Imagination

A writer's imagination cannot be their only material. One must research, research, research. Not only the names in the work but places and dates. There can be other writer's with the same title. The dates need to be accurate as well. Research will help you avoid any legal problems in the future.

Beginning to write is usually following an inner urge to express yourself. One should gift themselves with two tools..a thesaurus and a dictionary. These will become the writer's best friends. As I've said before, find your spot. This is where you are most comfortable. Some people like to have a television or music playing. Myself, I have to have silence. Their spot will allow them to pour their mind, heart, and soul into their work.

Some simple ways to deal with writer's block...

Many people deal with writer's block in their own way. Myself, I do several things. The biggest is that I walk away from it for awhile. Go for a walk, cook, read..even the nasty chore..I clean. The biggest thing to do is that you need to clear your mind of the problem. Then later, even if a day or two, come back to your story fresh.

What do YOU like to write?

When beginning to write, it's always the same..write what you know about. Also..research, research, research... You have to make sure of dates, names, and places. One thing for sure is if you use a product's name (ex. I had a diet ...) check to make sure you can do that. Copy-write laws prohibit many from using their names. But ways around that is if the name is in history,  (ex, Robert E. Lee) that becomes public knowledge and is allowed. You can also work around by not using a particular name..(ex I had a diet soda, or cola). I always write about what I am used to an comfortable with) If you feel that it doesn't sound or feel right to you, then put it away and try later. After you write longer, it may be something you can do.

Find YOUR writing space

Its always a joke at my house that I can write anywhere. That's not necessarily..I do carry a notebook at all times, known to write even on napkins..but I'm one that can't have noise around. A radio is one thing but otherwise I like the quiet. I tell everyone to sit down with your paper, tablet, whatever you use, and...just sit there. If a noise distracts you..GET UP!! I do. I have a wonderful big desk that fills a corner but rarely use it. My spot is actually stretched out on my bed, like a teenager. 

Another, is your body comfortable? No? Then..Get UP! If I have even an inch I'm distracted. The bed or this one area on my couch is my spot. But Murphy's Law always interferes...lol I can sit down to the quiet and BAM... the sounds begin.  A neighbor that constantly mows..you the ones, 3-4 times a week. or the dog decides to take an hour to dig..on linoleum floor. Or he walks back and forth..click, click, click...

You can't write if you're not in what i call "my writing space". If you want to write, find that space before all else. Then the words can begin...

One of the most difficult things I've found is finding an agent. I submit to an agent, they say I need a publisher first. Submit to publishers..they say I need an agent. Which way to turn? So I decided to write, then use my publisher, Create Space, which puts it directly on to their owners, Amazon. I do nearly everything. They provide me with my ISBN number and get me started. They and Amazon publish me to kindle also. Great company. Similar to Self-publishing only I don't have to buy a bunch of books, go places and wait to sell. Still hoping to find an agent....

Where to begin...

I wanted to try to to better my writing skills, more or less to branch out. I've had four books published so far but it just isn't enough! I've started a website, a Facebook page, Twitter,,not enough to me. I then decided to check into freelance jobs but have found that ..plainly speaking..I'm either too old or not smart enough? I just plain do not know which way to turn. It's very depressing to be in writing groups and have people to say, "why do you want to try that". I try to ask for help and h ear, don't bother, your writing isn't good enough. So now I've started this blog, hoping to better myself and let others see that they aren't alone if this is the same for them..Follow me on this journey!