Struggling Authors

I recommend reading at least some of Julia Cameron's 'The Artist's Way'. I haven't read all of it, but at the beginning she talks about writing three pages of whatever comes into your head first thing every morning (usually nonsense), in a bid to get the creativity flowing: It worked for me. I did it for a few weeks, and in no time at all, all sorts of ideas were coming to me for various writing projects. I don't do it so much now, but whenever I have a bit of a 'block', I do it again for a short time. I think free writing, helps to clear your mind of trivialities, in order to kick-start your imagination. And of course, by all means adapt Julia's recommendations to suit your lifestyle. I don't write first thing (I couldn't get up even earlier than I do already), but I'll do it at lunchtime or in the evening. Perhaps the morning is the best time, but doing this activity at any time helps.

Julia also recommends having a date with yourself. By this she means you should spend some time by yourself, going for a walk and observing your surroundings, visiting an art gallery, going roller-blading and having fun etc. Again, I think this helps to give you ideas for your writing. I probably haven't explained all this very well, but read the book. It'll help, I'm sure.

Helen

Thanks for this Helen,

I will add it to the list when I get a chance. I am going to have to split the 'Book Shelf' page into 3 separate sections I think.

Non-fiction (How-to books)
Fiction (Examples of how it is done)
Magazines

Keep them coming and, providing they're recommended by struggling authors, we'll add them to the book shelf section so that other writers can benefit from them.

RG