Once I had a ‘space to call my own’ for writing, I realized I needed to surround myself with items that inspired me to write. This is personal to each of us. For the sake of this blog, I’ll list some examples that are helpful to me:

Music: Writing can be stressful even when it is fun. Music is my way of toning down the anxious moments. You’ve probably experienced those times. The instances where you don’t know what you’re characters is going to do next. These impasses inevitably cause me to think I’ll never get that novel to the fourth chapter, much less finished. Music calms and inspires me at the same time. I tend to listen to George Winston or Yanni, and contemporary Christian artists among other modern musicians when I write. You might be inspired by rock and roll or heavy metal. It is personal. All I know is that music sets the tone (pun intended) for my writing.

Art: The artwork on my walls are landscapes. When I feel like ‘dreaming’ for a bit, getting lost in one of these landscapes can bring characters and plot actions to life. It’s easy to ask a question like, “If Kat came upon this creepy cottage in the fog, what would she do?” Or, “Which character is most likely to take a thoughtful walk on this flower-filled pathway?”

Inspirational sayings: I’m a writer. You’re a write. Words are special to us. Find some encouraging thoughts about writing. It can be from the internet; it can be a blurb from one of your favorite authors. Anything that lifts your spirits and gives you the strength to get to writing is game.  Here’s an example:

 The bottom line: create a special, unique work environment just for you. It will inspire you at times nothing else can.

If you’d like to share about your writing space, I’d enjoy hearing from you.

Until next time…..

What does a bookkeeper, secretary, and CEO have in common? They all have a designated area to work. Each of them have the tools they need to do their jobs. And, my writing friend, that is the first thing you need, too.

Author Virginia Woolf said it very well: A woman must have money and a room of her own if she is to write fiction.

May I take this a step further and say, An aspiring writer must have money and a room of his or her own if he or she is to have any success in writing. This prescription for success has two parts:

Money: I am not proposing that you must be independently wealthy before attempting a career in writing. What I propose here is that your basic needs are met: a roof over your head, food to eat, and clothing to wear. So, until you are able to support yourself with your writing, support yourself so you can write.

A Room of Your Own: Once you have wrapped your mind around the fact that you must effectively work two jobs in the beginning, the most crucial step for success is “a room of your own.” This does not necessarily mean four walls and a door. When I began to write, my ‘room’ was a small desk and computer in one corner of our family room. Over the years, it has progressed to an office where I can close the door. Door or no door, it is important you claim a space in your home as yours alone. A place where you can focus on your next great work without being conflicted when your child needs to do homework or your partner wants to get online—RIGHT NOW. When you do this, you are saying to everyone, “I take myself seriously as a writer. Please do the same.”

I have learned that putting these two ideas into practice sets the stage for successful writing. Maybe you have some other ideas that have helped you write successfully. If so, please share them. I’d love to talk about it.

In my next blog, I’ll talk about the environment I use to inspire my writing.

Until then, write on. It’s worth it!

In 2009, I accomplished a goal 11 years in the making. I wrote a novel. In 2010 I took that goal one step further. I became a published author. I remember the tear-filled joy when I saw the proposed cover for Ravens Cove, An Alaska Iconoclast Mystery.  And I remember the expectations bubbling at the back of my mind: hopes of being an instant success and making lots of money were at the top. Since then, I have written and have had published two additional books. I am still not an overnight success. Nor have I made the mega bucks I hoped to see.

So, today I’ve been reflecting on my career choice. More specifically, asking myself, “Is writing worth it?” The writings in a small inspirational book answered my question. Then, I realized there are others out there just like me who don’t know if they should continue to write. Other writers who have not realized their goals for financial stability and recognition.

For all of you, I am sharing the inspiration I found in The Pocket Muse by Monica Wood. I hope it will help you, dear friend in writing, as it did me. Monica wrote:

There is a special throne in heaven for poets, who labor in obscurity. The rest of us harbor unexpressed hope for fame and glory. You might be tempted to write for the market. You might be tempted to ride the crest of a trend. That kind of writing is about as stable and fulfilling as day trading. Write what moves you. Write what interests you. Write what frightens you. Write what thrills you. Take a cue from the poets, bless their underfunded little hearts.

After this short reading, I remembered why I write. It was never about money or fame. It was to paint a picture with words that would entertain and delight readers who enjoy a supernatural thriller. I did. More, though, it was to get the story out. To put it on paper because I felt compelled to do just that. You see, writing is my passion. I can’t stop writing any more than I can stop breathing. It is that intuitive to me.

If you’re stuck in the doubt game like I’ve been, let me know. I’ll be happy to listen and, if you’d like, share some ideas about getting out of that pit.

Regardless, write on, my talented friends. Write on. It’s what we do!

Until next time,