All I Needed Was to Develop Some Character

Lately, I've been back in my writing mode. I  have tons of ideas. However, I always get stuck. My stories fall flat and have no where to go. My characters end up having not have any real character. Boring! Today, I came across an article on Writer's Digest that addressed one of the main problems I've been having: What would my character do next? The article is called 5 Tips for Creating Characters for Kids. The author, Ann Whitford Paul, talks about developing your character first. Once you know everything thing there is to know about their personality, appearance, family, hobbies, and favorite color, food, etc., then you'll know where the story will go. It all depends on the choices that your character is likely to make.

I'm immensely glad I found this particular article. This isn't the first time I've come across this piece of advice. But I guess this has been the most helpful, the most detailed.My characters and stories are much more rich. I can see them, touch them. I let you guys know what I'm working on soon.

Planting the seeds

One of my favorite bloggers wrote an interesting post the other day. She wants to have the summer off next year. So she's going to spend the next several months writing articles and increasing her residual income. Well that got me thinking. Why can't I do that? Granted this lady already earns a nice amount...enough to pay some bills. Still, since I make exactly $o.oo in residual income, there is no place to go but up. It will be very nice to be able pay a bill. My husband certainly would appreciate this. Of course, there is a chance that I'll only make a few bucks here and there. Still...if I do this, there's a chance that I might become a better writer in the process. Learning the finer points of grammar, finding my voice, gaining confidence...priceless.

A famous artist may never perform one of my songs. My children's books could stay forever incomplete. However, in this day and age, there is no reason for me to be a "starving artist".

Writing: New Ventures... part 2

You know, it's nice to get paid to write. Letting other people pick the topics is a very different experience. I tend to be indecisive, so not having to decide what to write about is good sometimes. What's really great are the challenges that come with it. I'm learning to research better, pace myself and write faster. It doesn't hurt that they're impressed with what I've done so far. Yaaay, me!
I hope you guys are having success with your writing journeys as well. Let me know.

The Hardest Part About Writing

The hardest part about writing, for me, is the stress I put myself through. I spend too much time agonizing over what to write and when to write it. My least productive days are always a result of me over thinking the process. Then, I end up with nothing. This is a very hard habit to break. I find myself making excuses. I don't want to get up early, even though I'm usually awake. I'd rather not disturb my husband's morning routine, or worse, him disturb my routine with soap operas, morning shows, ironing requests and dare I say it... talking. Nighttime isn't a good time because there is still too much going on. That leaves the rest of the day for spurts of productivity squeezed between the needs and demands of two toddlers. When I think of it, this is actually a pretty good arrangement. Less people in the house means less human interaction. The real bonus is that I get full computer access (mostly interrupted of course). Kindergarten is sounding better all the time.