Karen Brown Tyson

Tag: Writing

How to Build a Powerful Journal Writing Habit
Updated August 2022 — In my previous blog posts, I focused on survival in, How to Survive Swimming in Strange Water and dreams in, Will You Mow the Lawn to Follow Your Dream. As I continue to focus on making new plans, I thought it would be good to focus on building a powerful journal writing habit. As someone who has experienced my fair share of change, journal writing is one of the critical tools I use to reflect on the present and plan for the future.

Journal about the life you want

I created the life I wanted by journaling.

Initially, I started by writing about my feelings. Then, writing about how my day went – the good, the bad, and the ugly — came easy. Soon I journaled about life’s disappointments. Looking back, I remember how I used journaling to make new plans, become a blogger, and start a business.

Journaling helped me capture my ideas and follow my dreams.

While sharing my journal writing experience with a young lady, I saw the disappointment in her eyes. Not because of my knowledge. She shared how she has never been able to make journal writing a regular part of her life.

But this wasn’t the first time I heard this. I hear countless stories from people about how they tried journaling but couldn’t keep it going for a few weeks.

Trust me, if I could build a journal writing habit, you can too.

So what steps do I take to keep my journal writing habit going? For today’s post, I outline five steps I used to build a powerful journal writing habit.

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using the links.

Journal writing offers many benefits

No matter what happens, any time is an excellent time to build a journal writing habit. Some of the benefits of journal writing include:
- Writing therapy to deal with conflicts
- Stress reliever
- Help maintain and improve relationships
- Opportunity for reflection
- Records new ideas
- Gratitude
Studies show that journaling for 15 to 20 minutes daily, three to five days a week, can improve mental and physical health.

Five tips on how to build a journal writing habit

Although I understand the benefits of journal writing today, I didn’t always feel this way. My transformation involved lots of research. The tips I offer here highlight what I learned over time.

#1. Commit to making small changes

When I decided to get serious about my journal writing habit, I went to a habit expert: James Clear.

In his book Atomic Habits, Clear believes habits are the compound interest of self-improvement. Making a 1 percent improvement every day will add up in the end. My gains came over time with me, starting with writing one sentence in my journal. Over time, I wrote two sentences, then three, until I reached 15 minutes of writing.

“All big things come from small beginnings. The seed of every habit is a single, tiny decision.”
James Clear

Here’s a list of the other books I read to help me build my journal writing habit:
- One Small Step Can Change Your Life: The Kaizen Way by Robert Maurer
- Effortless Journaling: How to Start a Journal, Make It a Habit, and Find Endless Writing Topics (Develop Good Habits) by S.J. Scott (Author), Barrie Davenport (Author)
- Heal Your Self With Journaling Power by Mari L. McCarthy
#2. Use habit stacking

To build a journal writing habit, Clear recommends habit stacking, where you pair a current habit with a new habit. This technique allows you to match your new habit with your already-formed habits. For example, previously, I tried to tie my new habits with certain times of the day, like mornings.

But this approach allowed me to connect journal writing with a habit I was already doing, drinking tea while writing.

#3. Redesign your environment

Habit-building experts believe in the power of visual cues. The idea is to use cues to remember to perform a habit. I have to agree. I put my journal in the same bag as my laptop for my journal writing routine. When I sit down to write, I have all my tools – a journal, a writing notebook, my pens, and my laptop. Here are a few ideas to help you use cues:
- If you want to remember to write in your journal before you go to bed, put your journal next to your bed on the nightstand.
- When you want to write in your gratitude journal before going to the gym, put your journal in your bag.
- For your faith journaling habit, put your journal with your Study Bible and notebook.
#4. Take steps to make procrastination hard

Next, I confronted the unwanted behaviors that prevented me from sticking to my journal writing habit. First, I made a list of everything that prevented me from writing in my journal. Then, I selected one thing to change until I dealt with everything on the list. For example, checking social media in the morning prevented me from writing in my gratitude journal. So I put my smartphone in another room before I went to bed.

#5. Keep track of your progress

As your journal writing habit becomes more consistent, consider rewarding yourself. Positive reinforcement is critical in helping us automate our habits. Use a habit tracker to keep track of your progress.

Reward yourself whenever you complete a journal writing session or finish a week of journal writing.

It doesn’t have to be the same thing every time or anything costly. The point is to connect your accomplishment and the satisfaction that comes with it. Consider buying new supplies for your journal writing practice.

Keep your thoughts and dreams organized

“Keep a notebook. Travel with it, eat with it, sleep with it. Slap into it every stray thought that flutters up into your brain. Cheap paper is less perishable than gray matter, and lead pencil markings endure longer than memory.” Jack London

There are several different types of journals:
- Writing journal
- Dream journal
- Travel journal
- Idea journal
- Food journal
- Gratitude journal
Which journal is right for you? Here are a few of my favorite journals.

Whether you pick a regular notebook or a customized journal, the key is to get started building your journal writing habit.

Instead of wondering how long you can keep going this time, imagine yourself writing every day in the future.

You should feel proud of your decision to build a journal writing habit.

Your new journal writing habit might help you write the best chapter of your life.

If you need help, please get support. There are apps available, like the Bearable app, which allows you to log your moods, symptoms, medications, and much more.

Talk to a therapist. Connect with your support systems like your spouse, family members, or friends. Contact the National Alliance on Mental Illness Helpline at +1 (800) 950-6264.

ABOUT THIS POST: Thank you for reading this post. This information is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, medical treatment, medication, or therapy. Always seek your doctor’s advice or a qualified mental health provider with questions about mental health symptoms or medical conditions. Do not disregard professional psychological or medical advice or delay in seeking professional advice or treatment because of this post.
August 27, 2022
How to Fix Your Broken Writing Routine Immediately

Photo from Adobe Stock

Updated February 2022

Writing is hard. Despite your best efforts, you can never find enough time to get your content out the door. You dream about the day when you have a writing routine that helps you write and publish content consistently. If this sounds familiar, it may be time for you to fix your broken writing routine immediately.

But what if I told you I know how you feel? Despite writing content for work, I struggled to write every book I started between 1997 and 2017. Ten years! However, in six months, I became a published author by making a few changes in my writing routine.

I will share some tips to help you fix your writing routine. By adding these tips to your writing routine, you’ll find a flow and a process that works for you.

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you purchase using the links.

(Photo: Shutterstock)

Take small steps to make big changes

Lean Six Sigma is an effective method used to solve problems. For example, I learned to use Lean Six Sigma tools while working as a communicator in manufacturing. Since it was clear my writing routine wasn’t working, I turned to Six Sigma to help me solve the problem.

I decided to use the Kaizen approach, which uses small steps to improve a process, a habit, or a product. While I believe in the DMAIC tool, where you create a plan to define, measure, analyze, improve and control a process, I decided to make my version called AIM, which allows me to analyze, improve and manage.

I recorded my answers on sticky notes, which I put on a large piece of paper taped to the wall. Once I reviewed my notes, I discovered a few reoccurring themes. Whether writing an article or a book, I realized that time and place were issues affecting my writing.

To improve, I turned to Dr. Robert Maurer’s book, One Small Step Can Change Your Life: The Kaizen Way. Dr. Maurer believes that by taking small steps to correct a problem, we only need to take small actions to achieve our goal.

I agree and embrace this approach. So, I asked myself, ‘What small steps will I take to fix my problems in managing when and where I write?’ The small steps I decide to take serve as actions to fix my problems.

Finally, to help me manage my writing routine, I kept my actions visible to stay focused.

Action step: Analyze your current writing routine to determine what works and what doesn’t work. Be honest with yourself. Determine what small actions you will take to improve.

Say goodbye to excuses

If you want to be a writer, you must constantly improve.
Jerry Jenkins

As a certified Six-Sigma communicator who tells clients, ‘Change does not have to be hard. You can do this,’ it was time to take my advice and change my thinking about writing.

With the research compiled to start my small actions list, I examined my unfinished writing projects to see any worth saving. A book I wanted to write was the only thing worth pursuing. But before I started researching, outlining, or writing, I had to deal with my problem with finding the right time and a place to write.

My list of reasons I could not write included too much work, too many projects; family obligations like taking my son to swim practice; carpool duty; and not writing in my favorite spot. The list was long.

But my reasons were excuses. It was as if I expected time and opportunity to tap me on the shoulder. But it never happened.

Not finding the right time and place to write were excuses I needed to kiss goodbye.

Action step: Make a list of why you struggle with your writing projects. Pick out the excuses. Determine what small actions you will take moving forward. Add the information to your vision board.

See yourself in the future

Change starts in one’s mind.

Real change requires both head and hands. In addition to doing things differently, we must also think differently. For me, this meant prioritizing my writing.

I practiced mind imagery to complete my book, where I saw myself writing and finishing my first book. Used by professional athletes like Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan, mind imagery allows you to see yourself completing a task like swinging a golf club, making the winning shot, or, in my case, picking up a copy of my first book.

How often did I do this? Every day until I finished the book.

I envisioned myself writing everywhere through imagery – in my kitchen, at airports, in train stations, in the carpool line (before school let out). And it worked – soon, I was able to write consistently.

If you want to see a change in your actions, you must first change your thinking.
Karen Brown Tyson

Action step: Identify one to two writing projects you want to complete. Use mind imagery to envision yourself finishing your next writing project.

Divide writing projects into manageable tasks

Armed with a new way of thinking, I ditched my old writer mindset.

I got rid of all romantic fantasies about locking myself in a room for an entire weekend and emerging with a 50,000-word manuscript ready for publication.

I am not saying writing 50,000 in two days can’t happen. I’m just saying I no longer think about writing a book this way.

Writing a book can be a big challenge. I realized writing a book overwhelmed me to the point I would give up.

I divided my book writing project into manageable tasks and created a writing map with my new mindset.

One thing to remember: the writing map is only a guide. I still created a detailed outline and marketing plan for my book.

Action step: Create a writing map. Identify the steps you will take to complete your writing assignment. Post your writing map where it is visible.

Find the right time and place to write

Have you ever struggled to find the right time and place to write? I did.

I had no problem writing content anywhere and everywhere for work. Writing presentations at the airport before a flight? No problem. Writing a press release before bed after an 18-hour day? No problem. Writing one chapter of my book during a five-day business trip? Not happening.

It was easy to put other people’s projects and priorities ahead of mine. I had to learn it was okay to take care of the world as long as I cared for myself.

Does this describe your writing life? If so, it’s time to get a grip on when and where you write.

Step 1 — Determine the most important things you must have each time you write. My must-have items are a laptop, notebook and pen, and headphones. If you need coffee, add it to your list.

Step 2 – Whether you write at home or want to write while traveling, figure out how you will manage potential distractions. For example, I write at the kitchen table when everyone is out of the house at home. However, when I write in public places like coffee shops, airports, or train stations, I use my headphones to minimize noise and distractions.

Step 3 — Identify your ideal time to write. Pick a time when you are most creative. For example, I like to write between 5 and 10 a.m. using my laptop. However, if I’m traveling and don’t have time to write until later afternoon, I use a notebook to capture my thoughts.

Imagine sitting down to write again, but you are eager to get to work this time.

Instead of dreading the sight of your computer, you look forward to writing.

You took the necessary steps to find time to write.

You’ve got your new writing routine. Now all you have to do is follow it.

The world is waiting to read your next masterpiece.

February 1, 2022
Five Things to Give Up to Become a Fearless Writer
Updated January 19, 2022

Since launching my writing business in 2018, I have learned a lot. I have attended writing conferences, dialed into countless webinars, taken courses, and listened to many speakers and authors. But the most important thing I’ve learned over the last four years is how to be a fearless writer.

Starting, I didn’t immediately see myself as a writer. Yes, I was writing my first book. But I didn’t stop to tell anyone I was a writer. I didn’t immediately change my LinkedIn profile. I just focused on writing my book.

But once I published my book, reality set in, and I had to admit: I am an author. I am a writer.

From there, I started showing up where writers and authors hang out – conferences, Facebook groups, webinars, NaNoWriMo, book fairs, and writing groups. Listening to other writers talk about their experiences and ask questions was exciting. But no matter where I went, there was a constant vibe in all these places – self-doubt and fear.

Lots of writers were talking about whether their writing was:
- good enough,
- clear enough,
- making a difference,
- worthy of recognition or
- connecting with readers.
While I had no reason to question the other writers’ feelings, I had to come clean about how I felt moving forward with my newfound identity. On my journey to becoming a fearless writer, I had to identify the things I would give up to succeed as a writer. Below is a list of things I decided to give up. If you’re a writer or creative entrepreneur, let me know what you choose to give up to be fearless.

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost, if you purchase using the links.

1. I gave up self-doubt

We all have an inner voice that tells us what we want to do with our lives. Unfortunately, this little voice is often pushed aside by self-doubt. Like many writers, my initial thoughts were, “How am I going to make money as a writer?” “What will people think of my writing?” and “What if I fail?” To deal with these thoughts, I had to trust in God. I had to trust that I would end up where I needed to be, even if I didn’t know how I would get there.

2. I gave up fear

I am a firm believer in making lemonade when life gives you lemons. So when my unexpected layoff stormed into my life and shook up my carefully constructed plans, I wasn’t about to cower in fear. Instead, I decided to rise and face life’s challenges head-on, including starting my new writing career.

3. I gave up the urge to compare myself to other writers

I know how easy it is to look at the success of other writers and wonder if you’re on the right track. So, I decided early on to celebrate other writers’ accomplishments but never waste time comparing myself to other writers. While I think it’s OK to listen to other writers and share stories, I try to stay focused on the race I’m running.

When I published my second book, Time to Reset, I attended the 2019 EBC Women’s Conference, where I met Stephanie Helms Pickett, author of This Book Right Here: A 40-week Devotional to Manifesting Your Purpose.

4. I gave up being a perfectionist

I love to proofread my material to ensure everything is perfect and in place. However, I had to resist the urge to apply endless edits so that I could hold on to my work longer. Eventually, I learned to determine how many revisions my writing would go through. Once I reach my magic number, I hit publish. To become a fearless writer, I learned when to let go.

5. I gave up my comfort zone

We all have a comfort zone. My comfort zone was back in corporate America. However I realized that my comfort zone might not be where I will have the most significant impact. So I decided to do something I hadn’t done before in my writing life like publish a book. Once I reached my goal, I knew I would have to go outside my comfort zone again. So, every opportunity I get, I look for ways to take my writing to the next level.

What are you willing to give up?

Now, it’s your turn. The next time you think:
- What if my writing isn’t good enough? Say to yourself, what if it is?
- What if no one wants to read anything I write? Say to yourself, what if they do?
- What if my book proposal gets rejected? Say to yourself, what if it doesn’t?
Writing is a journey filled with trials. Be kind to yourself. Say goodbye to doubt and fear. Don’t be afraid to embrace your role as a writer in this world. Instead, let this be the year you start looking at your writing life differently.

Be fearless.
January 19, 2022
How to Boost Your Creativity with a Little Bit of Structure

Creativity is an amazing talent to possess, but it can be easy to get lost in the chaos of ideas swirling around in your head. That’s where I use structure to help me keep everything together. Instead of trying to brainstorm and execute in a haphazard way, try setting up some organization for your creativity to flourish. With a little bit of structure, you’ll be amazed at how your creativity flows.

Photo from Adobe Stock

When talking to some creative entrepreneurs, there is a sense that structure limits flow. There is concern that structure may stop us from creating our best work. For this reason, it can be easy to throw structure out the window. It sometimes feels hard to apply processes like outlines, deadlines, or other creative limitations when we’re trying our absolute hardest to get through one day without feeling restricted by some outside force.

But with uncertainty comes confusion. I find it difficult to concentrate without direction. In the past, I ended up working harder, not smarter, by being less productive.

It can be hard to reach the perfect flow without any direction if you’re anything like me. But, even if it’s a simple outline on a napkin or sticky note, I find that some type of direction is better than nothing at all. So here are five tips on applying a little bit of structure to the creative process.

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you purchase using the links.

#1 Use regular brainstorming sessions to maintain creativity

Every creative project deserves at least one brainstorming session. Brainstorming is a great way to explore various ideas and options before starting any creative project.

Whether you decide to conduct research, talk to friends, use photos, or pull out the whiteboard, brainstorming may be the boost your project needs to get started.

#2 Allow scheduling to help you stay on track

Creativity is messy. Some creative entrepreneurs hear the sound of a schedule and cringe. However, scheduling time for your creative work offers the organization you need to help you focus. When do you have the most energy during the day? At what time of day do you get your best ideas? During these times, schedule time to capture your ideas. Then, write your thoughts down in a journal or notebook.

#3 Declutter your work environment

To say creativity can be messy is an understatement. Caught up in the passion of using your imagination to connect unseen dots does not always result in a clean environment. However, when the clutter builds up, it is no longer a representation of the method to your madness but rather a blockage. So keep your creative workspace clear of unnecessary clutter.

#4 Find tools that help you stay creative

After brainstorming, scheduling, and cleaning, you might wonder how to add structure to your creative process. Since inspiration can strike at any time, always have something handy to capture ideas, whether a recorder, camera, or notebook.

I also like to use tools that help me stay creative. I’ve used PowerPoint, Adobe, and Microsoft Word to create graphics, presentations, and templates in the past. Today, I use Canva, the perfect online graphic design tool that anyone can use. With its intuitive and straightforward interface, you can create beautiful designs.

#5 Use deadlines to reach your goals

The first step in managing a project is setting yourself a reasonable deadline because then you can work backward from that point and make sure it gets done. Next, you can use a simple planner to organize your project. I always start with a deadline and end goal in mind. Then, I set aside specific blocks of time to get each component done. Using deadlines allows me to utilize my time effectively while leaving room for new perspectives, changes, or mishaps. Most importantly, it limits procrastination. The earlier I complete one project, the quicker I can move on to the next.

January 13, 2022
10 Habits You Need to Be a Super Productive Writer

Photo from Adobe Stock

Updated January 2022

Since starting my blog in 2018, I’ve adjusted my writing habits. Initially, my goal was to post articles consistently. But as my writing business started to grow, I had to change my writing habits again. So, in addition to being consistent in my writing, I worked on developing habits that helped me become a productive writer. Here are ten writing habits I use.

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you purchase using the links.

1. Maintain a schedule

As a solopreneur, it always seems like I have a million things going on. In addition to managing my client’s work, I have to keep up with family events, doctor appointments, the house, and a blog. The only way I get through it all, including my writing, is to create a schedule. So I learned to develop a strict plan that’s flexible enough to move things around when necessary. Here’s more information on how to fit writing into your life.

How to Bend Time to Fit Writing into Your Busy Life

2. Keep track of time

One of the things I learned long before becoming a writer is that we all have the same 24 hours in a day. However, from my days of working in a corporate environment, I know that every day can, and probably will, be different. With this in mind, I knew there would be days when I wouldn’t be able to write because my son might be sick, or a friend would need my help, or my husband might want to drive to the beach for the day. So I learned to focus on the most important things on those days, and I plan my writing assignments accordingly.

3. Divide writing and non-writing tasks

As part of my daily writing schedule, I divide my writing tasks into writing and non-writing. My writing tasks include client assignments and writing blog posts, articles, and books. My non-writing tasks are those things I need to complete to support my writing tasks. Like the research, I need to do before I start writing.

During my writing sessions, I focus on one task at a time. I resist the temptation to multitask. I avoid working on writing and non-writing tasks simultaneously, like researching while writing my book.

4. Develop a writing routine with process goals

Once I started adding writing projects to my schedule, I learned to add process goals to my writing routine. Process goals are the specific physical or mental steps I need to complete my writing projects. For example, when writing my second book, Time to Reset, I mapped out the steps and processes I needed to take to finish the book. Likewise, when I start writing a book, I list every necessary step to complete the book. In addition, my writing routine is flexible and allows for non-writing days. Here’s more information on writing routines.

How to Reach Your Goals with a Powerful Writing Routine

5. Treat writing like a business

In my early blogging days, I wasn’t worried about making money. But once I got the hang of blogging, I started to treat it like a business. In addition to having a self-hosting service for my website, I dedicate time to plan out my posts, schedule them, and review my progress by using a blog editorial calendar.

6. Manage distractions

Productive writers protect their writing time by managing distractions. Since I work from home, I like to schedule my book writing time early in the morning. Throughout the day, I work on client assignments and attend meetings. To avoid interruptions like email and social media, I use content blocking apps like Rescue Time to eliminate alerts and pop-up messages while I write. In addition, I close all social media accounts and websites. If my husband and son are home, I let them know I’m writing and when I will be available.

7. Be prepared to write anywhere

Besides managing distractions, I learned how to transition to a creative mindset to write anywhere. Like a basketball player can compete in gyms worldwide, a productive writer learns to adapt to different environments such as coffee shops, cafes’ and commuter trains. But mental endurance takes time. Dean Hebert, M. Ed., a certified mental-game coach and a former marathoner, adds, “Mental skills, like physical strength, develop over time and with consistency.”

With this in mind, I learned to write in different locations other than my usual writing space at home. As a result, I have a backpack that includes everything I need to write anywhere – my laptop, notebook, pens, portable battery charger, Wi-Fi hotspot, hand sanitizer, and my favorite water bottle.

8. Use writing sprints

Whether I’m trying to increase my word count (see also ‘How to Write More: 10 Quick Ways to Boost Your Word Count‘) or get a piece of content finished, I use writing sprints. Writing sprints help me to write within a pre-defined length of time. I set a timer for 30, 45, or 60 minutes and write nonstop until the alarm rings. I don’t answer the phone, surf the web, answer email, or edit during a writing sprint. I write. I give myself 15-minute breaks, and I repeat as often as necessary until I accomplish my writing goal for the day.

9. Focus on the positive

I know what it feels like to question myself and wonder if writing is any good. So, to deal with potential negative thoughts, I write positive affirmations to myself as part of my journal writing practice. First, I jot down a positive statement about myself as a writer and why my work is important. Then, I post the message to see it during my writing session and throughout the day.

In addition, I like to listen to positive messages throughout each day. Inspirational podcasts, sermons, and other blog sites help me. Sometimes I write down inspiring remarks to my journal (see also our article on junk journals) or vision board.

10. Celebrate small wins

It’s important to celebrate small wins as a writer. For example, I like to celebrate whether I publish a blog post or finish writing a chapter in my book. Each win helps me keep moving forward to what else I can accomplish.

January 3, 2022
Top 5 Most Frustrating Writing Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Since starting my public relations and corporate communications career more than 28 years ago, I have learned a lot about writing. However, some of my biggest lessons came from writing mistakes I made or those made by others.

Whether you are a creative entrepreneur, blogger, or aspiring writer, there’s always something to learn about writing.

Here are five common writing mistakes that writers should avoid.

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase using the links

1. Not starting

So many people who tell me they want to write never seem to get around to writing. They talk about writing. They dream of writing. But they don’t ever write anything.

For every writer, the reasons for not writing may differ. Some writers grapple with procrastination, others with doubt, and for some, it’s fear.

All these reasons are stumbling blocks to realizing your writing dreams. It may be easier said than done, but you must find a way to push past every obstacle and get started.

If you are worried about your skills, there is no shortage of cost-effective online resources to upgrade your writing.

If it’s the fear of rejection that prevents you from taking up your pen or typing the first word, understand that there will always be someone who doesn’t like what you write, and there will be many more who will love your writing.

If it’s procrastination, the age-old thief of time that’s responsible for why you haven’t started writing, then it’s time to get disciplined. Create a morning routine and stick to it. Studies have shown that people with a morning routine are more creative and are more likely to follow through with their predetermined schedules. So, please wake up, level up, be confident and write like your life depends on it.

Just get started.

2. Never making time to write

Another mistake writers make is not making time to write.

I made this mistake for many years. First, I worked all day writing for my full-time job. Next, I spent time after work writing to support my volunteer assignments, which I loved. But by the time I thought about writing, I was too tired or unfocused.

Maybe this is you. You know you should be writing your next blog post, article, or even the text for your ‘About Us page’ for your new website. But instead, your writing takes a back seat to everything that’s happening in your life. This madness must stop.

Schedule time to write, and most importantly, follow through with it. Be disciplined with your schedule, and when it’s time to write, rid yourself of all distractions and create an environment that helps you be productive.

3. Ignoring the prewriting phase

It’s easy for new writers to make the mistake of not prewriting. For some writers, prewriting seems like a waste of time or another obstacle that hinders their writing flow.

But prewriting can be a lifesaver. Prewriting allows you to organize your thoughts, conduct research, create a storyboard and figure out your writing objective and target audience.

Knowing what to write, how to write it, and to whom you’re writing all play a vital part in ensuring your writing is successful.

4. Not knowing your audience

No matter what you decide to write, it’s important to know your audience. During the prewriting stage, do research that helps you fill in the blanks to the following statements:
1. The reader I want to reach reads this genre _______________
2. I plan to write material that helps my readers solve problems like _______________
3. I will study the following magazines or books to understand my reader better ________________
Always keep your target reader at the heart of everything you write.

5. Not Marketing Yourself as a Writer

Once you decide to become a writer, don’t be afraid to market yourself as a writer.

In the early days of my writing life, I rarely used the “W” word to describe myself as a writer. But once I got serious about starting a writing business, I changed my mindset. If I wanted people to take me seriously as a writer, I had to first take myself seriously.

After setting up my business’s public relations and corporate communications side, I established a dedicated writing business to write nonfiction and fiction books. Next, I created separate social media pages and invested in online advertising to promote my books. Finally, I launched my website and blog to support both sides of my business.

Are there other mistakes writers make? Sure. I didn’t write this post to belabor the point. Instead, I wanted to inspire anyone who dreams of writing to take the next small step. I am a firm believer that it is never too late to write the next chapter of your life or renew your interest in your dreams. Go for it!
November 11, 2021