I’m back at Writers Helping Writers this week to talk about one of favorite productivity tips: writing first drafts out of sequence. (*gasps*) If it sounds like it might be an overwhelming or potentially confusing way to write, I don’t blame you for thinking so. But when approached in a methodical way, “skipping around” can help you take advantage of moments of intense inspiration so you’re constantly in the flow. You can even use it as a work-around for writer’s block. 😮
Some of you might remember that I’ve fallen in love with adult coloring books. Yesterday I declared that love again at DIY MFA, as part of their weekly #5onFri series. But I’m not simply gushing about the adult coloring book trend. Instead, I offer five reasons why writers should try this hobby for themselves, from using it as a means to de-stress or meditate, to making it a creative solution for breaking through writer’s block.
Click here to read “#5onFri: Five Reasons Why Writers Should Give Coloring Books a Try.”
Are you also a fan of coloring? What are some of your favorite adult coloring books? Do you engage in other forms of art like painting, dancing, composing / playing music, etc.?
Chapters Completed: 16
Chapters In Progress: 6
Chapters Not Started: 12
“Chronicling The Craft” is an article series where I share my experience with writing my current work-in-progress (WIP), which is a fantasy novel. Every 5,000 words, I let readers know what I’ve accomplished since the previous article and share advice, discoveries, techniques, etc. Besides the word count in each article title, a “chapter ticker” at the top also tracks my progress as I use the skip-around / “writercopter” method to write the novel. Today’s installment celebrates the book reaching 65,000 words in length.
This summer’s been a season of adjustment. I took some time away from writing in June when my last surviving grandparent passed away; and like with most losses, the sadness lingered for a while. I’ve also changed my “writing location” for the days when I need to run my air conditioning. The through-the-wall AC unit and my writing desk are in the same room, and the chill and the noise from the clunker distracts me too much when I try to write. So, I’ve relocated to the “comfy” chair in my bedroom, where it’s quieter and the AC air gradually filters in throughout the day. (I live in a garden-style condo.) The plush chair cushions have also made the past few writing sessions luxuriously comfortable – I hate getting up when each session’s over! Continue reading
It’s been a while since I’ve written a Recent Reads article. I’ve gone through several books in the past few months, and they’re all worth reviewing for one reason or another. So instead of writing five in-depth reviews, I’ll (try my best to) keep it to one paragraph per book.
Sara Letourneau 