated myself to a week at a beach hotel to get some uninterrupted writing done! I saved up for that trip and it was such a great experience. I’m not saying you gotta travel far to get some quiet time. Just find your spot! Light a candle, some incense, put on music, don’t put on music…people work in different ways, just make sure you find your spot and it’s comfy. If you’re like me, make sure you have little distractions (I have to hide my phone because that's my biggest distraction).
MAKE TIME TO WRITE
This should go without saying. You’re a writer, so WRITE! I work a full-time job and when I get home, I have to be attentive to my family. But I do make notes in my calendar of the free time I have that I can devote to writing. I write during my lunch break and for the most part during the weekends. I put notes in my calendar so if I try to skip the day, my computer and phone are both screaming at me and I feel guilty when if I don’t listen to them.
It doesn’t have to be a whole day or a long time, writing sprints work well too. I participated in some on instagram. I want to start hosting more sprints on my own page, follow me there if you want to be a part of them. As long as you make the time to write a tiny bit each day you’ll be on the right path.
MAKE TIME TO RELAX
Okay, I have my comfy, quiet spot and I’ve made the time to write but when I get down to it…I just don’t wanna.
I’ll tell you right now, that’s okay too. Sometimes, you have the ideas, but your mind and body just want to relax. Life is tiring.
I know that my mind is creative. When I’m resting, I’m often thinking about my writing. Words flow better when you’re relaxed.
Tomorrows another day, boo. Relax today and get back to it tomorrow.
WRITERS BLOCK?
Alright, it’s another day: you’re relaxed, you got your spot, the place is quiet and you’re comfy but…the words won’t flow!!!
The audacity of your mind for not working when you’re telling it to work!
Writers block is normal. And if a writer says they’ve never experienced a block then you know they lying! How do you get over that hurdle? Let’s start with the simplest: take a walk. I moved from NYC to the boondocks of CT, there’s a bunch of hiking trails here. But if you live in a concrete jungle, walking around the block should suffice. Or go to the park to clear your head.
One thing that really works for me? I like to hop in the shower. There’s something about the water that relaxes me, my muscles get loose and my mind starts wandering…which is a good thing!
I also enjoy listening to music. I start getting flashes of scenes that my mind makes up that often serves as inspiration.
Other writers suggest reading other works in your genre. Not to steal other peoples ideas (that’s a big no, no. That deserves a smack on the mouth if you steal another artists work). Let their work inspire you.
An important way to fight the block is to just write all your thoughts down. Even if it’s the shittiest thing and you cringe every time you read it. I know it’s embarrassing but something is better than nothing.One suggestion to fight writers block is so important I made it number 5 on the list.
JOIN A WRITING GROUP
A writers group is not just for fighting writers block (by getting inspired listening and reading others work). It’s also a great way to connect with other writers and fine tune your own writing.
When you actually write, they can critique without trying to spare your feelings like your mama and best friend would.
You’ll have a community that will help keep you motivated, accountable and inspired. Most groups now are virtual because this pandemic got everyone scared to be in public spaces. Google search for a group in your area or use MeetUp to find one. Or just start one yourself!CARRY A NOTEBOOK OR HAVE YOUR NOTES APP AVAILABLE
I always use the Notes app on my phone. When I’m at work, shopping for groceries, walking, running errands, in a meeting…an idea or resolution to my story may pop up. If you don’t have a pen or paper, the notes app is your best friend. Open her up and use her. Write all your thoughts down, no matter if they sound crazy. I write story ideas, thoughts, inspiration, strangers conversations that I hear when I’m at the doctors office or on the grocery line. I write down song lyrics if it resonates with me at the time, then I’ll flesh it all out later. I’ve written whole flash fiction on my notes app. Or if you need something fast, use voice memos. Hearing your tone when you say something helps when trying to remember what the hell you were thinking about.
WRITE. ANYTHING.
This is plain and simple. Just write.
Any thought that enters your brain. Any inspiration. Any phrase. Any song. Any feeling. Just write it down. You’ll make time to go back and expand on it. As long as you have a general idea, you’re good. I like to write a general outline for my novels. I do bullet points to things that I want to hit. My outlines are maps so if my characters start to act up, I know how to bring them back. I use my outlines to just write anything surrounding my story. Once I get it down, then I begin the story and let the characters take over.
Okay! That’s it! That’s the advice I’m giving today. If you want to add something to the list, please add it in the comments below.