Unforgettable Characters: Breathing Life into Your Characters

  

Characters are the back-bone of a well written and satisfying story. Readers want to connect, root for, love, dislike, or see the character succeed. But how? 

Today, I'm reintroducing Brenda, a resident of G-Street in Philly. My goal is to make Brenda a memorable character. 

Brenda spent the entire day with her eyes glued to her watch, each passing hour filled with anticipation. When her shift at Walmart ended, she almost sprinted through the store's exit. To her surprise, the number 23 bus arrived early at the stop, catching her off guard. Fears flared. Brenda wasn't entirely sure about the plan to uncover the secret. Hesitation clouded her mind. 

The chatter of others getting off at her stop urged her to get off the bus too. 

She paced to her first floor apartment, tapped her watch. It was a habit picked up from childhood, while enduring her grandmother's never-ending gatherings. At least the watch gave her something to do while her relatives chatted. 

Brenda is a character readers can connect with, root for, love, dislike-- or hope to see succeed. You, too, can create unforgettable characters that readers engage with.  

  

Proven Strategies: Boost Your Writing Productivity and Quality

 Writing is more than an art and skill. Stir in practice and  dedication as requirements too. Seasoned writers or beginners should upgrade productivity and improve the quality of their writing for success. I'm going to explore in this post proven strategies to be a productive writer. 

First, have a clear goal in mind. You may have a certain word count to complete each day, or a project deadline. Firm objectives guide your efforts and track progress. 

Second, make writing a habit. Consistency enhances writing productivity. Set aside a specific time each day for writing, whether it's morning, noon, or night. The routine you establish conditions your mind to be creative and productive during the writing sessions. 

Third, peel away all distractions that interfere with your writing sessions. Find a quiet work-place in the basement, attic, barn, or corner office. Turn off phone notifications, avoid temptations like email, or social media. 

Begin your writing session with free-writing. Free-writing is a method where you jot down words for a set time without being concerned about spelling, grammar, or coherence. Why free-write? This exercise stimulates creativity, stops writer's block in its tracks, and generates new ideas. 

It's paramount to set realistic deadlines. Leave unnecessary stressors outside. Break your writing projects into smaller pieces. Set achievable milestones to keep momentum and prevent procrastination. Use project management apps or traditional planners to track your progress. 

The writing process isn't completed until the editing is done. Revise and edit to improve clarity, coherence, and style. Produce imperfect drafts, first drafts, with the understanding that the editing process takes care of mistakes.

In conclusion, plan to work these strategies into your writing routine for increased productivity, and elevation of your writing.

Building a Strong Team: Power of Team Building Activities in the Work-Place

The success of any organization leans on the strength and unity of its teams. Incorporate team building activities to ensure collaboration, pumped up morale, and enhanced productivity among team members. My post examines the importance of team building in the workplace, and offers activities to help your team bond.

Team building matters. Why? It fosters the flow of trust and respect through teams. This  elevates every aspect of the work environment, like problem solving. Teams look forward to the process employed by your organization.

How will your team's reliance come about? I'll illustrate a communication challenge. Team members are working on a project that requires them to zoom-in, and rely on email communications too.

A team member, Amanda, likes emails to be exact, to the point. Ted, on the other hand, takes the scenic route, stuffing all kinds of background information into the communication. Ted reasons that everyone will be on the same page.

Amanda, for one, feels that Ted is throwing in too much detail, wasting time. She'll skim through the emails, possibly missing important information.

What's the process for resolving this issue? A strategy is for the team to have in place communication expectations. For example, the tool for quick updates could be instant messaging, email for longer discussions, and share tips on effective communication practices. 

Your organization may want to engage the team's problem solving abilities away from the site. Possibly, a cabin? The cabin can provide a relaxing atmosphere, where helpful tips are shared. This is the time for Amanda and Ted to exchange information that will help them get on the same page, the organization's page.

Take this opportunity to clear-up the organization's mission, inspire, motivate, and stimulate morale.

Dialogue Explained: A Writer's Guide

Today, I'm highlighting how to use dialogue in fiction. It's one of the writer's tools to be very familiar with, because it adds depth to characters, and advances the plot. Allow dialogue to flow naturally, expose information. There must be clashing of emotions through dialogue. Mix-up dialogue with action.

I've found that observing real life conversations have helped me write better dialogue, as well as reading all kinds of books.

I'm returning to the character Brenda from G-Town in Philly. Remember, Brenda feels that there's something odd going on in her neighborhood. She's determined to find out what the whispers are about. 

Let's take a look.

Brenda tapped on Ms. Jannie's door, and faked a smile. "Ms. Jannie, hey, have you noticed anything odd lately?" 

Ms. Jannie furrowed her brows. "Odd, what do you mean Brenda?"

"The, um, rumors that there's some hidden secret in G-Town," Brenda mumbled, rolled her eyes around as if someone might over-hear. "Know anything about it?"

Ms. Jannie paused, smiled, "Like the waves of a flowing ocean, secrets flow through  lives carving impressions on them."

Brenda jumped off the porch, excited and determined to dig up the mysteries lurking on the down-low of her seemingly ordinary G-Town. The chat with Ms. Jannie confirmed her suspicions, even though she didn't understand Ms. Jannie's weird sayings.

I'll stop there with Brenda. 

It's time to explain what else is important about writing dialogue. 

It's important to use language that feels natural and reflects how people speak. A character, for example, shouldn't be too formal. Unless, it's part of the character or setting.   

Sentences are varied in length and structure within dialogue. Why? Repetition is removed while excitement beams.

Avoid at all cost using dialogue as the tool to pour too much information into a scene. Revealing is stirred slowly into a conversation. 

Finally, we come to the editing process. It's important to read aloud. Why? It pin-points awkward phrasing, words that just don't fit, or where dialogue shouldn't be used.

Unlock Success: Master Effective Communication in the Workplace

The accompanying image in my post highlights the importance of effective communication. Clearly, each block spells out "Business." Effective communication, too, must have clarity, because it's the back-bone of your success in the workplace. In my post, I discuss key tips to improve communication skills. Why? It'll promote a positive and productive work environment.

Clarity is the goal of all messages communicated for the smooth integration of the organization's mission. All messages communicated are clear and concise. Remove any unnecessary complexity to ensure everyone is on the same page. No one should be guessing about the message.

Let's take a look at how communication is, or should be, within an organization.

Subject: Company Meeting

Dear Design Team,

We hope this message finds all of you well. We're informing you of a meeting scheduled for February 20, 2024, at 9 a.m. The presence of your team is vital as we discuss important updates, initiatives, and queries.  

Location: Meeting Room

Agenda: Design Innovations

We look forward to your active participation.

Best Regards,

Marcella Glenn

Design and Creative Director

The goal is absolutely clear. Team members understand what's expected, the time, date, and place. It puts everyone on the same page, sets realistic expectations, and welcomes collaboration.

Listening well and communication goes hand-in-hand. Get into the habit of being an active listener. This involves your full attention, really concentrating on what the other person is saying. Ask clarifying questions, and show empathy to produce a connected and understanding team.  

Constructive feedback is a tool to keep in your office. The feedback you offer is done in a constructive manner. Specific behaviors are discussed, their impact, and present suggestions for improvement. It's not what you say, but how. Keep that thought in mind as specific behaviors are spoken about. The workplace's environment is where continuous growth happens. 

In conclusion, the success to master effective communication is clarity. listening well, and constructive feedback.

Share some of your own experiences or tips for effective communication.  

 

       

Time Management: A Guide for Busy Professionals

Have a question? Agree, disagree?

Leave me your opinion.

Today's life demands a fast pace. Busy professionals must make effective use of time management, balance work, and maximize productivity. It can be done with the tips from this guide. You'll take control of available time, push efficiency to the next level, and discover how this guide gives a boost to your skill set. 

Begin by setting goals. Break them down into short and long term goals. This action helps you manage them better. The result is that clarity guides your activities without being overwhelming. 

Stir-in time blocking. Time blocking is a management technique where specific blocks of time are for different tasks or activities without stressing you. 

Slicing away time for particular activities improves your focus and productivity.  

Use multi-tasking sparingly, because it reduces overall productivity. Concentration is increased as you handle one task at a time, and elevates the quality of your work. 

Don't over-think it. 

Technology is used to assist you in being more efficient to stream-line tasks. Project management tools, calendar tools, and automation serves this purpose. 

Practice using the word no. Why? It takes away unnecessary stressors. Graciously decline tasks that don't fit in with your priorities and goals.

Delegate when appropriate. The act of delegating frees you to work on tasks that need your immediate attention, which fosters team work, and employees get opportunities to build skills. The trust nurtures a relaxed and friendly environment. 

It's paramount to take breaks. Peel away from your tasks. Turning your attention away from a given task recharges you, and prevents burn-out. You'll return refreshed. 

It's a part of the process to see what management strategies are working, and what needs to be adjusted. Always be open to refining your approach.

In conclusion, mastering time management is a process that requires dedication and continuous improvement. Implement these tips into your everyday practice. Watch your productivity soar.

Creativity Whispers: The Writing Process

Have a question? Agree, disagree, with 

me? Leave me your opinion.

Writing flows, moves, and connects with creativity--the heart-beat of master-pieces. Imagination can side-step writer's block as it plays a crucial role in bringing joy. Let's take a closer look at the writing process. 

The writing process can involve the world around you. What are the thoughts that jump in your mind as you drive to work, take the train in the early morning hours, or is there a specific smell you want to spot-light?

I'm using an example from the world around me to highlight how it offers inspiration for the writing process. My example is from a possible day at the train station.

There are people who take the train, speak, and share a few words. Of course, some new people you've never seen before pop-in. Sometimes, they nod at you. Others, rush-up and don't say a word.  

Today, a couple appeared, looked to be Gen-Z-ers. The young lady kept darting her eyes around, maybe. I couldn't be sure, because the guy constantly tried to block her view with his body. Is it just my imagination working too hard, or is there a serious issue going on?

What would you do?

The point is everyday life offers material for the writing process. 

Sprinkle intrigue into your masterpieces. Always infuse ordinary elements with extraordinary details. 

Crafting Compelling Mysteries: Set the Scene

I'm sharing in this post primarily how to set the scene in a mystery. It's important to create an atmospheric setting where tension and curiosity thrives, using vivid details like the hushed atmosphere and unspoken gestures. 

Let's take a closer look.

On the quiet G-Street of Philly, a hushed tension stirred as side-glances were shot at Brenda, who couldn't figure out what was going on. As Brenda paced down G-Street, the air thickened with unspoken gestures. Whispers marched through the neighborhood like shadows, and Brenda, puzzled, couldn't shake-off the feeling that something was amiss. Little did she realize, G-Street concealed a mystery waiting to be solved.

Brenda struggled in the unsettling atmosphere, determination pushed her forward.

"I've lived on G-Street all my life." Brenda spoke as she traveled to catch public transportation, to get to her retail store job. "I'm gonna find out what's going on."

Brenda realized that she had to uncover the truth. The twenty-three bus rolling up caught Brenda by surprise. The other passengers shuffling onto the bus snapped her back, made her jump. She boarded too. By the time her stop came, Brenda had devised a plan to solve the mysterious tension. Brenda stopped talking to herself, didn't care about people's stares.

"You alright?" An older lady asked from the seat behind Brenda.

"Yep. Brenda said, as her stop approached.

I've familiarized you with a setting for a scene, and there are a few more steps in writing a page-turning mystery that I'll go through briefly.

It's essential to develop characters with unique abilities and motivations, considering how their personalities swirl into the mystery.

Suspense is paramount but must be strategically placed. Clues are gradually placed while holding back certain information. 

The plot is full of twists and turns, defining how the story unfolds. Of course, the plot answers all questions at the appropriate time. Keep readers guessing.  

 

 

Optimize Your Search for Writing Jobs: Proven Strategies for Success

Have a question? Agree, disagree, with me? Leave me your opinion

 

Optimize your search for writing jobs to succeed in this competitive market. The process starts with exploring your passions. Today, I'm sharing a couple of proven strategies to help you land opportunities and build a writing career.

Begin by spot-lighting your area of expertise. Refine your job search to an area 

you're passionate about. This sharpens your professional focus. Let's say, technical writing is your gift or power? Look for boards or platforms that are geared to tech-

related content. 

Tailor-fit each application to highlight your strengths in a specific niche, stressing 

relevant skills and experiences. This approach increases your chances of standing

out to potential customers, employers, as the foundation for a successful writing

career prepares to sky-rocket.

It's a good practice to keep up-to-date on industry trends and changes. Being well

informed positions you as reliable and the "one" to know.

Implementing these proven strategies optimizes your search for writing jobs and improves the likelihood of securing them.

 

Self-Editing: One Point at a Time

Have a question? Agree, disagree, with me? Leave me your opinion.

My approach today is to focus on editing one point at a time. Why? The self-editing process is easier and provides better clarity. Begin with looking at the structure of your work. 

Search for coherence. Every word must earn its place by flowing smoothly and showing or hinting at a piece of the narrative. The question to ask yourself: Is it logical? 

I enjoy writing, but self-editing is my least favorite tool within the writing process. My focus sharpens one point at a time. as I plop down to edit. Yes, my approach may lengthen the editing process. It's okay. Still, this approach is smoother when clarity is the guide.

Have you had this experience, or one like it? You step into your writing space, creativity is ignited, and the computer is booted up. The cursor blinks on a blank screen, hands tremble slightly, and heat plays on your forehead. Eyes dart around your writing space, seeking encouragement from pasted-up images of writing.

Stop. Take a few deep breaths. Calm down. Think of a place or thing that relaxes you. Continue breathing as you engage in relaxation. Relaxation boosts creativity. Let the editing process begin.

In conclusion, we've tapped on how to self-edit, one point at a time. The self-editing journey is on-going, and many writers face the challenge. Each completed session is an opportunity to grow.

Consider sharing your experiences in the comments below.

Charge-Up Writing: How to Write Faster and Boost Productivity

Have a question? Agree, disagree, with me? Leave me your opinion.

8 Ways to Keep Writing Inspiration

Issue

It's time to write, but life's issue(s) keeps blocking-out writing inspiration. You tapped out a tune on your desk, even re-arranged it. The concern about inspiration is mounting inside you, and writing ideas keep running further away. Turn your attention on you.

• Take a deep breath.
• Relax.
• Write about the issue. 

Write It Down

Write down everything. Begin with the following. What are you feeling about the issue? Why are you negative about it? What's the reason you're stuck? Go over the circumstances that encouraged your negative feelings.

• Decide on a writing project for the issue.
• A self-help post is an option.
• The therapeutic use of writing helps.     

Writing Prompt

A writing prompt(http://critiqueandwrite.blogspot.com/2015/08/successful-writing-prompts.html) is a word, line or anything that ignites inspiration. Writing prompts like inspiration can be discovered in the house that looms, a childhood room or a person's words surrounded by boom.

• The word looms, for example, has the potential of inspiring a novel.
• Paste it to your desk or wallet.
• Glance at it throughout the day to inspire writing ideas.

Pet's Behavior

A pet's behavior, look or activity provides an out-let for writing inspiration. A cat, let's say, who stared from near-by as a sandwich was prepared suddenly ran away. The owner turned to gather another ingredient, returned to notice a slice of cheese had disappeared. Hmm. What could have happened to the cheese?

• The writing idea possibilities flame.
• A children's short-story about a cat and cheese.
• A haunted house mystery?    

Recipe 

A recipe has the inspiring ability for cooks as well as writers. This post from a writer's perspective? A recipe involved tale is interesting. It could be a family member being assigned as "keeper" of a recipe. The "keeper" is to safe-guard it until it's ready to be passed down.

• A children's mystery could unfold.
• An article revealing facts and myths on forgetting.
• A prank played? 

Facts

A fact uncovers inspiring writing. Select any fact. Funny, serious or trending facts present avenues to explore. Let's look further. The more you look, the more writing ideas will expose themselves. Jot down writing ideas that interest you as they jump-out. 

• Are cats more popular than dogs?
• How many left-handed people are in the United States? World?
• What color soothes, makes you smile?   

Clock 

The clock is an ordinary time tool that people use to juggle their lives by. It wakes you and your day begins. You allot time for appointments, activities and functions. The clock waits for no one. Look at time from a writer's view-point. Time stopped.

• The brightest minds failed to re-start time. 
• How would humans know when to leave for specific destinations? 
• A novel in the making?

Keywords

Pick keywords from a writing project that, for one reason or another, your enthusiasm for it fizzled out. Think about it. Keywords are what Google, Yahoo and others(http://critiqueandwrite.blogspot.com/2015/07/what-you-need-to-know-about-seo.html) take notice of.

• Scribble down keywords to find one(s) that spark-up your creativity.
• Perhaps, the title starts you writing.
• A trending keyword to motivate you back into the writing project.   

  

 

Familidays

                                    

Familidays is the time families and friends come-together for an activity or function. It may be a graduation, movie day or just because one's choice day. The time spent will roll-out funny, interesting and, often, shocking behaviors.

• These moments expose possible writing ideas.
• Research a specific behavior is an option.
• The historical beginning of a holiday could hold promise.

A news article grabs attention when it details what happened at pool-side, during a dinner or after the party. The circumstances of your last dinner or after "it" happened. The circumstances of a certain incident rose to mind? This is the moment to write an article. Why?

• It's therapeutic.
• The article has an ability to help someone.
• At the least, learn from it. 

I remember, for example, a person who kept her lips moist by spreading petroleum jelly on them. She applied it like lipstick. Dinner was over, and she applied it. Some time passed. Again, the jelly was plopped on her lips. Without warning, she'd plop a kiss on your cheek. You never knew when the kiss would come. How can one action become a writing idea?

• She inspired the poem, "The Plopper."
• "Familidays," the blog post taps into it.
• A character in my novel may have a similar habit.

The idea is to set creativity on fire, or keep churning out writing projects. Perhaps, the term familidays fails to excite your creative flow. Shuffle the word around to dance with your creativity. How? Think of your most frequently used words.

• What word is comfortable with you, your creativity?
• Select the line, word, that inspires you.
• Take some time to think about it.

Put two words together. Experiment. Relax. You may become tired. Stop. Come-back tomorrow. I'm going to drop some words off the top of my head. It can be fun. Let me know what you came up with. Any word or every word can take part.

• Turkelicious.
• Ween-madness.
• Troleum-plopper.  

A Word Game to Creativity

A word game to creativity is one more tool to stop writer's block, eliminate boredom and stir-up inspiration. Schedule time to design a word game for your needs. Sparks from the word game ignites new writing ideas, or expose writing ideas with a twist. 

1. Lines and stanzas arise from the game.

2. Opening scenes of fiction come-out to play. 

3. Non-fiction forwards writing ideas too.

Read-over how the game is played. Find a comfortable place. Take a deep breath. Relax. This is a writing session. Give yourself, at least, a couple of hours to work with it. This is your time. Re-arrange it to fit you. Let's start.

1. Think of a word.

2. It can be any word from your surroundings or mind.

3. Pick a word from a project.

I picked the word, for example, red. What comes to mind when you think of red? Say it out-loud. Write down what leaps to mind. Give it a few moments. Choose another word if the first isn't producing results. We'll return to the word red. The word works with most words well. Repeat the last sentence five times, just a moment of humor. We must go back to the writing session. 

1. Red hair.

2. Red dress.

3. Grave Street House's painted red fence.

It's a good idea to write down ten words. It saves time. The words not used today are saved for your convenience. "Grave Street House" became the title of my novel. You never know what path a single word will lead you to. 

1. Focus on words that team well with any word, every word.

2. You may prefer a news story or stanza.

3. The subject of most interest?

Knead words from your "happy" place, the race or simple lace. Reach far and wide to capture the right word. This is the meaning of a word game to creativity. It's using big words, insightful words and words  on their way to the next level. 

1. Challenge yourself.

2. A word from last year's project holds promise.

3. Curve words from an essay or your essay.

A word game to creativity offers benefits that can only be discovered from working with it. One or two sessions may or may not produce desired results. Custom fit it to you and your goals. No one else knows what's best for you.

1. Use a line instead of a word.

2. A trending topic is interesting.

3. Call-up a word from your last read.

Once Upon a Time

Once upon a time is a free writing path to crank-up your creative flow. It's one more method of keeping writing ideas available while writer's block is trashing other people's muses. It prepares you to become comfortable and ready to create. How can the four words help you?  

1. Write about a problem(s).
2. Plant lines of poetry.
3. Select any situation or news story.

A suggestion is to pick a problem that's nagging at you. Is there an issue bothering you? Often, writing offers clarity. I, for example, used the four words when writing about a situation at a previous job. I thought they were random scribbling, venting, but they spun into more.

1. It was therapeutic.
2. The sharing of it helped others.
3. My novel was a result.

You may have experienced a problem that could help others too. First, you must come to terms with it. There's no better way than writing it down. Set it aside. Re-read it.

1. Flush-out your feelings about it.
2. It could take awhile, depends on you.
3. Write an article, book or poem.

Once upon a time has no limits on where to go with it. Custom fit it to your circumstances. It's all right to laugh or cry at your words It's the process' way of bringing you through the issue(s), from my experiences. An issue can become too difficult for the moment. Stop. Return the next day. Start slowly.

1. Once upon a time, I lost a job.
2. ...my family's secret cake recipe disappeared.
3...a pet rang the door-bell.

It makes no difference what words pin-points your journey. There's no rush to finish. Remember, it's a healing process too. Put aside your "critic voice." Walk through the process at your own pace. Some days will be easier than others.

1. Write down a problem or issue.
2. Work on it until you can't.
3. Come-back tomorrow.

I've written down an issue or problem and was surprised at my reaction. I took my time looking it over. "I said that?" I asked out-loud. An appreciation for the other person's point-of-view dawned after reading how circumstances happened.

1. Everyone makes mistakes.
2. Own them.
3. Do better.

The writing path of once upon a time can be applied to fiction, non-fiction and poems. Use the process in your life where it's most needed. It spins into your starting point. Also, it has a place across all segments of life.

1. It helps with everyday problems and issues.
2. Poems are carved too.
3. Novels arrive through the process.

Effective Dialogue Use in Fiction

Effective dialogue use in fiction inspires laughter, shock, sadness and hope. It tips in to uncover surprises while nudging curiosity. Dialogue is a writer's tool to get familiar and comfortable with. There's no limit to where you can take the tool.

1. Effective dialogue rises out of practice.

2. Listen to people's speech patterns.

3. Dialogue well written can push you to the next level.

Conversations in fiction mimic actual speech. Otherwise, it'd be boring and too long. Most people have functions and activities in their lives. They'll cut-back on what's not necessary. Fiction mirrors human behavior. The following is an observed conversation at Walmart. 

"Mack, is that you?" A young man in a business suit stared at an acquaintance. "I didn't know you shopped."

"Yeah, just picking up what my wife forgot."

I'm here to get food, fridge's empty."

The two laughed as Mack paid for his groceries. 

Dialogue is a spin-off of conversation. Speech patterns tend to differ when you go to a specific city, town or country. Select a character's pattern of speech as it pertains to your fiction. Look at the above Walmart conversation in my fiction.

"Bill?" Tony furrowed his eye-brows. "You shop?"

"Not if I don't have to, wife forgot some stuff." He shifted his weight. "She had to work, so." Bill pointed at his jars of olives, instant coffee and grape jelly.

"My fridge's empty." Tony looked at his cart of frozen pizza, chips and dips.

"Got a question for you, wait outside." Bill grabbed his bag and headed to the door.

"Know nothin' 'bout who ya're wife...

Each writer stirs words together as he/she feels is suitable for the story-line. The key is to zero in on speech patterns that tug at your creative flow. Study them. Practice writing effective dialogue use in fiction. Show-case your twist on people, places and the sky. Ask questions. Don't stop asking questions until the character(s) you're creating resembles "that person" or a person. Questions to begin asking follows.

1. How will your character wear an accent?

2. What words are his/her "own?"

3. Who will say, ya instead of you?

Schedule time to observe people. Think about effective dialogue use in fiction when at the mall, making a call or enjoying Fall. Try looking at everyday activities from a new perspective. Don't forget to turn writing ideas upside down.

1. Jot down over-heard conversations at the mall. 

2. A writing idea can dawn during a call.

3. Grab Fall inspirations for later.

One more idea on dialogue is about family time. They're treasure chests of possibilities. People from various generations have unique accents and speech patterns. Mix-and-match accents are ideas to consider.

1. Write down observations.

2. Be careful not to hurt anyone on purpose.

3. Don't be afraid to experiment.

Muse

 

Muse is inspiration for writers or the creative people. Some call it motivation, that which excites your creative flow. It sits around waiting to be scooped into your writing. The form it takes plays out in varies ways.

1. A person's style may be inspirational.

2. Films serve to ignite creative power.

3. Scents too.

People are stuffed full of what can inspire your creative flow to bubble-up. A specific person's laugh, words or movement. A co-worker laughs and it tickles others, for example. A scent that lingers in your mind fits the profile.

1. Watch people.

2. Any unusual mannerisms?

3. Pick apart speech patterns.

Places can motivate creative flow, and allow you to go to places as never before. The history of an old building. A mystery surrounds it? What happened to it/in it that stirs chatter? Are certain icons associated with it? Perhaps, at one time, it was the popular restaurant to eat at. The rumor is, after 100 years, a waitress roams around it. Only, she's crying. Some research could expose facts and interesting reading.

1. Pick a building from memory. 

2. The odd looking building from a movie. 

3. "The Restaurant."

Things slide into the muse's position frequently. There could be an antique teapot from grandmother's house, a ball of cray colors at school or a flower. An abundance of things are available for the muse role. What's calling to be your inspiration? It depends on what plays well with your creative flow.

1. Is it the antique tea pot from your past? 

2. A ball with a mix of neon colors?

3  The flower from a far away land holds possibilities.

The best muse for you is the one that wakes up your creative side. No one will have to tell you, "that's it." Your motivation will climb new heights. You'll be able to write without limits. Maybe, the same muse inspires you to write several different projects.

1. Muse motivates your creative flow.

2. It's found on the beach, within reach and/or from teach.

3. The format it takes surprises, often.

The Moment to Write

The moment to write is everyday. Life will happen, but continue a routine of writing. Practice. It develops you, your talent, while exposing the writer's "voice." You become a better writer. Schedule it. Take your writing to the next level through this routine.

1. Write, at least, two days a day.

2. Curve-out a comfortable place.

3. This time is just for writing.

Writing ideas will jump-out at any moment. Don't poo-poo them. Seize the opportunity. Jot down as much of the writing idea as possible. It's not wise to wait. They have a tendency of disappearing quickly. 

1. You'll remember that there was a writing idea.

2. Only, you will not be able to retrieve it from memory.

3. Capture the writing idea with what you have.

It's possible a pen/pencil and writing pad aren't available. Yet, a writing idea tugs at your creative flow. It's no telling where you can take it, or the lesson that would help others. Most people carry a smart device.

1. Text yourself.

2. Leave a message about the writing idea.

3. Take a picture/video when possible.

The above is how to grab onto a writing idea, because you're not in a comfortable place. Still, creativity has thought of possible uses for the writing idea. Besides, the fact that a picture or video was used could spring-board new writing ideas.

1. Be clear on how you plan to work with the writing idea.

2. Pin-point areas of your interests

3. What were you thinking?

The moment to write is as a writing idea dances into your creative flow. Wait for the right moment is a mistake. Why? You'll find some other activity to fill the time. Writing ideas will fade from memory forever.

1. It'll put you further behind.

2. Frustration pushes the cousin stress on you.

3. They swirl around into writer's block.

Positive Effort

 

Positive effort, for writers, rolls out writing when there're other activities calling your name. It's easy to chat, look at a movie or eat "that food" when it's not on your carefully planned menu. Allow your creativity to stand-up. How? Use a word list, for example.

1. Select words from anywhere, everywhere.

2. Pluck words from a project in progress.

3. Pin-down the writing idea circling your mind.

The word list approach works with fiction, non-fiction and poems. It keeps writer's block away (another benefit), and writing ideas in your repertoire. Look at a word list session. It requires little to prepare for as you ignite creativity.

1. A word list session is, at least, two hours long.

2. It happens in a comfortable place.

3. Bring everything you'll need.

The effort you put forth will show. This is fun with writing (benefit) too. The list can be as long or short as you want it. I'm going to work with the word coffee. Yes, three words are on my list. Also, mash in words that you like. After all, it's your list.

1. Coffee.

2. Black.

3. Coffee pot.

Remember, you can select any word to start the writing process. Tap words from an on-going project, the article you once had enthusiasm for or the fizzled out chapter start. Grab a word from land, air or sea. Next, describe the original word. New ideas dawned? 

1. Words may be similar to the original word.

2. Spin words around, upside down.

3. Spice up or down with opposite words.

I'm heading toward fiction. My writing idea is to have a couple move into a house. They find an antique coffee pot. There's room for positive effort and motivation. The wife wants to taste coffee made in it. Only, there's a problem.

1. The coffee pot seems to move from where it's left.

2. It's found on the floor.

3. One morning, it was sitting on the porch.

There isn't any reason writer's block should jump in the way of creativity. Slice-away words from your life, job or from the radio. I have a stalker. The situation is in my life. I decided on three words. The words are as follows.

1. Stalker.

2. Control.

3. Rise.

The word list can become longer, depending on which direction I take. An article on the behavior of a stalker, for instance. Or, the importance of rising pass a stalker. The important issue of choice can never be played down. 

1. It's important to let people know.

2. Be aware of your surroundings.

3. Live life with positive effort.

Successful Writing Prompts

Successful writing prompts are phrases, a picture, "those words" a relative always turned the conversation to or a poem that stirs-up your creative side. They inspire you to write. Think of such moments in your life. You'll be amazed of what pops back at you.

1. The key is to carve a writing prompt for you.

2. Decide on your specific needs.

3. What inspires you to write?

I tailored phrases to motivate me, and this method can apply to life. Sometimes, life smears mud on you and your plans. It's necessary to grab onto encouragement. Or, what tickles awake moving and doing in life. I tailored the following. 

1. "Believe."

2. "You can do it."

3. "Move forward."

I spun "Believe" into "You must, first, believe in yourself." If you have no belief in your talent, whatever it is, life remains the same. Fear and frustration creeps in to play havoc with your life. Don't let it. You have a choice.

1. Is journalism the path?

2. Article writing?

3. Blogging?

"Move forward," for me, became "Do day." New found inspiration must be acted on. I had been jotting down notes on a situation in my life. I discovered that it was therapeutic and enough information to write a book. The scribbling inspired my novel.

1. Look at your writing prompts.

2. Make use of them today.

3. At least, start today.

A successful writing prompts' session lasts, at least, two hours. Bring everything you'll need. Water? Apple? Don't give yourself any excuse to leave the session early. Where should the session take place? It's up to you.

1. Attic.

2. Library.

3. Any place that's comfortable.

Let's get started with a successful session. Your writing prompt can be a picture, " those words" a relative always said or a poem. A photo can nudge your creative side. A relative's words and poems are treated the same.

1. Write down your thoughts on the object of your inspiration.

2. Select the most creative igniting words.

3. They are your writing prompts.

A successful writing session for prompts is done in a manner that provides a productive experience. There isn't a right or wrong way of achieving the best results. Work with one writing prompt at a time. Try as many writing inspiring prompts as you like.

1. The best results or the arrival of a writing prompt is when you see it.

2. You have success when your creativity is bubbling.

3. Simply, write.

Stay Positive

It's impossible to stay positive in my situation, a few mumbled. The mounting bills, alone, drives-out that idea. I know from experience that, sometimes, you have to dig within for a thread of positivity. Or, a pessimistic thread could ravel you.

1. You owe it to yourself.

2. A thread of positivity holds the key to new ventures.

3. New ideas and opportunities will show-up.

The positive or pessimistic thought process weaves your health into it. Martin Seligman, University of Pennsylvania, has done research on the subject. Your attitude plays a role in possible illnesses that would invite themselves in. 

1. A positive attitude strengthens your immune system.

2. A positive person is happier.

3. Depression runs pass a positive person.

Settle down. Take a deep breath. Slowly, let it out. Allow your thoughts to roam over to a happier time or moment in your life. Negative thoughts drag you down. They find fault with you, making you feel worse. Let them go.

1. Hold onto, even, a thread of "that" happy moment. 

2. The negative buzz is slowed.

3. You're able to think with a clearer mind.

This action helps you toward a brighter tomorrow. Or, you'll handle problems better and move on. Take your time with choices. Ask questions. How will this choice help me? Is this the best choice for me? Determine if another choice suits you. Continue asking questions until you're satisfied.

1. Don't rush.

2. Surround yourself with positive people.

3. Beware of people who don't have your best interest in mind.

It's wise to think twice about anyone pushing you to accept Plan A, for example, when you're considering Plan B. It's possible Plan A is the better direction to move toward. The point is that you make the choice

1. You figure out the best plan.

2. Be suspicious of someone hammering his/her agenda.

3. It may not be right for you.

Be grateful for reaching a goal in life, happy to have certain people in your life or find that "joy" moment. Why? Gratitude brings happiness. It's a good feeling. Pass it forward. Be the light for someone as you glow in your moment.

1. Happiness helps you stay positive.

2. You're, possibly, a happy memory for someone.

3. Pessimistic thoughts are spun into options.

Critique and Write

Critique and write are required for poems, articles to biographies. It's a two-step process for writers before displaying the finished work. The order depends on the writer. Often, writers poo-poo the thought of any encounter with a critique. Why? The process drains energy, if you allow it to.

1. Put the work aside.

2. You get an emotional rest as you leave the project alone.

3. Spin the critiquing portion into a game.

How long of a break is needed from a writing project? The more involved a writing project is, more time away is suggested. You'll come-back refreshed and with new ideas. So, less time is needed between you and the critiquing process when it comes to short writing projects. There're other factors like the number of projects being worked on, deadlines and the writer's life.

1. Calendar in what has to be critiqued.

2. Shuffle-out stress.

3. Focus on a funny or happy memory.

The determination has been made about which writing project to critique. Some may feel that the most difficult part is over. Still others run close to panic. Think positive. At least, a goal has been met. This is a moment to calm down.

1. Take a deep breath.

2. Relax.

3. Bring along an apple for a reward, for example.

You're ready to critique and write. At this second, you're the editor. You, too, can treat the writing project as a friend's work. The point is to be objective. Use a composition book or some means of note-taking. Jot down notes on how to make improvements after reading it out-loud.

1. Check the grammar.

2. How is your sentence structure?

3. Syntax?

The critiquing game begins. Drag stress to the waste-basket. Giggle at your mistakes. Did you really make that error? Did you use "bear" instead of "bare?" Remember, shorter paragraphs are more effective. 

1. Make notes on to use verbs, for example.

2. Note-taking exposes what you need to work on.

3. Writing is a continuous learning process.

A goal is to have clear, strong and interesting writing. Writers want readers to have learned, laughed and/or displayed some emotion. You don't want a reader to find "their" in your writing where "there" was meant.

1. Comb through your work relaxed. 

2. Provide yourself enough time to critique.

3. Find humor in your mistakes, but learn from them.

What You Need to Know about SEO

What you need to know about SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is that it's the beacon for potential customers to find your web site or product/service. The goal is to to have a high ranking when a user is looking for a web site offering Professional Resumes, for example. How do you access the the process?

1. The web content shared by you.

2. Articles.

3. Keywords.

SEO showers Google, Bing, Yahoo, MSN, Ask, etc. with information. The search engines supply users with content. The proper mix of SEO within your content can help get a high ranking. A high ranking means your web site, product/service, is sitting on page one of a search.

1. A high rank for a web site, product/service, brings potential customers. 

2. Many users, according to the experts, tend not to look pass the first page.

3. Keywords are important in getting a high ranking.

A keyword is the word or phrase a user taps into a search engine as he/she looks-up information, product/service. A user may want to know what exactly is it that a web site or what you're offering can do for him/her. Let's go to the Professional Resumes example.

1. A web site promoting Professional Resumes should list keywords.

2. Select the best keywords for the web site, product service.

3. The keywords are cover letter and resumes for a Professional Resumes web site.

Articles, web content and meta tags rally to get your web site noticed. Meta tags cheer the loudest for your web site, product/service. It's the title tag search engines seek-out. Search engines view meta tags as the most important keyword, phrase. 

1. Titles wear keywords that appeal to the largest market or group.

2. The title should be unique and no longer than sixty characters.

3. Title tags are spread throughout the web site.

The above information is written to help you understand, apply and benefit from SEO.

How Are Flashbacks Used in Fiction?

Flashbacks are used in fiction to explain why, for example, a character dislikes antique typewriters. The mention or tap of a key digs-up a different personality for him/her. The mystery of why he/she can't remember what or how it happens unfolds the flashback. Look-over the following.

1. Sudden change of place or time.

2. The character goes to a different place from the original.

3. He or she is returned to the first place.

A flashback reminds a character of something, bad or good, from the past. The sight of an antique typewriter, for this character, swirls around memories of murder. The flashback is the means for readers to understand the character's plight.

1. A flashback is stuffed with lots of information. 

2. The tapping of keys plops him or her back to the present.

3. The character's past is exposed.

Flashbacks keeps fiction interesting when mixed well. It should be long enough to provide necessary information, but not bore readers. What do bored readers do? Move on to next author. 

1. Be clear on what you want to share.

2. An outline may help.

3. Try more than one possible scene flashback before deciding.

A tale begins with a dramatic scene. It explodes in the middle of a problem. It'll grab the reader's attention. Still, they'll want to know what triggered the boil-over. What derailed the relationship, friendship? Circumstances? Characters responsible?

1. A flashback is needed.

2. It uncovers facts.

3. Also, it leads to where the story opens.

Sometimes, a sentence is all it takes to stir-awake the flashback. The situation may require a paragraph or two. The story's pace must not be slowed by a flashback. How is a flashback set into motion? 

1. The sound of music playing.

2. A fall or hand-shake.

3. A character's eyes recognizing an antique typewriter.

A flashback is a transition from the current place to a different one, and a return to the original place. It isn't a long process. The flashback is packed full of information to allow readers to understand a character. 

1. Outline the flashback.

2. Test more than one flashback for "the" scene.

3. The flashback's job is to discover and inform.

Why Start a Business?

Why start a business? It's a venture to reward you and your family for generations to come. The idea may have been tossed back-and-forth through your mind for years. For one reason or another, you never acted on the idea. The key ingredients to a successful business are the following. 

- - Passion.

- - Courage.

- - Discipline.

Swirl yourself around passion, because you'll encounter nay-sayers as well as obstacles. Fear will try to find a home, but refuse to allow it. Move pass fear. Your commitment should be bigger than fear. Place your mind on the businesses goal.

- - Take a deep breath.

- - Keep your focus.

- - Be attentive of business funds.

It takes courage to embark on a goal like starting a new business. There will be days when bills out-weigh your product or service sold. It may require that you dig-up additional money to take care of bills.

- - A strain is put on relationships.

- - Do you quit?

- - Or, do you find an option to continue?

Discipline is doing research to see what competition awaits you in the chosen industry. Who are you targeting in the market-place? What need is your business addressing?

- - You're a business owner day-in and day-out.

- - There's the possibility you'll talk to a client(s) after 5 p.m.

- - You'll continually work odd hours.

Start a business with passion, courage and discipline to possibly leave as a legacy. High and lows tap on every business door. The key is how you handle them. This is an exciting time, but don't forget the following.

- - Learn from mistakes.

- - Deal with stress through exercise.

- - Stay on point with goals.

Blank Mind

A blank mind stomps-out creativity, and will find any thread of anxiety you have about writing. The anxiety then balloons, you feel worse and creativity falls asleep. You may not have been aware of it. The situation balloons more as the fact that a dead-line looms. What can you do to spark writing ideas?

- - Take a deep breath.

- - Don't force creativity.

- - Type any word.

The act of writing will stimulate your creativity. In other words, "be writing". You can, even, pick a word from a project-in-progress. Or, select a word from the project lurking in the crevice of your mind. The word may be one you identify with or not.

- - Write the next word playing around your mind. 

- - Try the word, writing project.

- - Make note of writing ideas as they occur.

Are you having trouble deciding on a word? Work with more than one word. The goal is to ignite writing ideas. The act of jotting down a word(s) is called free writing. Its job is to stir-awake your creativity. Free writing stuffs a blank mind with writing ideas. The following are words to consider. 

- - Summer day.

- - Going green.

- - Tumbling up.

Perhaps, you prefer meaningful words. Use the words you connect more with. It's possible an essay about a college moment or Summer session holds interest for you. An article on beach attire is promising. One last idea is on a specific day... How will you end the sentence?

- - Thunder boomed before it happened.

- - The front door flew open

- - it was dubbed "Summer Crime."

Many businesses, still, can use tips on "going green." Research offers the helpful information needed to write articles. 

- - Start small. 

- - Announce the change in meetings.

- - Involve employees each step of the way.

Finally, there's no excuse for writers to have a blank mind. Use this post to curtail it before your creativity is zapped.