Writing: When Things Get Tough

By Dario Ciriello, @Dario_Ciriello 

Part of The Writer's Life Series

JH: No job is perfect, and being a writer has its bad days. Dario Ciriello discusses the darker times writers face, and why we still keep writing.

Sometimes writing is so difficult that all you can do is laugh. The laugh is not one of humor, but more like that of Holmes as he goes over the Reichenbach falls, or perhaps one of Lovecraft’s characters as he fully realizes the depth of the unspeakable cosmic horror which is about to devour his soul.

Every seasoned writer is, I think, deeply mistrustful of anyone who claims to love the process—I mean the entire process, especially the in-the-trenches bayonet-work, when you’re locked in a life-and-death struggle with yourself and every fiber of your being screams give up, surrender, you can’t win, because each sentence you craft, each line of dialogue, is worthless, stilted nonsense. At these times there’s nothing to love about the process, and to hell with inspirational quotes and touchy-feely nonsense. All you have is will and determination, and it had better be up to the task.

How to Persevere When the Mountain Seems Unconquerable

By Jodi Turchin, @jlturchin

Part of The Writer's Life Series

JH: Being an author is a rough job, particularly if you haven't quite made the last step between writer and author. Jodi Turchin shares tips on hanging in there when the writing times get tough.

Jodi Turchin is a Young Adult novelist represented by Dawn Frederick at Red Sofa Literary. She’s also a photographer, a high school English teacher, a former actress and director, an Independent Scentsy Consultant, and a Younique presenter.

Website | Twitter

Take it away Jodi…

Writers, Don't Get Discouraged: Have Stepping Stones, Not Setbacks

By Shanna Swendson, @ShannaSwendson

Part of The Writer’s Life Series 

JH: Writing is a tough business, and once in a while, it can really bring you down. Shanna Swendson visits the lecture hall today to share tips on dealing with discouragement as a writer. 

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…

Stress and the Indie Author

By Jana Oliver, @crazyauthorgirl

Part of the Indie Authors Series

A couple months back I attended Coastal Magic in Daytona Beach, and besides having a great deal of fun, I was reminded that downtime is good. This should be obvious, but sometimes I forget. I suspect I’m not the only one.

In the weeks leading up to this convention I’d been slaving over my current book—the last in the Demon Trappers series so the reader expectations are off the chart—and preparing our house for sale in June. On top of all that we’re hoping to move to Europe this summer, which requires jumping through numerous immigration hoops plus clearing out nearly ALL of our earthly possessions. My stress meter has been redlining for some time.

Unleashing Creative Flow: Nurturing Your Body, Mind, and Spirit

By Lynyetta G. Willis, PhD , @LynyettaWillis

Part of the How They Do It Series

JH: Sometimes, writing is hard. We might struggle with a plot, or struggle with getting any words down at all. On really bad days, we wonder if we should be chasing our writing dream at all. Lynyetta G. Willis takes the podium today to share some tips on finding and sustaining our creative energy.

Lynyetta is a psychologist, teacher, speaker, and author. Her debut children’s book, My Forgotten Self: A Story about a Girl, A Powerful Encounter, and a Universal Message, is a spiritual tale about a girl named Tiev, who is discouraged as she attempts to find her path in life. Upon encountering the powerful being, I Am, Tiev learns that she has the power within herself to do many things and is more valuable than she ever imagined. My Forgotten Self is available for pre-order and will be released in Spring 2016. As a psychologist, Lynyetta specializes in spiritually centered psychotherapy and trauma work. She also delivers workshops and speeches on spiritual growth and empowerment, mindful parenting, and the power of meditation.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pre-Order

Take it away Lynyetta...

Just Say No to Writing (When You Need to).

By Janice Hardy, @Janice_Hardy

There are times in a writer’s life when writing needs to take a back seat to life. We have obligations, crises, or just too much on our plates to deal with and something has to give. Because writing is so important to us, we often feel guilty for setting our work aside, and push ourselves beyond what’s smart (or comfortable) to maintain our writer’s schedule.

For some, we’re up against hard deadlines and we have no choice but to struggle through it. An editor or agent needs our manuscripts, we have a release coming up, or we have events we must attend and prepare for. Or, writing is our main source of income. Much as we might wish we could, putting writing on hold is not an option.

It's Okay to Take a Break From Writing (or Blogging)

By Janice Hardy, @Janice_Hardy

Don't feel guilty if you need to take some time off from writing. It's actually a lot healthier if you do.

It's been pretty hectic at the Hardy household the last few months. Good hectic, but there's been a lot on my plate and I've had to let a few things slide to keep from losing my mind. This morning I realized something.

This time last year, I would have been killing myself to keep up.

Like many others, I've been trying hard to balance writing, blogging, and living. One of my New Year's Resolutions was to work less, and I'm actually doing it (mostly). I'm fairly shocked that I've been able to let Twitter go for a few weeks, run archive posts, and even skip one or two Saturday diagnostic posts. Don't get me wrong, it's been hard, and I feel guilty about it, but I had to do it.

3 Tips on Handling Writing Pressures

By Charity Bradford, @charitybradford

Part of The Writer's Life Series

JH: I've delighted to welcome Charity Bradford to the blog today to talk about writing pressures and the stress writers often put themselves under. It's extra-special hosting her today, because she's been a long-time follower of the blog, has hosted me on her blog, and  drove hours to come to one of my book release parties. I even had the pleasure of reading one of her early draft openings of The Magic Wakes. I'm thrilled to help her launch her debut novel.

Charity has been a voracious reader ever since her 5th grade teacher introduced her to the world of books with Where the Red Fern Grows and Summer of the Monkeys. She’s the mother of four kids that keep her on her toes, constantly reminding her that imagination still makes the world go round. The Magic Wakes (WiDo Publishing, 2013) is her first novel.

Take it away Charity...