Hi, my name is Bobbie Lou, and I am the author of three published novels. Desperate Girls and Baby Pawn are crime/suspense novels and are part of the series Chronicles of Iniquity. I also have a new release For You, I Would, which is a Contemporary YA novel with a found family trope. All of my books are available on Amazon.com. Welcome to Diary of an Introverted Author.
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This is my 2nd episode and the start of the series I’m calling Page One. It is a to address some mistakes I’ve made along the way that are common mistakes. My first mistake started the moment I realized I desired to be an author. It was the inability to start and complete what I had a desire to do. I often hear individuals who are stuck or who want to write but struggle to follow through. It’s a common issue.
There are many things that keep us stuck. Self-doubt, fear, imposter syndrome… to name a few. Every situation can be different. Our job, when we recognize we are stuck, is to figure out why and where it’s coming from. How we deal with it can be unique as well, however, there are some “fixes” that work well.
Some possible fixes.
Unpack the self-doubt and fear. One of the best ways to determine a solution is to know and understand the problem.
Reframe. Instead of saying “It’s not good enough”, say “I’m still learning, and that’s OK.”
Build or join a group of like-minded individuals. This can help keep your mind in an exploratory phase and the brain will meet you where you are.
Set realistic goals. Take a step back and look at your lifestyle. What’s going on with work, upcoming engagements, etc. and create goals that work for you, in the situation you are in. If you can only write in 15-minute increments, do that. The goal is to move forward.
Create a writing routine - Think about when it makes more sense to write. Are you a morning person or a night person? Do you have a large family, etc. Do you need quiet time? Other things to consider… Coffee, lighting, music, location, noise, etc. Writing routines can always be tweaked. Changing your routine helps when you have writer’s block, as well.
Celebrate small wins- The goal is to move forward. If you are, then you are making progress and if you are making progress, you are winning. Once you’re moving forward consistently, it’s time to bump it up.
The Bottom Line
If you have a story in you, after you write it down, you are officially a writer. Live, breathe and love what’s in your heart… and WRITE the story!
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