How To Start and Keep On Writing

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2017 was an amazing year for me on a number of levels ​but in particular​​ my writing.

Looking back I can honestly say I am proud of what I achieved and really excited about where this will take me in 2018.

So what exactly did I achieve:

1. Entered 2 short stories into a competition and had them both published on Short Fiction Break, an online magazine
2. Started and finished the first draft of my 65000 word novel
3. Set up my online platform for both my writing and my photography
4. Started regular blogs
5. Joined a local writers group attending monthly meetings
6. Accepted the positions of Vice President and Writers Festival Social Media Coordinator for the local writers group
7. Participated in NaNoWrimo
8. Joined a number of online writers groups
9. Submitted 3000-word​ sample of my novel to UK publishing house

Thats quite a list for only one year. When I look back I wonder what made this year different to other years. I have had the desire to write for a long time. Why did it finally happen this year? I think its a number of events or decisions I made that finally got me writing and on track.



  • Set clear goals


In the beginning of 2017 I was once again announcing my desire to write a book. I think my daughter finally got sick of hearing about it and quite bluntly told me “just do it mum, stop talking about it and just do it” . It was probably the best advise I could have received. I realised how right she was. I could talk about it till the cows come home, but unless I started and set a clear goal I would be talking about it again the next year. So I set myself a goal to finish my book and told as many people about this goal to really cement it and make myself accountable.



  • Join writers groups


This is so important. Writing may be a solitary passion, but connecting with like minded writers has so many benefits. Not only do you learn from other writers but you also get an outlet for your writing. Often they have workshops and guest speakers in their meetings that expand you as a writer. Plus you start to see yourself as a writer which does wonders for your creativity.



  • Enter competitions and join online groups


I loved taking part in the The Write Practise competitions. It was my first attempt writing short stories that others would review. The interactions with other writers during the competition was hugely beneficial. Being reviewed and having to review posts from other writers was a real challenge that broadened my skills even further. I would highly recommend it to any new writers. I made a lot of online connections that I am still in touch with today. In general joining online activities either competitions or online groups is hugely beneficial. The support you receive from some groups is so important when you start out and even ongoing as we continue to learn. My favourite online groups at the moment are So You Want To Be A Writer run by Allison Tain and Valerie Khoo and a fairly new group called Authors in the News run by Kristin Spiers. Both provide valuable information in a down to earth professional way.



  • Participate in NaNoWriMo


This was an amazing experience and really got me over the line to finish my novel. The accountability of the word count, having supportive writing buddies and a number of workshops and local write-ins really kept you writing. Not only for November but has now set a good writing habit. I make regular time to write now. I know , if you really want to write , you have to sit down and start writing. If you wait till the stars are aligned and you are in the mood, it may never happen. It will most like not happen often enough. Regular writing and setting deadlines will get you there.



  • Share your writing


Don’t be shy. Dont wait till you feel its perfect. Share your writing journey. You will learn from the feedback from others and it will make you feel like a writer.
It took me a while to feel comfortable sharing my writing but the more I shared the more I found I enjoyed it. “Feel the fear and do it anyway” Allison Tait of SYWTBW Podcast.



  • Make time


Of course that is a no brainer, but you really need to take it serious and make your writing a priority. That means cutting down on other leisure time activities or getting up earlier to fit it in. Prioritise your time and ensure you fit it what is really important to you. It’s good to sit down and write your activities over a week and then work out what you can eliminate or where you can find time. It’s amazing how much time we really do “waste” where we could be writing instead.

Above is what got me to finally achieve what I had wanted for a long time and plus some. It worked for me and it may work for you too. We are all individuals and need to find our own way to write.

Hope this helps new writers.

What helped you? How did you find your writing groove? Would love your feedback.

Liebster Award

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Wow! What a way to start 2018.
With an award. I am stoked as I only started this blog a few months ago. I am honestly still fumbling my way through this blogging world, but having a ton of fun writing and reading everyone’s posts.

So huge thanks to sweet Britt @ A Little Sunshine for nominating me for the Liebster Award

So exactly what is this award I hear you ask? I really had no idea when I received it myself. It may seem like nothing to some, but I think it’s​ a great idea to promote and pat each other on the back, as well as get us all connected with more bloggers. Isn’t​ that why we are here; to connect?

What’s the LIEBSTER AWARD?:

It’s an award in which bloggers nominate other bloggers for showing respect to their works and their dedication. It’s an appreciation and recognition for all the fellow bloggers out there in the blogosphere..!!

Rules For Accepting It:

Write about it on your blog and thank the person who nominated you,​ write about their blog too.

  • Display the award on your blog.
  • Nominate 5 or 10 blogs which you feel deserve it

  • Let the nominees know that you nominated them.
    “Don’t forget to create 10 questions for them to answer. Notify your nominees and provide a link to your post so that they’ll know what to do. Once you’re done, come back here and comment with the link to your post so I can check out your answers.”

    My 10 questions from Britt and my answers

    What is your favorite food?

  • I LOVE Danish Hot dogs! Yes I know it sounds crazy, but they are so damn good and no other country can match them. Which really doesn’t​ take much as most hot dogs are pretty ordinary. But not the Danish ones. Give them a go next time you visit this country.

    What’s your favourite​ dessert​?

  • It would have to be Tiramisu, the scrumptious​ Italian dessert. Come to think of I love most Italian food, even better when eaten in Italy 🙂

    Something Silly that always makes you smile?

  • Seeing someone trip! I know it is so mean, but what is it about tripping that makes most of us smile or laugh out loud.

    IPhone or Android preference?

  • IPhone all the way. I’m an Apple girl. Well maybe girl is not the right tag for me anymore, except in my head

    Why did you create your blog?

  • Simple. I love writing and I love connecting with other writers. A way to keep me on track and not get lazy. So easy to do.

    If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be? and why?

  • It would have to be around​ the world trip as I would want to go to Europe and visit my family and to the US to visit my daughter. For just pure pleasure I would love to see the Maldives.

    How often do you add a new post to your blog?

  • I post daily with my Positive Thoughts. Only short notes on what I see as positive each day. Such a great way to make us appreciate each day and focus on the good things in our lives. Also post every 1 or 2 weeks with a larger journal post on what I feel like talking about.

    What is your greatest goal in life?

  • Right now. To become a successful published Author

    What is your highest achievement?

  • Without a doubt, bringing my girls up to be beautiful independent women. My heart grows when I think of either of them and I am a super proud mum.

    If you had the ability to change one thing on​ this crazy planet, what would it be and why?

  • Make human beings realise we only have one shot at this thing called life and to treat everyone and everything with love and respect

    Now I would like to nominate the following awesome people

    Justsophandriley
    Living
    I Think I Say I do
    Lithium Fiction
    Cathy Powell
    Sketches From Berlin
    Writing Ward
    TJ Edwards
    Dasha Maiorova
    WREADITOR

    My 10 questions to the Nominees are:

    1. If you could have a ​superpower​ what would it be and why?
    2. What is your favourite movie?
    3. When and why did you start blogging?
    4. Paperbook or Kindle?
    5. Do you now live in the country you were born in?
    6. If money was no object what would you do this weekend?
    7. Who do you respect and look up to?
    8. Do you listen to music when youwrite,​, if yes what is your preference?
    9. What really makes your heart sing?
    10. What is your main goal for this year?

    Thank you so much. I cant wait to see your posts.

    Sal

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