The Worried Writer Episode #50: ‘We Can Do This!’

Welcome to episode 50 of The Worried Writer!

I cannot believe it has been over four years since I started this podcast and, I must admit, I’m a little bit proud!

Thank you so much for listening and, if you’ve been listening for a while or have ever tweeted about the show or sent me a message or asked a question or recommended the podcast to a friend, please know that you are the reason I have made it this far.

A Life-changing Podcast

This podcast has been life-changing for me. I feel more confident than I did when I started, and the conversations I have had with other authors has helped me to refine my own working process and to feel less alone and weird in my self-doubt. That’s the key, really. I am still as filled with self-doubt and fear as I was before, but I am now solidly aware that it is completely normal and an occupational hazard of this profession. Whereas I used to feel that my various neuroses  and tendency to procrastinate meant I wasn’t cut out to be a writer, now I know for sure that it’s part and parcel of creating new things in the world. And while there is a variety of experiences and intensity, we all feel it to some degree.

I’ve also made lots of new writing friends, and feel more a part of the writing community than I did before. The main thing, however, has been the satisfaction I get from helping others. It means the world to me to hear that I’ve helped another writer feel less alone or to gain a little bit of motivation.

We Can Do This!

Joanna Penn’s Creative Penn podcast this week featured Damon Suede and his book Verbalize. They were talking about the importance of language and Damon said that he had come up with verbs to describe himself in his professional capacity. As soon as he said that, I started to think about what my words would be… Joanna must’ve have been doing the same as she ended her show by saying that her word would be ‘create’. That’s a great one, but thinking about this podcast, and the WW side of what I do, I came up with ‘comfort’. I hope that I inspire and enthuse and energise people, but I do think there are plenty of folk who do that better. Ultimately, I want you to feel comforted. To know that I empathise with your writing struggles, that I battle them myself, but that we can do this thing. It is hard and it is wonderful and, through learning more about ourselves and our own particular processes and strengths, and by being kind to ourselves, we can do it. And succeed.

Okay! Today’s show is a just me episode. I haven’t done one for a while and I thought it would be fitting for my fiftieth! Also, I have had a few questions from my lovely patrons, but which I think will be widely useful. My kind patrons have said they are happy for their questions to be answered on this show so that everyone can benefit.

THE WORRIED WRITER ON PATREON

A huge thank you to my supporters on Patreon. While I wouldn’t have got to year three without the amazing feedback and support of our little podcast community, I definitely would not have got to this point without my Patreon supporters. Knowing that you value the show so much that you are willing to support it financially is huge. I really can’t articulate how big a deal it is to me.

Head to patreon.com/worriedwriter to support the show from as little as $1 a month. For $2 a month, you get access to the exclusive audio extra every month (there are thirteen backlist extras to enjoy right now!). Thank you!

WRITING UPDATE

A quick writing update before I get to the questions. Having written ‘The End’ on the second Crow Investigations book, I then immediately went back to work on making it a proper, readable draft. As long-time listeners know, my first drafts are so awful I can them zero drafts instead.

This month, I got to The End on something I would consider a proper draft. It’s still going to need editing and, for me, that usually means adding more words and scenes as I tend to underwrite, but it’s a readable draft which I have given to my husband who, handily enough, is my first reader. I’m a bit behind where I wanted to be at this point, but I will make my planned publishing month of May. It’s just likely to be at the end of May, rather than the beginning.

In other news, I revealed the cover and title to my Sarah Painter mailing list (sign up here!) and had lovely feedback, which is very reassuring. It’s called THE SILVER MARK and here is the cover. Meep! I think the designer has done another brilliant job and I’m absolutely thrilled.

The Silver Mark book cover, book two of Crow Investigations by Sarah Painter

For those interested in how running a hybrid career works, I thought I would also share that The Night Raven was chosen for a Kindle Daily Deal this month. It went very well and I grabbed screenshots of TNR with the orange bestseller flag and topping a few category charts. I’m mentioning this not to boast, but to reassure you that these kinds of deals are still available, even when the book is independently published.

Also, a few days later, I was contacted by a prominent audiobook publisher to enquire about the audio rights for TNR and TLG. My agent was already in talks with another publisher for these rights, and it’s too soon for me share any definite news, but I just wanted to let you know as it demonstrates that going hybrid is possible. It isn’t a case of indie publishing or traditional. You can do both. And independently publishing a book doesn’t mean you won’t be able to license the subsidiary rights to traditional companies, too, if you so wish.

LISTENER QUESTIONS

In this episode I answer listener questions about my methods for tracking daily and weekly goals and word counts, tips for writing dialogue, and how to protect your ideas when sharing your work with fellow writers.

If you have a question you would like answered on the show contact me via email or Twitter or leave a comment on this post.

Recommended:

The Passion Planner – my current planner of choice!W

Zebra Mildliners

Washi Tape

WordKeeper word tracking app

Thanks for listening!

If you can spare a few minutes to leave the show a review on iTunes (or whichever podcast app you use) that would be really helpful. Ratings raise the visibility of the podcast and make it more likely to be discovered by new listeners and included in the charts.

The Worried Writer on iTunes

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Also, if you have a question or a suggestion for the show – or just want to get in touch – I would love to hear from you! Email me or find me on Twitter or Facebook.

2018 Holiday Gift Guide For Writers

Oh, yes, it’s that time of year… I have started my Christmas shopping and keep seeing super-cute (and tempting) items for myself. So I thought I would share them in case you have a writer in your life and are looking for gift ideas. Or want inspiration for things to put on your own ‘wish list’ this year!

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

Stationery is always a good bet for writers…

I have been loving using my bullet journal this year, and I adore the turquoise Leuchtturm 1917 (dotted) I recommended last year. It has two ribbon markers, lovely paper and an elastic closure (plus loads of colour options!).

However, my daughter went with this Lemome notebook for her writing journal, and I was very impressed when it arrived… The paper is excellent quality, and I like the handy pen loop.

Lemome hardcover dotted journal/notebook – £9.99

Also, pens and pencils are very important… I love a fine nib (and still swear by Stabilo fineliners for journalling and doodling) and my go-to black pen for everyday use are Uni-Ball Pins in 0.1. £4.49 for a pack of three.

I also love a sharp pencil and mechanical ones are perfect for maintaining a good point. The Zebra M-301 fits my criteria of quality (at a very reasonable price so I don’t cry if I lose one!) and comfortable to hold. £2.58 each.

 

 

If you love fountain pens you probably already have a favourite brand. However, if you are keen to try one (or give one as a gift) and don’t want to break the bank, Pilot MR Retro Pops are a good choice…  They write very nicely, with good ink flow and a decent nib, and come in four colours: light blue, orange, purple or green.

Pilot MR Retro Pop: £19.32

Another nice stationery item is Washi tape. Even if you don’t bullet journal or scrapbook, this pretty tape is great for adding interest and colour to any diary or calendar, for marking pages in a book, and adding ‘literary love’ to wrapping paper. It’s also cheap enough to make a handy stocking filler.

Book Washi Tape for the reader/writer in your life! £3.95

 

 

I love my mechanical keyboard. Plus, alternating between different keyboard types (I use my laptop and iMac keyboards, too) seems to stop my wrist/finger pain from getting too bad.

If you know a writer who would enjoy the clicky-clacky noise and satisfying ‘travel’ of mechanical keys (along with the retro-style typewriter keycaps), this model fits the bill… Typewriter White keyboard. £86.98

Alternatively, the one I use is a Drevo, back-lit with rainbow lights! £45.99

ARTY

Lots of writers also love craft and other art forms. There is something deeply therapeutic about knitting or colouring/doodling and it’s a really good way to occupy part of your brain while your subconscious works out tricky plot points.

This year, I’ve discovered cross stitch as brilliant way to relax. It’s like doing a colouring book but with pretty thread – perfect! And this design (which I’m currently in the middle of stitching myself!) also happens to be one of my favourite quotes. It’s something I repeat often when I’m stuck in a draft (or in edits).

Impossible Cross Stitch by Satsuma Street. £8.75

(This link is for the printed chart on a handy website which also sells the necessary threads etc, but you can also go to Satsuma Street on Etsy for the digital download).

And for book-lovers in the US, I found this Hogwarts Crest cross stitch kit!

(NB: Not an item I have tested personally.)

If you know a writer who could benefit from some distraction/relaxation but they would recoil at the suggestion of craft, how about a jigsaw? No, come back… Honestly, it’s a good idea!

Personally, I love a good jigsaw puzzle, especially during the Christmas holiday, and this one combines two of my favourite things: fantasy and bookshops… In fact, I might have to send this blog post to my nearest and dearest as a subtle hint!

This would also be a great gift for a book-loving (older) child or family.

The Fantasy Bookshop 1000 Piece Puzzle: £12.99

 

HOMEWARE

 

As always, The Literary Gift Company is a treasure trove of book-related jewellery, apparel and homeware.

This year, I’ve picked out this lovely retro-style bookshop bookend.

Gorgeous, and a very reasonable £9.95. 

 

 

 

 

Writers are readers, too, and what could be nicer than a book sleeve to keep their favourite novel well-protected when out and about?

There are loads of different patterns available, so you could match a themed fabric to a particular book for a truly thoughtful gift.

Fox Book Sleeve £10.59

 

 

 

BOOKS

 

I have put a resources page HERE which lists my recommended writing books (craft of writing, business and mindset).

Of course, if you know a beginning (or professional) writer who suffers with fear, self-doubt or procrastination, I would recommend my own book on the subject(naturally enough!).

Stop Worrying; Start Writing is available in ebook, paperback or audio book (read by me).

 

 

Also, if you know someone who likes thoughtful ‘book club’ fiction, my dual narrative books In The Light of What We See and Beneath The Water might fit the bill…

And if you know an urban fantasy/paranormal mystery fan, may I suggest The Night Raven?

For memoir, I recommend I am, I am, I am by Maggie O’Farrell.

Other outstanding reads from this year (with thanks to the publishers for providing the review copies!):

The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton – a brain-bending, high-concept and original murder mystery.

The Invitation by Keris Stainton – perfect for fans of romantic comedy, sparkling dialogue, lovely characters, and joyful reading!

The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley – a claustrophobic, twisty, gripping crime thriller set in the Scottish Highlands. Out 3rd December 2018.

Belleweather by Susanna Kearsley – I am a huge fan and this well-researched ghostly tale was every bit as enjoyable as I expected.

 

I hope that list helps a little – or sparks some ideas! If you’ve found the perfect writerly gift, do let me know in the comments below… And good luck with your Christmas/holiday shopping!

Five Tools To Help You Smash Your Writing Goals This Year

It’s the time of year for goal setting and making resolutions. See mine here!

But when it comes to the next twelve months, how do we stay on track? How do we make sure we achieve our writing goals and are punching the air in triumph on December 31st?

Paperchase organiserHere are my top five tools for exactly that:

1. Schedule your time!

It’s not enough to say ‘I will write for an hour every day’ you need to put that hour in your diary. I use a paper diary (an organiser from Paperchase) but you can use Google Calendar or your favourite app. Whatever you are comfortable with and, ideally, already use for your other important appointments.

 

 

 

 

 

2. Tool-up With Scrivener

If you don’t already use it (or have tried it in the past and found it overwhelming), I recommend you give Scrivener another try. It really is brilliant for organising novels and long non-fiction projects and, even if you use it the most basic manner (as I do!) it is worth it for the project-targets and ‘writing-only’ screen modes.

Speaking as someone who tried – and failed – in her first few attempts at using Scrivener, I recommend getting a book as a guide. I used Writing A Novel With Scrivener by David Hewson but Scrivener Essentials: A Quick-Start Visual Guide (recommended by my lovely dad) is even better – especially for visual learners. It comes in both a Mac and PC version, too, so it matches the version of the software exactly.

3. Eliminate distractions

Switch off the internet (or certain sites such as Twitter and Facebook) for set periods of time using this brilliant, free Chrome add-on – StayFocusd. Freedom is also good (although it isn’t free, there is a 60-day money-back guarantee).

I’ve recommended these apps on the podcast before but they really do help. Another tip is to try wearing noise-cancelling headphones (with or without music/nature sounds).

4. Reward Yourself Regularly

Stickers are brilliant as small rewards (especially for the stationery-obsessed) but small breaks to check email/Twitter or read a book, put on a song and dance around the room, have a cup of tea or some food (maybe go for something healthy, at least some of the time!), are all good, too.

5. Find Your Tribe

Find a community of like-minded writers by checking Facebook groups, writing forums, or local groups. Reading writing websites and books and listening to podcasts can help, too; anything which makes you feel less alone/bonkers for pursuing the often-frustrating, devilishly-difficult skill of writing!

Hope those tips are helpful! 

Do let me know in the comments and feel free to share tips of your own.

Struggle with procrastination? Like productivity tips? Perhaps you might be interested in more… I’m writing a whole book on the subject: CLICK HERE to be notified when it’s out!