And now, a word from our friendly neighborhood politicians...

Anyone who knows me knows I don't get into politics much. I mean, I advocate for issues I feel strongly about, but as far as "rah rah" stuff--borrrring. I'd rather be writing.

But this is a fun & funky little quiz to see how closely what you believe/support aligns with the current presidential candidates (although some have come and gone). You can even do congressional race candidates from your state. All you do is choose how you feel/support certain issues and it spits out your most likely match.

My match was no shock to me...democrats all the way! (sorry, dad..and the rest of my conservative family...LOL). Waste a few minutes having some political fun (if that's not an oxymoron...!)

Votematch.com: Find Your Political Match here

Let's go Democrats....lol

Beth

February 25th: Creating an Environment Conducive to Writing by Gaelen Foley

If you're a regular reader of Writer In Progress, you know I really like Gaelen's articles for writers. I came across this one by accident, but think it's one of the best.

One of the biggest obstacles to the creative person's mind is the overwhelm of possibility. We're given this stretchy, funky brain that can take something as simple as two pennies, a sleeping dog and a gallon of milk and make a story from it. We just can't quit thinking, which in turn makes us excited, which in turn makes us scattered--focus is difficult to all but the trained & disciplined creative mind.

But focus is a pre-requisite to creating itself. While everyone's focus is different (I can only focus on writing one piece of fiction at a time but can do three or four nonfiction pieces simultaneously), it's still necessary. Gaelen's article is on how to clear a space--physically, emotionally, mentally, sensorily (is that a word?!) in order to use it to create. Some basic stuff in here but some very good food-for-thought:


Creating an Environment Conducive to Writing by Gaelen Foley

Go create some space...in which to create!

Beth

DONE...and almost done

It's official..the book is finished! All the worksheets, all the outlining, quoting, placing the interviews, doing the bibliography....preface and conclusion...

DONE!

The only thing I've left to do is write my author bio. Writing the bio is the absolute, positive last thing I do when finishing an article. Mostly a cut-and-paste deal, I'm gonna let it wait a bit while I crack open that bottle of wine I bought a few weeks ago in anticipation of this very moment.

Finishing an article is an amazing feeling of accomplishment. Weeks on one piece of writing done...refreshing in completion.

Finishing a book...has changed my perception of writing and myself as a writer for the better. More on that later..I have some wine glasses to find

February 21st: Seventh Sanctum's Shiny Brain Toys...Fun!

One of the best ways to beat a creative block is to make your mind let down all guard by playing a game. It's one of the oldest teacher tricks in the book for getting kids to learn, and I know it works for creative minds, too.

A creative mind can't pass up a chance to generate ideas, especially when they're random. We can't help but try to make some kind of connection, however illogical.

Head over to Seventh Sanctum's Shiny Brain Toys website and have FUN FUN FUN with their set of random generators. On the left side, you'll see the possibilities. Choose one and write a 100 word story on the prompt you get. Keep clicking until you get one you like. Go through the choices til you find one that matches your story.

Whatever floats your boat, go have a little brain fun today. Just don't let it take the place of actual WRITING on your project...lol...(said from experience)

Seventh Sanctum's Shiny Brain Toys

Happy, happy generating,

Beth

February 20th: Fighting Writer's Block by David Taylor

The link to this article is actually one of three good links (the rest of which are at the bottom of the article page) (there are four links but one is mis-linked to the same article) on getting through writer's block.

I especially identify with Taylor's belief that blocks aren't really blocks: a "block" is a generic term for any number of things affecting writers. By that, however, I do not mean that I devalue the sense of being creatively blocked in any manner--as one who's been blocked, through overwhelm, depression, inability to focus, etc., etc., etc., I'm all too aware that it really does exist..for lack of a more specific term.

Enough of that. Go read David's article: Fighting Writer's Block: Part 1: Causes and Cures by David Taylor

For you Sci-Fi, Fantasy and eBook Fans...

If you're a sci-fi or fantasy afficionado, TOR and Forge Books have a really cool deal for you: free ebooks.

 

Check out their page at: http://www.tor.com, enter your email address and name, and you'll be signed up for their newsletter as well as links to free ebooks as they offer them to the public.

 

I need more ebooks to read like I need another winter cold, so I'm passing on this chance, but check it out if you're interested. A free ebook or two is nothing to sneeze at...(unless...like me...you're getting another cold!)

 

Happy free-ebook-reading,

Beth

February 19th: 10 Tips for Beating Blogger's Block at Lifeclever.com

You say blogger, I say writer...one in the same, really.

Today's post is a short list article with a few good ideas that may resonate with you blocked folks. In addition to the ten tips, there are six additional sites at the bottom of the post to check out.

10 Tips for Beating Blogger's Block at Lifeclever.com

Happy unblocking...

Beth

February 18th: 13 Ways to Bust Through Writer's Block

I don't know if I've mentioned it, but I've been taking coursework toward becoming a creativity/writing/life coach. It's a lot of fun, a lot of work, and a lot of thinking.

In all that thinking and by interacting with my clients, I've come to realize one of, if not THE main reason we creative types become "blocked": overwhelm.

I don't want to get too deeply into this as I've just been invited to be a weekly guest-blogger on the creativity coaching topic and will address that issue in a post shortly--but suffice it to say that when you're creative, you have soooooo, soooooo, soooooo (did I mention SO) many ideas, thoughts, avenues, insights, etc. running around in your mind that the prospect of settling down with ONE to work with is a little (a lot) scary, intimidating and truthfully--makes it easier to just shut down and do NO work at all for a number of reasons? (fear...)

Anyway...I like Cynthia Morris's blog post on 13 Ways to Bust Through Writer's Block because it helps narrow and focus us on things, small steps, that we can do to get back into the groove and happiness of creating. With the creative mind, nothing is more important than focus, and Cynthia's list does that for us. Stop over if you've got a minute or are stuck. Break it down and get more done.

13 Ways to Bust Through Writer's Block by Cynthia Morris at her Original Impulse Blog


Happy Unblocking,
Beth

February 17th: How to Conquer Writer's Block

Guess who's back? Not 100% yet as I have five chapters to final edit and the interviews to add to the ms. Hopefully by Tuesday it'll be in the editor's hands. And Tuesday night I'll be cracking open a bottle of...something...to celebrate.

I've been talking and working with a couple of authors lately on issues that affect their writing and the overwhelming consensus is that the perception of being blocked is detrimentally affecting their work. It isn't the first time I've heard this, and I know it won't be the last, so to that end I'm dedicating this week's postings to ways of working with, dealing with, and --hopefully-- busting any type of block that stands in the way of creating.

Today's post is just phenomenal. Jon Morrow's Bestseller Interviews blog (no relation!) hosts a collection of writer's-block-breaking links on insightful ways other have dealt with it. Keep it as a favorite when you need incentive and ideas on how to get back to the page.

Bestseller Interviews blog: How to Conquer Writer's Block--The Ultimate Guide--by Jon Morrow

Happy breaking-writing-blocks,

Beth

WOOOHOOOO!

I'm two handouts, a final proofreading edit and ten interviews away from being done with the book.

The handout will be no problem and my favorite part of the writing process is proofing. I also really love reading interviews and formatting them to highlight something special about the person I interviewed, so that's gravy too.

The hard work is done! When I finished the handout a few minutes ago, I feel like the sun started shining again. Not that I haven't loved writing this book...I've learned more in the last three months about myself as a writer than I ever knew...but I've also put so much of my life on hold that I can't wait to get back to it.

Might not post til the weekend but the good news is that I'll be able to get back to the blog (good for me, maybe not you!)

Happy, happy writing (is there any other kind?!)

Beth

Last weekend of a deadline...and you know what that means...

For one, no posting this weekend (even though I'm here now).

It's crunch time for the book. THe book itself is done. I just have to go through the last 40K words and clean up the editorial comments and add my last 25K words, as far as the book book part.

I have to finish the worksheet section (my favorite thing, really) and add in the interviews. Not tedious, just time-consuming. Seeing it come together is just really cool. I'm crossing my fingers I don't have to ask for an extension, but I know without a doubt I can have it done by next Monday if it comes to that.

Ok, enough of that. I should be writing.

And for those of you who've asked, I am planning a February contest but might not get to it. Hoping to, after next week, but since February is so blessed short, it just might have to wait til March. In that case, I'll make it something worthwhile :)

Off to create worksheets (my love of making worksheets qualifies me as an official geek!)Hope to be back Monday.

In the meantime, catch up on your reading here or do a bit of writing yourself.

Beth

February 7th, 2008: It's My Blog and I'll Feng Shui....

...if I want to...

That may possibly be the worst blog title I've come up with in a long time. Maybe ever.

My dears, today we're taking a slightly off-the-writing-career path field trip (without a sack lunch or permission form) In celebration of the pending Chinese New Year (and the fact that I have been absolutely obsessed with reading feng shui books these last few weeks), today's resources are about the joy of feng-shui'ing your home, office and life.

I don't want to overwhelm you so we'll start small. A little definition then you can read more for yourself: Feng Shui is, simply, a way of arranging and rearranging the areas in your home, office, and life to bring you more happiness, bigger successes, better health and, of course, money. (Knew I'd get you with that).

Feng Shui, literally, means "wind-water", and, if you know anything about the Chinese, elements (wind, water, fire & the like) are very elemental to their cultural beliefs. Feng Shui (pronounced "fung shway") believes that placing certain items of certain compositions (metal, water, etc) in certain places (even if symbolically), you will energize the flow of positive energy (chi) in your life, then reap the benefits.

I have a little story that illustrates this but I'll save it for later. It's very cool, and the reason I think a little feng shui can do us all good.

Now, before you get gung-ho, you have to do a little studying. Check out this link at about.com (I know, their ads drive me crazy too but these articles are pretty good) and try just one change. Since we're writers, one good place to start is the main place in your home where you do most of your writing. Just an idea....

Feng Shui and the Chinese New Year at about.com.

Tell me what you think!

Happy Feng Shui'ing,
Beth

February 6th: Articles at FictionFactor.com

Because my brain is scattered this morning, so too will be the direction of my post.

I know, I wanted to focus everything on the romantic storyline this month, but here's a great conglomeration of writing articles on every imaginable topic:

Articles at FictionFactor.com

There's gotta be something there to get you going!

Happy writing,
Beth

January 5th: Character Motivation by Alicia Rasley

I had the pleasure of attending an Alicia Rasley workshop a few years ago and came away with one overriding impression: I would never, ever miss another chance to attend any of her workshops or presentations on any topic. She could talk about how to incorporate turtles into the hero's journey and I'd be there.

Alicia is gifted in that she understands story in a way that's deep, meaningful and beyond the page--yet she has the ability to translate that to all of us through interactive workshops, books and that treasure trove of articles I've read a million times on her site.

Today's little gem is advice on the details of character motivation in your story. If you haven't thought through the creation of your characters to know how and what motivates them, run over to her site and start reading immediately.

Character Motivation by Alicia Rasley.

No turtles, I promise. Only good, solid, insightful advice no romance writer should be without.

Happy turtle-free writing,
Beth

February 4th: Character Building Workshop

February is all that mushy lovey stuff and, despite already being on lace-heart-and-stuffed-animal overload, I'm dedicating the posts in February to creating melt-your-heart fictional characters.

Anyone who knows me knows I can't get enough of worksheets and interactive quizzes, so today's post makes me smile! It's calle the Character Building Workshop for a reason: three fun quizzes, archetype information and other character-building background info...what's not to love?

Character Building Workshop at Writers' Village University

Have fun discovering your characters....
Beth

OK, so I lied about posting....

Truthfully, I didn't intend to post a resource but this one is way too good and on a topic so near and dear to me that I can't resist.

I was just catching up at Martha Alderson's blog, Plot Whisperer for a bit of pre-typing inspiration. If you were a reader of Fountain Pen, Inc, you may recall my mentioning how much I liked her Blockbuster Plots, Pure and Simple book:




Her insight helped me realize that my own fiction writing style...a little plotter, a little pantser...is OK and not something I need to worry about "fixing".

Anyway...imagine my happiness to find she's added a quiz to her blog to help determine if you're a pantser or plotter! I think it's the teacher in me that loves, loves, loves worksheets and anything designed to get stuff out of my head and onto paper, so this is great stuff. Even though I know what I am (besides slightly crazy), I'm going to spend some time with the quiz in the near future (read: after this nonfiction book is done!).

Martha Alderson's Test: Are You a Character-Driven Writer or A Dramatic Action Driven Writer?

In the meantime, go check it out for yourself and let me know: what are you? A pantser? A plotter? A little from column a...a little from column b...? I'd love to find out! Add a comment and let's see how many pantsers and plotters we have among us.

Happy pantsing and/or plotting,

Beth

January's Contest Winner: Lewis Routh

Yeah, a few days late, but you should be used to that from me by now!

The 100 word contest was a fun one. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I was suprised by the tone of most entries--much more serious than I'd anticipated.

Lewis Routh came away as the winner, and Eric Maisel's book will be on its way to him shortly. Congrats, Lewis! Great work!

If 100 words isn't your thing, stay tuend for the February contest, which I hope to have up by this evening. I know, I know...a day late and a dollar short...(or ...three days late...), but I'm still working on details.

It's doubtful I'll post any resources today. Three notebooks full of nonfiction to type...(that's why I'm here...!)

Happy writing & reading,
Beth

the last leg...or..

last chapter, as it is.

Yes, that's right: I'm smack-dab in the middle of writing the final chapter for the business book. (that's why I'm here blogging..of course!)

It's actually chapter five: all the fun financial, tax and money stuff for starting the business. I skipped it initially because my brain just couldn't wrap around all this stuff without lots more research. Through the course of writing all the rest of the book (12 chapters...some 240 odd pages), I finally found the pieces and parts of the financial stuff I needed to know (hey, cut me some slack--I'm an english teacher and creative type, not an accountant/math chick).

The chapter was outlined this AM and I've probably spent two solid hours writing. I have a bit to finish, but it isn't hard, just that same old BICHOK. Taking a quick break and will be back at it. Want to finish by three or four, take another yoga break and get going with creating all the handouts, samples and worksheets that go into the book. I'm so freaking excited I can't begin to tell you!

So, this post was my way of guiltily admitting that I don't have a daily resource yet to post. My theme from January was "getting started" and February will focus on the romance/character development part of fiction writing, but I've not quite gotten to map out *all* of my resources just yet. Bear with me!

Oh, yeah, and I do have a cool new contest to share (and January winners to announce). That will be my Sunday goal...among other things!

Ok, back to the writing. You & me both....

February 1st: Write That Novel by Becky Martinez & Sue Viders

Now that you've got a month of motivational posts behind you, let's take a gander at the basic steps of creating a novel (or story, same premise).

Write that Novel by Becky Martinez & Sue Viders is a six-part article series that will guide your thoughts in the write..erm...right...direction.

Happy, happy novel writing,

Beth

January 31st: Write Every Day by Karen Kelley

I like this short little article most for one simple line:

If I wrote every day how much better a writer would I be in...say, a year? How much more would I have learned?

Just spend a little time daydreaming about that one when you have a chance. In the meantime, check out the rest of Karen Kelley's article, Write Every Day.