what stops you from writing

The Power Of Stocking-Stuffers OR The Power Of Positive Thinking

It’s that time again!

As this year speeds to a close, I leave you with one thing: belief in self.

The path is of the arts is fraught with doubts. Filled with second-guessing and the evil, diabolical non support of the people who say they love you.

But, what I want to tell you with 7 calendar days left of this year is stop listening to that does not serve, assist, value or help.

Stop feeding that which hurts.

This is so often the most difficult thing! That type of thinking hobbles, cripples and will kill anything creative—or different in you! I have had to discover this in my own self this week. My creative achievements are not based on the opinions of other people. My success is not determined by what other people think about it. There will always be a salty-select to remind you of failures, setbacks and other useless shenanigans.

Stop feeding what hurts.

Make the decision to give up the things which weigh you down–and soar.

You have world to conquer.

Encouragement Pages-12/18/2019: The Grand What-If’s (1)

The end of the month—end of the year!—is in a matter of weeks.

To that observation, I leave you with this question:

What if you believed you could do it?

I mean it, what would happen you believed you could write the work you set out to create—independent of other people’s opinions or support?

Only you can answer this. And should do so immediately.

With Love & Ink,

JBHarris

Encouragement Pages-07/24/2019-Perception

Blank pages are enemy…and friend.

They exist to serve and house all your imagine can hold! They sole purpose is to serve you.

Don’t leave them empty and lacking! They are dragons to slay. Murder them, dear ones, with your pen, ink and time.

You can do it.

With Love & Ink,

JBHarris

The Five W’s And The One H of Writing

Image result for why i write quotes

Writing is one of the only professions aside from acting, I think, where the only authority is your self:  Can you do what it is you are being asked to do?

At times, it can be helpful to examine The Why. Every writer goes through a point where writing seems impossible, self-doubt becomes a religion and the words seem to be mud or muddled. In times like this, because they will come, consider this journalistic tool:  the five W’s and one H.

What.

Who.

When.

Where.

Why.

How.

All the breadth and depth of your talent can be answered and discovered by this tool. It may even help with the dreaded writer’s block! This tool can be used for a specific project as well.

Let’s examine further:

What.  This portion deals with subject matter, content, even a start date for the project you’re working on.

Who. This portion deals with character and audience. Is this going to fiction or  non-fiction? What is the target audience? Is this fiction? If it is fiction, is it age appropriate? Knowing your who will help you to streamline what you’re working on.

When. Is there a deadline, or should there be one? If there is a deadline is a hard deadline (meaning you can’t move it) or a soft one (it can be augmented). These deadlines can be given or issued by yourself or the entity you write for.

Where. Are you aware of the platform this work will be seen on? Is this going to be private or public work? You may think this is a trite question, but it something as a writer you need to consider! In that consideration, you are able to streamline what you desire to do and if you have the freedom to do just that.

Why. Here is where it gets interesting. This three letter word is one that determines the course of a work or a project. Here is your motivation to create, persist or keep going. This is the key to any project, the passion to any work, and a reason to see the end of a novel. If you can determine, capture and harness this–there is nothing to fear from blank pages.

How. This is your booster to your why. This portion compels you to see venues and opportunities to see your work, to finish projects and to collaborate with people just as hungry as you are.

Writing is thrilling, frustrating and also one of the most exhilarating things in the world. I’m glad you’re a part of it.

Keep going. You have an end to see.