How To Overcome Writer’s Block
What Is Writer’s Block?
Writer’s block is the kryptonite to a writer’s superpower—creativity. Have you ever found yourself staring at a blank page, unable to write? Perhaps you feel paralyzed by fear or unable to begin the process. Perhaps you move your hands to the keyboard, or lift your pencil to the page time and time again, only to pull them away, thinking hmm, why won’t the words just flow? Writer’s block happens to nearly every writer; it’s inevitable. Writer’s block is the inability to freely dive into writing and the feeling that whatever words come from your fingertips aren’t worth writing in the first place or won’t be good enough. The bad news? You’ve diagnosed yourself with writer’s block. But the good news? It’s treatable and an obstacle you can definitely overcome.
How To Submit Your Writing To—And Get It Published In—Literary Journals
To successfully publish your work in literary journals, it's essential to understand the submission process and tailor your approach accordingly. Begin by thoroughly researching potential journals to ensure your work aligns with their editorial focus and submission guidelines. Resources like Poets & Writers' Literary Journals and Magazines Guide offer valuable insights into various publications. Before submitting, meticulously revise your work to ensure it meets the highest standards. Adhering to each journal's specific submission guidelines is crucial. Keep in mind that many journals claim first North American serial rights, meaning they seek to be the first to publish your work. By carefully selecting appropriate journals, refining your work, and adhering to submission protocols, you increase the likelihood of seeing your writing published in esteemed literary outlets.
With 2023 wrapping up and the new year just around the corner, I thought it would be helpful to share some amazing resources for writers looking to submit their work in 2024! Many literary journals are still accepting submissions into 2024 and there are plenty of publications looking for high-quality writing for their next issue! Below is an in-depth guide for submitting your writing as well as a list of my top Oklahoma-based literary journals that I’d recommend submitting to!
How To Write Poems With Artificial Intelligence (Using Google's Verse by Verse)
Artificial intelligence (AI) has been integrated into various creative fields, including poetry. Google's experimental tool, Verse by Verse, assists users in composing poems by offering suggestions inspired by classic American poets. To use the tool, individuals select up to three poets from a list that includes Emily Dickinson, Walt Whitman, and Edgar Allan Poe. After choosing the desired poetic structure—such as quatrain, couplet, or free verse—and specifying parameters such as syllable count and rhyme scheme, users input the first line of their poem. The AI then generates subsequent lines, emulating the style of the selected poets. It's important to note that while AI can provide creative suggestions, human intervention remains crucial in refining and finalizing the poem, ensuring authenticity and personal expression.
Info-Dumping in Science Fiction & Fantasy Novels by Breyonna Jordan
Info-dumping occurs when writers provide excessive background information in a single section, potentially overwhelming readers and disrupting the narrative flow. This issue is prevalent in science fiction and fantasy genres due to their complex world-building requirements. Indicators of info-dumping include lengthy paragraphs, minimal action or conflict, and the author's voice overshadowing the characters'. To avoid this, authors should focus on essential details, integrating additional information gradually as the story progresses. This approach keeps readers engaged without inundating them with information, maintaining a robust and immersive setting.
My Bookish Resolutions (2023)
In 2023, I set five specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) book-related goals. I aimed to read all 36 unread books on my shelf, building on my success of reading 34 books in 2022. Second, I planned to complete the Wingbound trilogy by Heather Trim, with Wingspan slated for January. Third, I intended to create a cozy reading space by furnishing my living room, following a recent move. Fourth, I sought to acquire a new bookshelf to complement my desired mid-century modern or industrial-themed decor, repurposing the old one for bathroom storage. Lastly, I aspired to read a 2023 release early in the year, specifically highlighting 'Yellowface' by R.F. Kuang, and planned to review it promptly.
15 Misconceptions About Freelancing
Freelancing is often surrounded by misconceptions that can mislead those considering this career path. One common myth is that freelancers lack job security; however, many freelancers build stable careers by diversifying their client base and continuously marketing their services. Another misconception is that freelancers earn less than traditionally employed individuals; in reality, many freelancers match or exceed their previous salaries, especially as they gain experience and specialize in high-demand niches. Additionally, the belief that freelancers have no bosses is misleading, as they must answer to clients and adhere to project requirements and deadlines. The notion that freelancing is less legitimate than traditional employment is unfounded, as freelancers are recognized as independent contractors and contribute significantly to the economy. Finally, while some assume freelancers are socially isolated, many actively engage in networking, collaborate with clients, and participate in professional communities, maintaining robust social interactions. By understanding these misconceptions, freelancers, their clients, and everyone else can glimpse a clearer picture of what it’s like working independently.
“Twenty Little Poetry Projects” Writing Exercise by Jim Simmerman
The "Twenty Little Poetry Projects" is a creative writing exercise devised by Jim Simmerman, featured in The Practice of Poetry by Robin Behn and Chase Twichell. This exercise presents poets with twenty prompts designed to invigorate their writing process and explore unconventional poetic techniques. By engaging with these varied prompts, poets can break free from conventional patterns, experiment with new forms, and infuse their work with fresh perspectives. This exercise encourages the blending of sensory experiences, the use of unexpected language, and the creation of imaginative scenarios, all contributing to the development of a more dynamic and original poetic voice.
Screenwriting for Novelists: How Different Mediums Can Improve Your Writing
Exploring different writing mediums, such as screenwriting, can significantly enhance a novelist's skills. Engaging in various formats keeps the writing process fresh and invigorating, preventing creative stagnation. Screenwriting's emphasis on concise storytelling, dialogue, and visual elements can teach novelists to "show, don't tell," enriching their narrative techniques. The structured nature of screenwriting, with its three-act format and strict adherence to industry standards, offers novelists a framework that can be both challenging and liberating, fostering new avenues of creativity. By venturing into screenwriting, novelists can broaden their horizons, refine their craft, and infuse their prose with cinematic qualities that captivate readers.
Experimentation Is Essential For Creators’ Growth (In Both Art and Writing)
Experimentation is essential for artists and writers to foster growth and maintain creativity. Engaging in various styles, themes, and mediums prevents stagnation and keeps work fresh and engaging. For instance, resin artists can incorporate materials like alcohol ink, watercolor, acrylics, glitter, or beads to achieve diverse effects. Similarly, painters and sculptors can explore different tools, colors, and techniques to expand their creative horizons. Likewise, writers can mix techniques that are characteristic of different genres to create stories that are refreshing and new. Embracing experimentation allows creators to discover new possibilities, refine their unique voice, and enhance their overall artistic practice.
Writing Exercises from Jeff Tweedy's Book, How To Write One Song
Jeff Tweedy's book "How to Write One Song" offers innovative exercises to unlock creativity in songwriting and poetry. One such exercise is the "Word Ladder," which involves selecting a specific profession (e.g., physician) and listing ten associated verbs, followed by ten nouns from your immediate surroundings. By pairing these verbs and nouns in unexpected ways, writers can craft unique phrases that serve as the foundation for poems or lyrics. This method encourages the use of simple, everyday language to create fresh and compelling imagery. Tweedy emphasizes that this exercise is less about producing polished lyrics and more about rediscovering the joy and playfulness inherent in language, helping writers break free from conventional patterns and explore new creative avenues.
8 Reasons Why Having A Creative Community Matters
Engaging with a writing community offers numerous benefits that can significantly enhance a writer's journey. Firstly, it provides essential support, offering motivation and encouragement during challenging phases of the writing process. Secondly, such a community fosters accountability, helping writers adhere to their goals and deadlines. Thirdly, it serves as a valuable source of constructive feedback, enabling writers to refine their work through diverse perspectives. Fourthly, fellow writers can share practical advice, recommending resources like books, blogs, and workshops to aid development. Fifthly, writing communities often include readers who can offer insights from an audience's viewpoint, aiding in reaching and understanding one's target demographic. Sixthly, observing peers' progress and achievements can serve as inspiration, fueling one's own creativity and commitment. Seventhly, contributing to others' growth by offering feedback and support can be fulfilling and reinforce one's own skills. Lastly, being part of a writing community establishes a sense of belonging, connecting individuals with shared aspirations and challenges, thus enriching the overall writing experience.
For Content Creators and CEOs with ADHD: Strategies to Succeed Despite Overwhelm and Distractions
Learn how CEOs and content creators with ADHD can thrive amid overwhelm and distraction. Discover practical ADHD-friendly systems—like daily planning tools, the Pomodoro Technique, and chunking strategies—from author Payton Hayes. Boost focus, eliminate burnout, and build sustainable routines that enhance leadership and productivity.
Active Reading Vs. Passive Reading:Using Psychology-Based Critical Reading Skills To Increase Information Absorption & Retention
Active reading involves fully engaging with the material, critically analyzing concepts, and connecting new information to existing knowledge, thereby enhancing comprehension and retention. In contrast, passive reading, characterized by skimming or reading amidst distractions, often leads to superficial understanding. The first step to reading more actively is to review any questions related to the material before reading to identify key information. Second, read the passage multiple times, revisiting questions between each reading to reinforce understanding. Third, identify and define unfamiliar terms to prevent confusion. Fourth, summarize main ideas in the margins or in a notebook to reinforce comprehension. The fifth and final step is to mark important sections relevant to the reading objectives for easy reference. Implementing these techniques can transform reading into an active process, leading to better absorption and long-term retention of information.
4 of the Most Useful FREE Apps for Writers
Though it may seem counterintuitive from a notification/distraction standpoint, there are many great tools for both readers and writers readily accessible from multiple devices. If you want to knock out your book challenge or level up your writing game for 2022, keep reading to find out what apps might help you reach your bookish goals this year!
