15 Minute Writer

Writing Tip: Let the Child in You Out to Play

Today, I had a lot to do. I walked by my watercolors. My heart longed to stop and enjoy them. Most of the time I walk on because it takes time to get everything out and then put it away. Because of other demands with my work, those creative urges get repressed and leave an unfulfilled longing.

However, today I decided to apply the 15 minute principle. I pulled out my little travel case of watercolors and sat down and began to play with them. I have taken drawing and watercolor classes before, but set those on the shelf for years. Recently, I started going to a watercolor class again.

My grandsons inspire me with their simple joy in creating art, and they don’t care what it looks like. “Look what I did!” They exclaim as they eagerly point to their paintings.

I decided to let myself be a child again and simply be creative and capture the joy I see in them. I had learned other more formal methods to make everything look good, but somehow that approach also hindered me because it took so much time.

So I imitated my grandsons and simply sat down and did a watercolor sketch, and then wet into wet paint. I’m sharing it here to say, “Look what I did!”

After I finished in about 15 minutes, I felt renewed and refreshed and my business tasks seemed lighter and more doable. Then I decided to write about it, and I feel more inspired and creative in my writing too.

I encourage you to experiment with other creative activities and hobbies to give you a fresh approach to your work and your writing.

This is a fabulous productivity tip to motivate yourself and to get your writing done. 

Come be a kid again and learn how to write or learn how to write better. Check out “How to Write for Fun and Profit” and play and learn with me.

A proverb that inspires me to pursue the desires of my heart says, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” Proverbs 13:12

Be a kid again. Pursue the desires of your heart and don’t be afraid to share with us your creative endeavors even if they’re childlike. The important thing is to do them!

For additional insights, read 5 Tips to Nourish Your Creative Side and Let Play Support Your Work.

What do you like to do to nurture your creative side and how does that help you with your writing? Share with us in the comments below.

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Go From Strength to Strength: 5 Tips to Achieve Your Writing Dreams

Do you look longingly at a writing project yet hesitate to do it because you feel uncertain or maybe even a little afraid? Maybe you want to write a book or eBook or start a blog. Perhaps you want to write a story or your memories. Possibly you want to write a presentation or create a product. What writing project would you like to do, but you put it off?

On a recent hiking adventure, I discovered some principles that also apply to facing the challenge of a new writing project and achieving your writing dreams.

I gazed up wistfully at the red rocks in the Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, CO. The trail leading up to their heights tempted me. My sister Kathi, who is an avid hiker, affectionately known as the “mountain goat” of the family, had told me that the best views belong to those who dare to hike up into the mountains. I had done little hiking, and the altitude certainly affected my stamina. However, I decided the next day to add to my daily walk, a hike.

The next morning, I pulled into the parking lot near the Garden of the Gods tourist store and noted an adorable dog hanging out the window in the vehicle next to me. I struck up a conversation with the owner, a man half my age. As we chatted, I shared my dream of a hiking adventure. In parting, he looked at me and protectively said, “Pace yourself.”

I walked to the edge of the trail and contemplated the climb. The first part went straight up in a steady climb. As I ascended, my breathing grew heavier, and puffs of red dust covered my shoes. The climb definitely challenged me on this hot August day. I’d pause and glance back at the view of the Pikes Peak mountain range to motivate me to keep going. Finally, remembering the admonition to pace myself, I made my way to the shade of a tree and decided that was enough for the day. As stood there under the tree, the beautiful view of the mountains rewarded me.

The next day, my cousin gave me a ski pole to use as a walking stick. I headed out again and with the pole to stabilize me. I climbed further up into the rocks, pushing myself a little further. Once I climbed up onto the large red rocks, I savored the accomplishment and an even greater view of the mountain range.

On the third day, with the pole, I climbed way high into the rocks and saw a more stunning view. The contrast of the red rocks against the mountain range captivated me.

On the fourth day, I forgot the pole in the car and wondered how I would do. However, I need not have been concerned because I scampered up the trail to the high places. My gradual increase, day by day, built my stamina. Because of my hard work and efforts, I enjoyed the most magnificent views.

An analogy to starting a new writing project came to mind.

At first, your next writing project or learning how to write may seem a little scary or difficult. You will find yourself out of your comfort zone as you embrace an unfamiliar path. At the same time, you desire a wonderful sense of accomplishment.

Here are some principles I gleaned from my hike, that will help you move from wistfully desiring to write to a pleasurable sense of accomplishment.

5 Tips to Achieve Your Writing Dreams

*Push yourself out of your comfort zone. Be willing to take the risk and embrace the challenge. As I gazed up at the heights of the trail where I wanted to be, I had to decide to push out of my comfort zone.

*Take the first step. The first step is often the hardest. Once you start, you will find it easier to keep the momentum going. If I was going to enjoy the desired views, I had to start climbing.

*Keep your eye on the view you’ll see or the goal you’ll achieve. This will keep your motivation going. Pleasure motivates us. The pleasure of accomplishment comes to those willing to do the pain of the hard work. As the climb grew harder, the pleasure of the view I would see inspired me to keep going.

*Take action and practice. The more you take action, the better you get and the greater views you will see. Think of the Olympians. Through repeated practice, they win the gold. The more you take action and practice your writing, the better you will get. You will gain more confidence, especially if you are learning how to write better, implementing and refining your writing skills. You will go from strength to strength and level to level as I did in my hiking.

*Seek support. When I shared with my cousin about my hiking, he suggested the ski pole. Other writers can give you tips, which will help you make better progress. You can take an online writing course such as “How to Write for Fun and Profit” or go to a writing conference or join a writing or critique group.

Do these things and you will savor a sense of accomplishment. Additionally, you can enjoy the view each step of the way.

Go now and enjoy the gift of writing!

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Writing a Responsibility? You’re Not Alone

Do you ever feel the weight of writing as a responsibility? If so, read on and you’ll find five tips to ease the load.

For me, being a writer is both a blessing and a burden.

A blessing because I see all the stories, life lessons and wisdom nuggets in everyday life. Like butterflies, they light on my shoulder and fascinate me with their beauty.

A burden because I have to write them down as soon as possible. Otherwise like butterflies, they quickly fly away and I forget them.

In our busy lives. with all the responsibilities of work and daily living, sometimes writing it all down is a challenge!

I have my daily writing plus writing the books I’m working on. For example, I did my daily writing in the morning yesterday. However, throughout the day I had a number of things happen that I wanted to write about as well. By the time I got home it was too late and I needed to go to bed. Before I went to bed, I scribbled down notes to remind me what to write.

Now I feel the burden of needing to write all that down today. Sometimes my writing feels like several crying babies who will not be satisfied until I sit down and feed them. This is what I mean by my writing is both a blessing and a burden. However, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love the role I play as a writer and the call on my life to write.

How about you? Do you have thoughts, stories or books on your heart and mind that you feel a responsibility to share? Do you sometimes feel alone in bearing this responsibility? You’re not alone because this is common to writers. You can find ways to ease the burden so you can enjoy the blessings more.

Five Tips To Lighten the Load

1. Be brief. Write down the nuggets, ideas or stories briefly. When you don’t have enough time to write, write down enough words to trigger your memory.
2. Write soon. Write as soon as possible after you have the thought or idea. This way you can capture it while it’s fresh on your mind. If you have a phone with recording capabilities, you can record your thoughts to transcribe later.
3. Prioritize writing. Move writing to the top of your list even if you have to let some other things go. Good activities can take away from your writing. Let some social media or email time, TV or other things go.
4. Think Small. Look for small increments of time you can set aside to write even if it’s for 15 minutes. If you can’t get it all written, write what you can and look for other opportunities. Once you get started, you’ll want to came back to it.
5. Allow imperfection. Let go of perfectionism. Don’t worry if your writing is rough. Simply get it written down. You can always refine it later.

Would you like to learn to write better? If so, I’d love to teach you and encourage you in your writing. Check out  some of the ways I can serve you here and my writing course, “How to Write for Fun and Profit.” How do you assume your responsibility as a writer? What works for you? Share with us in the comments below.

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3 Writing Tips ~ Having Fun With Fire

What do you see in the flames?

When I drove home tonight, I spotted flames shooting into the sky in a grass field by our local university. Out of curiosity, I went over to investigate a unusually large bonfire with students gathered around it. Turns out they had created it for an event.

As I stood there, the variety of shapes the flames created intrigued me so I snapped these photos. Each time I took a photo, the shapes changed. 

My imagination took over. I see faces, men. women and maybe angels in the flames.

What do you see?

The photos I shot of the wood burning intrigues me simply because of the different shapes of the wood.

I could have simply turned left instead of right to go home but I took a moment to enrich my life with a mini adventure. 

Now I’m inviting you to join in the play.

What do you see?

Maybe you don’t want to share but do take a creative moment of joy in all the interesting shapes of the flames. 

What does this have to do with writing?

If you’re going to be a writer you have to be able to see and share what others don’t so they can see too.

3 Creative Writing Tips

1. Look for the intrigue in every day life. 
2. Do something out of your routine to find the extraordinary in the ordinary.
3. Activate your imagination by letting your creative side out.

If you want to learn how to write, how to write better or creative writing check out this online writing course, “How to Write for Fun and Profit.” If it meets your needs, I’d love to work with you.

If you’d like more encouragement, productivity tips and strategies to overcome your writing fears, check out this book, “From Stuck to Success: Conquer Your Fears and Achieve Your Writing Dreams.”

In conclusion, ponder these questions.

1. How can you break out of your routine to be open to the extraordinary?
2. What do you see that intrigues you in everyday life?
3. How can you share that in your writing?

When you have fun with your writing, others will too.

Enjoy the Gift of Writing!

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The World Needs to Hear Your Voice

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Are You a Pond or River Writer?

Are you a river or a pond with your writing? Do you let what you have to say flow out of you or do you keep it gathering inside of you?

A river writer lets what they have to say flow out. A pond writer keeps it to themselves.

I have a confession to make. For many years I was a pond instead of a river. I  gathered all this wonderful knowledge, wisdom and insight and would not get around to writing about it.

Fears and busyness held me back. Fears and questions bombarded my mind. Will other people be critical of my writing? Will I write it right or write it perfectly enough? What if no one even bothered to read it? How can I fit writing into my busy schedule? What will I have to give up to take time to write?

I gathered my stories and thoughts into the pond. The only problem is that it wasn’t flowing out of me to anyone who could benefit from it. When  it gathered in the pond, the writing stagnated. I lost the freshness of the ideas and they became stale.

In the last few years, I’ve started pouring out more. Yet I’ve still held back out of fear of not writing perfectly. 

Well, I’m making a decision as of now. I’m not going to let those fears stop me anymore. I’m going to start becoming more of a river writer instead of a pond writer.

I self edit my writing carefully and believe in doing all you can to write well. However, the flip side of that is perfectionism which can keep you from getting out a good message which can help others.

If I make writing mistakes, let me know and I’ll correct them but I’m not going to let fear of mistakes hinder me.

How about you? Are you going to jump in the river with me? Are you afraid? Here’s 5 strategies to overcome those fears.

5 Tips to Overcome Your Fears of River Writing

1. Begin now. Whatever level of skill you’re at in your writing, start there. Start giving to others with your writing.

Zina, one of my students from my writing course started a blog to encourage those with handicaps.  At one point, Zina expressed concern that her writing wasn’t as polished as she would like. I wrote her, “Zina, you’re having a huge impact encouraging others at the skill level you’re at so keep writing!”

Last year, Zina had 12,000 views on her blog. What if she’d let her fears stop her? So many people would have missed out.

2. Understand the principle of increase. The more you use something the more it will increase. You understand this in exercising. The more you exercise, the stronger you get. You go from strength to strength. The same is true in writing, you go from skill level to skill level. The more you write, the more you learn about how to write, the more you’ll grow as a writer.

 3. Let it flow. Sit down and simply start writing. Don’t worry about whether or not you do it right. Turn off the critical side of you and let it come out. Tap into your right brain instead of your left brain and go for it. You can correct it later but for now, let it go.

4. Grow little by little. Take time to add to your writing knowledge. If you want to learn how to write or write better, take the “How to Write for Fun and Profit” writing course.

If you’ve taken the course, pull it out and review it or read another book on writing. Implement writing tips and continue to learn how to write or improve your writing.

5.  Take responsibility. You have a river inside of you but it’s your responsibility to let it flow out to others. Maybe you’re busy. Most people are. That’s where the 15 minute concept came to be. Don’t wait until you have a lot of time or another season of your life. Grab that pen and take advantage of the small increments of time you have now. Let the river flow, 15 minutes at a time.

People out there need to hear what you have to say. Even if it’s an audience of one, they need what you have to give.

So, jump in the river and let it flow. Instead of a pond writer, be a river writer. Refresh others and you’ll be refreshed.

Go write now.

Share the Gift of Writing!

How about you? What fears hold you back? How do you feel when you’re in a pond instead of a river? What is your experience? Share with us in the comments below.

Image of girls by Admar at http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/

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How to Write: Have Fun Creating Word Pictures

Do you enjoy word pictures? Does it stimulate your creativity to create them with your writing?

I love to read good word pictures and I enjoy crafting them. Here’s one I created the other day. I had fun with it so I thought I’d share it with you and see if it would inspire you to create your own.

My sister and I sat in the lovely outdoor setting of the Carlsbad Inn in southern California gazing at the flowers and enjoying lively music from the sixties.

Suddenly, a woman with grey hair who looked to be about seventy-five, rounded the corner. Her bright pink shirt covered her protruding tummy as she swayed from side to side to the music. She walked/danced in rhythm with the beat as she made her way to her family gathered on the lawn under the umbrella. The look of joy on her face captivated me and drew me to her charm.

Age gave her freedom. She no longer felt she had to had to hold in her stomach in or worry about six pack abs. She was free to move, free to express and share the joy of life in a charming dance.

Could you see the woman and get the sense of freedom and energy here? How much more interesting than saying, “We enjoyed watching a seventy-five year old woman dancing.”

She taught my sister and I a lesson that day as well. Continue with the joy of living into old age.

As you read this, think about what can you do to create word pictures? If you want to learn how, study the craft of creative writing and learn the insider writing strategies. As always, you can learn how to do this when you sign up for “How to Write for Fun and Profit” writing course.

If you implement this writing tip, you will capture your readers attention and keep them engaged with your writing and your message.

Take some time now if you can. Pull out your paintbrush (pen) and paint a word picture. If you do, share it with us in the comments below so  we can enjoy it too!

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Could Your Words Change the World?

What if you could write something that would set millions of people free?

Thomas Jefferson did when he wrote the Declaration of Independence in July of 1776. Never before in the history of mankind had anyone written these words. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Those words shaped the course of history and a nation.  Because they were written down in a document, these words have guided and sustained our freedoms as Americans year after year. Because one man sat down and articulated our God given rights in writing, other countries have the courage to set their citizens free as well. Because of his courageous writing, you and I in the United States of America and all countries which protect freedom, have the freedom to write and share our thoughts.

As I reflect on this amazing expression of freedom in writing, these three words come to mind to guide us as we continue to stand for freedom.

1. Responsibility. With freedom comes responsibility. Sometimes people think freedom means you can say or do whatever you think. The truth is, the only way to have freedom is to be responsible in how we treat people, our possessions, institutions, resources and all living things. Honor and respect are the keys to ongoing freedom.
2. Protect. We have to protect our freedom. If we want to continue to enjoy freedom, such as our freedom of speech, we have to protect ourselves against those forces which would try to rob us of it. We need to draw on our courage daily to fight for freedom. Writing is a powerful way to do so.
3. Expand. We need to exercise our freedom and reach others with truths that will set them free. It’s not enough for us to be free, we need to set others free as well.

As a writer, you hold in your hand an awesome responsibility. What are you going to do with it? Are you going to let other things distract you from sharing your gifts, talents and abilities with others through the gift of writing? Are you going to let life get in the way? Are you going to waste hours on social media, the internet or TV or are you going to take the responsibility that is yours to encourage, teach and help others with your writing?

Start where you are today at whatever level you are at in your writing. Continue to improve your writing skills. Read books and books on writing, go to a writer’s conferences or take an online course such as “How to Write for Fun and Profit” which will help you learn how to write or improve your writing skills. Make a commitment to continually grow in your writing skills.

You may write something as significant as the Declaration of Independence or you may write something that will significantly change one person’s life for the better. Focus on the big achievements but don’t forget the little ways, the daily things you can do with your writing to help people.

What can you write today to make the world a more loving place to live? When you’re busy, think in 15 minute increments of time. You can write more than you think in 15 minutes. Take time to set people free as well as enrich and enhance their lives with all you have to offer.

Go write now!

Has this blog post inspired you? If so, what action are you going to take? Share with us in the comments below.

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How to Write–3 Tips to Make Your Writing Magnetic

When you write, are you enthusiastic about what you share? Do you use word pictures to describe things in an appealing way to your readers? Do you know how to write in a way that engages your reader and enthralls them with your writing?

Last spring, a friend called me, “I have to go to a meeting at this lovely resort, the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute, on top of Petit Jean mountain. The drive is scenic and it seemed like something you’d enjoy. I have an extra bed in the room, and wondered if you would like to go along?”

“Well, yes–sounds wonderful.”

We drove up there and she was right, I thoroughly enjoyed the beauty of mountain with its creeks and forests.

During our stay at the Institute, I wandered into the gift store and looked at the handcrafted glass bowls and local pottery.

I ambled over to the children’s section and glanced through the educational toys for my grandsons. An older woman in an elegant turquoise blouse approached me. “That is our children’s toys section. Our book section is around the corner. We have a lot of books on the history of the state.”

She pointed to the enclosed glass box, “We have beautiful blown glass and we also have it in jewelry.  In fact take a look at this.” She held up an exquisite turquoise piece of glass jewelry on a sliver neck ring that curved into an interesting circle in  the front where the pendant hung.
The beauty of the necklace captivated me, “It’s stunning.”

“Yes, this glassware is all handmade by a local artist. Each piece is a little different. We also have handmade soaps, pottery from local potters and books you don’t see everywhere. We have a lot of unusual things.”

She went on about all the store had to offer. The gift store was lovely to begin with but she greatly enhanced it with her descriptions. She wasn’t pushy. She simply engaged me. Suddenly the store and its contents seemed more valuable and precious.  Her descriptions made me want to buy the gift items. In fact they were almost irresistible. I had to leave with something from this store.

How can you do the same in your writing? If you blog or you want to write a story, how can you take something ordinary and make it appealing?

When you write a blog post, devotional or inspiring story, use these tips below.

3 Tips to Make Your Writing Magnetic

1. See the beauty in the everyday things and share it. Think about how you can focus on a beautiful event, and add to its beauty and value as the store clerk did when she held up the stunning necklace. A writer friend of mine is writing a book in which she shares her experiences of love and care for her daughters as the Mother of the Bride. She writes with such warmth that enhances the beauty of the mother, daughter bond.

2. Look for the lessons to be learned from every day events. Recently, one of my students in my “How to Write for Fun and Profit” online writing course, wrote a story about what bike riding meant to her when she was young. She wove an inspiring message in her story and made an ordinary activity totally charming.

3. Use metaphors and similes to give magic your descriptions as you paint word pictures. Stimulate your creativity and come up with riveting ideas to “show” your reader what is going on rather than “tell” them.

If you don’t know how to do this, check out the “How to Write for Fun and Profit” online writing course. Even if you know how to write but you want to improve your writing skills, you will benefit from the course. If you’ve already taken the course, review some of the lessons and practice.  Read books to stimulate your creativity and increase your knowledge how to write well

Creative writing will enhance your blog posts or stories. If you want to make money writing, you will irresistibly draw your customers to you.

Most of all, you will have fun as you learn how to write and express your creativity. Everyone wins when you learn how to write well!

Go Now ~ Enjoy the Gift of Writing!

How do you make your writing magnetic? Share with us in the comments below.

Idea photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net

blown glassware photo courtesy of Winthrop Rockfeller Institute Gift Shop

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Writing Tips — Big Impact in a Few Minutes

What could you write today, to impact someone with your words? You may think you need to write a novel, a story or a book to make a difference in someone’s life. You are absolutely correct. Those are effective ways to influence others. Stories and books transform our lives and thinking.

However,  think with me for a minute, what you could write now to impact somebody? Maybe it’s a blog post or an article. Maybe it’s simply a comment on somebody’s Facebook or a tweet. You could write a letter, email or thank you note.

Words have power. You can either destroy or build up others with your words. In addition to the longer things you want to write, I want to encourage you to think about small ways you can use your words to encourage other people and to spur them on in positive ways.

Recently, in an online class, the power of words struck me in a new way. Our coach came down with an illness and had to go the hospital. She had been recovering for a couple of weeks. When she stood for even five minutes, she become extremely dizzy. She was not able to teach class. However, she wrote these words in our membership area, “So, just because I’m down & out doesn’t mean YOU get to be! Share what you’ll do this week to advance your speaking. Or what you need help with. Go.”

Immediately, the power of her words stirred me to action. Even in her weakened state, she impacted me. Her comment motivated me to the next step in moving my goals forward. This brought a lesson home to me. You don’t have to have strength to impact other people. Sometimes you may feel inadequate or challenged in some way and you hesitate to write. Don’t let that stop you!

Regardless of the way you feel, you can impact other people in a positive way with your  words. Words of encouragement can motivate someone to change, to have confidence in themselves or to move forward towards a goal. Words of affirmation can encourage someone to believe in their value and worth. Words of compassion can bring healing to someone who is going through a tough time.

What could you write today to encourage or influence someone in a positive way? Today a writer friend wrote me, “Go on and write . . . do what you were meant to do.” Those words spurred me to write this post and now I pass on this encouragement to you. You take it from here and keep it going.  The power of your words and the ones we can generate together is simply astounding.

Set aside some time today, 5 to 15 minutes and use the power of your words change your little corner of the world for the better!

Did this post motivate you to write something? If so, let me know. Let’s encourage each other.

Image David Castillo Dominici  FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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