Keep Your Writing Routine from Becoming a Rut

By Shanna Swendson, @ShannaSwendson

Part of The Writer’s Life Series 

JH: Falling into the "same old, same old" can be counterproductive for writers. Shanna Swendson shares tips on shaking up your routine and boosting your creativity. 

Shanna Swendson earned a journalism degree from the University of Texas but decided it was more fun to make up the people she wrote about and became a novelist. She’s written a number of fantasy novels for teens and adults, including the Enchanted, Inc. series and the Rebel Mechanics series. She devotes her spare time to reading, knitting, and music. Her newest novel is the paranormal mystery Interview with a Dead Editor. 

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Take it away Shanna…

Input for Writers: 6 Ways to Feed Your Muse

By Bethany Henry

Part of The Writer’s Life Series

JH: Being productive isn't always about how much you write. Sometimes, it's about how well you manage your muse. Bethany Henry shares tips on how to feed your muse and keep your creativity flowing.

Bethany Henry writes fantasy novels and blogs about writing and wellness at bethany-henry.com. When not writing, she can often be found on the frisbee field, drinking tea, or reading picture books with her two little girls. Sign up for her email list for weekly posts on writing craft- along with fun extras like quotes and freebies.

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Take it away Bethany...

A Guide to Creativity and Time

By Rochelle Melander, @WriteNowCoach

Part of The Writer’s Life Series

JH: The "creative well" is an apt metaphor for writers, and when we don't take care of ourselves, the well dries up and our writing suffers. Today, Rochelle Melander shares tips on keeping your creative well full.

Rochelle Melander is a certified professional coach, experienced book strategist, and the author of eleven books, including, Level Up: Quests to Master Mindset, Overcome Procrastination and Increase Productivity. She provides solutions for people who feel stuck, overwhelmed or confused by the writing and publishing process. She is the founder of Dream Keepers, a writing workshop that supports children and teens in finding their voice and sharing their stories.

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Take it away Rochelle…

Break out of the Box and Escape the Rut: Tips to Boost Your Creativity

By Shanna Swendson, @ShannaSwendson

Part of The Writer’s Life Series 

JH: You can't keep up with your creative output without receiving creative input. Refilling the well matters. This month, Shanna Swendson shares another batch of tips on boosting your creativity. 

Shanna Swendson earned a journalism degree from the University of Texas but decided it was more fun to make up the people she wrote about and became a novelist. She’s written a number of fantasy novels for teens and adults, including the Enchanted, Inc. series and the Rebel Mechanics series. She devotes her spare time to reading, knitting, and music.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Take it away Shanna…

Writers: Give Your Creativity a Boost

By Shanna Swendson, @ShannaSwendson

Part of The Writer’s Life Series 

JH: We can't always tap into our creativity on demand, and it's a good idea to engage in activities that help refill our creative wells. This month, Shanna Swendson shares tips on boosting your creativity. 

Shanna Swendson earned a journalism degree from the University of Texas but decided it was more fun to make up the people she wrote about and became a novelist. She’s written a number of fantasy novels for teens and adults, including the Enchanted, Inc. series and the Rebel Mechanics series. She devotes her spare time to reading, knitting, and music.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Take it away Shanna…

On Maximizing Creativity

By Bonnie Randall

Part of the How They Do It Series (Monthly Contributor)

Every writer will report a time or state when the creative faucet flows quickly and effortlessly—and also times when the water barely trickles from the hose. What constitutes a spate of really good writing? When the ideas flourish and the volume of what you’ve written astonishes you when you peek at the word count at the bottom of the page? Most of us, of course, will answer that an entire list of variables contribute to good writing sessions versus unproductive ones, and many of the items on each of our lists would be the same. As for myself, though, (and maybe for many of you), I find that when I engage in artistic pursuits within other mediums, that my fiction writing in turn blossoms and that I can accomplish a lot more at the keyboard.