We all have stories to share, but for those who take it one step further and write for publication, it can be a bit of a struggle at times. It can be stressful, even, trying to master a good story, and sometimes, we try really hard, and the words don’t flow as well as we want them to, or our brains are crowded with other stuff that takes away from creativity. 
It can be aggravating, to say the least. Wanting to write but without having inspiration is a challenge. You want the good energy back so you can finish your work in progress.  
As a writer, you get excited and long for the satisfaction of creating. It fills the gap in your heart. Then why is it that when you get those days, you can’t get started?
It happens to all of us at some point. 
Depending on how your week is going can play a big part in the creative process. When life is overwhelming there’s an increase of anxiety knowing there needs to be goals met and words written. 
One way to achieve this is to devote one day a week to your craft. 

​Butt in chair. The first step to getting any writing done is to sit down and write. You can’t write unless you’re devoted. Whatever writing you want to do, tell yourself you’ve got thirty minutes to write and see how it goes. If you don’t know what to write, set a timer for ten minutes and journal. Free-flow writing boosts creativity. There’s no spell check or correcting grammar; it’s just you and your thoughts. 
As hard as it is sometimes, stepping away from your desk and going for a walk helps clear your mind. You may find that while you want to figure out a scene, your mind might wander and think about other things like the weather or think about someone you haven’t spoken to in a while, or what you’re making for dinner. It’s fine. Your brain needs the break and when you come back you may feel refreshed and ready to write. 
Change the POV. If you’re writing fiction, try switching from first person to third. Or write from another character’s point of view. You never know, it can be used for a spinoff story or help you learn more about your character. 
Enter a contest. Maybe you’ve always wanted to write poetry or a children’s story. Make it fun and without pressure. Giving yourself another form of writing can lift you up and give you the break you need to get back to writing your manuscript. 
Add a scene. Put your character in a funny, or unpredictable situation. Giving your mind something else to work on for your character will entertain you and might spark the energy you need to keep writing. 

Write a prologue or epilogue. Not everyone is a fan of a introduction before the story, but it’s a great way to dive into your characters and learn about how the story came to be. It doesn’t mean a prologue has to be used for publication, but it can be used for your own personal benefit of getting to know where your story begins and why your characters have a story to tell. 
If you are a plotter, you know where your story is headed, and you could write an epilogue ahead of time. It doesn’t have to be perfect or the one you will use, but it can help figure out the end of the story. You might even learn something about your character that you can use in a chapter you were stumped on.
 
Being creative in other ways will boost your mood and trigger something to write about. Wherever you are on your writing journey, you’re not alone. 
Remember why you are writing. 
Amuse yourself and write. 
 
***opinions are my own
 
 

Are you struggling to finish a manuscript or stumped on writing the last few lines of a scene? If you’re distracted or unmotivated, there are ways to get back on your writing journey. 
Life gets busy, and sometimes, it feels impossible to write two hundred words, let alone a thousand or five thousand words. To ease your mind, it’s best to make realistic goals, ones you can control. Give yourself time to work toward them. 
Don’t give up. You may need to take a break or rethink your writing goals. 
If you make the time to write but struggle to get words down, be gentle with yourself and permit yourself to write without barriers and expectations. Write for the fun of it. No pressure.
Find your space—at a coffee shop, an office, the kitchen table, wherever. Set up your space for comfort. Coffee or tea in hand, listen to music, or sit in silence—find your happy place. 
Be committed and stick to a schedule. Make achievable weekly goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed. By breaking up the week, it makes it easier to see an end goal. 
Use tools to get your writing done. An egg timer or your phone's stopwatch app are great ways to learn not to overthink what you’re writing. Set the time and write without judgment. Journaling can warm up your brain. It’s not only a great self-care initiative because it releases thought, but it’s a good way to engage your feelings and create. 
Enter a contest or a pitch party that can give you a goal and force you to finish a project.
Want to feel motivated? Talk to another writer who is on the same journey. There’s nothing like conversing over the challenges and triumphs of the publishing world than with someone who knows. The burst of ideas and energy from another creator is inspiring. 

​Breaking down your to-do list is helpful. If you’re a committed writer to publish your work and have a deadline, you may be overwhelmed with tasks. Not only for finishing a story but there’s marketing and promotion to do as well. For example, if publishing a book is on the horizon and you’re writing another book while you need to promote your upcoming one, dividing your day into time spent writing and marketing will help you manage. Tell yourself you’ll spend an hour writing and the next hour will be updating your website and making promotional images for social media. 
Writing can come as waves of attaining your goal to struggling to make a word count. Try penciling in between ‘chores,’ which is to write 100 or 500 words. You may feel like you’re on an obstacle course, going from one place to another, but it’s one way to keep moving and exercising your brain. 
Working under pressure. Deadlines can be stressful, but it can also be a great motivator. Working toward your goal and rewarding yourself for accomplishing a word count or writing the back cover, should be celebrated. Maybe you reward yourself with a treat or meet up with a friend.
The best way to complete a project is to sit down and write. There is no other way to accomplish what you set out to do than by doing it. If you want to write, write.
 
Do you have a writing tip you want to share? I’d love to hear it. Post it in the comments. 

Writing.
​It's a muse which can feel blissful or frustrating, depending on your circumstance.
Writing is difficult when you’re writing for an audience that expects you to entertain, inform, or share your creativity. 
You're putting yourself out there to be explored. This allows you to be an open door for rejection and criticism because writing is subjective, but it’s not the reason to give up on what you love. 
When you sit down to write, sometimes the words flow easily, and sometimes they don't, and you're looking for inspiration. 
There are good days and there are challenging days, but either way, you are doing what you love or you wouldn’t be doing it. Right?
Like anything, it’s easier to say, I give up, instead of powering through the difficulties. When you are willing to show up, you are on your journey. Whatever your writing focus is, it’s important to acknowledge why you need to write. 
If you’re struggling to get words down or feeling like you’re not getting anywhere with your story or pose, you’re not alone, all writers feel it at some point and when you do, taking a break helps. Only you can decide for how long.
Maybe you’ve gone weeks or you’re faced with self-doubt and imposture syndrome has set in. It’s okay, it happens, and if it does, ask yourself: What am I trying to accomplish? What do I want?
The best thing to do is change the type of writing you’re doing. If you write fiction, write in a journal. If you write novels, try writing a short story or novella. If you write poetry, maybe try writing a piece for children. 
If you switch to writing something else, you might enjoy focusing on a different project. If you have a website, write a note to your visitors. Be creative. It’s how we fuel our tanks. When we’re filled with the satisfaction of creativity, our attitude changes and subconsciously we create. 

The point is, that the focus is on what makes your heart happy. 

Seven ways to keep going.
Take breaks- Finished your first draft? Set it aside and work on something else. In the middle of writing and stuck on a scene? Go for a walk, bake, do something else, and come back to it. Maybe you’ve been stuck for a while, weeks, even, then it’s time to set it aside and work on something else.

Surround yourself with other writers. Writing is a lonely profession, however, if you surround yourself with other writers and connect through email, social media, or a meet-up from time to time, it gives you hope and a reminder you’re not alone. When writing gets tough, know someone else is struggling or feeling down, too, or, maybe they're on the same path as you. With success comes struggles and vice versa. Every writer who’s on the same journey understands your struggles and triumphs. 

Lift someone else with encouragement. Checking in and telling another writer you loved their book or if you have something in common is great for human connection. Knowing someone is cheering you on is a benefit to you and the other person.

Change the type of writing you’re doing. A repeat here, but writing novels is a big undertaking and sometimes we lose focus or our ability to tell a story even if it’s the tenth, or twentieth book written. When stuck for a longer period, writing a blog or short story might produce ideas you need for the bigger project you’re working on. 

Make your goals reasonable. There are some things out of your control. Getting an agent, getting a contract, or traditionally publishing is all about timing and luck, besides writing a marketable book of course. What you can control is writing what’s in your heart and telling a story you want to share. 
Try something new. Writing aside, what else do you enjoy doing? Even if you don’t have hobbies, read a new-to-you author and write a review. Do other creative things. When you learn something new, it gives you something to write about.

Read. What authors do you love to read? Get inspired by their words and how the book makes you feel. Craft books about writing are helpful, too. There are a lot of good books out there to help develop and shape your story. 

Happiness. Does writing make you happy? Is it something you have to do? The bottom line is, that giving up means you’re giving up a part of you. 

Every writer has a unique journey. Our paths to publication are different because we have personal goals and experiences. What is your reason to share your story? 
The answer is why you’re not giving up.
Keep writing. 
Keep creating.
Keep smiling. 


*opinions are my own.

Thank you Erin, for taking the time to chat with me. Your book, The Dating Debacle looks like the perfect Valentine’s Day story. It’s so cute and I love the cover! 
What inspired you to write this story?

Erin:
Thank you! The Dating Debacle follows Sofia through the adventures of online dating, something I am familiar with. I wanted to create a story with characters that readers could relate to regarding the good, the bad, and the funny moments of online dating. 

The back cover grabbed me right away: Can she really pull off having a career, writing a novel, and landing her dream guy? How much of the story is true to your life?

Erin:
The story relates in some ways to my life, for example, trying to juggle all of life’s demands on top of following my dreams and having relationships. I struggle with finding balance, often with working full time, taking creative writing classes, and with releasing and marketing my debut novel. But I landed my dream guy, who I met online, at the same time. You can have it all, with effort. 

You recently did a book signing at Chapters/Indigo. What was it like? Have you done book signings before?

Erin:
My recent book signing was so much fun! I’ve had a few signings now, and I love them so much. It’s so great meeting individuals who enjoy reading as much as I do, and are excited at discovering a new story.

Do you celebrate Valentine’s Day or Galentine’s Day? If so, how? 

Erin: 
I have always celebrated Valentine’s Day, whether I was single or attached. I used to have pizza and fondue on Valentine's with my daughter when she was little, which was special to us. This year I am celebrating my one-year anniversary and Valentine’s Day by spending some time in Mont Tremblant with my boyfriend.  

My blog, Wellness for Writers focuses on healthy lifestyle for writers. It can be self-care, self-love, exercise and healthy choices. 
How do you incorporate wellness into your lifestyle?

Erin:
I love how you focus on healthy lifestyles. It’s so important. I always have a self-improvement book on the go. I’m currently listening to You Are the One You’ve Been Waiting For by Richard Schwartz. I love practicing meditation and yoga, and trying new things to move my body gently, as I have chronic fatigue. I practice mirror work by telling myself, I love you, into my reflection. And I try really hard to eat well, but that’s what I struggle with most. I love chips and snacking. And therapy! 

Fun Facts:
Name your favourite candy or chocolate:

My favourite chocolate bar right now is the salted caramel Caramilk bar. Yum! 

What are you reading? 

Finlay Donovan knocks ‘em dead by Elle Cosimano 

Favourite snack while writing? 

Anything really, but peanuts lately. 

Besides writing, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time? 

I love going on day trips, road trips, and I love the beach. I enjoy reading and game nights, and spending time with close ones. 

Thank you, Erin! It's great getting to know you.
Wishing you all the best in your writing!

You can follow Erin on Instagram. www.instagram.com/erinlisbeth_/

You don't need an excuse to celebrate with friends.

It’s hard to believe a TV show invented a national event. Good on the writer who wrote the script and believed the day before Valentine’s Day should be a day to honour friendships and acknowledge those who are dear to our hearts. 
We may know friendships are important. As humans we are naturally fuelled by human connection, but did you know healthy relationships have an overall effect on our happiness?

If you’re wondering why this day is geared toward women, hang tight. Even though it’s been coined Galentine’s Day, males can join too, as Melentine’s Day. Call it what you want, the value here is to embrace friends and we should because it’s important to celebrate love and friendship. It's good for your health, from belonging and purpose to lowering stress and improving your self-worth. It can also contribute to longevity, according to Mayoclinic.org https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/friendships/art-20044860
And that’s not all.
Quality versus quantity of friends counts. You don’t need a dozen friends to get all the benefits, having a few close people you bond with is much more important.
​According to scienceandpeople.com www.scienceofpeople.com/friends-important/

One of the longest-running human studies on happiness has shown that relationships are the number one key indicator of joy and happiness.
Facts aside, spending time with the people we love and care about, contributes to our overall health and it's something to cheer about. 
Whether you like being alone or not, everyone needs affection, appreciation, and a little fun in their lives. 
If you're wondering what to do with your friend, a simple meet-up for coffee is a great way to celebrate. If you're looking for other ideas to spread the love of friendship, here are some ways to spend time with friends.

​Red hearts, pink roses, and chocolate advertisements are a sure sign Valentine’s Day is around the corner, but it doesn’t have to be expensive nor does it have to be romantic to speak from your heart.  

February fourteenth is the perfect day to reach out and show love for the person you care about. If you want gifts to show your thoughtfulness, try one of these ideas to get into the Valentine’s Day feels.

Good quality chocolate, a bouquet, and a calm candle are easy go-tos, but if you’re looking for creative gifts, these ideas might spark your interest. 

5. Taylor Swift might have made friendship bracelets cool again, but sending your beta reader, writerly friend or companion is a fun way to remind them you are grateful for their friendship and love. 

6. Writing gloves are great for cold hands. If you want to splurge, Stori Arts is a fun, inspirational store with the most beautiful writing gifts. 
  https://storiarts.com/collections/fingerless-gloves 

7. Printing a photo of a memory the two of you share and place it in a frame. You can paint a wooden frame and add a heart or two in the corners to give the Valentine's Day feel. 

Need to Spark your Creativity? 

If you’re struggling to start or finish the book you're writing but have hit a plateau, maybe you need to recharge, refocus, and remind yourself why you’re writing.
Assuming you’re eating healthy and taking care of yourself, sometimes there are days when you feel...ugh. Like your emotional, physical, and mental battery is drained. Too much concentration on the scene you're writing, or the plot isn't working, or you’re overthinking instead of letting the words flow. It happens. Walking away for a few minutes, hours, or weeks can help get you back into your creative space.
However, if you're writing on schedule, there's pressure and your mind may wander in another direction when it should be focused. It’s the battle of the creative brain. It happens to most of us. You’ve got a great idea and you're inspired to write or you’re working on a project that’s causing you to feel unmotivated. If this is you, don’t worry. Not every day will feel like this, but don’t give up! You’re on the right track. When this happens, take a break or do something to change your mindset and allow creative thoughts to flow. Life happens and it can drain us from the joy of story telling. There are ways to accomplish your writing goals, but maybe you need to start with a recharge and refocus first. 

​If you need an instant boost, try one of these eight tips to feel recharged and refocused. 

Fresh air
Spending time outside boosts our mental health. It’s no wonder taking in the season’s surroundings and the beauty it offers can lift our spirits and renew your energy. www.healthline.com/health/health-benefits-of-being-outdoors#better-breathing

Putting thoughts on paper
Whether you’re writing your thoughts in a journal, handwriting a note ( it’s good for emotional health too! Check out this blog post  https://wwwww.charlenegroome.com/for-the-wellness-writer ), or typing an email to a friend, expressing your thoughts is a good way to let emotions flow. 

Limit screen time
Stepping away from devices has a huge benefit to our creative minds. Notifications are a distraction so putting your phone away for twenty minutes or avoiding social media to work on a project will help you focus on your muse. 

​
Try something new
Creative people are always doing creative things. Whatever it is: baking cookies or strumming a guitar, using your energy to feed your soul is important for your mental health. Using your hands to create gives purpose and joy in so many ways. By changing your creative focus, you might find that the mental break will generate new ideas. 

Change of scenery
Writing in coffee shops and libraries is fun and it could be out of your comfort zone if writing at home is the norm, trying changing it up. A new place or space to write, can inspire and give you a sense of motivation. New surroundings can recharge your mind.

Moving your body
Simply stretching or doing yoga relaxes your mind and your body. Focus on calming your mind and moving your body for an instant recharge.

Connect with someone you love
Hearing a loved one’s voice or reading an encouraging or kind message is an instant boost. Interacting with someone who is positive and cheery will definitely boost your mood.

Self-care
There are many ways to self-care. It doesn’t need to be a whole day event, although it sounds amazing. Not everyone has the time, but a quick ten minutes to listen to a podcast, read, or listen to music is a good way to reflect on yourself and what you need.  

Self-talk
Only positive vibes! When you feel like you're in a slump and imposter syndrome is interfering with your ability to write, reverse your mindset. If you think, my writing is terrible, say, it can be edited. If you tell yourself, I can't do this, say, maybe I need to take a break. 

There are lots of ways to recharge and refocus. Do what works for you. 
Rest, find your space, and take care of yourself because if you want to write, it takes time and energy to be creative. 

Setting out to write a book is a huge task. Whether you are a newbie or a seasoned author, it takes effort and commitment. Writing is hard. Whether it's poetry, blogging, or writing a story, it’s an accomplishment. You did it—the next step, sharing your creativity with others. Wherever you are on your writing journey, take a moment to be proud of what you’ve done. Giving yourself credit is important. Celebrate your wins. For those days you feel ugh, think positive and tell yourself, I did it! There's always room for improvement but the key is, sticking to your creative muse and not giving up. A recharge and refocus might be what you need to keep writing.
I’m cheering for you!  


​***my opinions are my own

When was the last time you wrote someone a handwritten note? When was the last time you received one?
If you recall receiving a card from someone you love, you probably got a shot of dopamine because the expression of good feelings was soaked up like a sponge and chances were, you reread those words to cherish the connection.

Do you remember when pen pals were a thing and you were forced to write a letter to someone you didn’t know? Awkward at first but rewarding when a letter came back and a brief friendship began. Sending letters has lost its popularity but it hasn’t lost the intent for a heartfelt connection.
​
Over the years, collecting cards, notes, and personalized bookmarks from a grade three teacher has meaning. They are all expressions of kindness. In a world full of negativity and time constraints, it’s gratifying to open an envelope containing a little note of encouragement and love.

Last November, Canada had a mail strike, which meant no Christmas cards were delivered. Although it was a disappointment, it reminded us of how grateful we are to receive a handwritten card from someone we care about. 

Thursday, January 23, 2025, is National Handwriting Day. It’s a great reminder to flex your hand, crack open the box of beautifully designed cards you’ve been saving, and address it to someone you’ve been thinking about, thanking or sharing in their celebration. Whatever it is, sending joy is worth your time and energy. 

Pen to paper isn’t just an art, it’s a health benefit.
According to Psychology Today www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/positively-media/202403/writing-by-hand-can-boost-brain-connectivity, writing by hand deepens content processing and supports emotional health. 

There are at least a handful of benefits of handwriting. It improves memory and recall of words, boosts creativity, and sharpens critical thinking. It also has psychological benefits. It’s probably one of the reasons why journaling is good for your health. Psychology Today, states ‘writing helps people process life’s emotional ups and downs through sense-making.’
​
As a writer, you love words, obviously, but sometimes saying the right thing or making a note personal can be a challenge. After all, it’s not about creating fiction. Speaking from the heart takes practice. If you’re new at it or rusty, write when there’s a special day. It’s easier to say congratulations, followed by encouragement than tapping your pen on a blank card wondering what to say. 

Try sending a postcard: Wish you were here or write a little note in your child's lunch box with: You Got This! 
Doesn’t it feel good to express positive vibes and well wishes? There’s energy to giving, and the same goes for receiving. It’s like you’ve passed the torch of kindness. 
Keeping notes and cards in your writing space will remind you of how far you’ve come and the people who are there to cheer you on. 

​The thrill of draughting down thoughts on fresh paper sends an automatic spark of creativity. Putting your energy into a personalized card or notepad will not only provide health benefits, but it’s a great mood booster and spreads kindness. It's a positive note, we can all get behind.

Learn the brief history of handwriting here. www.history.com/news/a-brief-history-of-penmanship-on-national-handwriting-day. 


​***Opinions are my own.

How to Bring a Positive Vibe to Your Workspace

January is the month where we pause and reflect on what we want to work towards for a promising new year. We make resolutions and refocus on our goals. We buy into thinking about what we need or should be doing to enrich our lives. Yes, health and happiness are key, but if you want to start on your wellness journey, it’s important to surround yourself with positivity. A positive mindset will help give you hope, encouragement and ward off imposture syndrome.

Positivity starts with being gentle on yourself. It’s easy to get frustrated or upset when receiving a pass on your manuscript. If writing or creating art is truly your passion, remind yourself these are steps toward success. Keep going, learn more about the genre or art you’re creating, try again, and don’t give up.

Carving out time for your muse can be tricky, but it’s possible when you put your mind to it. Finding your space, whether it’s a coffee shop, a restaurant patio, or at home, surrounding yourself with inspiration will fuel your mind. 
If writing at home is where you find the time to write, creating a welcoming environment for yourself, is the first step to productivity. Whether you're writing at the kitchen table, in a converted closet, or have a room dedicated to your muse, it’s important to clear your space and claim it as your own.

If your writing space has lost its inspiration, it’s time to change it.
Surrounding yourself with personal things that support a positive mindset will help you get into the groove. You don’t have to paint or buy new furniture to reap the benefits. Making a vision board or using a special notebook for ideas are mood boosters. 

If you're looking for ways to up your creativity, here are five ways to get you there. 

Declutter
It’s easier said than done, but it's a good start. Look around you. Does everything on your desk need to be there? What purpose does it serve?
Studies show that a clean desk space boosts mental health and productivity.
If you need help with this task and want to learn more, you can check out
maurathomas.com/cluttered-desk/ for an interesting take on the science behind decluttering.
​
If you have a home office, take time to reorganize. Clean the bookshelf, shred paper, sort through pens without ink, dust trinkets, and lose things without purpose. 

Scents
There’s nothing like stepping into a room with a vigorous or calming scent.
Candles, potpourri and defusers are a wonderful way to add scents to any space. 
​If you want to enhance performance and energy levels, select scents such as citrus, (lemon and grapefruit), eucalyptus, or jasmine. ​

Reference: 
https://www.aromadesigners.com/top-5-best-fragrances-for-the-office/#:~:text=Fragrances%20such%20as%20lemon%2C%20eucalyptus,overall%20quality%20of%20your%20work.

Colour
A pop of colour can freshen up any mood. If you have an office space, pick a colour that makes your heart happy. It’s okay to be bold if it gets your mind into your creativity. A feature wall is a great accent to bring out your personality. Whether it’s colour or pictures, the space is yours and it should get you coming back to write.

If you’re looking for an elaborate design, check out romance author, Heatherly Bell's new feature wall in her office. It’s stunning. https://www.instagram.com/heatherly.bell/

Decor 
If you’ve had the same decor sitting on your shelves, try switching things around. Add a plant, change your photos, and a new memento. Whatever it is, make your writing view a place you want to surround yourself in. If your office is the kitchen table, give yourself a view by adding flowers in a vase, place an inspiring quote where you can see it, or place framed photographs beside your computer. It doesn’t matter where you write, make it your own.

Music
If you want to be inspired by your characters and story, you can listen to music while you create.
Some authors make a playlist for inspiration and to experience the tone of their story.
Another option is playing instrumental music or using a sound machine for white noise. 

Artists love their creative time and where ever you choose to embrace your muse, it's about enjoying the process. By creating an inspiring space for YOU will not only boost a positive mindset, but you'll be productive and well.

Find what works for you. 

Happy creating!
Comment and tell me what brings you positivity to your workspace. 

Whether you make resolutions or use a word to give meaning to the new year, we all hope for some kind of change to excite us about what’s to come. It gives us something to look forward to or something to strive for to be better. Whatever it is, you have to love what you do, or you’ll quit and not give it your all.


Let’s talk writing. If writing is your focus, do you have an end goal? Are you wanting to finish a rough draft, or publish your story? If you’ve started your writing journey, you know it’s not something to be done overnight. It takes time. If you make a plan, chances are, you will be closer to your accomplishments.

One way to see your progress is to break down your goals into twelve mini ones, spread throughout the year. Each month can be something to work towards, such as signing up for a conference or working on a story to submit to a contest later in the year. Whatever it is, making small adjustments to your schedule will bring you closer to your goal. If you signed up for my newsletter, you will receive a PDF of a goal-setting, one-page calendar to help you draft your ideas. Like this:

If you're only thinking about this now, or you didn’t start January first, don’t worry, it's all good. Finding what you want is the first step. Consider this month to ponder and figure out what goal or goals you’d like to achieve. Once you have your goal, think about how you'll accomplish it. The best way to do this is by using the SMART method. 
Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time.
For example: I want to sign with a literary agent. This is what I need to do:
Specific-  What do I want to accomplish?  
I want to find the best agent to champion my work.
Measurable- How will I reach my goal? 
I will query X-amount of agents by the end of the year. 
Achievable- Is it possible to reach this goal? 
While you don’t have control over getting an agent, you can work towards building relationships and finding the best agent for you.
Realistic- Have you finished your manuscript? Is it polished to the best of your ability? Querying agents takes time for both parties, so don’t waste it. 
Time- How much time do I give myself?
​There is no exact time for an author-agent relationship. It can take months to years. If you're serious about publishing, you have to keep writing and improving your craft.

Need inspiration on taking your writing to the next level? 
Here are 8 suggestions to get you started.

1. Complete a manuscript. This seems obvious but if the desire is to write a novel, but the dream is too big to wrap your mind around, focus on writing a short story and move on to writing a novella. Once you have written The End, you know you can write longer. Challenge yourself.

2. Join a writer’s group. It’s a great way to meet other authors and support others with the same passion. If an in-person group is not feasible, try finding one online. 
Connect with other writers. If a group doesn’t interest you, connect with authors writing in the same genre. It's a great way to learn and perfect your craft.

3. Whatever your writing experience, attending a writing conference is fun and is full of benefits. You will not only get support and encouragement from others, you will meet new people ( yay for writing friends! ), learn something to benefit your muse, and network. 

4. If getting a literary agent is important to you, research, attend conferences, do online pitch parties, and follow agents for industry knowledge. There's a lot to learn here. It takes time and energy to find the best fit, but be patient. 

5. Submit your work to contests. The ones with industry professionals are always good. Sure, you’re in it to win it, but it’s always a great way to get feedback on your manuscript and it's another chance to practice your skills. 

6.If you’ve written stories but haven’t been published and want to try doing it yourself,  self-publishing might be for you. It's a great way to learn about yourself as a writer, promote yourself as a professional and accomplish your dream. There’s a lot to learn on this subject. I may visit this on a future blog post, but if this is your goal, then you need to make SMART goals to achieve it. 

7.Find a beta reader or a trusted reader for feedback. Polish your story to the best of your ability. Writing is subjective, but getting honest feedback from someone you trust is invaluable. 

8. Time. It takes time to learn the craft. Be patient with yourself. Learn what you can and enjoy the process. Every time you write, you get better. 

Here’s to a new year and new accomplishments. Let me know how you’re taking your writing to the next level. Do you have one goal or many? What’s your plan? I’d love to know.
Cheers to creativity!