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.