Putting Pen To Paper...

As most of you know it's Nanowrimo. What is that? It's National Novel Writing Month throughout the month of November. You can find out all about it by clicking here. If you're looking for a writing partner, join me at Nanowrimo or inbox me on FB here.

For those of you who have procrastinated about your writing journal I have a few simple tips that keep me on track.

1.) SOLITUDE - Find a place of solitude to write. Someplace that is quiet and distraction free if at all possible. However, if you can't find that place, don't allow that to stop you. You'll just have to get creative and disappear into your inner quiet world, to gain the isolation you need. I can pretty much write anywhere, and I don't have to find that quiet space all the time. But there are times where the distractions become overwhelming and I have to escape to a quiet zone, like my home office.

2.) SNACKS - I personally love to have a snack or two on hand. Whether it's yogurt, snack bars, nuts, or whatever, I always like to munch at some point in the writing process. I have found that if I have it close at hand, getting up to find one when I become hungry does not become a distraction. I keep a small refrigerator in my home office for this purpose.

3.)  MUSIC - Most writers love to have their writing music. This may or may not be true for you. But if it helps you get into the mood of whatever you're writing, take time out to build personalized stations on Pandora. Or you could slip in your favorite CD, turn to your favorite radio station, or whatever floats your boat. I prefer Pandora over everything else. As a matter-of-fact, I'm listening to Pandora as I write this. My personally crafted Anita Baker station is on, and Teddy is blowing through my speakers. ;)

4.) FLOW - Don't worry about the editing process, you can always go back later to review what you have written, and make the necessary edits. If you're a pantser like me, you just have to get it out. I take notes here and there, and I do create outlines to help me keep things in perspective, such as my timelines and character personalities. I do not use outlines to direct my story. It flows from the heart.

5.) KEEP IT 100! - Book sales? Of course you want them. We all want them, but that should not be the driving force behind your writing if you're a true writer. Don't get caught up in what people will and won't like. Simply write what you want to read, and write from your heart. Do not allow trends to drive your writing either. Be authentic, be you!

I hope that those simple tips helped you if you're struggling with getting started. Put something on paper. Even if it's the name of the character and their description. That'll start your imagination flowing. Now go write! We've got 26 more days to go!

Happy Nanowrimo!

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Living Life Beautifully Inspired!
Chelle Ramsey