Adages and a Writing Exercise

 

March--the Lion and the Lamb

Today is the final day of March. Here in central Kansas, March came in like a lamb with warmer than usual temps, and today, it is blowing out of here like the lion. We had snow showers earlier this morning, enough to cover the rooftops. The saying, "If March comes in like a lion, it will go out like a lamb" was just the opposite for us this year of 2022.

We have lots of adages (or sayings) that are short bits of what life is like. They have become accepted over the years. Proverbs hand out advice, while adages state an accepted truth. There are so many of them that it would be difficult to list all.

Many years ago, when we hosted out first Czech Exchange student, Tomas and I were on our way to a picnic when I said something which was an adage. He slapped his hand on his knee and chuckled. "This is why I am in America to learn these sayings that Americans use. Not the formal English we learned at home in school." Thus began a conversation about a lot of our old sayings. He picked them up easily and delighted in using them.

For a writing exercise today, use one or two or more of the adages that follow here to create a short story or a few paragraphs or a flash fiction based on one saying. Maybe even a poem. Use it in your writing or use it only as a base, not writing the actual adage. I think you can have some fun with this one. 

Adages:

A.  A penny saved is a penny earned.

B.  A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

C.  Birds of a feather flock together.

D.  The early bird catches the worm. 

E.  Two wrongs don't make a right.

F.  Slow and steady wins the race.

G.  A picture is worth a thousand words.

H.  Two wrongs don't make a right.

I.  Don't judge a book by its cover.

Some writing books will tell you not to use these adages, they are cliches. That may be, but readers will know immediately what you're driving at. I would say, don't overuse them, but occasionally it is alright. And, it is perfectly fine to use them as a springboard for a writing exercise. Go for it!

Creating Covers for Your Book OR The Curse of the Overstuffed Cover

 

I'm happy to welcome Christina Hamlett as a Guest Blogger once again. If you're considering self-publishing, or have already done so, her post on creating book covers (and backs) will be of interest to you. 

The Curse of the Overstuffed Cover

By Christina Hamlett

Self-publishing has given rise to a new breed of frugal entrepreneur—authors who not only self-edit and self-format their content for upload but who also eschew hiring a professional to design their book cover(s). More often than not, the latter strategy is not a smart idea. Prospective buyers do indeed judge books by what’s on the front and what’s on the back. If it’s amateurish, cluttered, uses unappealing colors or is too obscure to make any sense, who’s to say that what’s inside might not be worth the read.

Book covers themselves did not come into popular use until near the end of the 19th century. Prior to that, they were made of cloth or leather with nothing more than their titles stamped on the front. In the absence of any clues to hint what a book was about, one had to rely on word-of-mouth chatter from acquaintances who had already read it. (“That new Christmas novel by Dickens? What a corker!”) 

The subsequent invention of dust jackets served a two-fold purpose. The first was to protect the binding and, thus, extend the life of the published work. The second was to introduce what we now call “cover art”—an imaginative way to advertise the contents without even having to crack it open. For artists, this opened an exciting new avenue of creative expression. Not only could they work with art departments at publishing houses but those who offered their services as independent contractors could enjoy a status most writers aren’t aware of; specifically, it’s the artist who owns the copyright to the cover, not the author.

In traditional publishing, new authors rarely have a say-so in what their finished product will look like. They must trust in the publisher’s own vision of what type of imagery will sell the book. When you self-publish, you’re the one who dons this hat and becomes tasked with the challenge of designing an exciting and inviting exterior which will cause copies of your work to fly off the shelves. 

“Oh, but how hard can it be?” the DIYers say. “You just get some eye-catching images, add some text and you’re good to go.” Platforms such as Amazon KDP and Draft2Digital even have copy-and-paste templates which take all the guesswork out of aligning art work and ensuring everything stays within the designated margins. My response to the assumption it’s all simple, however, is that unless you’re a photographer skilled at composition, have taken some graphic design classes and have access to the latest photo-editing software programs, your finished product will likely contain the following mistakes.

Mixed Fonts. It’s permissible to mix fonts on a front cover as long as (1) you don’t use more than two and (2) the fonts are compatible with each other. This goes for the back cover as well. I recently judged a cover art competition in which some of the participants used as many as seven different fonts. Not a professional look.

Teensy Margins. If there’s text at the very top, the very bottom and it stretches from the far left edge to the far right edge, it’s just not attractive. This problem can be remedied by scaling down the font size, decreasing the verbiage and adjusting the placement. Speaking of verbiage, authors often err in trying to shoehorn too much synopsis onto the back cover. Ideally, whatever back-cover teaser you use should not exceed 100 words.

Too Much Information. With the exception of the title, subtitle and author name, anything that’s going to be repeated on the back cover doesn’t need to be on the front cover. This includes elements such as a series number, a list of the author’s prior titles and the cover design credit.

Un-Readability. If you put a frou-frou font such as Mistral, French Script, or Lucida Handwriting  over a “busy” background, readers will have to squint to see what it says. Romance authors are especially guilty of this if text is placed over a heroine’s gown that is lace, calico or brocade. Likewise, if it’s an architectural backdrop with lots of doors, windows, turrets and grazing sheep.

I Thought It Was Free. Just because you find an image on the internet doesn’t mean it’s yours to pilfer for your cover. If you want to use existing images, they either have to be in the public domain or you have to have a commercial licensing agreement. (My own favorite source is http://www.123rf.com.) Regarding public domain properties such as old paintings, anyone can use the work without obtaining permission but no one can ever own it. It’s also critical to research whether there are any legal stipulations insofar as how a particular work can be used in a new context.

First Glance. If your cover were a vertical billboard on the freeway and readers were zipping by at 70 mph, could they comfortably read what it said? Likewise, if they’re scrolling through Amazon in search of a new read and saw a thumbnail of your cover, would it entice them to click on it?

All About ME! Non-fiction authors have a fondness for putting their face on the front cover. And the back cover. And inside the book. Unless you’re a recognizable celebrity, too much face-time is a bit of overkill, especially if your life-size face fills the entire cover. 

Yes, Yes, We Know You’re the Author. Lastly, I’d like to see authors stop putting “By So-and-So” on their front covers. Who else’s book would it possibly be? Your author name should also be in a smaller (or different) font than the title of the book to avoid confusion.

Former actress and director Christina Hamlett is an award-winning author whose credits to date include 44 books, 259 stage plays and squillions of articles. She is also a script consultant for stage and screen and a professional ghostwriter. www.authorhamlett.com.

Talking About Verbs

Today's topic centers on verbs. Those words that connect the subject and object of a sentence. There are two main classes of verbs--passive and active. When we write, our first inclination is to use the several versions of the 'to be' verb--was, is, were, are. Those verbs are useful, but rather boring. They're termed 'passive' for a reason.

Aim to use the active verbs which show something. The poster today shows three action verbs on a flash card probably used in primary school classrooms. We learn about active verbs early on, but we sometimes forget to use as many as possible when we write our stories, essays, and poems. 

When using an active verb, the subject performs the action. They are 'doing' something. We have a mental image of what is happening. With passive verbs, the image appears much milder or none at all sometimes. Using passives a great deal can result in weak writing.

Using active verbs promotes more powerful writing. More interesting writing. More enjoyable for the reader. 

When you edit your first draft, look for all the passive verbs. Highlight them. You might be surprised by how many colored marks show up. Next, try to replace as many as you can with an active verb. You cannot always just slip one word out and the new one in. You'll find situations where you will need to change the order of your sentence making use of an active verb. Nothing wrong with that. Don't hesitate to do it, as it most likely is not going to change the meaning of your sentence. Instead, it will be more interesting.

For an exercise, look at these sentences which all have passive verbs. Rewrite the sentence using an action verb.:

A.  Johnny was on his way to the park.

B.  She was at the circus tent. 

C.  He was going to be in the school play. 

D.  The flat tire was changed by Pete.

E.  The song was written by Sam in one day.

F.  That song is enjoyed by the high school chorus.

Should you never, ever use a passive verb? Of course not. But, use them sparingly to power up your writing. When you're reading, take note of the action verbs the author uses. One more time to train your writer's eye. I've used some passive verbs in this post, but I've also sought active ones to make this post more balanced.

 

A Two-Sided Coin for Writers

 

A number of years ago, Daily Devotions For Writers  rested next to my printer, where I could reach it easily every morning before beginning to work. The life lessons the book contained, offered advice, related trials and also injected a bit of humor. Some of the writers talked of a revelation that came when least expected. Most of the devotions included a scripture verse and/or a prayer—sometimes a quote. 

After reading the daily devotional book for a few months, I noticed that a pattern appeared to emerge in the guise of a two-sided coin. On one side of the coin, I sensed frustration from so many of the writers. It appears to be a universal theme for both seasoned and new writers. But flip the coin over, and satisfaction is evident. 

Novice writers may experience the frustration in greater amounts than the satisfaction. It takes perseverance and patience to traverse the tunnel of disappointment. Doesn’t every writer dream of instant success? When rejection letters pile up faster than election campaign literature, what’s a writer to do? Confidence levels fall with alarming speed when new or even long-time writers don’t meet with some success. Doubt pays daily visits, and if a writer chooses to entertain him, he’ll stay. 

Believe in yourself and your work. If you have something to say, a story to entertain or to make a difference in the lives of others, don’t let the early-days frustrations get you down. Make marketing lists, and work your way down that list until you either find an editor to accept a particular story, article, poem, or novel chapters, or have exhausted the list. If every editor you’ve selected rejects your submission, it’s time to take a look and determine why the piece didn’t sell. Make some revisions and try again. It’s rarely easy to look at your own work objectively, but it’s possible, and it will be to your advantage to do so.

Lack of time to write is one common frustration. Life tends to get in our way. Occasionally, the writer allows that to happen, for what better way to postpone a project that’s not coming easily? A serious writer creates time to write. Frustration also occurs when an idea forms in the mind but won’t translate into the printed word. From the brain to the fingers is not always a smooth road. 

Once in awhile, a writer finishes an article or story, puts it aside for the required seasoning of a few days, then brings it out again only to find that it doesn’t say what she wanted to say at all. In fact, the writer is disgusted with the piece and is ready to hit the delete button. It’s the very reason writing books and editors advise setting a finished piece of writing aside for a few days. Then the writer reads it with a new perspective; sees with different eyes and gains satisfaction from the process of improvement. Isn’t it better that she hasn’t been one of those writers who dash off a piece and call it finished, then send it to an editor immediately? More than likely, it will come flying back with a form rejection letter. Avoid this kind of frustration by allowing yourself some time between a partially finished and a truly completed piece. 

While frustration often looms over a writer’s head, it’s not all bad. Beneficial lessons present themselves through the haze of the stress involved. It’s up to the writer to discern the positive angles. Face your frustrations with open eyes and a willingness to turn them to your advantage. 

One of the best parts of being a writer comes with the publication of your work. It’s comparable to a gift placed in a golden box and tied with a silver bow, your name on top. Here’s where the satisfaction side of the coin shows up. No matter how many times your work is published, it’s a pleasure. It definitely erases some of that frustration, which never disappears completely but can diminish and become of less importance with each success.

Sometimes satisfaction comes from the fulfillment in achieving a completed story, novel, article or essay. Many writers begin a project and never finish. I’m willing to guess that most writers have folders with half-done projects. But it’s those completed pieces that allow satisfaction to enfold us like a soft, silken shawl. Revel in it when it occurs.

What joy there is when inspiration hits while we’re doing a mundane household task, or driving a car pool. Maybe a character begins to form in your mind when waiting for a bus, or a word you’ve sought reveals itself during a conversation with a friend. 

Another form of satisfaction comes when an editor assigns a project and we manage to  return it completed with all points covered. Writing on speculation is much easier than writing to a specified set of objectives. For assigned articles, a writer must do the research, write a first draft, revise and edit her work, then check to see if she’s covered everything asked for. Including all points asked for requires good concentration and writing skill, so any satisfaction at the end is well-earned.

Escaping into another world while writing is one more form of satisfaction. While writing, we create a place of refuge, creativity, and personal meditation that can prove emotionally fulfilling.

I will continue reading the daily offerings in the devotional book for writers, and I am certain I’ll continue to learn from other writers’ frustrations, as well as enjoy the happiness that comes through when they are satisfied. I’m going to plan to keep the satisfaction side of the coin face up. It’s a lot more fun than the other side and is bound to make me a more productive, more creative writer.

Encourage Other Writers

 

One of the reasons I started this blog nearly thirteen years ago was to encourage other writers. With all the self-doubts and fears writers tend to have, they need every bit of encouragement they can get. The sub-title of my blog says My Writing World With Tips and Encouragement for Writers. That covers a broad area, but I truly did, and continue to, encourage other writers. 

I feel that all writers should do what they can when they can to encourage other writers. Especially those who have seen some success in their craft. Be willing to share what you've learned along the path of your writing journey. How can you do that?

If you're asked to teach a workshop or present a topic at a conference, do it. Sometimes, your first thought is that you don't have time to prepare. It will take away from your writing time. But, remember that others before you presented workshops and programs that helped you. It's only fair to give back by sharing what you've learned. The side benefit is getting your name and your work out in the big world. 

Have you ever thought about mentoring a new writer? Writers who are in the early stages of writing can benefit greatly from having a mentor. Yes, it takes more of your time, and maybe your efforts won't always be completely welcome, but if you do help a writer to move along their own path, it can be a very good feeling. 

What about writing an article on the craft of writing. If it gets published, you're definitely encouraging other writers by helping them to learn something new or re-enforcing something they already knew. Again, you will reap the benefits of having your article published. 

If you're in a critique group, give as much encouragement in your critiques as you do suggestions for improvement. If all you do is point out what areas need work, it's rather defeating to the writer. Add some encouraging remarks, too.

If you think something complimentary about another writer, take a little time to drop a note or an email and tell them. It only takes a few minutes, and it could mean a lot to them. 

Hopefully, other writers have given you some encouragement as you traverse your own writing journey. 

Use Color in Your Writing

  

My friend, Marlene Cullen, used the simple word 'green' as a writing prompt on her blog today. It started me thinking about the big role color plays when we write. I am old enough to remember when technicolor movies were only made for musicals. It took a while before the rest of Hollywood films were all shown in color. 

When we write, designating a color helps the reader see what we're saying. If I say, 'The flowers waved in the spring breeze.' the reader will imagine a field of flowers moving, but if I say, "The white and gold daisies waved in the spring breeze.' the image is sharper. If I say, "Her dress fit perfectly.' the reader sees a woman in a dress, but if I say, "Her violet dress fit perfectly.' the image instantly changes to something more defined. 

The nice part about using color in our writing is that, while each color has a name, there are many other words that designate the color itself. Take yellow, for example. You could use golden, gold, sunny, blonde, or flaxen. Without saying the word 'yellow' your reader sees the color. If the color of something is important, and you use it two or three times in one paragraph, you can vary the words but still give the same image. 

Color can be soft, vibrant, or even harsh. Color is one of the most descriptive aids a writer has. Color adds to the story, essay, or poem. It enhances what you already have. 

Look at the list of colors below. For each one, find other words that convey the same meaning. Use the color in a descriptive paragraph. 

A.  blue

B.  green

C.  red

D.  yellow

E.  black

F.  brown

G.  beige

H.  purple

I.  lavender

J.  pink

K.  white

Use color when you write!

Writer--Believe in Yourself

 

As writers, one of our aims is to have readers believe in us. We hope they will want to come back and read more of what we have to say. Yes, writers write because they have something to say. It's important to know that our readers give us a vote of confidence. Do you have several favorite authors? Most likely, you do. When we find an author we like, we want to read more of what that writer has to say.

As important, or maybe more so, is that writers believe in themselves. Writers can have a difficult time in believing in their own ability. In today's photo quote, we're told that the bird puts her trust in her own abilities--her wings. That is what we need to do, as well. 

It's a human trait to doubt ourselves at times. Doubt creeps in for writers when their writing life doesn't go as hoped, When submissions roll back with a rejection time and again. When problems with a story plot seem unsolvable. When story ideas run dry. Whenever negatives come along, we can deflate like a pin-pricked balloon.

That's when you have to give yourself a pep talk. Make a list of the negatives and the positives in your writing life. Be honest. Don't fudge. Even the tiniest positive is worth adding to your list. Next, take a look at those positive parts of your writing life. Nice, aren't they? Focus on them. Then, look at the negatives and ask yourself what you can do to turn them into positives. No, we can't fix all of them, but there are some you can work on. 

Keep your list handy, and give a look to the positives every morning before you start writing. When you conquer one of the negatives, draw a line through it. That's progress. 

I've suggested an easy exercise in the past and will repeat it again today. Stand in front of a mirror. Say out loud, "I am a writer." Say it several times. Then believe it. One day, you will be able to stand there and say "I am a good writer." 

We all know that becoming a good writer takes time and effort, patience and perseverance. When you use all of them, you'll start believing in yourself more and more. Like the bird, you need to trust yourself. With each writing success, you're one step closer to believing in yourself. By 'success' I am not only looking at being published, instead, I'm looking at finishing a big writing project, overcoming small habits that hindered your writing ability. Little things count, and little things add up to big ones eventually.

Believe you can, and you will!

The Writer and Time Management

 We are all given 24 hours each and every day. What we do with it is up to us. Some things leave us no choice, as you might be required to spend a certain number of hours at your job or at school, or doing a volunteer job. Then, there's the family time, the housework, grocery shopping, and cooking time. And we certainly need some down time to relax a bit. All of the above eats up the hours in a hurry. 

If you're a professional writer, you carve out a number of hours each day to write. It's your job, But, if you are a part-time writer, or even a hobbyist writer, you need to find time in your busy days to write. Intentions are good, but they often go astray. 

If you need to find time in your life to devote to writing, you must plan for it just as you would another important part of your life. You might have to give up those evening tv shows you like to watch. You might need to turn down a few social invitations. Not all, but some. The time is there, but it's up to you to capture it.

Some writers stay up an hour after the rest of the family is in bed, or they get up an hour earlier than they need to. That hour is theirs for the purpose of writing and nothing else. Writers don't sit idly while waiting in a doctor's office, they have a notebook where they can jot down ideas and more. Consider the many places where you wait with nothing to do. Use that time to your advantage.

If you want more writing time, sit down and sketch your typical day. Check the things that you can give up or reduce to find that much-needed writing time. 

For those who have no family left at home, it's easier to find the time to write. People who retire find the gift of time day after day. It's those still working, raising children people who must learn to be time creative. 

Whatever stage you are in as a writer, you'll make time if you are passionate about writing. That's a key ingredient to finding the time to write. 

Putting Your Writing Up for Critique

 

The poster today made me think about writers and critique groups. Some writers want no part of being in a critique group, putting their writing in front of others to be gone over line by line. Part of the reason is fear of what might be said about what they have written.

Some think they can do just fine on their own. And many can. But, by experience, I can tell you that when others look at your writing, they see things that you do not. It's a simple matter of you editing your work subjectively and other people eyeing it in an objective way. They don't have their heart and soul wrapped up into the story or essay or poem like you do. They look at it from the reader's viewpoint. And isn't it your readers that you are trying to reach? 

What will you learn from a critique by others? The following is a partial list:

A.  Whether the opening and closing is strong or weak

B.  Repetition of words too close to one another

C.  Repetition of ideas

D.  Clarity

E.  Mechanical errors--spelling, punctuation, tense

F.  Is it interesting?

G.  Description--too long, too involved, too flowery

H.  Verbs--are there too many passive vs active verbs?

I.  Dialogue--stilted or believable?

J.  Sentence structure--too long, too many incomplete sentences, or awkward

K. Cliches

Will you hear any positive things in a critique? Of course, you will. I think it's one of the requirements of a critique. Always point out the things you liked, the parts that were well done. Then, go on with the things you suggest be changed or reworked.  

Should you change everything the critiquer has pointed out? Only if you agree. If you feel strongly that you should leave certain parts as is, do it. A critique is nothing more than suggestions to help you create the best piece of writing possible. It does not mean that you will be in agreement with everything that was pointed out. 

When multiple people point out the same trouble spot, I pay attention. If it stood out for several, then there must be something to rework there. 

One of the most important parts of putting your work out for critique is the writer's attitude. If you huff and puff over the suggestions given, allow yourself to be hurt, you probably are not going to benefit. If you go into it with the idea that these people are helping you create the best piece of writing possible, then you'll benefit. They are there to help you, not hurt your feelings. It's rare that any of us create the perfect story or essay or poem. I feel that, in my writing, there is always room for improvement. 

If you are the one doing a critique for another writer, be fair, be kind, be helpful.

Earlier today, one of the writers in my online writing group sent a thank you to several people who had critiqued her latest magazine article. She said that they had helped her write a better piece and also with the clarity of the article. That's one more rule--be sure to thank those who critiqued your work. 

Write about Rain

Rainy Day

Yesterday we focused on a word that is part of our weather. Lots of opportunities to use the word 'wind' and words to describe it. Today, let's look at one more weather word. Rain!

Seems right as we have had rain overnight continuing into the middle of today. Our area is in need of moisture in a big way, so there are no complaints about having it, Besides, we'd prefer rain to snow like we had last week.

What sensory details come to mind when you ponder on rain? You can see it, hear it, even smell it sometimes. Nothing like the fresh smell of a spring rain. You can feel it. What about taste? I guess you'd need to step outside and stick out your tongue, so yes, it is possible. All these sensory details give you a lot to use when you are writing a rainy day scene. 

What words might you use to describe rain? Some are:  wet, drowned, soaked, deluge, downpour, rainfall, storm, cloudburst, thunder, lightning.  Of course, there is always the cliche of 'raining cats and dogs' which might come in handy once in a while.

What moods does rain bring to us? Some people like to listen to the rain on the roof or beating against the window panes. It's soothing to them. Others are depressed in rainstorms. Some are happy for the lift it gives to nature and farmers' crops. Some become frightened in rainstorms that include lots of thunder and lightning.

For an exercise this weekend, write a paragraph describing a rainy day. Make it gentle or fierce, or try one of each. Try a poem about rain. One of mine is below. It was written on a summer Sunday afternoon when we'd been waiting for rain for a long time.

Sunday Rain

It’s blissful,

pounding the pavement,

feeding the flowers,

and thirsty grass.

 

Not gentle, this one

but a good, steady

rain, beating the ground

cooling the summer air.

 

Cloud covered sky,

holding yet more

moisture so needed,

yes, it’s blissful.

 

I close my eyes, 

listen to a steady drumming

of raindrops outside 

my wide office window.

 

Five full hours of rain,

and many more to come,

an all-day soaker, this one,

on drought-laden plains

(c)

Musing on Wind and a Poem

 Windstorm

Today's photo shows us trees and a car coming down a road in a windstorm. Wind opens the door for some interesting, descriptive writing. 

Think about the sensory details of these two trees bending in the wind. You see what the wind is doing to them, you can hear the wind, you can feel it on your skin if you are outside when it is blowing. What about smell? Or taste? Probably not so much. But three out of five isn't bad. When you write about wind, use these sensory details to bring your reader into the scene.

Wind can set up a great scene in mystery, when someone is being chased, or when a child is missing. The winds of a hurricane can actually become a character in the story. Might be a stretch but possible. 

What about making a comparison between wind and a breeze? What words would you use to describe each. 

For wind:  strong, writhing, whipping, terrible, wild, blustery

For breeze:  gentle, wisp, whispering, soft, slight

Wind and the storms that come with it can play a big part in a story. Practice writing descriptive paragraphs about wind and what havoc it can bring. Use as many descriptive words as you can.

I'll close today by sharing a poem I wrote about wind on one of our many windy days in Kansas. It was fun to find many words that described the wind and what havoc it created.

Portrait of the Wind

blow winds blow,

sweep the leaves

from the earth,

don't fan the fires

in our western skies,

let the aspen

trees shimmer,

ruffle our hair,

tease our skirts,

send up a shiver.

blow winds blow,

show us your might

and flippant attitude,

laugh as papers

dance down the street,

applaud when 

trash can lids

roll and clank

across the road.

blow winds blow,

bend slim branches

to the ground,

make colorful kites

dip and swirl through

a cerulean sky,

send frigid sleet,

gust after gale

to ping on winter panes.

blow winds blow,

gust after gust,

until simple exhaustion

overcomes your wont 

and suddenly you glide 

into gentle autumn breezes.

 (C)

Use Your Writer's Eye for Story Ideas

 

How often have you felt you had nothing to write about? You sat in front of your keyboard, hands in your lap and thought 'what next?' You're not alone. Many writers go through periods where inspiration is at a low level and the story ideas are flying off to others but not you.

One thing that helps is to be observant. To walk through life with a writer's eye. There are stories everywhere you go, but it's up to you to see them and harvest them.

Walk through a grocery store, aisle by aisle, and you'll see lots of people alone and others in a family group, or a couple of friends. Watch for interactions or reactions. Snippets of conversation. 

Waiting in a doctor's office, an airport, or train station provides the perfect opportunity to people watch. Everyone has a story, but it's your job to see it and perhaps use it in your writing. People watching can also help you create a character. 

Watch the news on tv. Stories there can sometimes inspire stories of your own, but you need to be alert and aware. And play the 'what if?' game.

The 'what if?' game is merely asking yourself questions. What if this happens or that happened? And then move on, what if this occurred next. Before you know it, a story idea is coming to light.

I once wrote a well-received children's story that was inspired by a tiny little article I read in the newspaper about libraries being used as after school daycare for working mothers, and the problems it created.  The next thing you know, I had created Wilhemina Higgins, a child whose mother sent her to the library after school every day. Boredom set in, and.... The point is to watch for story ideas when you read a newspaper or magazine. Not to copy what you read but to use it in some way as an idea for a new story, essay, or even a poem. 

There are story ideas in your neighborhood. Watch for them. Incorporate them into your writing. You needn't use a story with names and places exactly as they are where you live. But create a story of your own around what you observed in your neighborhood.  

You might hear an amazing conversation in a restaurant if the tables are close to one another. Jot notes when you leave for possible use at another time. Don't always trust your memory. Making notes is very helpful. 

Story ideas are everywhere, but it's up to you to find them and use them. Start working on using your writer's eye wherever you go. It soon becomes habit. 

Creating Characters When You Write Fiction

 

Albert Einstein tells us that imagination will take you everywhere. Walt Disney would be a good example of someone who lived that quote. Look where imagination took him!

Imagination is what you can use when doing a character profile of someone in your novel. It's a good idea to do it for all the main characters. You have the opportunity to create a character, whether it be a prim and proper woman or a wildcat hellbent on setting the record for nastiness. You can mold your character to be whatever you want him/her to be.

Once you have your story idea in your mind, start making a profile of the main characters. Start with physical description, then go on to their family and friends. What education did they have? Jobs? what kind of foods do they like? How do they dress? What kind of voice do they have? Their biggest flaw. Their biggest dream. Habits. Are they religious? Do they have a decided political affiliation? Quiet or outgoing? Biggest regret.  Any annoying habits? 

You can go on and on. You probably will not use all the information you have written about your character. That's alright because you have everything there is to know about him/her after creating your profile. When you can see your character clearly, it will be much easier to write the story.

Some writers base a character on a real person they once knew. Like the kid in 3rd grade who was always in trouble. Or the girl who dreamed of being a ballerina, but never worked hard enough. We often take character traits of two or three people who have appeared in our backgrounds and give them to our story character.

Should you do a profile for every character in the book? No, but it would benefit you to do one for your main characters. When you, the writer, knows each one very well, it will be much easier for you to write about them and the interaction of the various characters. 

There are writers who want to develop the characters as they write. If that works for you, fine. For most of us, making a profile of our main characters can be a real help in bringing them to life in your story. Use a search engine to find more in-depth articles on this topic. 

How to Begin Writing Family Stories

 

Today's poster tells us that family is a gift that lasts forever. If you want to help the 'forever' part, it is time you started writing your family stories. They will be lost forever if each generation does not do something to extend their life. 

Sure, we all tell those stories at family gatherings, whether at the holiday dinner table or when together for a wedding or a funeral. Funerals in particular seem to bring out stories of the deceased. When one of my brothers passed away, I heard stories before and after the funeral that I'd never heard before. And I told a few about him that some others had not heard. 

I had three brothers, and a few years ago, I printed and copied all the family stories I had written, put them in a 3 ring binder for each one and mailed them. It was a big project as it took some time and effort, but the reaction from each one who received a book was well worth it. Two of my brothers have passed away, but the books are still there for the children of each one. 

Everyone would probably agree that writing those stories would be a worthy project. The problem is that many think about it but never seem to get started. Why? Does the idea seem overwhelming? Perhaps, but remember that you don't have to do it all in one week or one month or even one year. 

The way to begin is with one story at a time. Think back to your childhood. What is something you remember clearly about one of your grandparents? Or a favorite uncle? Or a cousin you were close to? Choose one and only one. You could start with something to describe the person's physical traits, or their demeanor. An example using my grandfather might be:

      My Grandpa Studham was a quiet man. He and my grandmother were separated, never divorced, so they visited us at different times. One time, Granpa arrived with a gift for me tucked in his suitcase. A cigar box filled with pennies he'd saved! And then I could go on telling more about that gift and the grandfather who had been a coal miner and always seemed to have a cigarette in his hand.

Pick one person, one event, one time and start writing. As you write that first story, it may trigger thoughts of others. Work at your own pace. There is no deadline. If you write longhand, that's fine. If you type on a keyboard, you can print the stories and start a notebook to keep them in. 

You do not have to be a professional writer to do this. There is no wrong or right way to tell your family stories. 

Here are a few things to keep in mind when you write your stories:

A. give a sense of place

B.  physical characteristics

C.  the way a person acted, or his character traits

D.  how you felt

E.  how others in the family felt or reacted

F.  use dates if pertinent to the story

G.  be descriptive

All it takes is one story to begin. Only one. I bet you can do that.

The Beginnings of a Story

 

Today's poster quotes Plato. He tells us that 'The beginning is the most important part of the work.' Everything else comes after the beginning, doesn't it? The middle and the ending. 

Nancy Kress wrote a book titled Beginnings, Middles, and Ends which gives fiction writers some excellent advice on the three main parts of a story. It's a fairly old book but still worth a read. You can find it at your library or on a search engine. When I looked it up today, there were a few places where you could buy it for a very small price. If you write fiction, it's worth a read.

Back to the beginnings that Plato spoke of. It is a very important part of any story. The words in that section of the story did not just flow from the writer's fingertips. Instead, an idea was formed, a lot of thought was given to the development of the idea, and perhaps an outline was made. The bones were there, and the writer's next task was to flesh out the story.

How to begin? A good question as there are many ways to start a story. Some writers begin with a sense of place by describing the area where the story happens, or at least where the beginning occurs. It's easy to get carried away with this kind of beginning, and also easy to lose your reader if it goes on too long.

Others will begin with dialogue to pique interest in the reader. A moderator of an online writing group I was in long ago harped a lot on 'never open with dialogue.' Use an action or something to begin, then the dialogue. She claimed opening with dialogue was too jarring to the reader. An opinion, of course. If it works for you, do it. I once started a story this way:  Nora picked up the wooden spoon and stirred the soup on the stove. "I'm going to Ireland," she said. "Did you hear me?" That simple sentence telling what Nora was doing as she spoke set the scene. 

Open with a disaster. Like a robbery or a murder or a terrible accident. Attention grabber, some writers will tell you. It probably can be. It makes you sit up and pay attention, leaves questions to be answered by further reading.  

When a character is telling a story, opening with him/her starting the story lets the reader know right away that he/she is going to be hearing from this person all through the tale. The character can give an opinion, tell something that happened, or wonder why their life is the way it is. Among other things.When a character narrates, we gain insight into their feelings almost immediately as well as characteristics of that person.

Open with a conflict of some kind. That can hook the reader by making them want to know what happens next, who comes out on top. 

Writers will tell you that they often write several beginnings before settling on the one they feel is best. The beginning is your only chance to grab your writer and entice them to read further.

There is no middle or ending until there is a beginning, so Plato has some good insight when he told us that the beginning is the most important part. 

Guest Blog--The Spade Work of Writing

 

Julie Sellers book

Julie Sellers is the Guest Blogger today. Wise words from a fine writer.

The Spade Work of Writing

As spring nears and I watch my flower garden for the first signs of bulbs poking through the cold earth, I’m reminded of all the work my husband and I did to prepare the flower beds that bring me so much joy. We transformed an area along the side of our home where grass wouldn’t grow into a vibrant display of color across spring, summer, and fall. Of course, that meant there was a lot of spade work involved in ridding the area of grass and preparing the soil before we could plant the bulbs, plants, and shrubs we chose. Each time a bud unfurls in fragrant hues, we realize all the digging and raking and fertilizing and sweating was worth it.

Author L. M. Montgomery referred to her pre-writing process as “spade work,” a fitting term for the purpose with which she approached her craft. She penned the classic Anne of Green Gables, along with twenty-three other novels and over five hundred stories and poems (each!), along with other miscellaneous pieces. She also journaled—regularly. Montgomery was both a prolific writer and an avid gardener, and she knew a thing or two about how to make her gardening and her writing life flourish. Both endeavors represented hard work, and both took careful planning and tending to make them thrive among all the other demands of a busy life. 

Spade work might constitute different approaches for different writers and genres. When I write as an academic, my spade work is by far the bulk of my writing process. It involves hours of research and chasing leads from one source to another. Often, my research is qualitative, and I invest a considerable amount of time contacting potential sources, securing interviews, conducting those interviews, and then listening to and transcribing them verbatim. Use of material from interviews requires a signed permission for some publishers. I then have to dig through all of that material and organize it before I can even begin to write. 

As a creative writer, my spade work is different, but it is still essential. It involves, firstly, setting aside a time to write and sticking to it. I build this into my early morning routine so that nothing else can steal that time from me. I also set aside time on specific days or dates when I know I can tackle a project that might take more time. Making the time to write and being faithful to that writing time is akin to marking off the boundaries of the garden I intend to plant. 

Spade work for my fiction, non-fiction, and poetry differs according to the piece I’m writing. I still might have to do research to make sure I portray an event, location, or character faithfully, or to understand and use specialized terminology. If I want to experiment with a poetic form that is new to me, I need to study it and read examples. For longer works of fiction, I must develop character studies and block out the action; in fact, I’ve found this to be so useful I often do it for shorter pieces, too. Reading, for me, is always a part of my spade work for all my creative work. It helps me cultivate ideas and study what works, what doesn’t, and why. Although the pre-writing steps look different by project, they’re essential to each one.

I am not a master gardener, but I know enough from my own flower beds to know that caring for them goes beyond the original spade work; this is true for my work as a writer as well. Once I plant the seeds, I need to water and feed them to make them grow. Sometimes, I have to take steps to protect the blooms from a late freeze or marauding deer and squirrels. This is like the writing process: bringing my ideas into full bloom requires work, dedication, and care from activities that try to intrude on my time or naysayers who want to intrude on my determination. Once my flowers are blossoming, I have to go back and weed out any invading dandelions or other pesky weeds, much like revision. From there, I have to seek out ways to share my written work with others, be it in traditional or online publications, a blog, or simply with family and friends. Just as arranging flowers does not come easily to me, this stage of the writing process is a challenge, but it’s one that’s worth it after all the other work I’ve invested. 

Neither writing nor gardening is a linear process, but the preparatory step of spade work is key to both. Embrace this phase of your writing activities as the one that readies the ground for the words you will bring to life.

BIO: Julie A. Sellers was raised in the Flint Hills near the small town of Florence, Kansas. Those great expanses of tallgrass prairie and reading fueled her imagination, and Julie began writing at an early age. After living in several states and countries, Julie resides in Atchison, Kansas, where she is an Associate Professor of Spanish and Chair of the Department of World and Classical Languages and Cultures at Benedictine College. Julie has published three academic books, and her creative prose and poetry have appeared in publications such as Cagibi, Wanderlust, Unlost, The Write Launch, 105 Meadowlark Reader, and Kansas Time + Place. Her first book of poetry, Kindred Verse: Poems Inspired by Anne of Green Gables, was published by Blue Cedar Press in 2021. Julie was the 2020 Kansas Authors Club Prose Writer of the Year.

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Is It Your Best Writing?

 

Snoopy is thinking what many writers think when they finish a story, essay, or poem and have a satisfying feeling. 

Writers put a great deal of time and effort into their work. Sometimes, when finished, we have that good feeling, but there are times when we come to the end and have kind of a blah feeling. Somehow we know what we've written was not our best effort. Or we are aware that they great idea we had in the beginning didn't blossom like we'd hoped. 

When you are satisfied with your final draft, the best thing to do is start finding a publication to submit to. But, when you're not feeling good about the finished product, it's time to do some more editing and revision. 

The first step is to put that draft away for days or even a couple weeks. It's not wise to try to work on it right away. You're already frustrated, and it might only increase that feeling if you tackle the rewrite too soon. 

When some time has passed, and you decide to work on that project again, ask yourself a few questions. As an example, let's say it is a short story.

A.  Did this story turn out the way I had envisioned it in my mind?

B.  Does it move too slowly?

C.  Are the sentences too choppy, or perhaps too long?

D.  Is there a sense of place?

E.  Is the dialogue stilted?

F.  Have I made the reader want to keep reading?

G.  Is it clear to the reader, or did I assume too much?

What you want to do is analyze the story using as much of an objective view as you can. It's not easy when it's your precious words you've written. 

Another approach is to let a writing group, or a writer friend, to look at it and give an unbiased opinion and some suggestions. 

Should you submit a story that doesn't make you happy or makes you feel good? You can, of course, but the odds are good that it will be rejected. We should only submit writing that makes us feel satisfied that we've done the best job we can. 

Snoopy is quite right when he tells us that it's exciting when we write something we know is good. That's when we're more than ready to submit for publication.

Writers and Patience

 

The quote on today's poster can be summed up in one word: Patience. New writers are filled with inspiration and want to be published asap. Experienced writers look back at that feeling and know that being published doesn't happen only because a writer wants it.

We don't get in a writing elevator and zoom to the top floor without making a stop. We must go step by step. Between each step, we can get tired. We can get frustrated. We can become disappointed. We can become angry. 

It's important to realize that the writing journey is made one step at a time. We stay on some of the steps longer than others. A lot depends on how open a writer is to getting critiques from other writers, taking time to read a great deal about the writing world, and how patient that writer is.

Patience is a virtue. We know that. Even so, we can't run out and buy a quart of patience. We can't put it on like a shawl or Batman's cape. We can't wave a magic wand and have patience rain upon us with sparkle and glitter. Each one of us must acquire patience in our writing world a little bit at a time. We must keep reminding ourselves that waiting is what is needed in many instances in our writing world. 

Patience is of prime importance when we submit for publication. Very few editors make decisions as soon as they read what we send. Some take a great deal longer than others. Meanwhile, the writers must use patience while waiting to get a response. When you submit a piece, start working on another, or submit something else right away. Don't sit around and chew your nails waiting to hear. Sadly, some publications contact the writer only if the submission is accepted. A long silence means your work was rejected, and you'll never know the reason. All writers hate that, but it's something we learn to take in stride. 

We also should learn to have patience with ourselves. Don't beat yourself up when things don't happen as you hoped. If something you're working on doesn't work out today, maybe it will tomorrow, or next week. If you're not a roaring success in a year, keep working, keep reading about writing, keep growing. The word that goes hand in hand with patience for writers is perseverance. 

Don't expect miracles overnight. Keep moving on your writing journey one step at a time. If you are truly passionate about writing, it will be worthwhile. 

Put a Positive Spin in Your Writing

 

A repeat post from my blog files:

Remember Pollyanna, the girl who put a positive spin on just about everything in life? No matter what misery came along, she smiled her way through it. She's obviously not a real person. Eleanor Porter, the woman who created Pollyanna must have wanted to send a strong message to her readers about facing life with the right attitude. Her character carried it to extremes at times, but she definitely made a point.

The problem is that very few of us can look at every part of our life with a smile as big as the girl in the book and movie. I'm one who tries hard to keep a positive outlook as much as possible, but there are times when you just cannot do it, times when the sadness in your life overshadows all else.

There are periods in your writing life when you write about sadness, tragedy, and the downside of life. It's perfectly alright to do that. I think it serves a purpose for both the reader and the writer. The reader can take comfort in the fact that others also meet adversity in everyday life. They see a kindred spirit, and perhaps they can find a positive message somewhere within the sadness of the story. The writer finds a release in writing about a dark spot in life and can offer solace in some way to the reader.

Let's face it. Life isn't always great. Yesterday, I read two poems written by a woman who had never submitted her work anywhere. They were well written, but both centered on an abused woman. She managed to bring forth some outstanding emotion in her poems. Any other woman who had lived with a controlling individual could readily relate. I read a Christmas letter about a tragic time in a friend's life, but she managed to find a scripture verse that fit perfectly. I knew her outlook was positive.

Death is a subject some writers avoid at all costs, while others embrace the subject in their writing. Death is a part of life, and I think we need to address it in our writing, too. I've stood at the graves of two of my children and both my parents with myriad thoughts swirling through my mind. And I've written about it. Comments from readers let me know it was alright to share my grief with others. Doing so may have helped some who read my story, and I know it eased my sadness.

Writers face all the joys and sorrows of everyday, ordinary people. Who better to write about both the happy and sad times of life? My hope is that they manage to incorporate a thread of hope that the reader can grasp and hold onto. You see, the Pollyanna in me wants it.

Submissions and Lessons Learned

 Today's photo has nothing to do with the topic. I liked it and wanted to share with you. The topic today is the saga of a reprint and another story that was long thought to be a rejection. Submissions can take you on surprising journeys. Read about both of them below.

Some years ago, I had written a personal essay about how my father, who had a problem acknowledging handicapped people, learned to accept his first grandchild who was born with spina bifida and hydrocephalus. Those two handicaps proved a big burden for our sweet baby girl, but also the catalyst for helping her grandfather change his attitude. 

I posted the essay on a website for writers where anyone could post whatever they’d written. Some were very amateur in substance and writing while others were well done. I received an email from an editor who had read the piece at that website. She invited me to submit my essay to an anthology that would be published by Guideposts. This was a paying market, whereas the other was not. They accepted my personal essay after I submitted it.

In mid-summer of 2019, I happened to notice a listing for a magazine called Kaleidoscope published by the United Disability Services. Their guidelines at https://www.udsakron.org/kaleidoscope-magazine/submit-article/ stated that they liked stories written by people who had a disability, but would accept stories from other writers, too. I pondered a while and then decided to submit “The Perfect Grandchild” since they accepted reprints. 

Months later, there was no response so I placed a big NO next to the listing I had made in my Submissions Chart and moved on. After more than a year, an editor from Kaleidoscope contacted me with the news that they ‘might’ want to publish “The Perfect Grandchild.” If interested, I was to fill out a form with information about me. Again, they restated that publication was only a possibility. 

What was there to lose? Nothing. I filled out the forms and returned them, and then waited several more weeks. Hearing nothing, I figured it was a no-go deal. Not long after I had crossed the possibility off my list, I heard from the editor saying he would like to publish my work in their next issue. Again came the statement inferring it might be pulled at the last minute. 

I felt a little like that donkey and the carrot dangling in front of its nose only to be unreachable. Another lesson in frustration.

A year and a half after I had originally submitted to Kaleidoscope, I received a link to the new issue of the magazine, which included my story, and a check arrived shortly after. The quality of the magazine and the stories published in it pleased me. 

Even though it took some time and a lot of wondering on my part, “The Perfect Grandchild” found a home once again. We know very little happens in a quick 1-2-3 fashion in our writing journey. My two keywords as I have traversed my writing path are ‘patience and perseverance.’ I had to use a measure of both when submitting to Kaleidoscope. Would I do it again? Absolutely. 

Some time after the Kaleidoscope saga, I had a letter of acceptance from Chicken Soup for the Soul for a story I had submitted in November of 2019. I had long since considered it a NO. Yet, here was the letter saying “The Four-Legged Nanny” would be in the book titled My Heroic, Hilarious, Human Dog to be published in September 2021 with a $200 check to follow. 

I learned two lessons through these experiences:  Reprints work. Never count a submission out even when more than a year has passed since submitting.

The Writer's Voice

 

When I was a newbie writer, I asked a writer friend to look at a couple children's stories I had written to see if she could give me some tips or point out major errors. After she'd read the stories, we got together one afternoon, and over a cup of tea, the first thing she said about my writing was, "You have found your voice." 

I looked at her and wasn't sure what to say. Voice? What the heck was that? Being so new to this world, I hesitated to ask her for an explanation. She went on to point out things in the stories. I did learn more later on about what a writer's voice is. 

The important thing is to find your own voice. You don't want to mimic another writer's voice. 

A simple explanation of voice is that your voice as a writer is your style. It's the way you put words together in sentences, or in paragraphs. Elements of voice are word selection, writing structure, and pace. Every person is unique, as is every writer. The way I put words together should not be the same as you. 

Other parts of your voice are the way you allow emotions and feelings to come through. Also, your tone and rhythm, perhaps even patterns in the way you arrange words. 

Our writing voice lets our personality come through to the reader. 

Think about a handful of authors whose books you enjoy. Don't they each have a different writing style? Some are slow paced, while others race through the story, and you're right there with them. Some put long descriptions in their stories while others make do with a few adjectives here and there to give you a sense of place or let you 'see' the scene better. If you have a list of favorite authors, give some thought as to why their work appeals to you. What is it about their style of writing that makes you want more? The story itself is of prime importance, but so is the writer's voice. 

I've mentioned an author by the name of Charles Todd before. He (actually a mother/son writing team) has a series about a young detective at Scotland Yard, set in the early years after WWI in England. The stories move at a slow pace, but new bits and pieces keep me reading. The writer's voice comes through clearly, and stays consistent in each ensuing novel. I find that most interesting since the author is two people writing as one. 

Don't try to be John Grisham or Nora Roberts. Find your own voice. Write as only you can write. Be yourself. If you want to read about your writing voice in more detail, use a search engine and read several articles. 

Writers--Step Off the Worry Wagon

 

A lot of writers are also worriers. Hmm, is 'worriers' an actual word? Yes, it is. A worrier is someone who spends a great deal of time thinking about problems, what has already occurred, and what might happen later. Worry causes anxiety and apprehension. It gives us all kinds of physical symptoms and emotional upheaval. It should be avoided!

It should be avoided. Sounds so easy, doesn't it? Our poster today tells us that worry is a waste of time, doesn't change a thing, and steals your joy. It also keeps you busy doing nothing. Good points. It's easy to read those words, but putting them into practice is another thing altogether. 

When you make a submission to a publication, do you spend the days waiting for word from the editor concerned about your chances? Do you race to the computer every morning to see if you have an email from the editor? Do you fret that maybe you should have made one more editing before you sent it in? Stop that kind of worry. Your story or essay or poem has been sent. The other end is completely out of your hands. Worrying is useless. All it does is upset you. The fact is that you are either going to get a rejection or an acceptance. Nothing you do now will change that.

Writers worry that they don't have what it takes to get published. Worrying isn't going to make one twit of difference. What it takes to become a published writer is a great deal of effort on your part. And time. And learning as you go. 

Are you in a writing group and worry that you don't measure up to the status of the other writers? Stop worrying and start learning from them. Make an assessment of those who are successful. Figure out what it is that makes them a published writer, then work towards the same for yourself. If the group critiques each other's submissions, read all the critiques, not just the ones for your own writing. Reading those critiques is worth a great deal. It's a perfect gift to you to be able to learn from other writers. I'm a seasoned writer, but I still read the critiques of the writers in my online group, and I still find something worth noting and continue to learn. Quit worrying and start learning.

It's easy for me to tell you to stop worrying, but not a sure thing for you to throw off the mantle of concern like flicking a fly from your arm. You're going to have to do a lot of self-chastisement. When you start the worry process, take a step back and think about the situation. Ask yourself if your worry is worthwhile. Will it change the situation? In most cases, it probably won't make a difference. 

Step off the worry wagon and spend your time in becoming a better and stronger writer. 

When Writers Greet a New Month

 

My calendars are changed to this third month of the year. Our poster shows crocus, one of the earliest flowers of spring. Cheerful yellow and sometimes  a lovely lavender shade.  They sometimes peek at us from a snowy ground. Not here in Kansas today. It's going to be a no-jacket-needed day for us. 

What are your writing world goals for this month? As for me, I plan to make some submissions. We all know that nothing gets published unless it is submitted. I am going to be fully involved at my online writing group. I will resurrect a couple old stories in my files. Those three objectives should keep me plenty busy along with posting here five days a week.

Are you going to tackle a new writing project in March? Do you have an outline? Or will you be a pantster--writing by the seat of your pants not knowing what the end will be until you get there? You'll let the story carry you from beginning to end. Neither one is the preferable way. Do whatever works for you. 

Will you meet with a writer friend any time in March? Or write to one, sharing thoughts and ideas? I did that yesterday. My friend responded almost immediately. It's always a lift to hear from a friend who understands the writing life, can relate wholly, and even commiserate when needed. 

Are you going to attend a conference or workshop in March? Perhaps you will take an online class on some phase of writing. There are a lot of good ones available. Google 'online writing class' to see if any appeal to you. They vary in length and price. 

Are there any contests coming up that interest you? Should you be polishing up an entry before the deadline arrives? Should you do a little online research on what contests are running now, marking the ones that interest you?

Are you going to catch up on some of those writing-related newsletters that come tripping into your inbox, then lay there because you tell yourself you will read it 'later?' I find that if I leave reading them til later, it turns into a very long time before I start reading. I try to read each one within a day or two. Which brings another thought--don't subscribe to more than you can handle. So many sound great, but if you have a large number, it's quite likely you won't read any of them. Don't get trapped this way.

How about those files you planned to clean up in January but didn't get to it? March would be a good time to tackle that task. 

The beginning of each new month is a fine time to make an assessment of your writing world. Take a little time today to think over the points above. Then get started. There are a full 31 days this month. Make use of each and every one.