Two Writing Ideas

Although I love to write, some days I struggle with a debilitating strain of writer's block. Recently, two bits of advice have helped me write more regularly and attempt more challenging projects. The first is shared in James Scott Bell's book "Plot and Structure." Bell quotes Peter Devries as follows: "I only write when I'm inspired, and I make sure I'm inspired every morning at 9 a.m." That quote motivates me to write regularly.

The second advice is a variation on a dieting suggestion. In her book "The Four-Day Win" author Martha Beck encourages readers to select a really small goal, a goal they are certain they can attain and meet it four days in a row. I set the goal of writing one sentence in my novel each day. I know I can meet that goal. And usually, when I write one sentence, I discover I can write a paragraph. Or more.

Keep writing!