What if notebooks didn't exist?

 There are two possible replies to this scenario: Either writers would save a lot of money every year, or every writer would have to carry a binder of loose leaf paper with them at all times. (Of course, this would be before phones were equipped with notetaking apps and laptops got really thin)

I spend way more money than I should buying notebooks. In the months since January, I've probably purchased at least fifteen, which is a lot. From where I'm sitting right now, I can see six different notebooks, all of which I bought in the last three months. Notebooks can be expensive, especially if you prefer to write with a pen on paper (as opposed to a laptop or tablet or phone).

For the same reason, if notebooks didn't exist, I'd probably end up carrying at least two sheets of paper with me at all times, because sometimes it's nice to be able to work on a story while waiting or sitting or talking. But that would be an immense hassle. No one said writing was easy.

If you have another idea for a 'What if Wednesday,' please comment with it!

What if I created a writing group?

 I know, it's not Wednesday,  so it's kinda a bad time for a 'What if...' post, but this is important.

What if I created a writing group? Well. It would be where I'd post upcoming books, writing tips and blog posts on here would start coming from the writers in my group. Sound cool?

Guess what! I did it. I created my own writing group, which is called Scribbler Collective. The Instagram account is up and running, and the website is in the final stages of production. Sound awesome? There's more! In a few weeks I'll be releasing a FREE ebook from me and my Scribbler pals which will include stories that were posted here, as well as some from other writer friends. The ebook will be called Screenshot and it will launch soon!

Also, if you've sent me a message through the form on this blog, I promise I havent been ignoring you. There was a typo in the email address I entered (human error guys. Still a thing), but I've fixed it now. I'm really sorry if you did try to send me a message through it, but it is up and working right now.

Thanks for reading all the way to here and have a good (ahem) Friday!

Writing Tip #7 - Don't Overedit

 I know, this sounds counterintuitive. Editing makes your book better, and can help iron out wrinkles. Therefore, more editing is good, right?

I'd agree, but to a point. Editing is good, but too much editing can make you lose interest in your own book. There will probably be some minor problems (I know that my book has a small grammar mistake) but, as long as they don't take away from the readability or flow of the story, I honestly wouldn't worry about those.

Too much editing can also mean that your book starts to get mired in small bits of grammar that no one cares about or even knows, and it can start to look wrong. 

Editing is good, and I really recommend at least a few rounds of edits. (My book had seven or eight). Just not so many that you get sick of your own writing.

A shorter tip this week, but that's all right.

Writing Tip #6 - Breaks are Healthy

 Sometimes, a story gets stuck. Maybe your brain is all out of ideas, maybe the plot just suddenly stops making sense. You're tired, frustrated and there's a dent in your desk from banging your head.

If you're at this point, stop. Stop writing, stop thinking about that story (hard, I know) and just take a break. Don't keep trying to force it your writing, or your story will feel forced to a reader.

This doesn't mean stop writing completely, just to take a break from it. Give your brain a rest and refill whatever dark box your creative ideas come from. Your brain needs time to recharge, and the lack of ideas is how it tells you. Give yourself a break.

More importantly, don't beat yourself up over it. Everyone needs a break at some point. When you come back, your ideas will be fresher, and you'll be able to see the story in a new light. Of course, this isn't instantaneous. It takes some time to get that spark back. But if you take that time, your story will thank you for it.

If just not writing is too hard (it definitely is for me), then find another project. A shorter one, even. Lots of the short stories that I post here were written when my main story got stuck.

Most of all, don't quit. Needing a break doesn't mean that you're a bad writer, or that you don't belong in the publishing industry. Imposter syndrome is something every writer needs to deal with. But keep working, and one day you will have a story.

Tip #5 - Get advice from Experienced Writers

 

First of all, this doesn't mean me.

More experienced writers have been in the game for years and can often steer you away from rookie mistakes that they regretted making. Of course, you'll make your own mistakes, but that's not what we're looking at right now.
Often, experienced writers do charge to speak with them directly, but you can listen to their podcasts for free. These podcasts usually cover a lot of the basics of publishing (with a specific emphasis on self-publishing because that's what I do).
Another option is to read nonfiction books about writing and with self publishing tips in them. For example, books like Successful Self-Publishing by Joanna Penn. I recommend this book specifically because the ebook version of it is free. I've read it a few times now, and it's really good. She shares her struggles and problems, which helps you to see the warning signs for those problems and avoid them yourself.
Also, if you do know an author personally, or someone who's been in the business for a few years, talk to them. Chances are, they'll do their best to help you.
Remember, though. This is self-publishing. Don't ever expect someone to have all the answers. There will be parts that you need to figure out for yourself.
That's all for this week! Next week we'll talk about how not writing can improve your writing.