Using Writing Prompts

There's many Insta / Tumblr pages now that focus solely on giving vague writing prompts for people, and although they do well in regards to likes/comments, they can be quite limiting.

I feel that whenever I see a writing prompt, I make a quick idea in my head and it goes no further, but who is to say someone else didn't immediately follow the same thought? It's a little exercise to get your brain going, but personally, I definitely wouldn't risk trying to base a story around one. It's a bit of quick fun at best - but it does have it's benefits - writing prompts can trigger other story ideas, or lead you on a train of thought that could help with other projects on the go.

If I ever see a writing prompt that leads my brain on a thought - I run with it and see what I can create - but the ones I have come across seem very limiting, or uninspired, or just completely wild and I feel I can't do anything with it. They would be a good jump off point for high school essay projects or as a creative ice breaking task before writing something else - but I've never got too far with a writing prompt idea, if I ever do, I'll be sure to tell the world.

The positive about writing prompts, is that it could lead you in a completely different direction - which could inspire a project that's a safe enough distance from the prompt that you can go anywhere with it. I'm yet to see one that's inspired me.

I suggest exploring writing prompt pages, to see if anything sparks your creativity. Best of luck.

1). Following. 2). A 3). Word 4). Count

Obviously, if you have to work to a limit for someone, stick to it - don't sacrifice writing jobs because you don't like following a word count.

You may see other writers posting about how many words they have managed to write in a short period of time, and as a result, feel inadequate. Don't. Everyone writes differently, I don't use a word count for projects, nor do I set goals for how many words I plan to write in a set limit of time.

Word counts can be used to structure an essay, article, novel, etc, and having a deadline can put added pressure on writing. Writing can be painful as it is without a combination of a time limit AND needing a certain number of words. I feel if some days you are more creative than others, you're going to feel like a let down if you have an off day.

If you do choose to set a limit, ensure it's reasonable and not a project for someone else, that way you don't have a deadline to write it in. If you pass your daily goal, fantastic, if not, it doesn't matter, you're testing the water. I'd say do a dummy run, so when you're feeling particularly productive, pull a number out of the air and start writing. You then have the opportunity to see how long it takes you, how comfortable you are writing that much, and see if setting a word count is for you.

I don't work to one, I'd honestly prefer not to - in regards to my novel, I'm playing it by ear so when it is complete and I give it a run through and seems too short or too long, I'll deal with this in the editing stages of writing. If I get a writing job, I tend to write as much as I need to - but then chop and change when it's done.

Proofread! Proofread! Proofread!

You don't know pain like sending off a piece of work, then finding a typo the second it's sent.
Heartbreaking.

You can get other people to have a read through, or use a spell checker, but unfortunately, some things can be overlooked. I have only sent one essay off with a typo, so far, but I was fortunate to contact immediately and had the chance to rectify the mistake before the submission was accepted and the deadline was still open.

Proofreading seems like an obvious thing to do when writing, but as I said words can be overlooked, especially when you've added an extra word, your spell check may not flag the mistake, and your brain may completely miss it when having a quick skim when writing.
I've learnt to write, edit twice, proofread, and then have beta readers involved to avoid any typos slipping through. It's also a good way to hear your work whilst you're writing it - reading aloud whilst writing has helped me notice the words I've used.

Tip: Writing in comic sans apparently helps you notice mistakes, and makes you write more!

Contacting Big Bookstores

I'm not going to pretend I'm an expert at this, as I've only done it once.. Yesterday..

A NYC bookstore had liked a photo of mine on Instagram, and me being me, pushed my luck by messaging them something along the lines of 'if you liked that picture, maybe you'll like stocking my new book'. Ridiculous, but I expected an emoji response or little a back and forth - but no - they sent me to a link of how to get my work in their stores?!

I was baffled. This is an amazing opportunity, which was unexpected. In less than five minutes, I had followed their instructions and sent The Macroodelzig on it's merry way to New York. Sometimes light hearted actions can lead to a big deal. I'm crossing my fingers, but I understand it's a tricky business to break - so my hopes are not too high!

I don't think that I would contact a big bookstore off my own back, I'd feel far too vulnerable and inadequate, but the presence of social media made me put myself forward - although it was in a jokey way, they helped me. I would definitely encourage contacting bookshops if you feel confident enough, or if like me, you'd prefer to test the water, then do it through social media - the people running them are polite and helpful, so you can't go wrong.

Bite the bullet! Contact away - you never know how they'll respond, but they'll definitely be helpful.

#WritingCommunity

It's so amazing that so many platforms use the hashtag, #WritingCommunity - I have used it several times to plug my work, get some feedback, connect with other indie writers and answer other people's questions.
I'm not as active on there as I'd like to be - as I often feel out of my depth dishing out advice and information to writers who have way more experience than me.

There are some cool folk on there who promote work, and help other writers get more followers and attention - which is so helpful to indies.
You don't realise how much you actually expand your audience when you use the hashtag, there are so many supportive people who will take the time to have a look at your work - so make sure you return the favour! I tend to like or retweet whenever I browse the hashtag, or even joining in with threads that I feel comfortable contributing to.
I love reading peoples ideas and WIPS, or learning about their book characters.
People come up with the most incredible plots and are happy to share for feedback.

The community is very accepting and welcoming to new writers, even if you've not written anything as yet, they are willing to advise, guide and answer any questions you may have.

Finding Feedback - The Struggle

It's fairly difficult to source your own book bloggers for feedback, and being an indie only makes it worse. Here's how I went about finding people willing.

I had to contact people on several different social media sites to find people willing to fit my work in to their busy To Be Read list.
You can't expect people to drop what they're doing to deal with you.
The people I spoke to were writers, bloggers, book reviewers, parents and carers, and people who enjoy children's literature, and fortunately, I managed to get some feedback.

Some of the feedback I received were posted on the social media that I had contacted them on, so I had featured on their Instagram stories, was retweeted on Twitter, and the cover of my book reposted on Tumblr. Not all feedback comes to Amazon - that's why you have to share their feedback on your own, as others may not see it. It's always good to request that they share their comments on Amazon, if they can, bonus, if they can't, it doesn't matter, they've spent time giving your work feedback, so you should take the time thanking them, sharing their words, and returning the favour if possible.

Don't go into thinking that people owe you anything. Yes, you have a new book. Yes, it's super exciting. Yes, the people you contact do this for a living. It doesn't mean they read your genre, or they prefer books that aren't indie, or they just don't have time - some people make a living from reviews, and therefore would expect a payment for their time. If you cannot pay them - don't ask them. I don't pay for reviews, as I feel you'd want more bang for your buck, and expect a glowing review as your hard earned money went towards it - which may not be completely honest or reflective of your work.

Top tip: Do not expect the review to be perfect and sparkly, they see your work in a different light and will point out the flaws, imperfections, and will inform you of their opinion - it's honest work, and it's better to hear the truth from someone who has built a career on book reviews, than to be told it's amazing and that feedback being useless to you.

Indie Writer : Dealing With Imposter Syndrome

I've posted twice about experiencing imposter syndrome. There's genuinely a horrible feeling of playing pretend when you're trying to follow your dreams and getting nowhere fast.
I've seen a few people posting about it in the Twitter Writing Community, which is comforting to know I'm not the only one, but it's also awful knowing that so many talented people feel like this when it comes to writing.

It can come in different forms, feeling like you're not being taken seriously as a writer, looking at your own work and thinking it's absolute rubbish, thinking your work will be overlooked because you're 'a nobody', or even when looking for writing jobs and not applying because you're not a household name.

Writing is hard, it always has been and it always will be - and unfortunately, Imposter Syndrome seems to follow not far behind whenever you start a writing project.
Yet, it's not permanent. Whenever I get excited that work was accepted, or I run with a new idea, or when a project is finished, it goes. Know it's not forever, it never shows it's face when you're on an up - I know it's often a long time between good news, but point stands, enthusiasm seems to curb the idea you're an imposter.
Chin up, crack on, and understand it's temporary.

Amazon Bestseller : The Maths

Ever wanted to work out how books reach the Top 100 on Amazon? They have a Best Sellers Ranking system which gives each book a number - this number changes with reviews, sales, and other books being added on to the Amazon website. So, I was wondering what it would take to hit the Top 100 from standing...

My best sellers ranking (at the minute) is 130,706.
So, I would need to have at least 130,606 reviews or sales within a limited period - as I said, if more books are added the book can be knocked back. (ARGH!)
I have approx. 450 Facebook friends, and 750 Twitter followers.
Providing there is no cross over with accounts, that's 1,200 people - so even if they purchased the book or left a review, it wouldn't scratch the surface. To smash this realistically, you'll need the best advertising and promotional team going - but who has the money for this?

It's near impossible - in my opinion - for an indie author, to promote, advertise and even know enough people to have them ALL help accomplish this goal.
I'm still attempting to boost the ranking number - for a personal achievement / for fun - it gives me something to work towards with this book.
The ranking doesn't mean the content of the book is no good - don't forget this!

Want to try and help bump my number up?
Grab The Macroodelzig on Amazon now!

Creative Writing - Word Salad

Whilst looking for writing jobs, I found a lot of notes for 'Word Salad'.
I checked out the job and found it to be a lot of fun constructing sentences and a storyline.
See, Word Salad requests poetry, short stories, novels etc. but you have to include a list of certain words.
This is an amazing writing exercise and I want to take this on as a regular writing exercise before I start work. You can be given three words, and you've got the freedom to make it any genre you want.

For my first practice, I was given: Hollywood, Bowling ball, and Reputation.

I wrote a little idea about a fictional person moving to Hollywood to make a life for herself as an actor, but due to poor choices and relationships, her reputation was twisted and run into the ground by the people she trusted the most. It ended with her throwing a bowling ball through her agent's window after a break down.
It's nothing special, but it definitely sharpens your ideas and was a brilliant writing exercise.
You can use a word generator to make your own Word Salad!

Writing Projects : Knock Backs.

I'm not going to be one of those people who only blogs about the good news and the success in terms of my work - it's not what being a writer is. I'd rather be honest about it than put on a front - not everything is handed to you, and so it shouldn't be.

You will apply for things and get knocked back, you will enter your work and it be rejected, you will spend a long time working for it to be a none starter. It happens. If it didn't happen you wouldn't grow as a person, you wouldn't put more effort in, your writing wouldn't go anywhere.

I've seen today that the filming opportunity I applied for has closed, and the chosen projects have been informed. Meaning my short film idea wasn't taken on.
Of course I'm gutted.
But what can you do?

..You can crack on, that's what!
I have a filming project that I can work on, and film when I fancy. It's not the end of a project, just because one opportunity doesn't choose your work.
Take it on the chin and put it down to experience. Onwards and upwards - as always!

Taking A Writing Course

Am I a writer, or am I just writing?

I often get overwhelmed with imposter syndrome - as if I'm playing 'writer/author'.
To overcome this, I recently found some free online courses in literacy. I didn't go to university to spark my interest in writing, I just fell into it, and now it's my dream career.

And I want to gain as much knowledge as possible to help my creative writing, as well as improving my confidence. I have experience, but having a course down will be some knowledge to make me feel more comfortable when I tell people what I do for a living (well, what I do).

You don't NEED formal qualifications to write, but for me, it's helping me overcome doubts that I'm in over my head and chasing the impossible.
I like learning, so I'm happy to gain as much as I can through understanding different aspects of creative writing. If you're interested - check the FutureLearn website.

Writing Outside Your Comfort Zone

Before I started pushing myself to try writing new things, I stuck to what I knew, unknowingly limiting my writing. I recently started my novel, and I absolutely love it!
I like to challenge myself when it comes to creative writing, as it gives you experience, expands your abilities, and you could find something you're happy to do forever.

I felt nervous starting my novel - I didn't know where to start, and felt inadequate.
I mean, I went from writing short stories and poetry, to throwing myself into a massive project - I wasn't qualified to do this!
Well, I am, and I'm glad I made a start.

I'm only just coming to terms with the fact my anxiety makes me feel like I am limiting myself as a creative, or that I'm an imposter and I've no idea what I'm doing.
I know for a fact, though, this is my dream job - so I need to ensure I reach this by leaving my comfort zone more often! It allows you to move in the right direction, without forcing too much pressure on yourself.

Stepping Away From A WIP

Spending some time away from a writing project could go one of three ways:

1. Fresh eyes on a project could inspire new ideas, which could result in pushing time and effort into finishing your work.

2. You could feel it still has potential, but now isn't the right time to fully emmerse yourself in it. Put a pin in it and you can always return later.

3. You find the project is longer relevant, it has run it's course and you no longer want your name on it.

If it is the third route, don't feel guilty for cutting ties with a WIP.
Yes, you worked hard on a particular creative writing piece, but do you really want to put your heart into something you find limited?
It happens.
Some WIPs got put on hold for a reason - it's better to put time into new projects, than trying to salvage something you believe isn't going anywhere.
If you aren't sure about a WIP, go for option 2 - but if you know you're stunted, drop it, you can always cut extracts from it you feel can be used elsewhere.

Keep moving forward!
Don't feel bad for letting go of a project!

Poetry For A Clear Mind

Please don't think this is a post dedicated to relaxing poetry.. It's definitely not.
I have been using poetry to clear my mind of worries and stresses. This is an exercise I have adopted before I start working on my novel, or my other projects. It's as simple as writing down what's bothering me and making it rhyme.

If it's on the paper, it's off my chest.

I started doing this only recently, to get everything out in the open so my mind is clear before working. It's a fun, little exercise, as it makes small bothers seem trivial - and often hilarious.
The poetry doesn't have to be deep or serious, it can be silly and pointless. The most important thing, is that your brain is not longer busy, putting you in the right mind set so you're ready to write. If there is a chance some of this poetry could go further, then even better, because you've turned a bother into a project.

- - Obviously, if something is serious, a poem won't fix it - you're going to have to deal with that.
This exercise is to clear your head before writing.

Expanding Vocabulary

In my second Charlie Cheese book, Charlie Cheese Travels The World - I went crazy with synonyms. It's always a good idea to help children learn new words, especially if you just swap in a synonym now and again.
I did this when I worked with small children too, I was never 'scared' I was 'frightened' or 'spooked' - for some reason, the kids found me using bizarre words they're unfamiliar with absolutely hilarious, but it helped them learn and understand new words, so bonus.

I try my best to learn new words. This often happens when I have a word stuck in my head, and after I cannot figure out where I'd heard it, I end up blurting out and asking what it is - usually not taking into consideration whether or not the word may be inappropriate.. Either way, I get my answer!

I like to search synonyms and antonyms when writing - as basic as that is, I find it easier than reading a word over and over to try and make it stick. Expanding your own vocabulary doesn't have to be a chore and it can help massively when writing. You can end up using words several times and it does begin to grind and you feel like a useless writer as a result.

Reading also helps with vocabulary. (It helps you write, too).
There's no shame in looking up words that seem overly complex - an author/writer used that word for a reason - so find out what it means.

Best of luck!

Trying To Write With 'Baby Brain'

For those who don't know, you do now.
I'm pregnant!

See, you couldn't even tell on my blog because my writing has been up to scratch, hasn't it?

Well, now my 'baby brain' is getting worse.
I forget words, I get distracted and I completely mess up what I'm saying - which is difficult when you're trying to be a full time writer.

I haven't lost any motivation as I try to write daily. I haven't ran out of ideas because my notes are bursting. I haven't put a pin in writing as this is my dream job and I need to continue.
I am just struggling to form a decent sentence and words don't look right anymore.

I thought my peak worst 'baby brain' moment was thinking someone was called 'Wolf Fingers', rather than 'William'. It's hard work.

I'm writing now in short bursts and taking longer breaks, it's not ideal, but I'm not stopping writing. My WIPS are still open and I'm attempting to be more productive. If you are a pregnant writer - you're doing amazing. It is hard when your brain is slowly melting. Writing will always be worth it. Keep your 'baby brain' busy.

Sticky Note Haiku Procrastinator

I feel the title could be my superhero name / be on my headstone without it being questioned.

If you follow me on Instagram - my handle is @thebeffyparkin - you'll know I was supposed to be doing paperwork today, something I've been putting off since the dawn of time. Obviously, I shuffled three pieces of paper then began writing..

My brain has rewired itself. I used to enjoy organising paperwork.
Now, I'm happy writing all day and making a massive desk mess. Shocking.

I'm attempting to use this to my advantage, somehow. I am hoping to create rhymes and haikus WHILST ticking things off my to-do list - and when some jobs are done, "as a treat" I can begin making notes. What an exciting life!

It has to be sticky notes - or I'm just going to create more paperwork that I'll never finish. Smart.
Here's the result of this morning's procrastination:

Collecting Material

Whilst having a day out this week, this beauty was found:

After finding this pleasant surprise, I've decided I need to really consider writing some novels..
Based in Australia.. Or Hawaii..
But it'll be a very long winded book, so I'd need to collect material, for approximately, a year?

I never thought of this aspect of writing - changing your scenery to spark ideas or research a particular place/event.
This is probably because I can find inspiration to write whilst running a bath, or having a drive, or trying not to burn pasta sauce.
I definitely need to broaden my horizons and get myself off to interesting places - to see what weird and wonderful things I could come up with! 

Here's to finding inspiration, and collecting material, everywhere and anywhere!

Say No To Clickbait!

Just a little thing I created this morning whilst running on less than 5 hours sleep. It's also to remind myself why I should get other people to do my art work for me!
Say NO to clickbait, kids!

This Year I Will.. #TYIW

It's 2019, which means I am free to set new goals and aims for the year - with hopes I can complete them within the deadline.
That didn't go as planned in 2018, but I did get a lot done!
This year I've decided to set more vague goals - as my writing often takes a turn.

GOALS:

- Have another book to print. - A new CC book? Poetry? Who knows yet!

- FILM SOMETHING! - This may be low quality due to funding, but it's a step in the right direction as I've wanted to film for a while!

- Submit work into other publications! - I love using Submittable, and it's a way of writing new things to deadlines, and it's lots of fun!

Easy, right? Wish me luck!