When I first started writing, during the pre-internet days, I didn’t have any idea how many words were in a novel, a short story, a novella, etc. I just wrote, but had no idea if I was producing at a good pace or if my stories were a good length. All I knew was after … Read more
There are a lot of articles on the web about the importance of self-discipline for a writer. Putting together my thoughts on the topic for the Article Team, I realize that I have nothing to add to them and no creative spin to filter things through. I have nothing to say on it to the … Read more
This article is by E.L. Skip Knox.
I don’t get writers block, but I do get something that’s just about as bad.
Writer’s fatigue, sometimes simply known as burnout.
I can write, that’s not a problem. But sometimes I get tired. I get more than tired, I get weary. Writing becomes a burden. I write in a basement room and some days I can feel that burden descend on my shoulders as I descend the stairs. I know what I have to do, but I have no enthusiasm for doing it.
Developing one’s confidence as a writer isn’t easy. I can’t speak for anyone else, but I know my own path has been an arduous one, and confidence waxed and waned along the way.
I read a fair amount of articles written by a variety of authors and bloggers, and in doing so, it’s become apparent that there’s an implied division between “real” writers and the aspiring. However, I put forth that there is no such division, and we’re all real writers if we dedicate ourselves to the craft.
New writers (or those who have yet to find their stride, as I prefer to think of them) get a bad reputation. How is one to develop confidence when so many articles fall into one of two categories:
If you’re reading this article you might be thinking two things:
1. Why would a fantasy website feature an article about being burned out with fantasy?
2. I’m burned out on fantasy, so I want to see what this guy rants about.
Well, to put this into perspective, I’m a life-long fan of fantasy, have written it for years, and consider it my bread and butter. However, I often hear the advice, “Read outside your genre.” The same can apply to writing. Embracing different styles and genres might just increase your love for your “main genre.”
Is it bad to abandon your main genre for a spell and try something else? Let’s explore this idea together, shall we?
This is Father’s Day weekend, and I am a stay-at-home dad with three young sons and a daughter who will be born sometime next week.
My Father’s Day commitment to them is my pledge, right now, to no longer let them, and the stress they cause me, keep me from writing.
It’s time to embrace discipline.
In practice.
Even when I’m a little on edge.
It’s becoming easier and easier for people to put books down these days. With so many entertaining distractions in the world, writers have to fight for readers’ attention more than ever.
Normally, I approach these articles only from the stance of a writer. However, today I’m going to wear two hats: one small writer’s beret with an over-sized reader’s fedora over it.
While it’s sometimes hard to think in two different modes, thinking as a reader can help you answer the age old question, “Is this story worth my time?”
This article is by K.S. Crooks.
I began my life-long journey with martial arts at the age of eight, when my mother enrolled me in my first judo class. Being a very small boy, she thought that it would give me strength and confidence. It gave me those, plus much more.
In high school I took up wrestling, becoming city champion and provincially ranked. During university I went back to Judo, started Jeet Kune Do and Karate. Martial arts became one of the staples of my life.