Fifteen Reasons Why Writing Is So Special

Hi Everyone.

I love writing.  Whether it’s a little, a lot, fiction or non-fiction, I love everything about it, for me, it is so fantastic.  But why?

I have listed below, some of the reasons why I love writing and why it is so special to me.

1. It’s therapeutic
2. Calming
3. Makes me feel happy
4. Brings my dreams to life
5. Gives me escapism from the norm
6. Makes me believe in myself
7. Releases my creative energy
8. Makes me feel talented
9. I can express myself in a meaningful way
10. I can use it to help others
11. It nurtures my passions
12. Explores a world where anything could happen
13. It’s exciting, enthralling and fun
14. I get to meet some wonderful characters
15. Makes me feel good

I could continue to write about writing but now it’s your turn. I would love to hear why writing is so important to you?

Write soon.  Sandra

Are you ready to write?

Hi Everyone.

You have an idea you are buzzing about.

You have pen and paper to hand.

You have access to a computer.

You are excited about seeing your story come to life.

You want to tell everyone about your characters, your story, your plot.

You even begin telling your family and friends your story, bit by bit, over and over again, until they are just about to burst with, “why don’t you just write it then?”

But you are not sure you are ready to write.

I have some news for you. The moment that story enters your head and you are bursting with excitement to tell it, that is the moment you write it and as your family and friends would say, “just do it.”  And guess what?  They are absolutely right.

Write soon. Sandra

How to create compelling characters for kids

Hi everyone

You may have noticed quirkybooks.net is developing.

I have taken on-board my first new illustrator and he is working on illustrations for my debut children’s picture book for 3-5 year olds.

So what makes compelling characters for kids in terms of the writer/illustrator partnership for that age group:

1. Character expressions mimic that of the kids’.
2. They behave in the same manner as a kid would.
3. They speak the kids’ language.
4. Even the more scary animals are cute, cuddly and approachable.
5. Each character has their own character that makes them memorable in some way.
6. They are colourful.
7. The story is told from the point of view of the main character.
8. The main character is likeable and approachable.
9. Kids can relate to the main character in some way.
10. Each character could have a story of their own to tell.

My debut children’s picture book © “The Owl Who Couldn’t Hoot” will be out in a few months.

If you would like to keep up to date with what is happening and for news , information and inspiration . Please click on the link below and fill in your details:

http://www.quirkybooks.net

Write soon. Sandra.

What E-Books would you like to read?

Hi Everyone

My quirkybooks.net website is due to change dramatically during this year.  It will become an online E-Book store.  But what type of books would you like to see?  Please let me know using the above poll.

Thank you.  Write soon.  Sandra

Top five tips for how to stay focused on your writing.

Hi Everyone

I finally sent my redundancy book proposal off to How to Books.  It took ages to write, proof-read, edit, proof-read, edit and yes you’ve guessed it, re-edit.

My  top five tips for how to stayed focused on your writing:

1. SMART task yourself. Set writing goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timed.
2. Keep a diary of each of your writing achievements to see how  well you are progressing.
3. Make sure you plan when to write and either stick to it or reschedule it.
4. Set time aside specifically for writing and ensure those around you know that you are ‘working’ then.
5. Stop procrastinating and just do it.

Good luck.

Write soon. Sandra

Write Away

Hi Everyone

It’s coming up to that time of year when holidays are in abundance.

If you are a fellow writer, it can be a pleasure and a pain.

A pain because, if you are anything like me and you do not get an opportunity to write whilst on holiday, you miss it, you long for it, you crave for it, you yearn for it and are somewhat more sad and lonely to be without it.

If the person/s you are away with are understanding then that is great but if you are with someone who doesn’t write and believes your work should be left at home, what can you do?

How can you write whilst you are away?

Here are my top five tips:

1. Create a diary of your journey, tell your loved ones or friends it’s so you can remember the happy times you’ve share and then use it when you get home to write a story or an article.
2. Keep a notebook and pen by the side of your bed, pretend you are asleep and wait until everyone else is asleep, then begin to write.
3. Write at least one postcard to a member of your family or a friend each day.
4. Pretend you are reading a book by the side of the pool or at the beach and then slip a notebook and pen inside and begin to write.
5. When you are away, if you are going to have internet access, create a second email address and email yourself with a piece of writing .

Good luck and enjoy your holiday.

Happy writing.  Sandra.

Join me on BBC Radio Devon

Hi Everyone

Some very exciting news.

I am going to appear as a guest speaker on BBC Radio Devon on David FitzGerald’s show, this Tuesday the 14th of February at 2.40pm, talking about being a Health Buddy for the CSV ’Stripping it Bare’ campaign.

The ”Stripping it Bare” campaign is run by CSV and takes on volunteers to speak about taboo health topics within their local communities.  Topics covered include Sexual Health, Testicular Cancer, Bowel Cancer and Mental Health.

I have joined  Twitter under the username “beatredundancyb”

I will be tweeting regularly about redundancy and you can see my redundancy blog at beatredundancyblues.wordpress.com

Write soon.  Sandra

Are you the write one for me? 10 ways to tell.

Hi Everyone

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, you may be celebrating it in style, or it may be you are thinking it is no big deal.  Either way, it could be a time for you to reflect if the person you are with, is “the write one for me?”

In other words, does the person you are with:

1. Understand the important role that writing plays in your life?
2. Be supportive of your writing?
3. Believe in your writing abilities?
4. Understand you need to have a lot of time for your writing?
5. Encourage you to write more?
6. Be willing to play an active role in your writing?
7. Be  happy to proof read your manuscripts?
8. Listen to your frustrations when you are having writer’s block?
9. Lift your spirits up, when you are feeling down?
10. Appreciate your creativity?

If your writing is a huge part of who you are, then it’s important you have someone who respects that.

Love yourself.  Love your writing and enjoy every minute of it.

Write soon.  Sandra

The Beauty of Self Help and How to Books

Hi Everyone

As you may know, I am in the process of writing a “How to Book” proposal.

Both How to Books and Self Help books are fantastic for the following reasons:

1. They can help to improve your life by giving you new skills and abilities.
2. They are practical and easy to follow by providing a step-by-step guide.
3. By providing examples and illustrations, they are easy to understand.
4. You can learn at your own pace.
5. They can improve your confidence and self-esteem.

If you have never read a Self Help or How to Book before, may I suggest you pick a topic that interests you and read one.

You might learn things you never thought possible.

Write soon.  Sandra

Make Your Writing Resolutions Count

Hi Everyone

It is important to approach the new year with confidence.

Knowing you are making progress with your writing will not only enhance your chances of being published but it will also increase your self-belief.

You need to make a minimum of 5 writing resolutions, number them in order of importance and give yourself a time scale to complete each one.  Work your way through the list.  You should aim to complete at least 3 of them, that’s one, every 4 months.  By the end of the year you should have accomplished at least 1 of them.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Write a book – 1 year
2. Write 1 more new blog post  - Once a week
3. Write a minimum of 1 letter to a friend – Once a Month
4. Write at least 1 diary entry – Every day or every other day
5. Brainstorm writing ideas – Once a week

Now add some of your own and figure out which of them:

• You have the largest passion for.
• Mean the most to you.
• Will give you the highest sense of happiness if you achieve them.

Make sure they are your priorities.

These factors will be your motivation to success.

Good luck.

Write soon.  Sandra