Writers in the Storm

A blog about writing

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Stop Writing and Other Ways to Improve Your Writing

By Kris Maze

Woman hands holding piece of cardboard with phrase Stop Doing What Doesnt Work against brick wall background.

Stop and ask yourself, how much have you written today? This week? This year? Maybe you have recently finished a manuscript that is polished and ready for the printer, but if you are like me, the honest truth about your writing productivity might leave you disappointed, underwhelmed, or simply disappointed.

Don’t worry.

Writers all have a personal flow that influences how much you produce. It is important to check in with where you are in your writing process, to track how many words and pages you are producing.

Sometimes writing your manuscript is like spilling a flurry of words. Words that haunt you to return to the page the second you leave your desk. Other times it’s like searching a cavernous void in your mind as the clock ticks, ticks, ticks. Both have their place in the ebb and flow of a writer’s journey.

Writing productivity isn’t only about the word count and making deadlines. It is about how you understand your own workflow. Want to examine ways to feel more productive and satisfied with your writing? Read on.

Examining Your Own Writing Workflow

Try following the steps below to examine your writing workflow. Maybe these suggestions can help you get more words on the page, or a more polished product that you want to share with the world. Taking time to reflect on your writing process may feel unproductive because you’re taking a break from writing, but it is worth it in the long run.

I hereby give you permission to stop writing, as counterintuitive as it may seem, and to take a closer look at your writing workflow.

1. Define YOUR Productivity

How you are productive is subjective. And what "being productive” is will be different for each writer.

Some writers prefer the tangible attainment of a certain number of words or pages that they write in a certain period of time. Others take their time, writing from an outline and carefully crafting their first draft. This takes more time to finish their draft, but it saves time later in the editing process.

Ask yourself what makes you feel like you accomplished enough in one day. 

What you decide to do will depend on how you work best. Are you better off with a messy, wordy draft, getting all the plot details on the page first? Are you frustrated by too much editing and side stories that shouldn’t be in your novel at all? Do you have a combination of both?  

Define what is most important to you to feel like you have accomplished your writing goal. Write it down.

2. Make a Plan

Set yourself up for success and write out what you think is your optimum workflow. I recommend starting towards the beginning of a project, but if your current work is struggling, focusing on how you work may help you get unstuck. 

This plan for your productivity, like a novel, is a first draft and can be altered.

Remember the workflow is there whether you examine it or not.  Knowing how you work better can help you manage your resources of time and energy better. And we could all probably use a little more time to write. 

A writing workflow is confined by a few factors, but the most important are time and mental energy.  

  • Schedule chunks of time that you need to accomplish your writing goals and add them to your calendar of choice.
  • Add your writing time to wherever you keep track of your daily tasks. 
  • Using a calendar, whether it is digital or written, is a good idea.
  • Try to make your writing time stand out, so it is easier to track.
  • Perhaps use a different color, or a separate area for writing can make it more visual. You don't want it to get lost in your other time commitments.

Once you have your times blocked off, try out your system for a week.  

While you are refining your writing process, figure out which days you actually did writing and which times you were the most productive.  I have a to-do app that makes a fun chime whenever I finish a writing session, adding the finished work time to my “done” list.  This makes the task less chore-ish to me and adds a little celebration when I’m reflecting on what works for my writing process.

The days and times that you were most productive should be repeated. Consider why the other times didn’t work and adjust your schedule to adapt your natural workflow.

3. Build in breaks

Now that you have figured out your optimal times to write, and the days and times when you are the most productive, you have to also pay attention to something else -- when you need to take a break.

When a story grips you, it can become the only thing you can focus on. It flows from you freely and you want to capture those words and plotlines. You want to ride the waves of your new novel with the fabulous new friends that are your characters. But it can also derail your writing later.

Have you experienced any of the following emotional concerns when it comes to writing? 

  • Writing continuously could stem from the fear that if you stop and take a break, your words, your ideas, your inspiration will disappear. 
  • Maybe an imposter syndrome is sneaking into your mind, making you worry that too much time away from your story makes you somehow less than the writer that you are.
  • It could be that you are trying to be disciplined and sticking to the strict butt-in-chair mantra is too much for your writing flow. 

These common problems writers face and erode one’s ability to write well. Try to not let these deplete your writing productivity. Below are some things that might help.

Mindsets for Better Writing Productivity

Fear of losing a great idea. 

I want to assure you that although these are legitimate concerns for us as writers, we can have peace in the work that we do. We know that pursuing stories is a time-honored skill, innate to humans, and that the writing bug has infected us as creatives. And that won’t go away. 

Keep Imposter Syndrome Away.

Don’t define your writing by comparing it to others and remind yourself of why you became a writer. Became a writer, dear friend, because you are already deep into the writing work and that is what writers do.  You are a writer because it is the best writers that continue to seek more knowledge about all the aspects of creating and marketing their books. You are here and reading about writing. That is evidence enough.

Avoid Burnout and Writers Block

Taking breaks from writing can keep you from burning out and hitting the dreaded writer’s block. And how much more can we as writers, who study characters and grammar and plot, can use this knowledge when we figure out our workflow and apply it to our writing process.

If you want some fun ideas for taking breaks, check out my previous post on self-care for writers here. One of my favorite mental health hacks though is not included in that post. I’m sharing it with you here instead, the go-to for this writing gal is naps.  Naps. The best mini break a writer can take. In my opinion. 

My Favorite Mental Boost Hack

Napping isn’t just for the lazy or tired; it can be a powerful tool for writers looking to enhance their creativity and productivity. Research suggests that short naps can improve cognitive function, memory, and creativity.

New to napping? Not sure napping is for you? Getting rest gives you hives? Whatever your feelings about naps, here’s a few popular ways others have used a nap to enhance their productivity. 

1. Power Nap  

 A power nap is a short nap, typically around 10 to 20 minutes long, taken during the day to boost alertness and energy.

Set a timer for 15 minutes and close your eyes in a quiet, comfortable place. Try to relax and clear your mind.

A power nap can help you feel refreshed and more focused, making it easier to tackle writing tasks with renewed energy and clarity.

2. Coffee Nap

Also known as a caffeine nap, this technique involves drinking a cup of coffee or tea right before taking a short nap.

Drink a cup of coffee, set a timer for a 20-minute nap, and lie down.

The caffeine takes about 20 minutes to start working, so by the time you wake up from your nap, you'll feel the combined benefits of the nap and the caffeine, which can enhance alertness and focus.

Note: there is a similar version, nappuccino, which involves drinking a small amount of coffee or espresso and then taking a short nap.

3. The NASA Nap

This technique is based on research conducted by NASA, which found that a 26-minute nap can improve pilot performance and alertness.

Take a 26-minute nap in a quiet, comfortable environment.

The NASA nap can help you feel more alert and focused, which can improve your writing productivity and creativity.

4. The Dream Nap

This technique involves taking a longer nap, typically around 60 to 90 minutes, to allow for a full sleep cycle, including REM (rapid eye movement) sleep.

Set aside time for a longer nap, ideally in the early afternoon.

The dream nap can improve memory, creativity, and problem-solving skills, which can benefit your writing by enhancing your ability to generate ideas and think creatively.

Napping can be a valuable tool for writers looking to enhance their creativity and productivity. By incorporating these napping techniques into your routine, you can recharge your mind and body, improve your focus and alertness, and boost your writing skills. So go ahead, examine your writing process then take a nap, and see how it benefits your writing!

Which napping techniques would you try, or currently use, to recharge and improve your writing? And what have you learned about your own workflow? Have you found ways to hack it to get more creative productivity? Please share in the comments!

About Kris

Kris Maze

Kris Maze, an education enthusiast with a knack for the written word, has dedicated several years to the world of academia. She writes for various publications including Practical Advice for Teachers of Heritage Learners of Spanish and award-winning blog Writers in the Storm where she is also a host.

You can find her YA fiction, writing resources, and keep up with her author events at KrisMaze.com. Find her darker, scarier fiction at her sister-site KrissyKnoxx.com.

A recovering grammarian and hopeless wanderer, Kris enjoys reading, learning languages, and spending time outdoors where she ponders the wisdom of Bob Ross.

And sometimes she takes a nap.

Top photo purchased from Depositphotos.

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Ways to Know Your Characters, Part 5- Impact on Plot

by Ellen Buikema

A character's impact on the plot involves all their traits. It's important to understand how their background, personality, flaws, and strengths influence the plot and move the story forward.

Character arc

A character arc is the journey of transformation that a character takes over the course of a story. They grow as individuals through their experiences.

Elements of a character arc

  1. The Goal: What the character wants. The Goal gives direction and sets the story (and their arc) in motion. It is their motivation.
  2. The Lie: A misbelief they have about themselves or their world that thwarts their ability to reach their Goal.
  3. The Truth: An understanding the character needs. A truthful view of their own self or the world. If the character can find and accept The Truth, then they often reach their Goal.

The three main types of character arc are:

  • Positive character arc, a hero’s journey. The character changes for the better, resulting in an improved situation.

In J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins wants a simple life in the Shire but after joining a quest he feels terrified, regretful, and inept. He is transformed along the journey.

  • Flat character arc – The character does not evolve. Instead, their mission is to enlighten others. Mystery, thriller, and adventure series that follow one unchanging investigator or hero.

In Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express, detective Hercules Poirot, on a train to London, takes on a murder case because there are no police on board. That’s his Goal. He resists the lies of deceitful passengers and exposes the culprits, finding the Truth.

  • Negative character arc, the anti-hero. The character changes for the worse, taking a toll on their world and those around them. The truth is right in front of them but they can’t see it.

In the series, Breaking Bad, happy, honest science teacher, Walter White, is diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. Unable to afford his treatment and care for his family he tosses aside his morals and spirals downward. He sees the Truth but believes the Lie (acting in his family’s best interest). Immorality for morality’s sake.

A well-developed character arc affects a character's impact on the plot, while readers become invested in the character.

Relationships between characters

A character's impact on the plot may be influenced by their relationships with other characters. Family, friends, neighbors, enemies, pets and sometimes objects—for example the volleyball named Wilson in Chuck Noland’s Cast Away.

Interactions with other characters creates tension, conflict, and provide support for the character's journey. These interactions are the mortar that holds the building-story together.

Relationships are important. No one lives in a vacuum.

Here are some positive and negative dynamics you might see in relationships:

Positive relational traits

  • Friendly
  • Motivating
  • Nurturing
  • Romantic
  • Supportive
  • Trusting

Negative Relational traits

  • Controlling
  • Dysfunctional
  • Neglectful
  • One-sided
  • Unable to love
  • Volatile

Any combination of these relationship dynamics can shape behaviors and impact the plot.

Relationships are complicated because people are complicated. They view the world from a different doorway, each feeling that they are the hero of their own story.

Conflict between characters

Friction between characters keeps the readers turning those pages.

Conflict

  • is necessary for plot development and creates feelings of uncertainty.
  • reveals character traits and motivations, shaping character development.
  • pushes characters to their last nerves, revealing their true selves.
  • shapes characters’ actions and decisions.

By understanding how characters relate to each other, writers can create more complex and interesting plotlines.

Decisions a character makes

Decisions made by characters during conflict situations impact the plot, moving it forward.

  • Look at the main events in the story. How many of them are caused by the character's actions? A character who tends to makes things happen will likely have a big influence on the plot.
  • Ponder the character's choices. How do they affect the story's twists and turns? Decisions aren’t always about doing something—doing nothing can have an impact!
  • Even passive characters can influence the plot through their reactions. How do other characters and events in the story change because of this character's responses? This can give you clues about their indirect influence on the plot.

Think about the decisions your character makes in your story. Are there consequences for those choices? Does your protagonist always make the right one? Brainstorm ways to make those decisions have higher stakes and see how it could change the story.

Don’t waste opportunities to cause trouble for your protagonist. Take advantage of each choice your characters make.

Character’s perspective

No two individuals will perceive an event in the same way—a perception gap.

In Wendy Corsi Staub’s The Final Victim, two women interact with the same man, but their perceptions are very different—generous or self-centered.

  • Who’s right?
  • Is one untruthful? If so, why?
  • Is one of them misjudging him? If so, might she misjudge something else?

Perception gaps encourage readers to think about characters’ motivations, be more involved in the story, and to try to figure out what makes the characters to act the way they do.

A perception gap presents an opportunity. If writers know how characters perceive things, they can predict characters’ behaviors, then create plots specific to the characters. Because no two characters have the same background or personality, each has a unique perspective. The story varies depending on who is telling it.

How do your characters impact the plot of your stories? What character arcs do you prefer to write? Read? How do you use conflict?

* * * * * *

About Ellen

Author, speaker, and former teacher, Ellen L. Buikema has written non-fiction for parents, and The Adventures of Charlie Chameleon chapter book series with stories encouraging the development of empathy—sprinkling humor wherever possible. Her Works in Progress are The Hobo Code, YA historical fiction and The Crystal Key, MG Magical Realism/ Sci-Fi, a glaze of time travel.

Find her at https://ellenbuikema.com or on Amazon.

Top Image by Sammy-Sander from Pixabay

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4 Planning Strategies to Write a Compelling Novel

by Sandy Vaile

Plan your novel, typewriter with Chapter One

You are in the right place if you are preparing to write a novel and want to set yourself up for success. Whether you're a seasoned writer or taking your first steps into the world of fiction, one truth remains constant: successful storytelling begins long before the first words grace the page.

Beneath the romanticized notion of dreaming up an idea and penning a best seller, lies the reality that the path to a compelling story is paved with careful planning, deliberate choices and meticulous attention to detail.

But, forewarned is forearmed, as the saying goes.

If you are aware of what to expect from the writing process, you can focus on the exhilaration of creation instead of getting bogged down in uncertainty.

When preparing to write, here are four planning strategies to consider:

  • Solidifying a vague idea into a compelling concept.
  • Understanding the boundaries of the project.
  • Make a realistic plan to write the book.
  • Understanding essential concepts so you don’t fall into common traps.

Vague Idea to Compelling Concept

Picture yourself in a cozy writing nook, bathed in the soft glow of a desk lamp, the faint scent of well-worn books in the air. Your fingers dance across the keyboard to the soothing backdrop of rain tapping against the windowpane. This is the joy of bringing imaginary worlds to life, but there are a few vital questions we need to ask ourselves before diving headfirst into writing.

Sculpting a vague idea into a compelling novel requires digging beneath that first spark of an idea to uncover the underlying themes, conflicts, and characters that lie dormant.

To give all of the shiny ideas swirling through your mind a purpose, it helps to understand the following.

Why you want to tell this story?

Recognising what is driving you to tell a particular story helps clarify what you aim to achieve. Entertainment is rarely the only reason to write a story. Our beliefs and interests shine through the themes we choose to explore. Some authors want to open minds to a new way of thinking, others like to expose social inadequacies, make a statement about corruption or unethical behavior, inspire others, or challenge commonly held assumptions.

Other reasons your "why" is important:

  • When we have something to say about a topic, it influences the decisions we make as we write. Your underlying message can tether everything in the story.
  • Being passionate about topics gets us fired up to keep writing even when the going gets tough.
  • Aligning our story with our values and passions enhances our sense of purpose and satisfaction, making it easier to imbue our unique voice into the book.
  • We write for like-minded readers, so these motivations can help us connect what we want to say to our audience, compelling them to invest time between the pages we create.

Whose story it will be?

In my opinion, it’s vital to determine the focal point of a story. The ONE character whose story you’re telling.

There might be other main characters with imporant roles, their own goals and motivations, but it’s that one character who determines what belongs in the story and what doesn’t. Everything serves to help or hinder their journey towards their goal.

This clarity creates a cohesive plot.

What story are you telling?

There are infinite possibilities for the direction of each idea, so knowing what aspects are important to you will help narrow the direction of the narrative. Without a clear purpose, stories may meander aimlessly, lacking the resonance and depth needed to captivate readers.

Articulate the essence of the story through one or all of these:

  • A story concept states central themes explored in the story. For example, The Three Little Pigs premise might be that foolishness leads to death and wisdom leads to happiness.
  • A dramatic question is a query that centers around the main character’s central conflict, which your story will answer by the end. (Ex: Will Romeo and Juliet ever be together?)
  • A story premise is a high-level paragraph of what the story is about at its core. It highlights details that are unique to this story, including who (main characters), what (conflict), where (location), when (if the era is important), and why (motivation, which also hints at the stakes).

Example: When Harry Potter discovers he’s a wizard and the chosen child, he not only has to learn magic but defeat the all-powerful "he who must not be named."

Example from my own work

Below, I take the initial idea for my book Inheriting Fear and create a premise to guide the direction of the story.

  • Idea – A tough, independent woman who rides a motorbike and is in danger from some bad people.
  • Dramatic question - What if a fiercely independent woman had to rely on others to survive?
  • Premise - A reclusive motorbike-riding chef is stalked by an enemy from her past and forced to rely on a cocky detective who thinks she’s his best suspect, to avoid becoming the next victim.

Understand Your Project's Boundaries

Once you've unearthed the essence of your story idea, it's time to breathe life into it by fleshing out its key elements.

If you are a plotter, there are lots of decisions to make and brainstorming to be undertaken before you start writing. (If you are a pantser, most of this gets done in the second draft.)

Things like:

  • Genre: Your genre helps you understand reader expectations and any specific conventions for that genre (e.g. structure, word count, and world-building).
  • Point of View and tense, which can be influenced by genre norms and personal preference.
  • Central character goals. Their external goals and internal desires will motivate them to keep striving for their goal even when it seems impossible to reach.
  • Worldbuilding. This is especially vital if the story is set on a different planet or era, so it’s clear what the physical, magical, psychological, cultural, flora and fauna look like.
  • What rules guide characters, what myths and legends are important to them, what governing and commerce structures are in place?
  • An outline of the plot, though no essential, can provide a foundation upon which to build the narrative. Some authors like to know exactly where their story is going. Others prefer to discover as they write. Many are a blend of the two methods.
  • Knowing the starting point of the story. There are a variety of methods for choosing the opening scene, but the main goal is to immediately hook readers by showing the characters in action.

It’s important to note that you shouldn’t stress too much at this point. Revisit this decision after writing the manuscript, because you’ll have a better idea of will draw readers into the story by then.

Make a Plan.

Making a plan to write the book might include the following:

  1. Tools or resources you need
  2. Learning about story craft
  3. Determining how much time you realistically have to dedicate to writing each week around work and family commitments. If you have a deadline in mind, calculate how many words you need to aim for each week.

A good formula for this: Total word count divided by weeks = word count goal per week.

  • 80,000 ÷ 13 weeks (3 months) = 6,150 words per week
  • 80,000 ÷ 25 weeks (6 months) = 3,200 words per week
  • 80,000 ÷ 52 weeks (12 months) = 1,540 words per week

Essential Novel Survival Concepts

Writing a novel is a challenging endeavor that requires dedication, persistence, and resilience. Understanding what to expect and having realistic expectations certainly helps.

1. You are writing a 'first draft' and they are as messy and unruly as a teenager finding their way in the world.
  • You won’t always know what comes next.
  • You may write yourself into dead-ends and spend weeks pondering a particularly gnarly plot problem.
  • It’s all part of the process.

The only goal of a first draft is to get to ‘the end,’ so push through until you have a whole, gloriously imperfect manuscript.

2. Finishing a first draft is only part of the writing process.
  • Revising is likely to take just as long because there will be plenty of problems to solve, research to be done, scenes to be moved or (God forbid) cut, and feedback to seek.
  • Don’t underestimate how long it will take you to do countless rounds of edits.
3. DO NOT give up your day job with the belief that it’s easy to pen a best-seller and you’ll be able to replace your income with one book.
4. Gathering a community of like-minded authors around you can be invaluable when it comes to maintaining momentum.
  • Whether you prefer to join a face-to-face or online group, or have a few author friends to supplement the support of friends and family, having people to bounce around ideas and enthuse about your wonderful characters with, is priceless.
  • Seek out accountability buddies, support groups, critique partners and uplifting communities. And always come back to your purpose for writing this story.

Final Thoughts

Immersing yourself in the purpose, characters, and world of a story provides a solid foundation to craft a compelling novel. Making a realistic plan to write the first draft will enable you to reach for tangible goals that suit your lifestyle. And by understanding key concepts surrounding the process, you can be better prepared to keep the joy or writing alive and make it to the next stage, which is revising.

Opportunity:

If you are stuck in a rut of writing novels you never finish, never submit or aren’t sure how to fix, then it’s your lucky day. Sandy runs a nurturing community for female authors of contemporary fiction, which is packed full of tips, resources and free events to keep you motivated and writing quality books. Join Sandy’s community here.

What strategies do you use to plan your books? Do you just start writing, or do you have other structures you employ before you begin? Are you a "plotter" or a "pantser?" Please share with us down in the comments!

About Sandy

Sandy Vaile

Sandy Vaile is a motorbike-riding daredevil who isn’t content with a story unless there’s a courageous heroine and a dead body.

Her romantic suspense is published by Simon & Schuster US, but most of her time is spent supporting female fiction writers to finish contemporary novels traditional publishers can’t resist. She shares her decades of experience with others through fiction coaching, courses and developmental editing.

Connect with Sandy Vaile on her website or social media.

Top photo purchased from Depositphotos.

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