Tag: writing-tips

What would you surrender for a story that won’t stop knocking?

I surrendered the glow. The soft, blue hum that filled the room after dinner. I set the remote down the way some people set aside sugar for Lent—deliberately, almost ceremonially—like I was laying a coin on a ferryman’s palm. The one-eyed monster blinked into its own reflection, and the living room exhaled. No laugh track. No canned cliffhanger. Only the fridge whispering, the clock ticking, the house going quiet enough for another world to speak.

That was the night my AR clicked on.

Not augmented reality. Author Reality. The dimension that lives behind every closed door and blinking cursor. It doesn’t need a headset, and it doesn’t apologize for being demanding. It’s the world that asks you to show up with the same seriousness you bring to your job, your family, your grief, your joy. It rewards the faithful, and it keeps its secrets from the curious who wander in for a minute and wander back out.

Is it worth it? Depends on what you want from a story: to be carried, or to build the boat.

Here’s the rhythm I’ve learned, the three-beat cadence of making a book: if I’m not writing, I’m editing. If I’m not editing, I’m sharing—sending flares from my lighthouse so readers can find the shore I’ve drawn by hand. The work doesn’t pause when inspiration does. The tide moves with or without me, and the only way to get anywhere is to put an oar in the water every day, even when the fog is thick.

In AR, everything means more than it looks. A mug of coffee stops being a mug. Steam rolls out like sea fog over the harbor city I sketched in a January notebook—the one with crooked alleys and market bells and a lighthouse whose stair treads know my footsteps by now. The keyboard isn’t plastic and wires; it’s a compass that points toward scenes I haven’t met and scenes I’m avoiding. The cursor blinks like a beacon: here, here, here. Come back to work.

Characters are the first to step through. They don’t knock; they appear mid-argument, mid-laugh, mid-betrayal, dragging weather from their world into mine. A woman with ink-stained fingers and a secret she thinks is hers to keep sits across a table I’ve never owned, tapping out a rhythm that nags me until I write it. A courier with a map stitched into his jacket refuses to sleep until I let him miss his train. They bring me their trouble and their hope and ask me to be brave enough to tell the truth about both.

Writing is the first excavation. It’s the rush of discovering a bone in the sand and imagining the whole animal in a heartbeat. Then comes editing—the archaeology that happens with a brush instead of a shovel. Line by line, brush, brush, brush. I dig out the clean edges of the story from the clay of my habits. I cut the clever lines that don’t serve the skeleton. I sand away the splinters of scenes that snag but don’t support.

Editing is humbling. It asks: if you were a reader with a train to catch and twenty minutes to spare, would you keep turning pages? It makes you honest. It makes you protective of the reader’s time like it’s your own. It teaches you that your favorite sentence is sometimes the one that has to go.

Then there’s the sharing. I used to call it marketing and feel like I’d swapped my compass for a billboard, but that was before I understood it as lighthouse work. A story without a reader is a ship locked in the bottle: complete, exquisite, invisible. So I keep the glass polished. I write the note that says, “This is the world waiting inside,” and I send it in a thousand bottles. I accept that some will wash back to my own feet. I light the lamp again tomorrow. Maintenance isn’t glamorous, but neither is missing land because the light went out.

What did I trade for this? The easy glow of someone else’s story. The comfort of predictable arcs and neat resolutions. I traded hours that evaporated into hours that accrue. The time I used to float became time I build.

Not all trades feel noble. There are nights when the couch calls me by name, when the news scrolls like a slow-motion car wreck and every good show has three seasons ready to swallow me whole. There are mornings when the alarm sounds like a dare. I don’t always win. But I keep a little ledger—a trade log that tells me, honestly, what I gave up and what I made instead.

Gave up: an hour of television, a mindless scroll, a snack I didn’t need. Built instead: 827 words that moved a character from lying to telling the truth. Reshaped a chapter so the secret doesn’t leak too soon. Jotted a note about how the lighthouse uses a lens I’d never heard of before—Fresnel, a word that tastes like a bell.

Some nights the ledger holds only this: showed up. Sat with the blank and did not run. That counts. That’s a bead on the string.

Is it worth it? I don’t pretend I don’t miss the weightless time. Ease is its own kind of bliss. But there’s another kind: the exhale that comes when a paragraph clicks into place after a week of sanding. The email that says, “I brought your character to the doctor with me; she kept me company in the waiting room.” The message that says, “I didn’t think anyone knew how this felt until I read your chapter.” Those are the moments when the ledger pays interest.

Author Reality is not glamorous. It’s not a montage scored to moody piano. It’s a series of ordinary choices that turn into extraordinary pages. It is the practice of saying no to something pleasant so you can say yes to something that will outlast you. It’s a room you have to reenter every day because the door locks when you leave. And it is, somehow, always worth the key.

Maybe you feel the familiar itch in your palms. The tug toward building instead of consuming. The quiet knowing that you are meant to make something you cannot yet see the edges of. If that’s you, come with me. We can navigate together, even in different boats.

Here’s how to open your AR door:

For one week, switch off the one-eyed monster. Thirty minutes a day is enough to crack the seam between here and there. Put your remote in a drawer, set a timer, and let silence stretch long enough to get uncomfortable. On the other side of discomfort is a voice that wants to talk to you.

Choose your role each day so you don’t fight your own weather. Calm sea? Write new words, even if they’re ugly. Wind picking up? Edit yesterday’s draft with gentle eyes. Fog horn blowing? Share a piece—a paragraph, a line, a feeling—with someone who might need it. Writing, editing, sharing. Every day has a job.

Keep a tiny trade log. One line. What you traded. What you built. Gave up: 40 minutes of scrolling. Built: 3 new pages and a better scene transition. Gave up: a second helping of dessert. Built: the energy to reread my own work without hating it. The log is proof. The log is a map.

Offer a postcard from your AR. A sentence, a sketch of a character, a logline that scares you a little to say out loud. Tell me why it matters to you. We anchor each other when we speak our worlds into air.

You don’t need a headset to live in augmented reality. You need intention. You need a door you’re willing to close and a light you’re willing to switch on. You need the courage to choose your story over the millions that want to borrow your attention for free and charge you with regret later.

I won’t pretend it’s easy to keep that light burning. But I can promise this: the worlds we build in AR have a way of building us back. They give us patience and precision and a tenderness for our own imperfect drafts. They teach us to wait for the fog to lift and to move forward anyway, even when it doesn’t. They send back echoes in the shape of readers who bring our characters to breakfast, to chemotherapy, to bed. They make meaning out of minutes.

The light is on. The keys are warm. The door is unlocked. If you’re ready, step into your AR. Leave your shoes at the threshold and carry only what you need: your stubbornness, your curiosity, a pen that doesn’t mind being chewed. I’ll be in the lighthouse, keeping watch, sending signals. When your boat appears on the horizon, I’ll wave you in.

We have worlds to make.

#WritersLife #BookTok #Bookstagram #WritingCommunity #AmWriting #IndieAuthor #WritersOfInstagram #AuthorTok #WritersOfTwitter #WritersOfX #Worldbuilding

Show Don’t Tell

‘Show don’t tell’ is one of the foundational principles of writing, emphasizing the importance of vividly illustrating instead of simply stating.

The principle of “show, don’t tell” is a fundamental technique in writing that enhances storytelling by allowing readers to experience emotions and events more vividly. Here are several reasons this approach is effective:
Engages the Reader’s Imagination
When writers show rather than tell, they invite readers to interpret the emotions and actions of characters through descriptive language and sensory details. This engagement encourages readers to visualize scenes and feel emotions alongside the characters, creating a more immersive experience.
Creates Emotional Depth
Showing emotions through actions, dialogue, and body language adds layers to character development. For instance, instead of stating that a character is angry, a writer might describe clenched fists, a flushed face, and a sharp tone of voice. This method allows readers to understand the character’s emotional state more deeply and personally.
Enhances Character Development
Characters become more relatable and realistic when their emotions are demonstrated through their behavior. Readers can infer motivations and personality traits based on how characters react to situations, making them feel more authentic and complex.
Builds Tension and Conflict
By showing rather than telling, writers can create suspense and tension in a narrative. For example, a character’s internal struggle can be illustrated through their actions and decisions, allowing readers to sense the stakes without explicitly stating them. This technique keeps readers engaged and invested in the outcome.
Encourages Reader Interpretation
When writers show emotions and events, they allow readers to draw their own conclusions and interpretations. This active participation can lead to a more rewarding reading experience, as readers connect with the story on a personal level and reflect on its themes and messages.

Here are some basic emotions

Joy – A feeling of great pleasure and happiness.
Trust – A positive emotion characterized by reliance on someone or something.
Fear – An emotional response to perceived threats or danger.
Surprise – A reaction to unexpected events.
Sadness – A feeling of sorrow or unhappiness.
Disgust – A strong feeling of aversion or repulsion.
Anger – A strong feeling of annoyance, displeasure, or hostility.
Anticipation – A feeling of excitement about something that is going to happen.

Detailed or nuanced emotions.

Affection
Amusement
Anxiety
Apathy
Compassion
Confusion
Contentment
Curiosity
Despair
Disappointment
Empathy
Envy
Excitement
Fearfulness
Frustration
Guilt
Hope
Horror
Hostility
Interest
Jealousy
Loneliness
Nostalgia
Pride
Relief
Remorse
Satisfaction
Shame
Surprise
Tenderness
Worry

Examples:
Opening his birthday present, Tim was joyful when he saw the latest video game.

Opening his birthday present, Tim’s face lit up with joy as he saw the latest video game. He eagerly imagined the hours of fun ahead.

Tim was disappointed to learn he would have to wait to play the game until the weekend, as tomorrow was a school day.

The following example may be a bit excessive, but it effectively conveys his disappointment.

As Tim’s face fell, a deep furrow etched itself across his brow. His eyes, which had sparkled with anticipation just moments before, now held a hint of sadness. The corners of his mouth, which had been curved up in a hopeful grin, now turned downward, reflecting the weight of his disappointment. He sighed, a long, slow exhalation that seemed to carry the burden of his unmet expectations.
He stared at the game console, its vibrant colors and intricate graphics now a stark reminder of the fun he would have to postpone. His fingers, which had been itching to wrap around the controller, now drummed a slow, disheartened rhythm against the table.
The room, once filled with the excited chatter of friends eagerly discussing strategies and predicting outcomes, now fell silent, save for the soft ticking of the clock on the wall. The hands moved inexorably forward, marking the passage of time that Tim could not reclaim.
As the reality of his situation sunk in, Tim’s shoulders slumped, and his body language indicated his despondency. He glanced at his friends, their faces a mirror of his own emotions, and then back at the game console. The screen, with its glowing promise of adventure and excitement, now seemed cold and distant, a cruel reminder of the joy that was now out of reach.
With a final, resigned sigh, Tim turned away from the game, his eyes downcast, his heart heavy with disappointment. He knew he would have to wait until the weekend to play, but for now, he could only endure the long, slow hours until then.

Try your hand at it. Pick a couple of the basic emotions, tell the story, and then show the story.

If you want more of these types of interactions, share your thoughts or stories in the comments.

-Best

Fostering Camaraderie in Writer’s Group for Collective Growth

A rising tide lifts all ships… JFK

Lately, thoughts of group activities and why I commit so much time and effort to them have rattled my mind about when I should be planning my next trip to Venus. (sci-fi joke)

The Pareto Principle is endemic to almost every group of people.

As the saying goes, “There is no I in ‘team,’” which couldn’t be more accurate. Let’s explore the beauty of collaboration, the strength in unity, and the satisfaction of achieving common goals together.

Often, we find that 20% of the team does 80% of the work. Why is that?

Understanding the 80/20 Rule in Team Productivity

The majority of my career was spent in a managerial role. Leading the troops, if you can call it that, was a mere blip in my life. Even though I left the corporate world, I continue to apply many of those skills.

My latest endeavor to stay occupied involves leading a writing group, where I immerse myself in the sights and sounds of passionate discussions about storytelling techniques. Part of that process involves motivating others to step forward and assume responsibility for a project that benefits the entire group. Throughout my life, I’ve discovered that the 80/20 rule holds true in almost every aspect of life, without fail. In any group, you can find individuals who take charge and others who prefer to follow. Leaders are proactive and take charge, while followers are more inclined to assist if given specific instructions; otherwise, they delegate tasks to others.

The phenomenon known as the 80/20 rule, or the Pareto Principle, suggests that roughly 20% of the workforce is responsible for accomplishing 80% of the work.

This concept has intrigued researchers and managers alike, leading to a deeper exploration of its implications. The 80/20 rule underscores the fact that a minority of individuals within an organization possess the ability to consistently produce a majority of the results.

So, why does 20% of the team do 80% of the work?

The Pareto Principle can be applied to team productivity, and it highlights several key factors contributing to this distribution of productivity:

The 80/20 rule in team productivity reflects the unequal distribution of impact and contributions within a workforce. It underscores the importance of recognizing and leveraging the strengths of high-performing individuals while providing support and resources to facilitate the growth and development of all team members.

But what about non work environments? What about Church or Club activities? How do you get the group to stop focusing on the ‘I’ and back on the team?

Encouraging Contribution in a Team Environment

In a team environment where the Pareto Principle seems to dominate, breaking the mold and fostering contributions from all team members is crucial for achieving a balanced and productive workforce. Here are some strategies to encourage everyone to contribute:

1. Create a Holistic Environment:

Focus on reducing time spent on non-value-adding activities and use free time for team building, skill development, and employee engagement. This can help in creating a work environment where team members feel valued, have fun with their colleagues, and continuously learn to achieve personal and organizational goals

2. Emphasize Team Building and Skill Development:

Allocate time for activities that promote team bonding, skill enhancement, and personal development. This can help in creating a positive and engaging work environment where everyone feels motivated to contribute

3. Encourage Collaboration and Fair Delegation:

Encourage collaboration on high-priority tasks and ensure fair delegation of responsibilities. When team members feel that their contributions are valued and that they are responsible for significant tasks, they are more likely to actively participate and contribute to the team’s success

4. Focus on High-Impact Tasks:

Identify tasks that will significantly impact the project and delegate these high-impact tasks to the team. This approach ensures that each team member is contributing to the most critical aspects of the project, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility

5. Foster a Collaborative Environment:

Create an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute and where their contributions are recognized and appreciated. This can help break the mold of the 80/20 rule and promote a culture of equal participation and contribution.

What does this have to do with a writer’s group, you might ask?

Working for the group’s greater good means putting the team’s success above personal gain. It’s about recognizing that our collective efforts can achieve far more than anyone can accomplish alone. When we unite as a cohesive unit, we unleash a powerful force that can drive positive change and make a real difference in the world.

So, why is this concept so important? Let’s start by acknowledging that no one person has all the answers or possesses every skill needed to tackle complex challenges. By pooling our diverse talents, perspectives, and experiences, we can leverage our collective wisdom to overcome obstacles and innovate in ways we never could.

Moreover, working for the greater good fosters a culture of trust, support, and mutual respect within a team. When members feel valued and heard, they become more willing to contribute their best work and go the extra mile for the team’s success.

This sense of camaraderie creates a positive and motivating environment where everyone thrives.

Another undeniable benefit of prioritizing the group’s welfare is the ripple effect it creates.

When teams align their efforts toward a common purpose, they become a force to be reckoned with. They can inspire others, drive positive community change, and influence significant societal shifts. The impact of collective action is undeniable and often far-reaching.

Now, let’s talk about how we can embody this principle in our everyday lives, whether at work, in our communities, or within our families. It starts with embracing open communication, active listening, and a willingness to compromise.

When one group stands out, other groups with similar aspirations gravitate toward a group that is positive and doing something as a group and not for what they personally can gain from belonging to the group.

It’s perfectly acceptable to benefit from the other members’ abundance of diverse talents and skills. When the opportunity arises, remember to share your own skills and talents.

If we examine this scenario from the perspective of a writer’s group, how do we meticulously ready the ship for the incoming tide?

Creating a sense of camaraderie within writers’ groups is essential for nurturing a supportive and inspiring environment. Here are some strategies to enhance camaraderie within the group:

1. Shared Writing Goals and Encouragement:

Establish shared writing goals and encourage each member to support and motivate one another in achieving these goals. Setting and reaching writing milestones together can foster a sense of camaraderie and collective achievement

2. Collaborative Learning and Discussions:

Organize discussions on various aspects of writing, such as studying different genres, sharing writing prompts, and exploring writing techniques. This collaborative learning approach can help members study different aspects of the writing craft and engage in meaningful discussions

3. Supportive Feedback Sessions:

Create a space for members to share their work and receive constructive feedback from their peers. Constructive criticism and encouragement can strengthen the bond among members and create a supportive atmosphere for growth and improvement

4. Mentorship and Buddy System:

Implement a mentorship or buddy system within the group, where experienced members can guide and support newer or less experienced writers. This can help foster a sense of connection and support among members, especially those who may feel isolated in their writing journey.

5. Emotional Support and Networking:

Provide emotional support and networking opportunities within the group. Writers often look to their groups for emotional support, motivation, and networking, especially during the isolating writing process. Creating a space for members to share their challenges and successes can strengthen the sense of camaraderie

6. Inclusive and Engaging Activities:

Organize inclusive and engaging activities, such as writing sprints, brainstorming sessions, or critique groups. These activities can unite members, encourage collaboration, and provide opportunities for shared learning and growth.

One troubling aspect I observe in the writer’s community is that some individuals, upon achieving publication, conclude that there is no further benefit to remaining in the group.

When writers achieve their goal of getting published and consider leaving the group, there are compelling arguments for convincing them to stay and become mentors to other writers who are still striving to achieve their own publishing goals.

1. Paying It Forward:

Encouraging successful writers to stay and mentor others allows them to pay forward the support and guidance they received on their journey. By sharing their experiences and insights, they can help aspiring writers navigate the challenges of the publishing world and provide valuable mentorship.

2. Building a Supportive Community:

Emphasizing the importance of maintaining a supportive community can motivate successful writers to stay and contribute to the growth and success of the group. Their mentorship can create a nurturing environment where writers at different stages of their careers can learn from each other and thrive collectively.

3. Legacy and Impact:

Highlighting the potential impact of their mentorship on the next generation of writers can inspire successful authors to stay engaged. By becoming mentors, they can leave a lasting legacy and positively influence the development of emerging talent, contributing to the overall growth of the writing community.

4. Personal Growth and Fulfillment:

Emphasizing the personal fulfillment and growth that comes from mentoring others can be a compelling argument. Serving as a mentor allows successful writers to refine their skills, gain fresh perspectives, and experience the satisfaction of guiding others toward their goals.

5. Strengthening the Group’s Reputation:

Illustrating how their continued involvement as mentors can enhance the group’s reputation and attract new talent. Their mentorship can elevate the group’s standing within the writing community and create a culture of continuous learning and support.

Leading by example was a key strategy to successfully manage people professionally. Sticking around to lead similarly allows a published author to continue making a positive impact in the writing community and contribute to the growth and development of future authors.

Leading by example as a writer is a powerful way to inspire, guide, and influence others within the writing community. Here’s a perspective on the importance and impact of leading by example as a writer:

1. Demonstrating Dedication and Discipline:

Leading by example involves demonstrating dedication and discipline in one’s writing practice. By consistently showing up to write, meeting deadlines, and pursuing improvement, writers can inspire others to prioritize their craft and approach their work with commitment.

2. Modeling Professionalism and Ethics:

Writers who lead by example uphold professional standards and ethical conduct in their writing endeavors. This includes respecting copyrights, maintaining integrity in their work, engaging in fair and honest practices, and setting a positive example for others.

3. Embracing Growth and Adaptability:

Leading by example involves embracing a growth mindset and a willingness to adapt. Writers who openly share their learning experiences, setbacks, and triumphs demonstrate the importance of continuous growth and inspire others to evolve in their writing journeys.

4. Advocating for Inclusivity and Support:

Writers who lead by example champion inclusivity, support, and diversity within the writing community. By actively promoting an inclusive environment and supporting emerging voices, they encourage others to do the same, fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual respect.

5. Sharing Knowledge and Mentorship:

Leading by example as a writer involves sharing knowledge and mentoring those earlier in their writing careers. By guiding and supporting others, writers can inspire a new generation of talent and contribute to the overall growth and vibrancy of the writing community.

6. Striving for Excellence and Authenticity:

Writers who lead by example strive for excellence and authenticity in their work. By setting high standards and staying true to their unique voice, they inspire others to pursue their best work and embrace their individuality as writers.

Taking on the mindset of a newcomer to writing, I wanted to analyze everything I had typed. What could drive someone to fiercely protect their words, safeguarding them like a child protects their diary?

Emotional attachment, responsibility for authenticity, and the desire for creative autonomy are the foundations of the fierce drive to protect one’s words. By exhibiting this protective instinct, the writer demonstrates their unwavering commitment to preserving the authenticity and desired effect of their work. This ensures that it is shared and comprehended in a manner that stays true to their creative vision and individual experiences.

Throughout the years, I have conversed with numerous aspiring writers who were hesitant to share their writing.

Besides what we can offer them, how might a writer’s group engender their trust?

Encouraging fledgling writers to share within the writer’s group to ascertain their needs and provide assistance can be achieved through fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.

1. Create a Welcoming Atmosphere:

Emphasize the importance of creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere within the group. Encourage open communication and assure fledgling writers that their contributions are valued and respected

2. Establish Regular Meetings and Activities:

Organize regular meetings and activities facilitating sharing and collaboration, such as writing sprints, brainstorming sessions, and critique groups. These structured activities can allow fledgling writers to engage with the group and seek assistance.

3. Emphasize the Benefits of Sharing:

Highlight the benefits of sharing within the group, such as receiving constructive feedback, gaining diverse perspectives, and finding support from fellow writers. Communicate how sharing can lead to personal and professional growth.

4. Lead by Example:

Encourage established writers within the group to lead by example and share their work or experiences. This can set a precedent for fledgling writers and demonstrate the value of sharing within the group

5. Provide Constructive Feedback Guidelines:

Establish guidelines for providing constructive feedback that emphasizes respect, encouragement, and helpful critique. Assure fledgling writers that the group aims to provide a supportive environment for growth and improvement.

6. Foster Personal Connections:

Encourage personal connections and camaraderie within the group. Emphasize the value of building relationships with fellow writers, which can create a sense of trust and comfort in sharing one’s work and seeking assistance.

Fledgling writers can benefit significantly from seeking out a group of like-minded individuals for several compelling reasons:

1. Support and Encouragement:

Joining a group of like-minded individuals provides fledgling writers with a supportive community to share their experiences, seek advice, and receive encouragement. This support network can be invaluable in navigating the challenges of the writing journey and staying motivated.

2. Learning and Growth:

Interacting with other writers with similar interests and aspirations can foster a culture of continuous learning and growth. Writers groups often provide opportunities for skill development, feedback, and exposure to diverse perspectives, which can contribute to improving one’s craft.

3. Networking and Collaboration:

Being part of a writer’s group allows fledgling writers to network with peers, potential mentors, and industry professionals. Collaborative opportunities within the group can lead to valuable connections, partnerships, and exposure to new writing opportunities.

4. Accountability and Discipline:

Engaging with like-minded individuals can create a sense of accountability and discipline in one’s writing practice. Group dynamics often encourage members to set and meet writing goals, stay consistent in their efforts, and take their writing aspirations seriously.

5. Emotional and Creative Inspiration:

Connecting with like-minded individuals can provide emotional support and creative inspiration. Sharing experiences, challenges, and successes with others who understand the writing process can boost morale, spark new ideas, and reignite passion for writing.

Comments are welcome.

If you want to join a Writer’s Group that offers hybrid meetings where you can participate from anywhere in the world with a Zoom link, please contact me. You’ll have the opportunity to connect with a fantastic community of spirited writers who share a passion for writing.