Writer's Life: Writing Derailed and 3 Steps to Reclaiming Your Momentum (Katie)

 Writer's Life: Writing Derailed and Reclaiming Your Momentum (Katie)

Show of hands--how many of you have ever had what's known as writer's block? I'm not talking about a little bit of writer's block. No, what I'm really referring to is the major derailment of your writing mojo. 

While I am definitely going somewhere with this, let me start by telling you a story. In 2016, my family experienced a major life upheaval. It was a lifechanging event that shifted the course of our lives forever. Since that time, I have struggled to create. Writing became hard where it once had been easy, and nothing I put together seemed to be right.

The desire to write mixed with my guilt at not actually writing was extremely draining on my emotions. Earlier this year, I made the decision that it was time to put my writing aside for a bit. I recently completed my teaching degree, and I decided to put all my effort into teaching for the foreseeable future. I even spoke with Laurie here at Lands Uncharted to let her know it was time for me to step away from the blog. In fact, this will be my last scheduled blog post with Lands Uncharted, but I hope to visit from time to time in the future!

I am SURE I cannot be the only writer who has experienced this type of writing derailment. 

A Turning Point

Once I had settled on these decisions, and forgiven myself for not being able to create, the most wonderful thing happened. My writing mojo began to ink back into my life. 

I have picked up an abandoned manuscript and made tremendous progress with it. I've begun browsing writing-related websites the way I did in years past. I've even considered attending a writer's conference, which I thought I would never do again. 

So again I pose the question to you. Have you ever faced a major writing derailment? Do you want to get your momentum back but don't know how? Here are a few suggestions that might help you the way they helped me.

1. Give yourself some grace

It can be kind of a joke, but adulting is hard. Living is hard. Life can be H-A-R-D. That grace you'd give to someone else? Save a little for yourself. Your manuscript will still be here. Trends come and go, and your big chance will not pass you by forever. You have permission to take a break.

2. Strongly consider cutting back

It was a difficult choice to step back from Lands Uncharted. Beyond blogging, though, I have also been involved in endorsing several books in the last couple years, as well as critiquing manuscripts for friends. I have stepped back from those things, as well. It was not easy to say no, especially for those who have been very kind and caring to me over the years.

But the truth? The truth is those kind and caring people all understood. (They gave me that grace I mentioned earlier, you see.)

3. Refocus and take off the pressure

Deciding to focus on teaching took pressure off my creative side and refocused it somewhere else. I honestly did not realize how CREATIVE this would make me feel. 

I am now looking forward to the New Year and what I *might* accomplish (NO PRESSURE!!!) It isn't a chore or a requirement, because I'm not setting any goals for myself. While I completely understand the importance of goals, there are times in life where a different strategy is needed. That's what I'm talking about here.

If you have any other tips for getting back your writing momentum after a major life setback, please feel free to share them below. In the meantime, I wish you all a Happy 2021. I will miss contributing to Lands Uncharted on a regular turn, but I'm sure I'll see you all around 💛💛💛. Happy New Year!

Writer's Life: Networking & Marketing Tips and Encouragement (Katie)

Writer's Life: Networking & Marketing Tips and Encouragement (Katie)

Writing can be exhilarating and fulfilling. Painting word pictures, teaching new concepts and ideas, creating worlds--for a writer, few things in life are as fun as this. In today's world, though, more is needed from a writer than simply writing. At least, more is needed from a writer who wants to get their work out there for others to see.

Networking and marketing are two tools in a writer's toolbox that can help them get their writing into the hands of readers. You might be asking, What is networking and marketing? The answer can be fairly simple or super in depth, but for the sake of this blog post we're going with the simple.

Networking

Networking is the meeting and forming of relationships with industry professionals. In short, it's meeting other writers, editors, publishers, marketers, or literary agents.

Marketing

Marketing is promoting your goods (in this case, your writing) in order to get other people to read it. Think about the commercials you see on TV, the flyers you find on your windshield from time to time, or the emails you find in your inbox.

Tips & Tricks 

So, you have a basic idea of what these things are. How can you use them to help yourself? How do they relate to each other? What about the introvert? ( I am an introvert, BTW)

Both networking and marketing can be super intimidating for writers, but over the years I've learned a few things I find useful. In no specific order, here are some tips and tricks for networking and marketing that I've been able to use.

1. Find something you ENJOY

There are dozens of ways to market your books. Social media, in-store book signings, mailing out bookmarks and stickers and candles, blog hops, podcasts, libraries or school visits, writers conferences...the list goes on and on.

What I have come to see is that the things *I* enjoy the most are generally going to be the most successful for *me*. If you're a pro at all things social media? Well, use that. If you love and adore in-person events but hate social media? Well, skip the Facebook live and hit the pavement to set up a few library or independent bookstore signings. If you love receiving SWAG, utilize your love and knowledge to set up a fantastic SWAG campaign. 

Every type of marketing has its place, but finding things that can fit with your lifestyle will most likely be the *most* beneficial for YOU. Why? Because you'll actually be able to stick with it, and not only that but stick with it with enthusiasm. Guess what? Enthusiasm sells.

2. Be nice!

Talking to people is very intimidating for me. I generally think that most people are busy and they likely don't want to hear from me. If I reach out to them I might be bothering them. Right? I know I'm not the only one who thinks this way!

But the truth is, the majority of people on this planet just want a friend. Be nice to people, and you'll find it goes a long way in networking (and marketing, too!).

If you're part of a writer's social media loop and someone on the loop asks for advice? Offer some. If they need a beta reader and you have the time to fit it in, volunteer. If you have a book or two out on the market, and a beginning writer asks you to endorse their book, give it an honest consideration before simply answering with a "no."

I'm not saying you can't ever decline a request for help. Lord knows we are ALL busy. Sometimes we must say no. But, if you can say yes, show a little kindness. It goes a long way.

In that same vein, if you read an author's book, or if you listen to an industry professional's podcast, or if you see an interview with an aspiring author and enjoyed it? Tell them! Send that bit of encouragement. Be the light. 

Like we often tell readers when it comes to reviews, it doesn't have to be long! Just shoot them a note to let them know you enjoyed their content. Trust me, they won't forget it.

3. Try something outside your comfort zone

Earlier I said to find something you enjoy, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't ever consider stepping outside the box. Sometimes you'll find you love something you never thought possible. You might NOT find that you love it, but it could still hold big benefits.

Here's a secret. I HATE writer's conferences. I have been to several. I have never enjoyed any of them *that* much. That's not to say I haven't loved the relationships I've formed (think networking!). That's not to say I haven't learned a ton about the craft of writing. I have! But overall, they're very intimidating for me.

Yet, I keep stepping outside my comfort zone and attending. Why? Because sometimes it's good to do things that scare you. It can open doors that would otherwise remain firmly shut (hello networking!).

So, stop by your local independent bookstore. Visit local libraries. Get to know people. Comment on people's social media posts. Design a cool bookmark to go with your book and ask your librarian if you can leave a stack at the checkout counter.

Start a podcast. Speak at a writer's group. Join a writer's group! Whatever "new" is for you? Try that, at least once or twice. You might be glad you did!