Using Your Writing Muscles

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avoidance tactics, jane Yolen, writing muscles, writing quote

Exercise the writing muscle every day, even if it is only a letter, notes, a title list, a character sketch, a journal entry. Writers are like dancers, like athletes. Without that exercise, the muscles seize up.- Jane Yolen

This is one of my favorite quotes when I’m feeling guilty about not writing on the WIP book, because I get to count email as writing. Not text shorthand filled with symbols or happy face icons, but real email, where I have to stop and think about what I’m going to say. I also get to count blog posts and poetry, two of my avoiding-the-WIP-tactics. And then there’s editing and revisions. Those count, too, because it’s rewriting the writing. And another of my favorites—writing blurbs for all those ideas for WIP to come. There’s something about creating a compact two or three line blurb that definitely oils my writing muscles.

I don’t know about you, but sometimes exercising the writing muscles is as hard as exercising the rest of my body. You’d think since I like to write a thousand times more than I like to do calisthenics that I’d choose writing over everything else. Unfortunately, I can always find something else that cuts to the front of the line, except when deadlines loom. Deadlines definitely motivate me. In every part of my life. Housecleaning is delayed until the company is scheduled to arrive. Laundry waits until one of us is out of underwear. And don’t get me started on cleaning the bathroom. Although since I’ve begun using straight vinegar in a spray bottle, instead of Scrubbing Bubbles, I can clean and shine the tiles before, during, and after I clean myself with no worry of toxic fumes … if I build in a few extra minutes. But that may be TMI. Sorry about that.

So, back to the writing muscles point of the blog … the next time you’re feeling guilty about not working on your WIP, don’t. Write something else instead and let that WIP scene or plot or whatever is keeping you from the story, bubble in the back of your brain. After all, I think that’s using the old writing muscles, too.

Do you have a favorite WIP-avoidance writing habit?

 

Bibliophilia – Disease, Delight, or Disgrace?

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Bibliophilia, SMP guest blogging, writing quote

photo by C.Castle

 

I’m over at the Soul Mate Publishing Authors blog today talking about bibliophilia and this quote from Desiderius Erasmus.

“When I get a little money, I buy books; and if any is left, I buy food and clothes.”

Can you relate? Come see just what I mean by my title.  See you there!

Eight More Ways to Stop Writer’s Procrastination

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beating procrastination, blog about writing, Catherine Castle, Eight more ways to stop writer's procrastination, romance author, writing quote, writing tip list

Eight More Ways to Stop Writer’s Procrastination ©

 “Procrastination is the thief of time.” Edward Young

It’s a bad habit— procrastination.  Sometimes, when I don’t feel like calling myself a procrastinator, I’ll tell myself I’m just giving my ideas time to bubble to the surface or working out the steps needed to finish whatever, or I’m making hay while the sun shines and I’ll write when it rains, or I’ll convince myself I’m taking care of important family stuff first, or I’m just waiting to see if that languishing item on my list really needs attention.

Whatever you might choose to call it, procrastination is the opposite of advancing, and as writers, advancement is what we want and need to do.  So, don’t delay reading my last eight tips for stopping writer’s procrastination. If you didn’t see the first seven ways check this out: Seven Ways to Stop Writer’s Procrastination.

• Don’t wait to start writing. Delaying the project only makes you feel like a loser, puts more pressure on you to complete it, and can actually end in defeat when you tell yourself “I’ll never get it done now.”
•  Feel free to fail. Every word you write won’t be golden. Some will be garbage and some will be platinum. Realize you’ll be tossing something at the trash can and let it go.
• Work on one section at a time. Don’t jump around without finishing the current project. There’s a great sense of accomplishment that comes from a completed chapter, that first draft, or the completed dreaded synopsis or query.
• Create a pleasant atmosphere for working. Make your writing space a neat, orderly haven. Make sure you don’t have to uncover the computer every time you want to write, or have to search for half an hour just to find a pencil and paper. Decorate your space and surround yourself with things you like – things that inspire you.
• Take short exercise breaks to keep up your energy – and keep you toned. Too much sitting without any exercise isn’t good for anyone.
• Reward yourself as each job is completed. Did you make your daily or weekly goal? Then do something special for yourself. Buy a new book. Get a latte from your favorite coffee shop. Get your nails done. Have lunch with a friend. You can get real creative here.
• Post inspirational quotes to keep you motivated. The best way to realize that writing is hard work is to let the experts, and the published, cheer you on. Buy a writer’s book of quotes and post the ones that inspire you to write. Remember, the authors you admire were once in your position. Success is only an editor away.
• Share dreaded tasks with critique partners. Hate plotting? Then brainstorm with other writers. Get tips on how to write that query. Let others help you figure out to shore up that sagging middle. Writing is a solitary profession and we can all benefit from interaction with other writers.

Do you employ any of these tips to halt writer’s procrastination? What tips can you add?