Be A Novelist Blog |

Cannot Relate

How does the term writer’s block affect you? Personally, I’ve never liked the term and yet I hear it (and have heard it) constantly and consistently throughout my writing career. You’ll see “how to” articles specifically targeted to the problem: “How to Push Through Writer’s Block.” “10 Ways to Beat Writer’s Block.” “Writer’s Block? 5 Tricks that Work.” And on and on the list goes.

Well, sorry. I have no list of ways to overcome this so-called malady that seems to strike writers/authors. Because I do not relate. While I’ll admit I’ve been stumped with the intricacies of a plot situation, I can honestly say, I’ve never had what many writers refer to as writer’s block.

Quite the Opposite

For me, it’s been quite the opposite. I always have so much I want to write and so little time to write it. I struggle with getting situations and circumstances cleared from my path so I can speed on down the pike writing to my heart’s content. I don’t refer to that as writer’s block. It’s just life getting in the way of my finishing a novel.

If, as stated above, I’m stymied in a plot, I just shift gears for a while. I can move from the activity of actual writing of the novel over to writing a sketch of one of my characters. Or I’ll pull out my outlining notebook and outline a future chapter. Or I’ll do further research for the setting, or some other aspect of the writing that needs outside information. Inevitably, the plot problem will resolve itself, and on I go.

What do you think (or feel) about what is called writer’s block? Has it hampered your writing? And if so, in what way? And what steps do you take to alleviate the problem? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Be A Novelist Tired of the struggle writing your book? Need a helping hand? Norma Jean’s Coaching Services may be the answer you’re looking for. Fill out the questionnaire on the page and let’s see if we’re a right fit. A FREE consultation gets the ball rolling. (Or the pen writing!) Click HERE!

Novelist Must be a Jack-of-all-Trades

I grew up in a small town in Kansas. While my family lived with the city limits (barely), most of my school friends and their families were all farm Be A Novelist folk. Farmers, in those days (and yes even today) were by necessity Jack-of-all-trades. (Jacks-of-all-trades? Who knows! Grammar can be tricky can’t it?)

Anyway, back to my point. Farmers knew how to fix fence, mix ensilage, breed and birth livestock, butcher the livestock, grow a garden, repair most any engine, and the list goes on and on.

My point is that for today’s novelist – we also must be a Jack-of-all-trades.

Must Know How to Market and Promote

It does not matter if you want to go the traditional route with a traditional publisher, or if you plan to self-publish, or publish digitally. Still and yet, if you want to get your name and your novel out to the public, you must know how to market and promote.

For most novelists the very thought of marketing sends cold chills down the spine. However, it’s not as difficult as it first appears. Most successful novelists – even those published by the New York biggies – quickly learn they are on their own when it comes to publicity and promotion.

Build a List

For this blog, I want to make mention of building your list. It’s never too soon to build your list of followers. And the best way to do that is with an autoresponder. I’ve used autoresponders for many years and love the process!

I use Aweber which is one of the best and most highly reputable services. It is very simple to set up their forms. No programming needed! Not only is Aweber (in my opinion) the best autoresponder system, I also appreciate all of the tutorials and support they give. You can get a great education just from their knowledge-base materials. When you need further help, a live person is there ready to assist.

So there you go. One of your first steps as that novelist Jack-of-all-trades is to build your list! And Aweber is a great place to start.

Tired of the struggle writing your book? Need a helping hand? Norma Jean’s Coaching Services may be the answer you’re looking for. Fill out the questionnaire on the page and let’s see if we’re a right fit. A FREE consultation gets the ball rolling. (Or the pen writing!) Click HERE!

Be A Novelist

Writer’s Block? Yea? Or Nay?

Novelist Must be a Jack-of-all-Trades

Tired of the struggle writing your book? Need a helping hand? Norma Jean’s Coaching Services may be the answer you’re looking for. Fill out the questionnaire on the page and let’s see if we’re a right fit. A FREE consultation gets the ball rolling. (Or the pen writing!) Click HERE!

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