November is for writing and it is not too late to start. Maybe you’ve never thought of yourself as a writer. But you have been thinking about giving writing a try. Here’s the good news. You do not need a college degree to be a writer and author. What you do need is to write. Those who write, write better. November is considered “writing month” because it is National Novel Writing Month, a challenge where people aim to write a 50,000-word novel during the entire month of November. I am not asking you to write a novel, but I am gently nudging you to write something this month. Here are some tips to get you started.
Just Do It !
Stop making excuses
No more excuses not to write and/or whining about having to write. The single most important thing a writer needs to do is just write. I know it’s easier said than done, but give it a try. Just write!
Create a special writing space.
What can get you excited about writing? For me, it is colorful mechanical pencils and notebooks. I enjoy a hearty mug of hot English breakfast tea or a glass of refreshing iced tea while I write. In my writing room, courtesy of my grown children moving out, I keep some treasures on my desk such as crystals, a plant, books and motivational trinkets. What will be in your special writing place?
Act like you are a writer and author
We as writers need to take writing seriously. What you decide to write about is your choice. When I wake each morning, I don’t think, “Should I write today?” I say,”What should I write today?” Sometimes, I write picture book stories, other times newsletters, blog posts and some days I write in my notebook.
Set a writing schedule that works for you
Writing every day for a specific time works for some writers. Other writers may select one day each week or an entire week for their writing. I like to write everyday, but the time I write varies with my schedule. It is important that you create a schedule that works best for you. Make it a habit. Habits stick!
Break your project down
If you are working on a book, divide it into smaller sections or chapters. Maybe you are having trouble starting the story, then begin in the middle or wherever you are comfortable. Some authors prefer to use word counts to break it down or a specific number of pages each day. It will not seem so overwhelming when you break it down into manageable pieces.
Remember your why
Remember why you write. My why is children. I write books to inspire, challenge and encourage children and adults to grow as readers and writers. As a former educator, getting kids excited about reading and writing is a major goal of mine. I have taught children to write and illustrate their own books. Having their own books, being able to tell their own stories, helped these children to see themselves as writers. That is my wish for every child.
Early Alert
World Read Aloud Day is February 5th. This is one of my favorite days of the year. It is a free event and I can visit classrooms all of the United States and read my books. It is important to book early so if you are thinking about a visit please contact me as soon as possible. Learn more about World Read Aloud Day here.
With gratitude …
I am so glad you’re here. Thank you for taking the time to read this post. I am grateful that I can share my writing journey with you. It is an endless journey of learning and growing. A journey that I am enjoying.
I am now booking author visits for the spring, 2025 school year. If you are a classroom teacher, teacher assistant, Parent Teacher Association President, or After school Director I can work with you to create a visit that will meet the needs of your students. Please contact me to book your visit.
My website has been updates and it is now interactive. There are surprises everywhere. Click on the balloons and see where they take you. Can you find two writing videos? Freebies? A chocolate chip recipe? There’s even a special freebie to anyone who subscribes to my newsletter. Check out the resources for children, parents and teachers, librarians and homeschooling families.
Please consider purchasing a copy of Two Wins for Wiley or Gertie Saves the Day for gifts. The holidays are quickly approaching and books make great gifts. Books can be read over and over again. It is my wish to get as many books as I can into the hands of children. Children need to hear all kinds of stories. A book is the best gift for both children and adults!
Call to Action …
You can really help this author by leaving a book review on Amazon or Goodreads. You can leave a review for Gertie Saves the Day here or here. Two Wins for Wiley here or here. Reviews can be as easy as 2-3 sentences. It should take about 30 seconds to leave and would make a huge difference for this author.
