Just Kick Back and Chill-Lax
I have a hard time sitting back to relax. As the mother of four (all of which I homeschool, by the way), I hardly have time for myself. I'm so used to being busy that I don't think I know how to sit still anymore! How about you? How about in your writing?
Times to Press On
Yes, there are times in our writing that we must press on and meet a deadline. There are times when stopping would be the difference between failure and success. For instance, if I stop in the midst of an action scene or in the middle of a demonstration (yes, I write in both the fiction AND non-fiction genre), I'm done with. I have to start all over. Other people, if they stop at certain points--low points in their lives, for instance, they'll never start writing again.
There are also other times that we must press on.
When You're Tired
However, there are times we much just kick back and chill-lax too! When you start to get tired, even though you have a deadline, it's time to stop and take a nap. Why? Not only are you much more productive when you're wide awake, but you're more apt to make mistakes that must be fixed when you're "half asleep."
Instead of writing, sit with a mocha and spend some time brainstorming
ideas on a notepad for future books or blogs!
When You Have Writer's Block
When you have "Writer's Block" and just can't figure out what to write next, it's time to take a break and come back later. Not only will it give you a fresh perspective, but it'll give you a more open and refreshed mind that's pumped and raring to go.
When You're Ready to Edit
Lastly, when you're ready to do the last edit on your manuscript, set it down and come back another day. "ANOTHER DAY?!" Yes, another day. You need your eyes to be fresh before you look at it again. You need to be able to see it through eyes that haven't just read it for the third time in a row.
There are other reasons to slow down and some to even just chill a bit. In the meantime--until those times come calling, just write. Enjoy your writing time! If you need help, remember, I'm here, just a message away. Au revoir!
About the Author
Nishoni Harvey
Growing up, I never feel like I’m good enough. This follows me into adulthood and is only solidified when I send my first book into publishers to only have them reject me time and time again.
Finally, my mom suggests a publisher in North Carolina. They publish my book, and it sells over 70 books right out of the gate, making it a bestseller, but it soon falls out of the rankings. I don’t know how to keep it there. Again, I feel like a failure.
Since then, I’ve written a chapter for two other published books, published my second fiction book, ghostwritten 16 nonfiction books, and authored two of my own nonfiction, self-help books.
Sometime between then and now, I have a lightbulb moment. I am on another downward swing with my bipolar depression, and I am thinking about how unhappy I am. It’s then that I think how happy I was during my years spent teaching children and teenagers and how much I love writing. “Why not do both?” I think. “I could teach others to write their book!”
I start my business with great motivation and ambition, but the clients don’t come. Depression starts to seep in again, and I start to give up. I keep doing the job that I’m contracted on, formatting a book for a plastic surgeon in Australia, but I drop everything else and start teaching English as a second language.
One day it hits me, Doctor Barnouti is using his book to show that he’s an authority in his niche and gaining clients! I teach others to do that!
Today, I help business owners struggling to get their names out to write their book so they can show themselves as an authority in their niche, get speaking engagements, and reach their ideal client through my business, Authors Aflame.