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.

Are Beta Readers Important?

I only recently started using beta readers - I have also had people read the book once released for some feedback and for them to do a possible review for me on Amazon. Beta readers get their hands on your work before it goes too far, they give their honest opinion on your writing, and they help with any plot holes, grammar issues or tell you if the story is interesting or not.

So, are beta readers important?
.. They're more like ALPHA READERS, am I right? - The response I've had from people interested in my writing projects before they are available for the world to see, is incredible. It's very scary letting someone see your work before you even feel it's nearly finished - but it is productive, especially since beta readers will be critical of your work and not just sugar coat things - they want you to have good quality work out there.

I will be contacting more beta readers in the future when I finally finish my novel - I will hopefully do this for my children's books too - obviously limiting how many you need, as if you let anyone read your work, you won't get any sold. I will also be continuing to send out a PDF copy of my books to select people in order to gain more reviews online. Get yourself some betas!

#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.

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.