Online Creative Writing Course with fun creative writing activities
Write A Way: Journey to Creativity
"If you want to get rich from writing, write the sort of thing that's read by persons who move their lips when they're reading to themselves."
~ Don Marquis
The Business of Writing
By Sandra Lee Schubert
What would you like to happen with your writing? There is a point in a writer's life when you want to take your work from the notebook or writers group and engage a wider audience. Are you there yet?
I recently attended a publishing workshop. The publisher shared his experiences in the business and how his idealized image of the field and the reality crashed and burned quickly. He imagined publishing would be like the 1940's movies he loved. The writer and editor spent long weeks holed up on a lovely piece of land hammering out the book. There would be fun and intellectually stimulating exchanges between the writer and editor with the publisher sitting back smoking, bemused by it all. A friend attending the workshop with me was disappointed when they kept talking about building a platform. She was annoyed, "A platform! I just want them to pay me and I sit around and write." Both had idealized visions of the writing life. Don't we all? My ideal is sitting on a balcony looking out to the river that I love pondering the next twist and turn of my heroine's life.
There are a number of books that shattered these illusions but still inspire you to create a solid
creative life.
All dreams require work. But first we must do the work.
Writing became such a process of discovery that I couldn't wait to get to work in the morning: I wanted to know what I was going to say. ~ Sharon O'Brien
Have you set a writing schedule for yourself?
You will have difficulty getting published and making money with your writing if you are someone who only writes when inspired. Learn how to set writing goals and stick to a regular schedule of writing. You will improve both your writing skills and meeting a deadline. Once you have established a schedule you will be able to build a business with your writing.
Tips to get on schedule:
1. Write down your schedule every day. Each morning take the time to write your goals for the day. As an example, you may want to add to your blog, outline themes for writing articles, or write at least 500 words on day on your book.
2. Enroll in an
online creative writing course
where e-lessons arrive regularly (weekly or every other week). Aim to complete creative writing assignments before the next lesson arrives.
3. Each evening review your goals, including your feelings about what you accomplished or what you didn't accomplish for the day.
4. Set larger goals for the month. Break it up into the types of writing you are doing or would like to do; short stories, poetry, article writing, writing an ebook, screenplays, etc. This is a time to explore goals outside your comfort zone. If you have only done poetry but would like to explore non-fiction set this as goal for the month.
5. Decide what time of day will be best for you to write. Some people write better in the morning, others prefer to do it late at night. Family obligations may prevent you from writing at your ideal time. You might have to get up earlier or go to bed later to get in writing time. Write while waiting online, on the phone or when you have any moment of quiet. Set a schedule that you follow.
6. Do not allow any interruptions to get in the way of what you are writing. If you must, sit down with your family members and friends and tell that your writing is a serious business, and that you must have periods of uninterrupted time.
Creative Prompts: Create a creative toolbox.
This idea is from Eric Maisel's book,
online creative writing course
Coaching the Artist Within.
I would recommend picking up a copy for your bookshelf. The toolbox supports creating a schedule and organizing your creative life.
A Project Log:
Create a separate log for each of your creativity projects. As example, you would have a log for your book idea, a log for your screenplay, and a log for writing articles. In this log, you keep a record of your projects' progress. Consider giving each project its own small notebook that you use to follow its progress. In this notebook, you would include research references, ideas, issues and solutions to each project. The notebook acts as a reference for future projects when you want to go back and review research you have already done.
A Daily Calendar:
Devote a page for each day and divide it into two parts. The morning would be devoted to writing down your daily creative goals. This calendar is devoted only to your creative goals and not any other personal goals such as getting the laundry. Here are some goals samples: I will outline three articles to write, I will research self-publishing options, and I will meet with other writers. In the evening at the bottom of the calendar, review your goals adding a note or comment about the day.
A Creativity To-do list
Keep a running list devoted to creative projects and efforts to organize these projects. I use large grid post-it boards that are helpful to write out lists and ideas. They are also perfect for mind-mapping ideas.
Meaningful objects or Totems
Have items around that inspire and support you. I have a wacky angel that someone bought for me to be my muse. She has a leopard jumpsuit and iridescent wings and wild red hair that sticking out in every direction. She reminds me to keep to my wild side of creativity and look to her for inspiration. Also she reminds me of my friend that supports my creativity and that is very important.
Copyright © 2008 Sandra Lee Schubert. All rights reserved.
An invitation from Sandra:
Embark on a journey of writing a life and the telling your healing tale! This life affirming online creative writing course coupled with scrapbooking techniques guides you on an inward journey of self-discovery and self-healing.
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Learn more.
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