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Xlibris Writer’s Workshop Presents: Inspiration for Writing – Part One

Notwithstanding how much you love to write, there will always be times when inspiration will not come and frustration kicks in. Inspiration is the essential ingredient every author must have.  Every writer needs to be inspired to find that brilliant book within them. Inspiration can come from a plethora of sources. In this first of a series of articles written for our new Xlibris Writer’s Workshop, we will explore a few sources you may of thought of and/or use right now. If you don’t; great! If you do, let these tips act as a reminder.

Keep a notebook handy:

This is a must for anybody who wants to write. Jot down your thoughts as they occur, use it to record quotes, plot ideas, character references, snippets of good phrases and conversation. Then use it as a research tool for your writing.

 

Listen to people:

When you are out in public, listen for what people are saying. I don’t mean eavesdrop, but keep quiet and your ears open for any interesting and relevant bits of dialog, and then jot it down in your notebook quickly.

Use your friends and family:

Speaking with friends and family can be a knowledgeable spring of inspiration. These conversations can stir the pot, focus your thoughts and produce ideas you had not envisaged. This can result in something that is greater than the sum of the parts.

Quotes:

Quotes are another massive source for insight. There are many internet quote sites you can visit to experience the words and sayings of the great and the good. Hopefully these will motivate and thrill you to greater heights in your efforts.

Source: Xlibris Writer’s Workshop Presents: Inspiration for Writing – Part One

 

My Editing Plan for the New Year

Come January, I’ll be getting stuck in to my edits. I’ll also be blogging my editing journey as I go along, and sharing what works for me and what doesn’t (and probably asking you to hold my hand when I send my manuscript off to my editor).

 

 

The thing remains what it is. It is not you. You are not what it is. You know nothing of the thing apart from the growing emerging context. You know nothing about the thing. The thing itself. The thing with respect to itself. From the thing’s frame of reference. From the thing’s point of view.

 

“I have long been compelled to write this book because I have discovered solidarity with my fellow second-generation Christians as we search for authentic faith. Children of the church live in a paradox between the biblical knowledge in our heads and the wanderlust in our hearts. Ours is a misunderstood struggle, unknown to those who have been dramatically rescued from enslavement to the world, their faith still fresh.” emphasis mine.

Steve Watkins Media

A few months ago, a pastor/author I’d never heard of contacted me and asked if I’d consider reviewing a book he’d written before it hit the market.

The book’s topic about owning your Christian faith sounded interesting enough, so I said sure, and maybe he could reciprocate some time. No problem, he responded, and a virtual handshake deal was done.

A few days later the book arrived, and I carved out some time to give it a thorough read. Just into page two, this paragraph screamed:

“I have long been compelled to write this book because I have discovered solidarity with my fellow second-generation Christians as we search for authentic faith. Children of the church live in a paradoxbetween the biblical knowledge in our heads and the wanderlust in our hearts. Ours is a misunderstood struggle, unknown to those who have been dramatically rescued from enslavement…

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Traditional publishing or Self-publishing? What on your mind?