The Relaxed Writer

Writing not getting done? Why "productivity" isn't the answer.

Like all good things, "productivity" has its limits.

Time tracking, list making, filing, organizing, managing...all these are important skills for writers, it's true.

But if you've ever found yourself working on a dream writing project -- your novel, the book proposal, the dream-assignment pitch, and you're stuck as heck..."productivity" isn't the answer.

(So put down that dog-eared copy of Getting Things Done and listen up!)

Productivity and time management techniques work best when they're supported by a firm foundation of conviction, desire and inspired action.

I call this "Fire in the Belly."

And I'll be teaching you how to stoke your writing flame and sustain your momentum in a free teleclass for writers this Thursday.

I hope you'll join me for this info-packed, one-hour call:

FREE TELECLASS FOR WRITERS  

Fire In the Belly:  3 Secrets of Happy, Successful Writers

Thursday, April 19th at 11am Pacific / 2pm Eastern (recording available) 

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It's time to get some fire in the belly and start going for your most important writing goals. This class will give you empowering, practical solutions to get you started.

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What's bugging you?

Shortly after I got my Macbook Air, my laptop strap folded and twisted itself inside the pocket that holds the shoulder pad.

And almost daily for months, I've been aware that the pad that's supposed to cushion my shoulder has NOT been doing its job.

And what have I done about it?

Nothing.  Nada.

Instead, every time I noticed my shoulder hurting, I tugged at the strap and forced it to turn over.

With the padding temporarily in place, my shoulder stopped hurting and I got on with things.  Until moments later when the strap righted itself, the pad flipped back over and my shoulder hurt again.

Things went something like this:

"Ow."  (Quick fix.)

"Ow!"  (Quick fix.)

Etc.

(What a cycle!)

Today I found myself standing outside in the sunshine, waiting for the transit bus. My laptop bag was on the ground in front of me and I noticed the length of the strap as it laid on the sidewalk.

Didn't look that tricky to fix.

In less than one minute, I unhooked a metal clasp and refastened it so my laptop bag's shoulder pad was properly in place.  The whole trip home, my shoulder felt great.

And the whole trip home I kept asking myself why the heck I hadn't taken the simple step to fix my twisted shoulder strap much, much earlier.

I realized that, rather than take action, I'd been busy thinking...

• ...I'd get to it later, "when I had time"
• ...the simple task of fixing the strap right would be a lot more difficult, time-consuming and frustrating than it really was.
• ...I could rely on a quick fix, when a single, focused minute of my attention was all it took to solve the annoying situation and make myself more comfortable.

So what's all this got to do with your writing?

I don't want you to make the same silly mistake.

Take a few minutes right now to think about your writing environment.  Anything broken?  Any supplies need restocking?  How's the lighting?

We life coaches call the small things that annoy us "tolerations," and addressing them is a great way to boost your energy and help you focus on the things that matter most in your life.

In the first few weeks of our work together, I have each new coaching client look at their writing environment, life and career with an inquisitive eye.  Once we have a list, my clients get busy.  (And boy do they feel better.)

I'm guessing that if you really think about it, you can find a single thing (or two or three) that you could improve in just a single, focused minute. 

You don't need to get little divets in your shoulder each day.  Take a little action and see for yourself how great it feels to invest a focused minute or two on your well-being and comfort and ease.

Your writing will thank you.

So.  What's bugging you?  And what are you going to do about it?

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My Two Days to Write virtual intensive includes a one-hour audio lesson on creating a writing environment, schedule and support network that work for you.  Learn more here:  http://www.coachmarla.com/twodaystowrite/index.html

 

2 Tips for Happier Writing (for freelance journalists, copywriters, creative writers & others)

You are so lucky to be a writer.

You're powerfully endowed with creative, investigative, analytic and/or expressive abilities.  (Not so, you say? Then try this: "I'm actively developing my creative, investigative, analytic and/or expressive potential, and have a vast array of free instructional resources available to me whenever I log onto the internet.")

Given your writing abilities and potential, how can you enjoy your writing more today? 

My suggestions are simple.

1. Find silence. 
2. Use your words for good.

Find Silence

"Go to where the silence is and say something."  - Amy Goodman, journalist

I love the sense of the sacred invoked by this quote. I also love its utility, its global usefulness to creative writers and journalists and technical writers and copywriters...you name it.

If you're writing creatively today, read "silence" literally.  Still yourself with meditation before you write, or preface your time at the writing desk with a long, ambling walk, a la Brenda Ueland.

If you're thinking about new stories to pitch, train your investigative eye on the silent spaces in the culture at-large.  Give voice to an under-examined trend, an overlooked causal relationship, a neglected-but-important population, region, cause or initiative.

If you're writing copy or content or white papers, "find the silence" by looking at your audience's needs with fresh eyes today.  Discard your assumptions and ask your audience directly what they need.  Find out if there's an angle or an important question you've overlooked, and address it.  

Use Your Words for Good

The journalist I quoted above has devoted her career to activism.  Whether you share her progressive stance or drive, you can still use Amy's words and example to inspire your writing.

See if you can set an intention to direct your talents to "good" today. 

When you draft a fiction piece or examine your experience in memoir or essay form, you're expressing your individual stance and serving others.  Good, creative writing is a form of service and has the power to bridge gaps between people.  (Ever read The Help?)

When you publish a newspaper or magazine piece, you're directing attention to a particular subject.  As you formulate a new pitch this week, challenge yourself to tackle a subject you care deeply about. 

When you sit down to write copy, content or white papers, consider what skillsets you're using.  (Marketing savvy?  Analytical or creative thinking?)  Dream up a small and meaningful project you can take on this holiday season.

• Could you offer a 1/2-hour brainstorming session to that friend who's struggling to launch a non-profit? 
• Could you outline your own instructional e-book?
• Could you offer to generate infographics or give one-hour copy review by phone to a favorite organization you belong to? 

I know you're busy, and the point here isn't to add more projects to your workload. 

I'm simply asking you to consciously acknowledge your gifts and recognize that you have a choice in how/where to use them.

Find silence.  Use your words for good.  Two simple practices to help you enliven your writing career and enjoy yourself more.

What do you think?  Leave your thoughts in the Comments section below.

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Don't forget: "Two Days to Write," my step-by-step, virtual writing intensive, begins with a kickoff call this coming Wednesday, December 7th.  Check it out & join us!  http://www.twodaystowrite.com

 

 

 

Write During the Holidays - Tip #3: Create Momentum

This post is Tip #3 in a three-part series on how to stay on track with your writing during the holidays.  Be sure to read holiday writing tip #1 (Gift Yourself) and tip #2 (Create, Don't Consume) if you missed 'em!

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Write During the Holidays Tip #3 - Create Momentum

It's much easier to choose writing over sweater shopping when you've made some progress with your writing project.

When you've got momentum:

1. your writing is top-of-mind,
2. your next steps are clear and 
3. you've already accomplished a significant chunk of your writing goal.

Consider the woman sledding in the photo above. She's focused solely on getting down the hill on her sled, knows exactly what her next steps are (steer clear of the trees!  hold on when you hit that turn!) and has already made her way down the hill.  The girl's got momentum!

You don't need to be as solely focused as she is, but trying on the image for a moment is pretty useful.  Imagine you've got real momentum with your query-writing, creative writing or platform-building project.  Do you feel on-task, focused and energized?  Are you excited to be on the hill?

The easiest way to create writing momentum for yourself is to set aside a half-day, a full day or more to work on a specific, targeted writing goal.  (Perhaps you want to send out 3 new queries.  Or rework 2 chapters.  Or draft a new essay and outline a few blog posts.  These examples can help you design your own goal.)

Before you begin, make sure you clear your mindset and get your space, your project and your support network ready.  Plan out your writing sessions. And when you're writing, use your time productively. 

But be forewarned:  doing a writing intensive on your own can be challenging. Line up a friend to join you.  Bookend your writing sessions by phone or with Twitter. Or turn the planning and self-motivating tasks over to me.  I designed my upcoming writing and coaching intensive with one goal in mind: to help you set aside two days to write -- and use that writing time well.  If you're interested in joining us in December, you can learn more about my private and group coaching program here.

Imagine how great you'll feel after you clear that lingering assignment or writing project off your plate.  Imagine, for a moment, how incredible it'll feel to dive head-long into drafting your new story, getting new freelance writing assignments or launching a new blog. 

If you set aside an afternoon, a day or a weekend to work on your writing project, you'll create the momentum you need to stay on track with your writing--even when you're busy shopping for socks or ties or sweaters.

Your writing project will be top-of-mind.  Your know which next steps to take. You'll have some solid writing progress under your belt.  You'll be headed down the right slope with a smile on your face.

There's no better way to begin your new writing year.

 

Write During the Holidays - Tip #2: Don't Consume...Create

This post is the second in a three-part series on how to stay on track with your writing during the holidays.  If you missed Write During the Holiday Tip #1 (Gift Yourself), you can find it here.

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Write During the Holidays Tip #2 - Don't Consume...Create

"Don't Consume....Create."

A rather radical proposition, I know. But this year I've come across a few families who are planning to "create, not consume."  They'll skip the malls altogether in favor of crafting and creating their own holiday gifts.

Their reasoning?  Saving money.  Spending "slow" time together.  Creating new holiday traditions and memories.

How could you apply "create, don't consume" to your writing life this holiday season?

Take the idea literally, and you might...

•  write a poem or heartfelt letter and gift it to a special friend or family member
•  write and produce a simple video script using your laptop or desktop computer

Read the concept as a metaphor, and you could...

•  put a time limit on your holiday shopping (both online and in the stores). Do this mindfully and I'd bet you could save yourself at least one weekend day.
•  invest the time you save back into your writing by devoting an afternoon or a day to sending out new queries, working on your fiction or working on your book proposal

Find ways to create a holiday experience that's meaningful to you. 

If a slower, more inward holiday experience appeals to you, see how you can slow things down for yourself and your family this holiday.  If you're someone who loves the holiday bustle, enjoy it all but deliberately counter-balance the energy you're spending "out there" with several deliberate writing sessions each week.

The real tip today is to be intentional.  Take a little time to consider which holiday commitments and activities support your goals and vision for your holiday.  Then invest your time and energy in having fun AND honoring your writing.

I'm here to support you.

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What do you think?  Leave your comments below.  And stay tuned for the 3rd and final "How to Write During the Holidays" tip - coming soon.

 

 

Write During the Holidays - Tip #1: Gift Yourself

No doubt you've noticed that there's a lot competing for your attention this time of year.

Sparkly window displays.  Expectations. Scores of red and green discount coupons.

Amidst the hustle and fun, how do you stay on track with your writing projects? 

Join me for "Write During the Holidays" - a 3-part series designed to help you stay on track with your writing (even if you're busy shopping for sweaters). 

Read on for Tip #1:  Gift Yourself.

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Get Your Writing Done During the Holidays Tip #1:  Gift Yourself

The holidays are a natural time to focus on others.  But what about you?  Specifically....what about your own writing dreams and career plans?

You serve others better when you're actively honing our talents and working at your craft. 

Get used to the idea that it's okay to devote time to your writing.  Not only "okay," but beneficial to everyone in your life.

An way to get to the writing desk more easily is to do the work you love and reinforce the benefits you experience whenever you invest your time into writing.

Try this simple exercise.  Before, during and after your writing sessions, remind yourself:

• "A fulfilled writer is a better parent."

• "A fulfilled writer is a better friend /significant other."

• "A fulfilled writer is a better boss/employee/freelance business owner."

• "A fulfilled and writer is a happier person."

A happier you is the ultimate holiday gift, wouldn't you say?

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What do you think?  Leave your comments below. And please stay tuned later this week more holiday tips for writers. 

In the meantime, consider joining me and a group of excited, hopeful and ready-to-work writers for four days of training calls & two days of private and group coaching in December.

Join "Two Days to Write" and you can pick up some seriously useful writing, productivity and mindset strategies to use long after your two-day intensive is over.  You can learn more and register here:  http://www.twodaystowrite.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Gratitude: A Simple Game and a Few Lovely Links for Writers

I'm usually a chirpy, early riser.  If I didn't share a cozy cabin-of-a-house with my husband, kid and cat, I'm quite certain I would wake up singing.  Literally.

But yesterday morning? 

No way.

I'd been up late the night before, working myself into wakefulness fretting about a few people I love, rewriting reality to suit me better (good luck with that one, right?), stressing out over my big to-do list and worrying over a big organizing project I'd been putting off. 

Then I turned my attention to my daughter's immediate and far-off future. I freaked out about it all--for no good reason at all. 

And when my alarm went off the next day, I was not chirpy.   Or "sing-y." 

I was grumpy.

And I really couldn't afford to be.  I had a sweet family to breakfast with and a full schedule of private clients to coach once I left the house. 

I needed to get out of the "stuck place" so I could move on with my day.

Playing "Ten Things"

Life and meditation and coaching have taught me to take perspective when I'm feeling hijacked by fear or anxiety.  Rather than buy into the negativity and let it immobilize me, most of the time I try to gently shift my thinking.

One of the simplest way I know is to play "Ten Things I'm Grateful For."

Sp yesterday I stayed in bed 5 extra minutes, doing my best to survey my life and all the great things in it. 

"One, I'm grateful for my healthy body…"

(Playing "10 Things" always feels a bit awkward at first.  Usually don't let myself quit until I get to ten.)

"Two, I'm grateful for my family…"

I don't know how this game works, but it does. 

By the time I got to Number 10, I didn't feel perfect.  But I felt a little suprised at all the good stuff. 

And I felt better!

…Good enough to greet my little daughter and sleepy husband with kindness.

…Good enough to coach my clients.

…Good enough to write a few short pieces that really needed to be written.

…Good enough to draft this post for you.

I'm not promising your obstacles will melt away magically.  But a heart filled with gratitude has a little more agility, a little more ability to move freely and respond to life in helpful ways. 

When you need to write but are feeling too antsy or afraid of the page, try practicing gratitude by playing "Ten Things."  Try it, too, when you're driving home from work or waiting in line at the grocery store.   Ask your lover or friend to play along with you.

You deserve a happy heart.
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Lovely Links for Writers

In the spirit of feeling great about your life and writing, I wanted to share a few links to help you reconnect to your writing happy place -- that wonderful space where gratitude and possibility meet...

Writing to Change the World -  Carolyn Rubenstein
http://www.abeautifulrippleeffect.com/2011/10/writing-to-change-the-world/

Become a Better Writer by Practicing Gratitude - Jeff Goins
http://writeitsideways.com/become-a-better-writer-by-practicing-gratitude/

3 Ways to Recharge Your Writing Dream - (mine)
http://marla.typepad.com/the_relaxed_writer/2010/08/writing-dream-recharge.html

Grateful?  Now, go do something. - Judy Stone-Goodman
http://www.thereflectivewriter.com/feeling-grateful-and-hungry-put-them-together-to-help-those-in-need/

Enjoy your day and thanks for reading.  Feel free to share your thoughts and comments below.

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Two Days to Write, Two Days to Query: a December coaching intensive, now enrolling!

Two days to write...

Two days to revise...

Two days to query...

Two days to finish a long-postponed writing project...

Two days to explore a new direction in your writing career...

If you're ready to jump-start your writing, I'm ready to help.

No matter how you want to use your time, I've created an inspiring, practical and effective coaching program to help you get your writing DONE before the new year.

Two Days to Write, my coaching and writing intensive, is now enrolling for December. 

If you'd the chance to learn and apply new productivity techniques with the help of a coach and the support of like-minded fellow writers, please check it out.  As of this writing, I've got 6 openings for the one-on-one, private coaching option.  If you'd like my direct support as you head into the new writing year, the Two Days to Write premium option is an affordable (and fun) way for us to work together.

Thanks for reading today.  I'm wishing you a productive rest of the year, no matter how you choose to pursue your writing goals.

The "Almost-Done" Predicament: a Take Action Challenge for Writers

Do you have an inventory of almost-done writing projects?  (Most of us do.)

If you're up for today's take action challenge, go ahead and grab a piece of paper and a pencil.  (Go ahead, I'll wait!)

Here's a funky monkey to get you in the right frame of mind.  :-)

1.  Now...quickly jot down a list of open projects. 

• That "just needs a polish" personal essay?  Write it down.
• Same with your unwritten ebook.
• Add your "send more queries" project to the list.
• And don't forget to include your poems, short stories and other creative writing projects.

2.  Review your list for anything you've left out.  (You might want to get up and thumb through your file cabinet for a minute or two to jog your memory.)   At this point, most writers are surprised at the number of items on their lists!

3.  Take a look at what you've got.  I'm guessing you've got one, two or more very important writing projects on your list, right?  Circle them. 

4.  Now jot down a phrase or two to describe the benefits you'll enjoy when you wrap these projects up.  For example:

• Add a new income stream to my freelance business.
• Publish my story in a magazine I admire.
• Earn more money / get more writing assignments.
• Use my talents to do what I'm meant to do (creative writing).

5.  Circle all the projects you're actively working on in a given week. 

6.  Now choose one project -- a single, finish-able project -- that you could realistically complete before December 31st.

• What would it feel like to have this project wrapped up and done?
• What new opportunities would it open up for you?
• What challenges would you need to overcome to get it DONE?

7.  Jot down two simple actions you can take this week to start working on -- and finishing -- that important writing project. 

8. Write down a few simple steps you can take to get the help you need. Some suggestions:

• Call a friend or colleague and arrange to be each other's accountability buddy.
• Clean your office.  :)
• Join an online forum to meet new writers.
• If you need more writing time, get your hands on my free "Making Time to Write" ecourse for writers.  I'll lead you through 5 simple lessons designed to help you start shifting the way you think about time and writing.
• If you need help prioritizing your projects and following through, get my simple, easy to implement strategies to help you get your writing done. Join me tomorrow for a free productivity teleclass for writers.  (Details below.)

Chip away at your 6-week writing goal with simple, consistent actions.  You'll feel great knowing you're writing what matters most and if you follow through with your plans, you'll have a completed writing project and a sparkling clean slate for the new year. 

You can do this!

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FREE TELECLASS FOR WRITERS: 

"Get It Done:  3 Keys to Following Through with Your Important Writing Plans"

In this free, one-hour class I'll share practical tips and strategies to help you:

• finally stop postponing your big-picture writing projects
• follow through with your writing plans in 3 simple steps
• create serious writing momentum and jumpstart your writing project (making you feel GREAT again) -- even in the midst of a busy professional life or freelance writing career

I'll also set aside time at the end of the call to answer your questions about the class content and my upcoming "Two Days to Write" coaching and writing intensive. 

Details about the teleclass:

• class meets Thursday, November 17 at 11am PT / 2pm ET
• if you can't make the call, you can still listen in by registering below for an MP3 recording (free to download and keep)
• save on long-distance by dialing in via a local number, Skype or webcast

Get It Done:  3 Keys to Following Through with Your Writing Plans

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Note:  I respect your privacy as my own.  Your registration includes a complimentary copy of my monthly email newsletter, The Relaxed Writer.

One Good Reason to Go For That Bigger, Better Writing Assignment (plus, a new free teleclass)

A few announcements for you today:

• Learn More About Overwhelm and Freelancing:  Today Linda Formichelli published "Are You an Overwhelmed Freelancer?  Marla Beck Tells You How to Beat the Overwhelm and Kick Butt" today, an interview with me over at her excellent blog for writers, The Renegade Writer. Read about the power of a "two-day marketing push" and please stop by and say hello!

• Get Help Staying Accountable to Your Own Writing Projects:  I've created a brand-new teleclass for writers who have trouble following through with their own writing plans.  Sound familiar?  Click here or scroll down to learn more and sign up for the free call and a copy of the MP3 recording.

• Get Motivated to Go for What You Really Want:  And now, a not-so-obvious benefit to going for that bigger, better writing assignment.  Read on for more.

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One Very Good Reason to Go for That Bigger, Better Writing Assignment

You know this already: that well-crafted and thoroughly researched pitch, lovely seedling that it is, may not land you the first "bigger, better" writing assignment you're going for. 

But even if your pitch is rejected, keep watchful for the many healthy offshoots that often spring up as a result of you taking decisive action and bravely sending out that pitch:

• Your research may yield a thicket of intriguing new story ideas. 
• You may learn something new about the craft of writing successful queries, saving yourself time and wasted effort in the future.
• Your contact with the publication may spark a potentially fruitful relationship with the editor in the future.
• Re-slanted or reworked, your pitch may likely find a more suitable home in another bigger-'n-better writing market.

There are many good reasons to go for a bigger, better writing assignment.  The ones I've mentioned above I call "meta-results" - potentially positive, career-building outcomes sparked by the decisive actions you take today.

The trick to "meta-results" is to consciously look for them. 

Don't let yourself get so focused on the answer an assigning editor gives you that you miss all the good things you’re learning and doing as a writer.  Savor these positive movements in your writing career.

Widen Your View

Train yourself to widen your view and see more than just the ("Yes!") outcome you're expecting. 

Do so and you'll see that regardless of the potential financial and professional gains, the process of going for a bigger, better writing assignment becomes valuable in and of itself.

Get busy and start going for your writing dreams.  If you pay close-enough attention, you'll be able to do the happy dance whether your pitch is accepted this time...or not.

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Join Me for A Free Teleclass

"Get It Done: 3 Keys to Following Through with Your Most Important Writing Plans"

Thursday, November 17th at 11am PT (2pm ET)

call in via Skype, telephone or listen online with your computer

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(Please note:  when you register for this class, you will also recieve a complimentary subscription to my monthly ezine, The Relaxed Writer.  Can't make it Thursday?  Register anyways for a free MP3 recording of the teleclass.