StoryADay

Should you take part in NaNoWriMo this year? Should you attend that conference or take that class? Should you buy that new writing craft book? Here's a process to get you started figuring out whether or not you're looking at a shiny object or a shiny opportunity. Links: https://storyaday.org/shiny-objects  

Are you writing short stories? Why? And are you reading short stories? Which ones and again: why? LINKS:  20 Short stories to read that will make you a better writer: http://stada.me/readme Pushcart prize nominator calls for recommendations: http://stada.me/pushcart20 What are you reading? https://storyaday.org/episode185    

So much of our procrastination is powered by mindset, but there's more to making writing an inevitable part of our lives than simply wishing it was true. I have some suggestions....   LINKS: Inevitable Writer article: http://stada.me/inev SWAGr Accountability post: https://stada.me/swagr 3 Day Challenge: http://stada.me/3day  

September can be a time for reflection and planning ahead. I have some tips on that as well as some interesting reads from around the web. LINKS Kate Northrup, Do Less: https://katenorthrup.com/ The Good Place, The Podcast: https://stada.me/GoodPlace Writer Unboxed Titles article: https://stada.me/wutitles Romantic Gifts article: https://stada.me/gifts Srini Rao, Risk Tolerance: https://stada.me/risk    

Does it matter if you write? Hell, yes. Let' s talk about that.... JOURNAL QUESTIONS 1a, How are you when you are writing? (how's your focus, your mood, your relationships?) 1b, Who does that impact? 2, Whose writing affected you most deeply in your life? 3, Who could your writing be a gift for? Not ready for a 30 Day Challenge? Try the 3 Day Challenge: https://storyaday.org/3dc/    

If you haven't started writing short stories this month it's not too late! This week's podcast is a look back and a look forward at the writing prompts in StoryADay September (from writers like Tobias S. Buckell, Jonathan Maberry, Seanan McGuire, Simon Rich, Grant Faulkner, Art Taylor, and more...). Plus a short sermon on why you should finish your stories. Links: Windy Lynn Harris's Flash Fiction episode of the podcast: https://storyaday.org/episode166/

In which I compare writing to whittling, and explain why you'd much rather play Candy Crush than anything you call 'work'...and how you can use that to make your writing go more smoothly. Links:  Sign up for daily prompts in September: https://storyaday.org/next-challenge/ Today's writing prompt from Mary Robinette Kowal: https://storyaday.org/05-kowal

If you want to discover your best process for writing, you might want to join us for the StoryADay September challenge. And if you want to keep that progress going all year, consider the Superstars group.  LINKS:  Sign up for prompts this September: http://stada.me/sept20 Find out more about the Superstars: http://stada.me/Super20  

What's the most important skill in writing? Is it plot, character arcs, dialogue, description, pacing? In this episode I argue that the thing that will dictate your level of success is your state of mind. Links: Eric Platenberg: http://stada.me/eric Seth Godin: http://stada.me/seth StoryADay September Sign up: http://stada.me/sept2020

Writing is self-directed, so reaching out for support is essential. It can, however, invite unhelpful comparisons with other writers who have different strengths and who are at different stages. In this episode I explore the writing life through the lens of Martin Seligman's Positive Psychology and think about the ways we can celebrate our triumphs at every stage.