 “I hate writing. I love having written.”- Dorothy Parker. Writing is a strange thing. It seems, even those who make a career out of it don’t like--or at least have a love-hate relationship with it. Yet, it is a vital part of life. Whether we are writing an email, a professional journal, a speech, or a social media response, the ability to express ourselves through the written word is something each and every person will need at some point. So, how can we shift our feelings towards the written art? The first step is to understand it. The Writing Struggle
Even using a keyboard requires practice and fine motor skills. If a child cannot physically get what is in their head onto paper, they will quickly become frustrated and possibly give up on writing. This frustration can later manifest as a dislike of writing in adulthood. Cognitively, writers need to be able to think both creatively and logically, understand the research process, know how to build an effective argument or craft a story that pulls on heartstrings. You must think of an idea, and then you must communicate that idea in an effective way that makes sense to others and fulfills your purpose.  Emotionally, writers must be vulnerable as well as resilient, tapping into their own feelings and experiences while also pushing through the creative dry spells that inevitably arise. Not to mention learning to accept constructive criticism. Finally, anyone who wants to write must understand the stylistic rules of the English language. Where do commas go? When should you use passive voice? What is a plot? Not only do these rules help make papers and stories stronger, they act as a common shared language that helps us communicate within our culture. Written English has some strange rules that often frustrate even the most willing of writers. Further complicating matters is the fact that we rarely speak the way we write. Bridging that gap can be a struggle. A strong writer needs to be able to execute each of these three skills together with enough ease and fluidity to not hinder the ideas which he or she wishes to communicate. If just one piece is out of place, the writer will struggle and may give up writing as hopeless. Is it any wonder that, while 81% of adults express a desire to write a book one day, few ever do? Building a Love of WritingSo, what can be done? Is writing simply too complex for the average person to master? Absolutely not! With a reframing of what writing is and a new approach to the skill, just about anyone can become a competent writer and approach the page without fear. Building a love of writing requires 3 key steps:
Understanding WritingThe first step is to understand exactly what writing is. Helping writers of all ages understand the 3-part nature of writing can help narrow down the issue and assure the writer that they are not necessarily a bad writer, they may just need to work on sharpening one section of the writing triangle.  When you begin to feel frustrated with writing, pause and try to pin down the issue. Is your brain thinking faster than you can type? Try speech-to-text software. Do you have a lot of great ideas, but are struggling to get everything in a logical order? Try writing your ideas on index cards that can be easily manipulated and moved around. By identifying exactly what part of the writing triangle you’re struggling with, you can address the problem more efficiently, while also recognizing you aren’t a bad writer--you’re just struggling with one small aspect of the process. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and advice from others, as well. Sometimes we get so close to our own writing, we miss the forest for the trees. A little perspective can be a big help. When it comes to grammar, there’s no shame in using resources! The goal of grammar is communication, not proving how many rules you’ve memorized or how many words you can spell. Use the spell check, use the thesaurus, use Grammarly, and any other resource you can get your hands on! Embrace the JourneyAs we previously discussed, writing is a skill, which means it improves with time and practice. You might not be good right away, and that is ok! Making mistakes and even doing things poorly at first is all part of the process. Have you ever heard a child practicing an instrument? Unless they are a prodigy, you probably found yourself wincing more than once--and yet you likely found them with a big grin on their face. Children don’t mind as much that they aren’t good right away because that’s most of their life up to that point. From learning to walk to learning the violin, childhood is all about trying and failing and trying again until you get it right. Embrace your inner child and give yourself permission to be terrible.  Along with being a complex skill, writing is a process and a journey. A written piece is less like a table being built of wood and more like one being carved out of stone and lovingly polished to perfection. Learn the phases of the writing process and get comfortable in the beginning stages of exploration. Find the fun in discovering what you’re trying to communicate. Rather than always craning your neck towards the final product, take a step back once in a while and appreciate your writing for where it is. You might just discover it’s taking you somewhere completely unexpected. Write Frequently and Meaningfully.Too often, children are only asked to write compositions for school. While this type of writing is important, it can sometimes feel disconnected from everyday life. This feeling can project into adulthood. Rather than placing the focus on writing, place it instead on communication. The better you can write, the easier you will be able to communicate your very important ideas--how exciting! Whenever possible, children should be given writing assignments that are meaningful to them. The same is true for adults--especially those just starting out. Write often and in different styles. Write a review of a favorite product, write an opinion on the best movie out this year, write a journal entry on what the day has been like, write song lyrics. The more you write, the more you will build both your mental and physical muscles. Frequent writing about topics of interest also helps to destigmatize writing and make it more comfortable and familiar. Final TipsLet Your Mind Play Although writers claim they love to write, they are also the first to admit that it is HARD! But it’s important that you don’t lose the joy of it. If you feel yourself getting bogged down or discouraged with a project, set it aside for a while and do some writing that is just plain FUN. Freewrite, write a new episode of your favorite sitcom, write a ridiculous letter to a friend, or anything that just comes easily. Remind yourself why you love the written word and remind yourself that you are capable of producing something new and creative. Not all writing has to be a New York Times Bestseller.  READ to Write Finally, one of the best ways to become a competent writer who is excited about their craft is to read often. The more we are exposed to good writing, the more we will internalize the flow and structure of written communication. Reading literature that excites and interests you will also help inspire your own works. So if you’re looking for an excuse to step away from your manuscript and curl up on the couch with a good book, this is it! *** Studies show 81% of adults say they want to write a novel one day, yet so few ever take steps to accomplish this goal. And it’s no wonder. Writing is difficult, and a bit of an enigma. To be a writer requires creativity, but also logic and order. It requires vulnerability, but also resilience. It is a skill of the mind, but also the body. It is spontaneous, but also disciplined. It can be painfully hard at times, but also euphorically satisfying. It can be difficult, but it is not impossible. If you are part of that 81% that has always wanted to write, our advice is to go for it!! If you fail the first time, go for it again. And again and again and again until you get it right. Because the world deserves to hear your story, and you deserve to tell it.
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 Think of your favorite book. Do you know who published it? Probably not, because as a reader, it doesn’t really matter to you. When it comes to books, publishing is probably the aspect most veiled in mystery. Through school visits, meet-and-greets, social media, and even book jackets, readers have the opportunity to peek into the worlds of writing and illustrating. Even a reluctant reader knows a little about how a book is written, but how a manuscript goes from author to reader is much less known, even to writers. This isn’t a problem for the average bibliophile, but when that reader turns writer, a lack of knowledge can lead to bad deals and disappointment. To help you avoid these downfalls, we’ve compiled a list of a few misconceptions new authors often face when they first start out in the publishing world. 1. The Publisher Handles All Marketing You just snagged your first book deal-woohoo! Now you can just sit back, relax, and watch your book soar to the top of the sales chart, right? Wrong! Whether you are published by a small, independent publisher, or you have a deal with one of the Big 5, you are expected to be actively engaged in marketing your book. The smaller the publishing house, the larger your responsibility is likely to be. Why is this the case? While, yes, it is your book that’s selling, it is also YOU. As the creator of the book, you have insight and interest that no one else can--or should try to--replicate. Readers want to know what inspired your character choices, how you came to become a writer, and what you have planned next for their favorite characters. You offer a heart to the story that can’t be mimicked by a marketing professional. Many authors struggle with feeling “gross” or mercenary selling their books, but remember, marketing is just a fancy word for connecting. If you don’t let readers know about your book, they will never get to enjoy it. And isn’t that the whole point? 2. Your Book Will Sell MillionsMany new authors believe that once their book is picked up by a publisher, they will soon be rolling in the royalty checks as their novel flies off the shelf. The reality is that very few books sell millions or make their writer’s wealthy. According to Publisher's Weekly, The average U.S. book sells an average of 3,000 copies over its lifetime.  A publisher can put your book out in the world, but they can’t make people buy it. Even when readers do love your book, it is up against strong and numerous competitors, fighting print, ebook, and audio, not to mention other viers for attention, such as Netflix and Hulu. This can sound negative, but don’t lose heart. The beauty of the modern age is that there is more than one way to make a living off of writing. Consider blogs, guest articles, selling merchandise related to your book, speaking at events and conferences, or conducting school visits. These are all ways to connect with and build your audience, exercise your writing and communicating skills, and make a little extra cash along the way. Additionally, each book that you sell becomes one more coin in the bank of your brand and your recognizability. The next book you publish will likely have greater traction because readers have already purchased and loved your first book. 3. Your Next Book Will be Picked UpIn the world of publishing, you have to earn each book. Just because a publisher purchased your last title, does not mean they will publish your next. The truth is, publishing is a business and that business must cater to its target audience. Maybe your last picture book on tigers flew off the shelves, but this year tigers are out and your follow-up isn’t projected to do well. The publisher can’t risk a loss, and so they decide to pass. It’s all about finding a fit and a partnership that works well for everyone. You haven’t changed, but the book being sold--the product--has. New product equals new audience equals new consideration by the publisher. 4. If Your Book is Selected by a Publisher, No Changes Need Made Yes, we know you have written draft after draft, edited, rewritten, and tweaked until your manuscript is perfect, but that by no means signifies it is done being changed. Once a company picks up a book, the hands that touch it go up exponentially. Editors will suggest character changes, plot shifts, not to mention title changes-yes, the author doesn’t always get to title the book! Your book might be your baby, but it is also a product, and that product must be perfectly packaged to sell. 5. It is a Quick ProcessSee above. There are a lot of people your book must pass through before it hits shelves. Once the manuscript has been finalized, the illustrator must be chosen, illustrations agreed upon, fonts selected, and a cover made. And that’s just the production of the book itself. Then there is a marketing plan to be set, publicity shots, tour schedules, pre-release reviews to be gathered, and more. In reality, most books take around 2 years to reach bookstores. 6. You Get to Choose Your Illustrator
7. If You’re Good, You’ll be Discovered“If you write it, they will come” Sadly, this does not apply in the publishing world. While there are one or two stories of authors getting discovered online or a publisher happening to pick up a book by an unknown, love it, and get it to the top of the best seller’s list, these stories are one in a trillion. Publishing is a business and publishers want to make sure their money is invested wisely. They don’t just want to make sure your book is good, they want to know that you are nice to work with, willing to put in marketing effort, and able to build positive relationships with stakeholders and readers. The more a publisher trusts you, or the person pitching your book, such as an agent, the better your chances are for being picked up. If you want a publisher to notice your book, you have to get in front of them. This can mean pursuing an agent who can help connect you to a publishing house, mailing in queries, or establishing yourself in the industry by attending conferences and participating in conversations. Do you have to have connections to get published? No. But it helps. A miner is much more likely to discover a gem sitting in front of them than buried in the dirt! *** The world of publishing is one that most readers know little about, yet it is a vital cog in the wheel that brings to life what we all love--books! In today’s easy-access universe, anyone can write a book and send it out to the world. As a result, some view the publishing industry as a money-hungry vestige of days gone by; however, this couldn’t be further from the truth. While getting your book out through a publisher might mean longer timelines and the relinquishing of some control, it also means a lot of smart people doing their best to make your book the best it can be. Going through a publishing house, whether traditional or independent, isn’t for everyone and, like all paths, it has its pros and cons. The important thing is to walk in with your eyes wide open so you can make the best decision possible for your book and get it into the hands of those that will cherish it.
 Readers’ Theater is a learning strategy that gained popularity in the classroom during the 1990s (though dramatizing stories has been around since long before then!). This strategy helps bring books to life while also developing reading fluency, public speaking skills, confidence, teamwork, and more. Cara Bafile writes in a Reading Rockets article on the topic, “Its goal is to enhance students’ reading skills and confidence by having them practice reading with a purpose. Readers’ Theater gives students a real reason to read aloud.”  Because it is read out loud, Readers’ Theater can help students cultivate a whole host of skills that will benefit them both in and out of the classroom. Performing a script connects the way a word is read on the page to the way it is pronounced--a skill that even some adults struggle with! As they perform the play, students practice reading with expression, attaching meaning to words and phrases, and they learn how to work with their classmates to bring the story to life. An added benefit is the opportunity for imaginative play. Readers’ Theater scripts are just one interpretation of a story. Once they get the hang of performing written scripts, students can be challenged to try writing their own scripts! Not only does this further build creativity and important literacy skills, it aids educators in assessing students' reading comprehension and discovering what lessons stick out to them as important. From a social-emotional perspective, Readers’ Theater can help students empathize with the characters in the story and pick up on more subtle character traits and emotions.
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| Allow plenty of practice time and assure students they do not need to memorize their scripts. In fact, they shouldn’t as reading is the primary goal of the exercise. In this Reading Rockets article, children's literature consultant, Judy Freeman, recommends performing the script at least twice. "The first time, the children will be struggling with words and their meanings, and with making sense of the play. The second time, they'll be able to focus on enjoying the performance and their parts in it.” |  Photo by: Senior Airman Christopher ToonReleased | VIRIN: 120305-F-GE400-054.JPG |
Some groups find it easier to begin with props, others find that their students put more effort into their performance when the aid of a set and props are not available.
And that's it! Readers' Theater is simple, effective, and easy to adapt for any age.
And that's it! Readers' Theater is simple, effective, and easy to adapt for any age.
For more tips on starting your own Readers’ Theater, visit these resources:
Try It!
To kick off your Readers’ Theater journey, we've created a script adapted from L.A. Kefalos’s picture book, This is A. Blob. Click below to download your free copy.
If you perform this readers’ theater, let us know in the comments. We’d love to see your interpretation!
*While this script is written for 5 students, it can easily be adapted for fewer numbers. The 2 narrators can be condensed to one and additional characters can be either condensed or multiple characters can be read by one student.
For more reading strategies and in-class social-emotional activities, check out these blogs:
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 | A. Blob is back, and this time it's on a bus! As the slimy bully pokes and pesters the children of Lincoln Elementary School, it seems like they will never be able to ride the bus in peace. That is, until one brave girl takes stand. Can one act of bravery change everything--including A. Blob? Find out in this second installment of The Blob Series! |
 | Before it was on a bus, A. Blob was on the playground. This first installment of The Blob Series follows the antics of A. Blob, as it wreaks havoc on the elementary school playground with its bullying ways. As the story progresses, however, readers learn that A. Blob may have more than meets the eye. Along with its powerful illustrations and rhymed verse for early readers, this story invites children to put themselves in the shoes of another and encourages readers to consider why bullies behave the way they do – and start to consider what can be done to help. |
You’ve written a book--congratulations! However, as any seasoned author will tell you, writing is only the beginning of the journey.
Next comes the vital job of letting people know your book exists--and this can be no small task. In a world where anyone and everyone can publish a book at any time through digital formats, new authors have more noise to cut through now than ever before.
The good news is, the digital world that creates so much noise also makes it easier than ever for authors to share their stories and connect with potential readers. Social media, email lists, blogs, podcasts, newsletters, and more open direct lines of communication that could only be dreamed of less than 2 decades ago.
The good news is, the digital world that creates so much noise also makes it easier than ever for authors to share their stories and connect with potential readers. Social media, email lists, blogs, podcasts, newsletters, and more open direct lines of communication that could only be dreamed of less than 2 decades ago.
When people hear the word “marketing”, they often think “money”, but this doesn’t need to be the case. There are wonderful, high quality resources that can help first-time (or experienced!) authors create beautiful marketing materials for absolutely free.
Today we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite FREE tools that will help you take on marketing with ease.
Canva
Canva is a one stop shop for your design needs. Not only does it offer simple social media optimized templates, free photos, illustrations, and custom-sized templates, users can upload their own photos, artwork, and logos for completely personalized designs. A paid subscription will open additional fonts and features, but is in no way necessary to use the platform successfully.
If you are part of a team, Canva has a feature which allows others to join a project to edit, share, or comment. Since everything is saved online, you’ll never have to worry about leaving your computer at home. All designs can be accessed anywhere an internet connection is available.
Designs can be downloaded as pdfs, jpgs, or pngs. Whether you need to design brochures, promotional bookmarks, blog feature photos, or even book covers, Canva is a tool that can help you get the job done.
Designs can be downloaded as pdfs, jpgs, or pngs. Whether you need to design brochures, promotional bookmarks, blog feature photos, or even book covers, Canva is a tool that can help you get the job done.
Pixlr
While Canva is a fantastic tool, it can’t always do the heavy lifting when it comes to graphic design. Unless you spring for a paid subscription, Canva does not allow background removal and no version allows layering, color changing, or general photo editing.
Professionals use programs such as Photoshop for these tasks, but as a new author with no aspirations in graphic design, paying $100+/year for a professional photo editing program may not be practical. Enter: Pixlr. Pixlr is an online photo editor that offers many Photoshop-like features for free. As with Canva, you can pay a small fee to receive extra features, but it is not necessary to create a beautiful product.
Pixlr X
Before working in the world of marketing, I thought photoshop/photoshop-like products were only for photographers. This could not be further from the truth! While they may have started to improve photographs, these programs are now used to bend text, create new fonts, paint images, merge graphics, and more to create everything from social media banners to commercial-quality advertisements.
2 free programs are currently available on Pixlr. There is Pixlr X and Pixlr E, both of which are free. The key difference is ease of use. Pixlr X was designed specifically with new users in mind. It has fewer tools that are simple to use. Pixlr E is for more advanced users. It offers more features, but has a stronger learning curve. Fear not: Pixlr offers text and video tutorials for both programs, and you won’t find it difficult to track down user-uploaded tutorials, as well.
Pixlr E
With Pixlr, upload your own photos, pull from Pixlr’s collection of stock photos, or design something completely new. The finished product can be downloaded in a variety of formats including jpg, png, and pxd.
Stock Photos
Sometimes you don’t have the time--or the budget-- to take or make all the great photos you need. While they can be overused and abused, a good stock photo used properly can take a piece to the next level without breaking the bank. If you’ve been grabbing your stock photos off of Google images, this section is for you.
| There are a few issues with pulling stock photos from Google images. First, and perhaps, most important, you may be grabbing images under copyright. While Google does have a filter to help prevent this, it isn’t foolproof and sometimes a photo labeled free use really isn’t. Additionally, anyone who has ever used Google’s filter can also attest that the pickings are slim. While we’d all like to believe that Google knows all, often the search engine only shows a limited number of free-to-use photos that are actually available. Pixaby, Pexels, and Unsplash are all excellent alternatives to a Google image search. These websites are treasure troves of free, high quality stock photos. All you do is type what you’re looking for into the search bar and hit ‘enter’. |    |
The name and links of the photographers are usually given if you want to give them credit or reach out to them for paid images or work in the future, but all photos are free to use and edit. All 3 sites are relatively equal in quality, but vary in selection, so if you can’t find what you need on one site, another just might have it.
Social Media Management Tool
When you are managing multiple social media sites and posting multiple times each week, a social media management tool is the superhero you never knew you needed. Instead of spending hours each day posting, you can spend one day putting together a week’s worth of posts that will go up automatically throughout the week. Not only does this free you up to work on other things, it helps to ensure you never forget to post. This is especially helpful on important occasions such as book launches and publicity dates.
Many of these schedulers also allow you to see and respond to comments, likes, and other notifications from the platform. Rather than bouncing from site to site, everything can be easily accessed from one location.
One scheduling website we love is Hootsuite. Hootsuite’s free option allows you to manage 3 social profiles and schedule 30 messages per month. Upgraded plans have additional features such as unlimited scheduling, additional users, analytics, multiple users, exportable reports, and more. While these tools are helpful, they are not needed for the person just starting out.
Another benefit to Hootsuite is that it plays well with multiple social platforms, including:
- Facebook groups
- Facebook pages
- LinkedIn profiles
- LinkedIn pages (Basic Reports on Enterprise & Pro plan only)
- YouTube
- Pinterest (publishing only)
It will also work with a few lesser known 3rd party apps.
A final small, but welcome, benefit is the ability to shorten urls within the publishing tool. This adds a nice, clean look to your posts. A downside to be aware of: Facebook does not allow you to tag people through the Hootsuite publisher. If you want to create a tagged post, you will have to do so through Facebook’s scheduling tool.
Other tools with free options: ContentCal, Buffer, SocialOopmph, Zoho
This blog does a great job comparing some of the most popular tools.
***
We hope you find these tools helpful! If we missed one of your favorites, please feel free to share it in the comments! Embarking on your first marketing journey can be daunting, but rest assured that, with a little help and the right tools, you can take the next step in your writing journey and connect with readers eager to hear your story.
Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored and all opinions are our own. We were not paid or reimbursed in any way for writing about these companies. These are simply organizations and tools we found helpful over the years.
Did you like this post? Then you're going to love these!
 |  |  |
  | A. Blob is back, and this time it's on a bus! As the slimy bully pokes and pesters the children of Lincoln Elementary School, it seems like they will never be able to ride the bus in peace. That is, until one brave girl takes stand. Can one act of bravery change everything--including A. Blob? Find out in this second installment of The Blob Series! Before it was on a bus, A. Blob was on the playground. This first installment of The Blob Series follows the antics of A. Blob, as it wreaks havoc on the elementary school playground with its bullying ways. As the story progresses, however, readers learn that A. Blob may have more than meets the eye. Along with its powerful illustrations and rhymed verse for early readers, this story invites children to put themselves in the shoes of another and encourages readers to consider why bullies behave the way they do – and start to consider what can be done to help. |
November 1st marked the beginning of NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month). The goal: to write 50,000 words of a novel during the thirty days of November. While this may sound like a daunting task, the organization that founded the challenge all the way back in 1999 doesn’t expect--or even want--you to do it alone. A cornerstone of their philosophy is the power of community. Now a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, they offer tools, goals, networking, mentoring, and more to encourage writers of all stages to, well, write!
If you’re one of the brave souls who has decided to take on this challenge (or anyone working on a piece of writing), then you are probably well acquainted with the dreaded “Blank Page Syndrome”. October may have prepared you to be scared of ghosts and ghouls, but no one told you that the most frightening thing you would have to deal with would be a black cursor flashing judgingly on a blank word document.
‘I think writer’s block is when you say to yourself, “I could write something, but it wouldn’t be good enough.” There’s no such thing as a complete inability to write a sentence.’
-Scott Adams, creator of Dilbert
-Scott Adams, creator of Dilbert
Writer’s block is something every writer has faced. Not even the greats can outrun that looming phantom. The good news? There are plenty of tips available to help you to conquer your fear and get down to writing. Today, we will share 10 ways to face the blank page with confidence.
1. Try Drawing
Sure, not everyone is an artist, but just about anyone can pull out a stick figure or two. If you are struggling to put your scene into words, try drawing it out instead. It can be quick sketches or even simple swaths of color defining the moods and emotions you want to convey. A book is made of words, but words are not what you see when you read. Instead you see sinister characters inching closer to the protagonist, fields bathed in morning light, and flowers sparkling with the evening dew. If you aren’t sure how to build your world with words just yet, create it visually first.
Sure, not everyone is an artist, but just about anyone can pull out a stick figure or two. If you are struggling to put your scene into words, try drawing it out instead. It can be quick sketches or even simple swaths of color defining the moods and emotions you want to convey. A book is made of words, but words are not what you see when you read. Instead you see sinister characters inching closer to the protagonist, fields bathed in morning light, and flowers sparkling with the evening dew. If you aren’t sure how to build your world with words just yet, create it visually first.
2. Use Comic Sans
This next tip certainly falls into the “strange but true” category. Despite its seeming absurdity, countless writers swear by the technique of switching their font over to comic sans. There is no exact scientific explanation for this phenomenon, though multiple theories have been offered up. One blogger suggests that the font’s purposefully distinct letters make reading and re-reading smoother and more entertaining. She also shares that the letter shapes help to melt words together so that she is able to view her lines as one cohesive whole rather than individual sentences that need picked apart.
Another writer chalks the productivity increase up to the disarming quality of the childlike font. How can you be judgemental of something that looks like it was written by a 2nd grader?
Whether there is a science to it or the placebo effect, there are enough positive testimonials to warrant a try!
3. Start with something easy
They say the best way to get over writer’s block is to just write--easier said than done. If you’re feeling lost or intimidated by where to begin, write something you know you can write with ease. Put a twist on an old fairy tale or rewrite a scene from your favorite sitcom from the perspective of one of the characters. Get your creative juices flowing and show your inner critic that you CAN write and you’ll likely find yourself revving to begin your new piece.
They say the best way to get over writer’s block is to just write--easier said than done. If you’re feeling lost or intimidated by where to begin, write something you know you can write with ease. Put a twist on an old fairy tale or rewrite a scene from your favorite sitcom from the perspective of one of the characters. Get your creative juices flowing and show your inner critic that you CAN write and you’ll likely find yourself revving to begin your new piece.
4. Stop when you are going good
This next tip applies more to general writer’s block than to beginning a piece of writing, but it was such great advice, we knew it had to make the list. It comes from one of America’s greatest writers, Ernest Hemingway.
In a 1935 article in Esquire ( "Monologue to the Maestro: A High Seas Letter") Hemingway offered this advice to a young writer:
"The best way is always to stop when you are going good and when you know what will happen next. If you do that every day when you are writing a novel you will never be stuck. That is the most valuable thing I can tell you so try to remember it."
Most of the time, getting started is the most difficult part of writing. By stopping while you are still in the middle of something you are excited about, you will always begin your next writing session with enthusiasm.
This next tip applies more to general writer’s block than to beginning a piece of writing, but it was such great advice, we knew it had to make the list. It comes from one of America’s greatest writers, Ernest Hemingway.
In a 1935 article in Esquire ( "Monologue to the Maestro: A High Seas Letter") Hemingway offered this advice to a young writer:
"The best way is always to stop when you are going good and when you know what will happen next. If you do that every day when you are writing a novel you will never be stuck. That is the most valuable thing I can tell you so try to remember it."
Most of the time, getting started is the most difficult part of writing. By stopping while you are still in the middle of something you are excited about, you will always begin your next writing session with enthusiasm.
5. Interview Your Characters
They say to write what you know, but it is unlikely that Tolkein knew too many Hobbits and Elves personally (though we could be wrong). So how do you get to know people and worlds that don’t exist? The same way you get to know people in real life--talk to them. If you aren’t sure how to begin your story, try writing an interview with your characters instead. Ask them about their likes and dislikes. Ask them about their childhood and goals for the future. What do they think about another character?
They say to write what you know, but it is unlikely that Tolkein knew too many Hobbits and Elves personally (though we could be wrong). So how do you get to know people and worlds that don’t exist? The same way you get to know people in real life--talk to them. If you aren’t sure how to begin your story, try writing an interview with your characters instead. Ask them about their likes and dislikes. Ask them about their childhood and goals for the future. What do they think about another character?
The better you understand your characters, the easier it will be to know how they will react to the conflicts you place in front of them, or to create conflicts you would like them see react to.
6. Outline It
This is an oldie-but-goodie. Looking at a blank page can be intimidating for two reasons: (1) you have no idea where you’re going, or (2) you have too many ideas and don’t know where to begin. Creating an outline give you anchors to work towards and provides direction as you write.
Some writers don’t like outlines, fearing that they stifle creativity, but the reality is this is only as true as you make it. Who says once something is in the outline it’s there forever? There is nothing wrong with changing plot points as you go. An outline simply offers a suggestion so that you don’t have to start from zero.
This is an oldie-but-goodie. Looking at a blank page can be intimidating for two reasons: (1) you have no idea where you’re going, or (2) you have too many ideas and don’t know where to begin. Creating an outline give you anchors to work towards and provides direction as you write.
Some writers don’t like outlines, fearing that they stifle creativity, but the reality is this is only as true as you make it. Who says once something is in the outline it’s there forever? There is nothing wrong with changing plot points as you go. An outline simply offers a suggestion so that you don’t have to start from zero.
Everyone outlines differently, so try a few methods and see what works for you. Maybe you begin by deciding the 6 major plot points, taking you from the beginning of the story all the way to the end. Or, maybe you prefer to map out your main character’s arc and fill in the action to support that change. There is no right or wrong way. The most important thing is to get something down on the paper. If you hate it, at least you know what not to write!
7. Write Nonsense
Our next tip was sourced from lifehack.org. One primary cause of blank page syndrome is the dreaded inner critic. Each time you make a running start at a sentence, that critic yanks you back, telling you that you’re no good. A simple way to push past this is to write something meaningless. “The cat walked up the tree and sent down an apple. The girl plucked it out of the basket and jumped for joy.” Meaningless. But, words on a page. Sometimes, you just need to get your body into the writing groove.
After 5 minutes or so, write down one line that relates to your piece. Throw in another and another. Once you put start putting pen to paper (or fingers to keys), you'll find it much easier to get down to your real piece.
Our next tip was sourced from lifehack.org. One primary cause of blank page syndrome is the dreaded inner critic. Each time you make a running start at a sentence, that critic yanks you back, telling you that you’re no good. A simple way to push past this is to write something meaningless. “The cat walked up the tree and sent down an apple. The girl plucked it out of the basket and jumped for joy.” Meaningless. But, words on a page. Sometimes, you just need to get your body into the writing groove.
After 5 minutes or so, write down one line that relates to your piece. Throw in another and another. Once you put start putting pen to paper (or fingers to keys), you'll find it much easier to get down to your real piece.
8. Re-Read a Piece You’re Proud Of
It’s easy to think of yourself as a talentless hack when you’re staring at a blank word document. The next time you feel unworthy to be sitting in front of a keyboard, take a moment to read something you’ve written that you are proud of. Not only will this help put you in a writing mindset, it will remind you that you have written well in the past and can do it again.
It’s easy to think of yourself as a talentless hack when you’re staring at a blank word document. The next time you feel unworthy to be sitting in front of a keyboard, take a moment to read something you’ve written that you are proud of. Not only will this help put you in a writing mindset, it will remind you that you have written well in the past and can do it again.
9. Write in White
This is a fun trick from Ink Copywriters. Tired of hearing your inner critic? Don’t give her anything to critique! By writing in white, you give yourself license to not only write without overthinking wording, but you avoid stopping to correct every spelling and grammatical error the spell-check points out to you.
10. Don’t Be Afraid to Skip
While Maria Von Trapp said that the beginning is a very good place to start, this isn’t always the best path to take. If you are having trouble setting up the beginning of your story, don’t be afraid to jump to another part that you feel more confident about and begin from there. Writing is writing and you can always go back and fill in the blanks later.
While Maria Von Trapp said that the beginning is a very good place to start, this isn’t always the best path to take. If you are having trouble setting up the beginning of your story, don’t be afraid to jump to another part that you feel more confident about and begin from there. Writing is writing and you can always go back and fill in the blanks later.
***
We hope you found these tips helpful--or at least a good distraction from that blank page you’ve been staring at!
If you plan to participate in NaNoWriMo, let us know in the comments below so we can cheer you on!
If you plan to participate in NaNoWriMo, let us know in the comments below so we can cheer you on!
 |  |  |
 | Before it was on a bus, A. Blob was on the playground. This first installment of The Blob Series follows the antics of A. Blob, as it wreaks havoc on the elementary school playground with its bullying ways. As the story progresses, however, readers learn that A. Blob may have more than meets the eye. Along with its powerful illustrations and rhymed verse for early readers, this story invites children to put themselves in the shoes of another and encourages readers to consider why bullies behave the way they do – and start to consider what can be done to help. |
 | A. Blob is back, and this time it's on a bus! As the slimy bully pokes and pesters the children of Lincoln Elementary School, it seems like they will never be able to ride the bus in peace. That is, until one brave girl takes stand. Can one act of bravery change everything--including A. Blob? Find out in this second installment of The Blob Series! |
"A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops."
--Henry Adams
--Henry Adams
Last week, we celebrated teachers everywhere during Teacher Appreciation Week. From 12-hour days to spending nearly $500 dollars of their own money each year on classroom supplies, teachers are some of the hardest working individuals out there, sacrificing time, money, and sometimes even their sanity to shape and nurture the next generation. Talk to any teacher, and they’ll tell you that it’s a juggling act. Not only do they have to to build effective lessons that meet individual learning needs while also making things fun and engaging, teachers must also attend to the social and emotional needs of their students. To be a teacher, you have to be persistent, resilient, creative, and have a deep understanding of humans of all ages. So, it isn’t surprising to learn that some of the greatest authors of all time used to be teachers.
While they may not be educators in the traditional sense, authors take us to new places, introduce us to new people, share new ideas and, in sometimes subtle, sometimes plain ways, teach us about the world and the people in it.
In honor of all the incredible teachers out there who have shaped our lives and opened up countless young minds to the joys of reading and writing, we have put together a list of 5 famous authors who once made their living in the classroom. We hope you enjoy--and then go thank a teacher!
While they may not be educators in the traditional sense, authors take us to new places, introduce us to new people, share new ideas and, in sometimes subtle, sometimes plain ways, teach us about the world and the people in it.
In honor of all the incredible teachers out there who have shaped our lives and opened up countless young minds to the joys of reading and writing, we have put together a list of 5 famous authors who once made their living in the classroom. We hope you enjoy--and then go thank a teacher!
Robert Frost"Two roads diverged in a wood and I - I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference." Robert Lee Frost, born March 26, 1874, was an American poet, but he had several other jobs before being honored with numerous Pulitzer Prizes. From the beginning, writing and teaching were in his blood. His father was an editor at the San Francisco Bulletin, as well as a teacher. Though Frost tragically lost his dad when he was just a child, it seems that he managed to pick up his parent’s passion for writing and sharing the English language. |  |
Robert Lee Frost, born March 26, 1874, was an American poet, but he had several other jobs before being honored with numerous Pulitzer Prizes. From the beginning, writing and teaching were in his blood. His father was an editor at the San Francisco Bulletin, as well as a teacher. Though Frost tragically lost his dad when he was just a child, it seems that he managed to pick up his parent’s passion for writing and sharing the English language.
After graduating from high school, Frost attended Dartmouth College, but soon dropped out to work several jobs, including co-teaching a class of boys along with his mother. After his time with the boys’ school, Frost tried to make a go of farming. While the tranquil setting of the farm inspired many of his most popular poems, it unfortunately proved not to be the career for him. Having failed as a farmer, Robert returned to his teaching roots and taught English at New Hampshire’s Pinkerton Academy from 1906-1911. In his later years, he also went on to teach at several higher institutions of learning, including the New Hampshire Normal School (now Plymouth State University), Amherst College, and the Bread Loaf School of English of Middlebury College.
After graduating from high school, Frost attended Dartmouth College, but soon dropped out to work several jobs, including co-teaching a class of boys along with his mother. After his time with the boys’ school, Frost tried to make a go of farming. While the tranquil setting of the farm inspired many of his most popular poems, it unfortunately proved not to be the career for him. Having failed as a farmer, Robert returned to his teaching roots and taught English at New Hampshire’s Pinkerton Academy from 1906-1911. In his later years, he also went on to teach at several higher institutions of learning, including the New Hampshire Normal School (now Plymouth State University), Amherst College, and the Bread Loaf School of English of Middlebury College.
J.K. Rowling
"I think that I've had a very strange life."
Joanne Rowling, born July 31, 1965, is one of the most globally recognized (and certainly one of the wealthiest!) authors of all time. She is best known for writing the Harry Potter book series, which has sold more than 500 million copies, been adapted for the screen, and won multiple awards. However, her path to world-renowned author was anything but straight and had multiple stops along the way--including a stop in the classroom.
Rowling graduated from the University of Exeter in 1986 after which she worked as a researcher and bilingual secretary while also writing essays and, eventually, Harry Potter. The idea for the story of the boy wizard famously came to her while on a delayed trip from Manchester to London in 1990. Though she began writing almost immediately afterwards, the first book in the series wouldn’t be published for seven more years.
In between that first lightning bolt of inspiration and publication, Rowling picked up her life and moved to Porto, Portugal, to teach English. The job required her to teach at night, which left the day free to write her novel. Perhaps some of her time in this classroom made its way into the halls of Hogwarts.
Rowling graduated from the University of Exeter in 1986 after which she worked as a researcher and bilingual secretary while also writing essays and, eventually, Harry Potter. The idea for the story of the boy wizard famously came to her while on a delayed trip from Manchester to London in 1990. Though she began writing almost immediately afterwards, the first book in the series wouldn’t be published for seven more years.
In between that first lightning bolt of inspiration and publication, Rowling picked up her life and moved to Porto, Portugal, to teach English. The job required her to teach at night, which left the day free to write her novel. Perhaps some of her time in this classroom made its way into the halls of Hogwarts.
Dan Brown
| "I feel like if I'm going to take time reading, I better be learning." Dan Brown was born June 22, 1964 in Exeter, New Hampshire. Like Robert Frost, Dan Brown was the son of a teacher and a writer. His father, Richard Brown, taught mathematics and wrote textbooks. Although a math book might seem like a far cry from the thriller novels the younger Brown would eventually write, the twists, turns, and puzzles found inside Dan’s novels certainly have a definitive mathematical preciseness to them. |  |
After graduating college, Brown wanted to pursue his dream of becoming a famous musician. It was this goal, in fact, that first led him to teaching. In 1991, he took up a job teaching classes at Beverly Hills Preparatory School in order to pay the bills. When the stage lights passed him by, Dan moved back to his hometown where he taught English and Spanish for 3 years. In 1996, he decided to quit teaching in order to pursue writing full-time. It paid off when his first book, Digital Fortress, was published in 1998.
 | "The greatest ideas are the simplest." It seems ironic, or at least a little bit odd, to learn that Sir William Gerald Golding, British novelist best known for writing Lord of the Flies, a novel in which a group of children become stranded on an island and go savage on one another, actually spent the first part of his professional career as an elementary school teacher. Although, if you talk to teachers at the end of the school year, they might not think it odd at all... |
William Golding |
Like other authors on our list, William followed in the footsteps of his father, who was a science master at Marlborough Grammar School. Unlike the previous writers, Golding continued teaching young students throughout much of his life. His first position was as a schoolmaster at Maidstone Grammar School where he taught English and music from 1938-1940. His teaching career was interrupted by the battles of WWII, during which time he served in the Royal Navy. Returning home in 1945, Golding found his long-term post at Bishop Wordsworth’s School, where he would teach English for the next 16 years. His first and most famous novel, Lord of the Flies, was published during his time at Wordsworth’s and the characters contained within are said to have been heavily influenced by Golding's many rambunctious students.
Stephen King
| "Every book you pick up has its own lesson or lessons, and quite often the bad books have more to teach than the good ones." Another perhaps surprising teacher-turned-author is none other than the King of Horror himself, Stephen King. From the time he was very young, Stephen had a passion for the written word. In addition to the stories he would write for fun, he would also write stories based off of recent films and sell them to his schoolmates. By the time he was 18, he was already being paid for his writing. |  |
When it came time to go to college, this passion would lead him to study English at the University of Maine where he also earned his teaching certificate. Upon graduation, King had a difficult time finding a teaching position and, in a reversal from the plight of most writers, he had to sell stories in order to support himself while he looked for a job in teaching!
In 1971, one year after his college graduation, King was hired to teach at Hampden Academy, a public high school in Maine. While there, he continued to write and sell short stories and work on ideas for books. When his now-famous novel, Carrie, was published in 1973, King’s career as a horror writer was officially launched and he transitioned away from teaching to write full-time.
In 1971, one year after his college graduation, King was hired to teach at Hampden Academy, a public high school in Maine. While there, he continued to write and sell short stories and work on ideas for books. When his now-famous novel, Carrie, was published in 1973, King’s career as a horror writer was officially launched and he transitioned away from teaching to write full-time.
***
Filled with knowledge, theories, questions, and exploits, books can be some of our greatest teachers. Through reading, we can go anywhere and learn anything. Thank you to the teachers who first make the jumbled symbols on the page transform into adventures and place pencils in hands and teach us to build worlds of our own.
Have you heard? A. Blob is back and this time, things are about to get stickier than ever. When A. Blob boards the school bus, it seems like the children of Lincoln Elementary School will never get away from its ooey, gooey bullying behavior, but can one small voice change everything? Even A. Blob? Find out in A. Blob on a Bus, by L.A. Kefalos, the second installment of The Blob Series, coming this spring.
| Before it was on a bus, A. Blob was wreaking havoc on the elementary playground in This is A. Blob, by L.A. Kefalos. A. Blob pokes and prods, throws sticks and stones, and makes recess a nightmare for the children of Lincoln Elementary School. As the story progresses, though, we learn there just might be more to A. Blob than meets the eye. Along with its powerful illustrations and rhymed verse for early readers, this story invites children to put themselves in the shoes of another and encourages readers to consider why bullies behave the way they do – and start to consider what can be done to help. |  |
About Laughing Leopard Press
Hello! We are Laughing Leopard Press, an independent book publisher from Akron, Ohio. At Laughing Leopard Press, we’re interested in publishing works that contribute to our understanding of this wonderful world. Through this blog, we hope to add to that understanding with commentary on life, literature, and a few things in between. We hope you enjoy the blog and take some time to talk with us in the comments or on our social media sites. Happy reading!
For some more great reading, check out our latest release, This is A. Blob by L. A Kefalos. This is A. Blob is a picture book that deals with the sticky issue of bullying through an unlikely character that is a bit sticky itself! As readers follow the antics of A. Blob, they learn to put themselves in the shoes of another and discover there may be more to this bully than meets the eye…
This is A. Blob by L. A Kefalos. $14.95
$1.00 is donated to charity for each book sold on this site--half to St. Jude's and the other half to PetFix Northeast Ohio.
$1.00 is donated to charity for each book sold on this site--half to St. Jude's and the other half to PetFix Northeast Ohio.
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