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.

Writer's Block

                       

     

Writer's block can't bully, taunt or stop me from writing. I poo-poo the wanna-be thief of possible word master-pieces, or interesting as well as helpful information that I can produce. You can too. I'm not in fear of it. Why not? Every circumstance or issue can provide writing ideas. Also, there are techniques to stomp out writer's block, and it'll never return.

1. Think about an issue or problem you have or had.

2. What have you learned from it?

3. Could the lesson be shared in an article, blog post, or book?

4. Or, select an area from the problem to write about. 

I stared upon this technique. I sat down to write, but my creative flow didn't have the usual energy on this particular day. Normally, I can't get the words down fast enough. Sometimes, I have to scribble a writing idea down that's unrelated to what I'm writing about. 

- - Get comfortable.

- - Set in place everything you'll need.

- - Take a deep breath and let it out slowly.

- - Below are techniques to write pass writer's block.

I call this technique Game to Topple Writer's Block. The game should be tailor fitted to you. Re-arrange or change the game to suit you. One try may not excite your creative flow. Still, don't give up. This game works.

1. Pick any word.

2. Select one letter from the word.

3. Any letter within the word.

4. First, second or any letter.

The word snack grabbed my eyes. My letter is K. K can be spun into fiction, non-fiction or poems. A story idea pops into my mind about a character named Kamack. I'd have to create a profile on him before building a story around his tale.

- - K stirred into non-fiction is research on kangaroos. 

- - The habitat of kangaroos, for example.

- - There's no limitations on which direction you'll go.

- - Follow up on your writing ideas from this post.

Writing Inspiration

Things inspire from any place. It can be a train, plane or in the lane. A muse may or may not grab your attention, but peel away what inspires you. Stir it together as you sprinkle in your creative flow. The writing process begins (http://critiqueandwrite.blogspot.com/2015/05/writing-inspiration.html).

1. The beaming sun has possibilities. 

2. An eye-catching headline.

3. Researched topics.

4. An antique chair.

Write-A-Cise

Write-A-Cise (http://critiqueandwrite.blogspot.com/2015/03/write-cise.html), often, begins with one thought and ends with new writing ideas. It works with old and current writing ideas too. How?

- - Select a word, phrase or line related to a subject.

- - Write about the word, phrase or line.

- - Focus on the clever, unique or helpful aspect of the subject. 

- - Just write.

Steps to Write a Murder Mystery

The first course of action is to get comfortable in your writing place. It's the chair, attic, barn or corner of a room that serves as your writing place, author at work place. Allow yourself, at least, two hours each day for writing. Select the same time everyday for writing. This is your time. Turn-off the phone, grab your coffee/tea before settling in to write. Take care of anything you need to. This eliminates the desire or excuse to stop writing. "Steps to Write a Murder Mystery" is the beginning, or a step to the next level in your writer career.

The setting and characters must interact. Show the character whose living his/her last days clashing with other characters. The character whose time is limited argues, find fault and chaos is ignited. The other characters in conflict with the soon-to-be deceased character will become suspects. 

In my novel, "Grave Street House," the killer and victim knew each other well. In fact, no one suspected who the murderer was. The murderer socialized with everyone, well known in the neighborhood. A friendly character can be a serial killer.

The unfolding of a murder starts early in the mystery. One of the characters that last had a confrontation with the deceased is his/her murderer. Provide odd, weird, stalkerizzi, information stirred in a setting that equals murder most foul. Ask some questions. Was the victim feeling a certain way? Feared someone or something? One character's behavior was different. Why? The behavior had something to do with the murder. The victim and a suspect were seen together. People who knew the victim expressed how unusual for the two, because they had issues. 

Who stumbles into the murder scene? Or, will the murderer pretend to discover the body? He/she didn't have enough time to dispose of the body. Why? The events played out differently than what the murderer planned. Perhaps, the murderer heard another character approaching. 

The police is called. They begin investigating and questioning. Is there a neighbor-know-it-all? This kind of neighbor knows the latest gossip. He/she shares the gossip with the police. The murderer gives as little information to the police as possible, even mis-directs.

The police has to sift through truths, half-truths, supplied by suspects. Show evidence to rule out several suspects. It's up to you, author at work, how the plot plays out. Keep the police looking at three suspects until the murderer is uncovered. "Steps to Write a Murder Mystery" involves a twist. 

Keep the readers interested by splashing in new information. A suspect, for example, confesses. Only, the police determines he/she has a habit of admitting to crimes. One other suspect dies by suspicious means. What does suspicious mean? This is when your creative flow takes over. Write it out. Suspicious means how your creative flow shares it.

Any question raised in the murder mystery is answered as you near the end. Some questions will be taken care of earlier than toward the end. Your mystery will clue you. A good practice is to make notes on questions. Be sure to look at them as well as answer them. Sometimes, the questions can spin-out possible new scenes.

The author at work must critique. Sit a finished writing project aside. The longer a writing project, the more time away is needed. Return in two days refreshed. You'll have new ideas and be ready to move forward with your writing project.

Inspired Free Writing

Inspired free writing is free writing taken to the next level. Free writing is writing down whatever ignites your creative flow. The goal is to weed-out writer's block as well as have writing ideas available when needed. The session is used for a writing project struggling, any idea wanted or your creativity longs for inspiration. Apply it to non-fiction, poems or fiction.

The session happens in an area that you've carved into a writing station. It can be on a plane, in the rain or riding fast trains. Write for, at least, two hours. Preferably, your station is situated where no one will disturb you. 

You've worked on a writing project that, at first, excited your creativity. Now, the writing project isn't near half finished. What's worse? The project has become boring. Two questions play-over in your mind.

"Why did I pick this topic?" You asked out-loud. "What was I thinking?"

This is where inspired free writing becomes the tool to use. Select words from the writing project that interested you initially. Write about the word throwing sparks at your creativity. Jot down each word. Simply, write. 

You, too, can pick a word from your writing project for inspiration. Scribble down words that come to mind. You may prefer to look-up words or phrases from the writing project for new appeal. Words previously written can be added to new words. A word off the top of my head is over-the-top. Over was an old word with two other words added.

Peel away a word from your writing project, or any attention grabbing word(s). Add new meaning to the word using each letter. Take a look at a random example. 

B  ouncing

A  longside

L  ingering

L  abor

Inspired free writing means using bouncing, alongside, lingering or labor in a writing project. Your creative side decides which direction to go. Explore to see which path suits your writing project(s). 

Perhaps, you have writer's block. You're searching for writing ideas. Write down the words or any word. Come-up with words and phrases. I'll work with the word writers.

W  acky

R  oad

I  n

T  he

E  xtreme acts of

R  anting from the

S  uggestive one

The words are avenues to new topics and subjects. Extreme acts is promising as a title. Mix and change words to tailor your writing needs.

Inspired free writing tickles your creative flow into producing. Let's work with words from the above paragraph. Is there a road named Wacky? A writing idea is to research and spin it into non-fiction. Your creativity wants inspiration? Stir-up fiction with the words wacky rode. Expose the funny but strange goings on in such a community. One more suggestion is your opinion about the campaign rode for Hillary Clinton, or one of the other candidates. This method is a writer's tool that opens-up new writing possibilities.

Writing Inspiration

Writing inspiration awakens your creative ability. Some refer to it as a muse, that which ignites, fuels, you to write word master-pieces. It awaits specifically for you, because you're the only one who can appreciate it. A muse cheers you on.

Muse stirs-up your creative power. It comes from any direction to inspire only you. No one else will see it like you, or experience it in the same way. You'll recognize your muse the moment it arrives. How will your muse arrive? 

1. Scents from the past.

2. "That" song.

3. A rhyme.

4. Spoken words.

People are filled with emotions and mannerisms for writing inspiration. Each is unique to his or her own way of doing and perceiving. Scoop up a large helping by doing the following. You don't have to do anything out of the ordinary.

1. Observe people.

2. Listen to speech patterns.

3. Take notes on mannerisms.

4. Pin-point gestures.

Places are interesting back-drops to inspire writing. A certain place from memory or history can be the trigger to a new genre, or a fascinating tale. It, too, has the potential of being "the one" that takes you to a new level.

1. A building from your past.

2. Some place in a movie.

3. An odd looking wall.

4. Strange interior.

Things inspire from any place. It can be a train, plane or in the lane. A muse may or may not grab your attention, but peel away what inspires you. Stir it together as you sprinkle in your creative flow. The writing process begins.

1. The beaming sun has possibilities. 

2. An eye-catching headline.

3. Researched topics.

4. An antique chair.

The last words are that writing inspiration lives everywhere and anywhere. There isn't a limit to where it's found. Simply, observe. You'll always have writing ideas, and your muse could expose itself.

Writing Therapy Stirs-up Healing

Writing therapy stirsup-up healing in unbelievable ways. I know from experience. Some years ago, I retired early from a job, decided to push away the tears and jot down the ingredients of what happened. The more I wrote, a clearer understanding exposed itself. I felt better. The writing therapy allowed me to move forward. 

The writing down of my thoughts and feelings filled several books. I enjoyed the writing process, looked for that specific time to write. It dawned that I should write a book. My novel, "Grave Street House," was spun into existence. 

It's important to find a specific place for writing therapy. Make it yours. Schedule an appointment in your calendar for writing therapy. It's as vital to your life as any other appointment. Take it seriously. The time spent in a session should be, at least, two hours long. Sometimes, you'll write longer or shorter. Simply, write. The place can be an attic, barn, portion of a a room, basement or library. Curve this time and place out in your unique style. It should be comfortable with everything you'll need. Tissues may be needed, for example. Water? Sugarless gum? Get or do whatever you'll need before sitting down to write. Don't give yourself an excuse to stop writing. 

When an issue or problem becomes over-whelming, stop. Return the next day. There's no one to hurry you. Writing therapy stirs-up healing differently for each person. Writing isn't a cure, but it's part of the healing process. It can help you identify issues and mood swings in order to cope with life better, according to the experts. Some may heal faster or slower with writing therapy. It depends on you. 

Writing therapy is a discovery process. Take your time with it. What issue(s) or problem(s) is nagging at you? Is it a job loss? Unexpected illness? A goal not reached? There isn't any issue you can't examine through writing therapy. No one will grade or judge you. Be honest with yourself. 

Some questions to consider during a session are as follows. What part did I play? What happened? How did it happen? What can I do differently next time for a nicer, better, happier, outcome? Do A or B to avoid a like situation. Who or what is a trigger? Avoid the trigger by (fill in). Look at the issue or problem objectively, or from "that person's" perspective. Would you act the same?

Writing therapy stirs-up healing as you scribble down notes about your life. It, too, builds the path to a writing career. How? Write a how-to article on your journey. Most likely, there are other people who can benefit from your experiences. The direction a writing career roams is limitless.

Writing therapy stirs-up healing involving any issue or problem. Take your time during the sessions. Stop when a session becomes too emotional or over-whelming. Return the next day to continue. Or, take a two-day break from writing therapy. You can be honest, because no one else will judge or grade you.

The Narrator

The narrator is an important decision for a writer. Make the choice for narrator prior to a single syllable being written. Why? The story is told from the point-of-view character. He/she opens the door according to an one sided view, and that view is from the character telling the story. The stance covered in your work of fiction depends on which character is narrating.

It's paramount to complete a profile for characters before you start writing. You can always go back and nip and tuck information. A character's story can't be told well if you don't know him/her. The narrator's voice arrives with his/her unique experiences, attitude and culture. The educational level swirls into his/her speech pattern. These details and any others you'd like to add constitutes a character's profile. 

When a character slides into the narrator's spot, he/she is engaging. The character stirs-up the emotions of sadness, anger, happiness or fear in readers. It leads to a connection. It's why a person cheers, yells, frowns or poo-poos a character. The ability of a character to spark some emotion is why readers look for more writing projects from the writer.

I'm referring to the first person narrator. The character is limited to what he/she knows, finds out or witnesses. The story unfolds through his/her eyes. The reader identifies, cares, hates, the point-of-view character. The writer sprinkles in the right ingredients for the fit with his/her vision.

The first person, I, narrator is a mixture. The character is formed from a writer's experiences. Each writer is different with many and varied experiences. Writers are influenced by what they see, feel, hear and read. There's no limit to where writers gather writing ideas.

What if the narrator is a liar and the protagonist? The story is usually written around the protagonist. It's the writer's job to expose the character. How? Let the character's lies be uncovered. The character is left with no choice but the truth. Readers will get suspicious of the "tall tales." They will reason if the character is fibbing here, he/she could be lying about A and B. After all, they're just taking his word. Hmm. Some will watch the character more carefully. They'll pay close attention to what and how the character speaks. Readers will be looking for inconsistencies. Some other people will go along with the character to use him/her for their own purposes.

In the end, a narrator is selected based on which character best fit and the vision a writer has.

Writing Soothes like Hugging

Writing soothes like hugging. How? They are a form of communication. Although, hugging is non-verbal. Writing and hugging can serve as therapy. Writing and hugging stirs-up good feelings. Hugging is good for the heart, lowers blood pressure and relieves stress, according to the experts. A hug from yourself works well too. Writing therapy (http://critiqueandwrite.blogspot.com/2014/11/writing-therapy.html) helps you understand experiences and/or behaviors in the after-math. Write down your thoughts and fears. Writing ushers in clarity and moves you on. Let's start the process.

1. Write down all details.

2. Keep writing until it gets uncomfortable.

3. Facts can be hard to face.

4. Return tomorrow.

Change arrives as you practice and understand what happened. Look at your behavior written by you. Sometimes, it's easier to read small amounts at a time. Stop when it becomes too much. Take your time through the process.

1. Let a few days pass.

2. Re-read your account.

3. Jot down the incident as an observer.

4. Do as much as you can.

Give yourself a hug. Relax. Wait for the hug to soothe you before writing. A hug gives you a chance to calm down. Take care of anything that you need to prior to the writing therapy session. Bring some water? Perhaps, tissues.

1. A hug settles you.

2. Your stress level goes down.

3. Hugging boosts the immune system. 

4. It encourages a good feeling.

Return for a new session on a different day. The problem or issue you're working with using writing therapy is the focus of discomfort. This is the time to address it and move on with your life. Remember, take your time. Writing therapy is an option for traditional health-care, not a replacement.

1. Write down specific concerns.

2. Expose your issues as reactions to others involved.

3. Select different actions on your part.

4. The actions picked can only be what's within your control.

A fact to consider: The person (s) that you associate with is a bad choice. There will always be confrontations if the company you keep clash with you and your goals. It's important to be mindful of the people that you surround yourself with.

1. Positive thinking people are good choices.

2. People who are like minded tend to fit well.

3. It isn't wise to pal-around with people who throw around chaos.

4. Look for people that inspire.

Writing soothes like hugging as you relax and motivation arrives. Don't wait for someone to hug you. Hug yourself. Warning: Never surprise hug anyone, even if you've hugged the person before. Get a person's permission to hug him/her. It's called respect. Which statement describes your hug?

1. Grab and squeeze (Bear hug).

2. Barely touch (Shy hug).

3. Arms length (Not sure hug).

4. Shift side-to-side and say, "hug-hug" (Hollywood hug).

Flickering Writing Ideas

                              

Flickering writing ideas are worth the time to explore. It's the glimmer of an idea that shines briefly and runs away. Think of it as a possible writing idea. It's time to get comfortable for writing. Only, what the idea was about has disappeared from your mind. You think..., no. Maybe, it was...? No. You can't recall what the writing idea and your vision for it was. The key to catching a flickering writing idea is as follows.

1. Jot it down.

2. Text it to yourself.

3. Record it, or make some kind of reminder.

There is a game of sorts to recall information. I'm going to use the words chirping birds. Make a note of the words for later. I want to write a poem, perhaps, using those words. Use the two words too. My poem included the words chirping birds. Use the words how your creative flow will.

1. Massage in effort.

2. It may take time to arrive as in your vision.

3. What did you come up with?

My poem follows.

Chilling night melted into dawn

men ravaged by the street life,

boys not yet at full term

stood as chirping birds.

The words birds chirping words can be stirred in any direction, subject or form of writing. An entire subject is exposed with the two words. You have the option of selecting a specific breed, habits of birds or the area of your choice.

1. Be guided by your interests.

2. A trending story about birds.

3. Why do some birds fly?

Flickering writing ideas will emerge as you write. Take the time to scribble down the writing ideas that inspire your creative flow. Don't allow a flickering writing idea to vanish, especially when it grabbed your attention. An idea should be examined from every angle. Get as much writing material as possible from it. 

1. Slip a flickering idea into what you're working on.

2. Write down an idea for a novel or a how-to project.

3. Keep ideas for future use, avoiding writer's block.

Capture a writing idea as it flickers in your mind. It shines for a short time and disappears. Write down the idea before it leaves. Be sure to have enough of the writing idea down to understand your original thoughts.