Answers Revealed With Writing From Source

Enlightening! Life-changing! Revealing! Calming!

These are just some of the words participants are using to describe their Writing from Source experience.

Each session of the "Survive the Holidays" free teleseminar series stands alone. So jump right in, join one of the calls and experience the power of Writing from Source firsthand. (BTW, you don't have to be a "writer" to benefit from this process.)

It just takes a minute to register for Survive the Angst, Stress and Sadness of the Holiday Season With the Guidance and Solutions Revealed When Writing from Source. Come join us any of the remaining Tuesdays in December.

Add Clarity to Your Writing With Specific Nouns

Which word grabs your attention—car or Corvette? Each of these words is a noun. Each falls into the same category, in this case, vehicle. Yet you were drawn to one over the other.

Most likely, Corvette caught your attention. Unlike the word car, you could see an image of the Corvette in your mind’s eye. Possibly you ran your hands along its smooth finish, slid into the driver’s seat, turned the ignition key and heard the engine purr when you pressed the accelerator. You saw, felt and heard all of that just by reading one word—Corvette.

In comparison, the word car probably created a gray image with little definition. Emotional responses were few or none.

Why the difference? Car is a general noun. Corvette is a specific noun. While a general noun represents a broad category of persons, places or things, a specific noun represents one item within a category. The more details used to describe a noun, the easier it is to envision it—and to experience it.

Here are a few general nouns followed by specific nouns in the same category.

Nation: England, India, Namibia
Dog: poodle, Labrador, Chihuahua
Child: toddler, teenager, infant
Building: barn, skyscraper, chalet
Dinner: lasagna, ribs, trout

Each of these specific nouns creates a detailed image that the reader can see and possibly hear, smell, feel or taste. They also evoke memories, dreams and emotions. When you use them, you enrich your writing and the reader’s experience.

Here are some simple steps to help you improve your writing with specific nouns.
1. Scan through your draft and circle each noun (person, place or thing).
2. Read your draft out loud and when you come to a noun, envision the image you intended.
3. Ask yourself, does this noun show what I, the writer, see in my mind’s eye?
4. If it does, great. If not, ask yourself, what nouns could I use? Make a list.
5. Say each of the nouns in your list out loud. Which one best describes what you see in your mind’s eye?
6. When you have a selected a specific noun, read the sentence using it and ask yourself, is this the best noun I can choose?
7. Continue this process until you feel comfortable with your choice.

Remember, the goal is to both provide the reader a rewarding experience and get your writing out into the world. Do this exercise purposefully, but avoid falling into the perfection trap. When you sense you have chosen the best specific noun at this time, stop doing the exercise.

The act of doing this simple exercise helps you clarify what you want the reader to experience and which specific nouns describe it effectively. As your writing becomes more descriptive, it becomes more engaging and informative. Both you and the reader benefit!

Improve Your Writing With Specific Action Verbs

General verbs like see, walk and run have their place in preschool books. But after that, they lose their effectiveness.

When you write, use verbs that describe the specific action that is happening. General verbs like walk require each reader to interpret what the action looks like. In contrast, specific action verbs help your readers envision the action that you—the writer—want them to see. You create and control the mood, tone, pulse and rhythm of your writing simply with the verbs you choose.

For example, read through the following sentences:
      Mary skipped into the store.
      Mary shuffled into the store.
      Mary strutted into the store.
     
Each sentence evokes a different image. By changing only one word—the verb—the action dramatically changes. Your prose comes alive! When Mary skips, your readers see her skipping. As a result, you exert more control over your reader’s experience. And your reader finds the writing more engaging.

Here are some simple steps to help you ensure you use specific action verbs.
1. As you read through your draft, circle each verb.
2. Read your draft out loud and when you come to a verb, envision the action you intended.
3. Ask yourself, does this verb show what I, the writer, see in my mind’s eye?
4. If it does, great. If not, ask yourself, what verbs could I use? Then make a list of the best ones.
5. Read the sentence using each of the verbs. Which verb most closely portrays what you see in your mind’s eye?
6. When you have selected a verb, read the sentence using this verb and ask yourself, is this the best verb I can choose?
7. Continue this process until you feel you've made a great choice.

Remember, this is not about perfection. If you search for the "perfect" verb, your writing will never make it into the world. However, when you go through this simple exercise, you will spice up your writing and increase your reader’s appreciation of what you have written. 

Writing from Source - Review of Inaugual Day Sessions

What do you call the power within you? I use the all-encompassing word "Source"  -- hence the name for the writing process I use to tap into it, Writing from Source.

During the inaugural day of the Writing from Source free teleseminar series (November 16), participants shared what they call their power and where they "feel" that power in their bodies.

Some of those names were Instinct, Inner Guide and Strength. Not everyone had a clear sense of where their power resides in their body. But several people felt their power in their heart area. Where is your power located in your body? 

Would you like to tap into your power for guidance and solutions? Come join the Survive the Holidays free Writing from Source teleseminar series every Tuesday. The sessions are complimentary. All you need to do is REGISTER.

Get Guidance and Reveal Solutions By Writing from Source

A power rests within each of us. When we tap into this power, answers to our questions and solutions to our problems become revealed. I use writing to tap into this power.

Through my years of journaling, I have called this power by different names. Intuition. Muse. Inner Voice. Inner Guide The Universe. Spirit. God. Creative Genius.  You may call your power by yet another name.  

The word that I find all-encompassing is Source. When I am tapping into the power within me through writing, I call that process Writing from Source. And it’s amazing!

While writing from source, I use a variety of approaches. Sometimes I converse with Source. Other times I follow prescribed exercises to reveal insights that lead to guidance, understanding and solutions.  Whatever the approach, Writing from Source always brings me peace of mind.

During this holiday season, I am sharing Writing from Source with all who care to discover its benefits through a free teleseminar series. This is a time of year when so many of us face challenging situations around money, loss, melancholy, relationships and obligations. You can get guidance on how to move through these issues through Writing from Source.

Come join me on Tuesdays November 16 through December 28 and Survive the Angst, Stress and Sadness of the Holiday Season with the Guidance and Solutions Revealed When Writing from Source.  Attend all the Tuesdays you can.

Register today and get all the details!

Writer's Block Is A Cop-out!

Writers have bemoaned writer's block for decades. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines writer's block as "a psychological inhibition preventing a writer from proceeding with a piece."

I say writer's block is cop-out. It is simply an excuse for resisting the creative process at hand. Yes, we can stall out. Yes, our creative juices can run dry. Yes, fears and thoughts of "not being good enough" can stop us dead in our tracks. But we can choose whether we give into these obstacles or take action to move beyond them. 

The key is to move! Go for a walk. Do a puzzle. Play some music. Dance. Motion shakes things up, stirs new thoughts, taps into other perspectives. It gives your creativity a chance to play.

Then sit back down and write! Write everything and anything that pops into your head. Eventually the words will lead back to the writing you were engaged in. And your creativity will flow once again. 

You can wallow in the victim's role of writer's block. Or you can embrace writing fears and obstacles as messages to take a break, let your creativity play and then get back into writing.

Make Your Writing Process Easier: Part 3

Before creating any piece of writing, ask yourself the question, Who am I writing this for? Who is my ideal reader? The answer creates clarity that makes your writing flow with ease. The answer gives your writing focus. And it helps you speak directly to your readers with words, tone and style that resonate with them.

If you write without identifying your ideal reader, you are writing in a vacuum. You’re talking to yourself. And your writing won’t appeal to anyone except you. Of course, that’s fine if you don’t want anybody else to read it. For example, when I write in my journal, my writing is for me and no one else. I don’t want anyone else to read it. In fact, I would tear the journal out of their hands if I caught them reading it!

To identify your ideal reader, ask yourself who in your life represents the type of person you want to read your novel, essay or how to book. If you can come up with one person, great! If not, think in terms of gender, age range, values, concerns, likes and dislikes, outlook on life, and social and economic status. What’s most important to them? What makes them happy? What makes them mad?

Identifying your ideal reader can be challenging. At first, all you may see is a gray, amorphous blob. Keep looking for specifics. Then create a composite ideal reader. For example, your ideal reader could be working mothers seeking information on how to balance work and family. This ideal reader could be more specific, such as working mothers of toddlers or working mothers of teenagers.

Many writers get concerned that by identifying their ideal reader, they are excluding others who may be attracted to their work. Don’t worry. You’re not excluding them. They’ll find you if your writing resonates with them. But if you don’t identify your ideal reader and try to appeal to everyone, you’ll end up with bland, watered down writing. Your work will lack a distinctive tone, style and voice.  

After you have identified your ideal reader, direct your writing to them. Write as if you are talking with them over a cup of coffee. Do this and you’ll discover how much easier it is to write simply because you know who you’re writing for.

Now that you have answered all three questions — Why, What and Who — you have a solid foundation to launch your writing process and guide you to completion.

Make Your Writing Process Easier - Part 2

When someone asks you what the book or short story or article you're writing is about, can you tell them in a couple of short sentences? Can you say it in words they'll easily understand? (In other words, without using jargon or words you've coined for your story?)

No? Then you are missing another key piece of the foundation for your writing project. That key piece is your theme — your core message.

Stating your theme, or core message, in under 50 words gives you clarity. It provides you with a compass to guide your writing. When you can't describe your theme succinctly, it's easy to meander and take detours that muddle your writing. Having a theme keeps your writing focused so that each word, each point you make, each word propels the story forward and keeps the reader engaged.

To identify your theme, ask yourself this question: What? What am I writing about? Keep your description short — just a couple of sentences, under 50 words. And describe it in simple language you would use at a party or networking event. Then try it out on a trusted friend or associate. Do they get it?

In Part 3, we'll focus on the question, Who? When you answer all three questions — Why, What and Who — you will have a solid foundation to launch your writing process and guide you to completion.

Make Your Writing Process Easier: Part 1

Are you getting overwhelmed with your writing project? Chances are you left out a key piece in the writing process. But take heart — it's never too late.  

What's missing? The foundation to support your writing project. Your answers to three basic questions will build that foundation. The more thoroughly you answer them, the stronger your foundation will be.  

The questions are simple. Why? What? Who?
But only you know the answers.

Why?  Why are you writing this book, story or special report? Your answer will probably vary from one writing project to another. Why are you writing this one? Are you writing it to heighten your professional credibility? For a contest, publication, assignment? To chronicle your family history?

When you answer this question Why, be as thorough as possible. For example, if you are writing an article for a contest, what are all the reasons behind your decision to enter the contest. After you list those reasons, explore your Why even further with some more questions. For example, how will you feel after you submit your work? How will you feel if your entry wins an award? The more compelling your Why, the more you'll feel motivated to start writing and keep writing. 

Take time now to answer the question Why? 

In future posts, Part 2 will explore the question What? And Part 3 will explore the question Who?

When you answers the three questions Why, What and Who, you will have a solid foundation to launch your writing process and guide you to completion.

Instead of struggling, you can experience the joy of being in the flow!

There Is = Lazy Writing

When I see "there is" and "there are" in an article, I want to throttle the writer for being lazy. Yes,coming up with a descriptive noun and an active verb often requires extra thought and creativity. But that’s what good writers are supposed to do.

Take a look at how just a few changes give these sentences more life.

- There’s a show at ABC Theater for all tastes.
Whatever your taste, ABC Theater has a show for you.

- There’s always something exciting going on in Our Town.
Something exciting is always going on in Our Town.

- There are numerous self-guided trails to enjoy the spectacular views of the lake.
Numerous self-guided trails lead to spectacular views of the lake.

If you catch yourself using "there is" or "there are," ask yourself, what noun can replace "there" and what verb can replace "is" or "are." Do that and your writing instantly improves. And you become an active instead of a lazy writer.

Write Now! Early Registation Ends June 25th

Get sizzling summer savings now for five weeks of group instruction, coaching and discussion.

Early registration savings for Write Now! Jump Start Your Writing Project ends midnight tomorrow, Friday June 25th. Sign up today on the Group Coaching page.

All sessions are conducted by phone so you won’t even need to leave home. Classes run Tuesday evenings, July 13 to August 10.

Just think how wonderful you’ll feel at the end of the summer when your writing project is zooming forward -- or even completed!

3 Ways to Make Writing Easier For You

Writing doesn’t have to be a struggle, but all too often it is.  

The culprit? Starting to write before anchoring the process by answering these basic questions. 

• Why are you writing this essay, novel or how-to book?  Are you writing it for a contest, publication, assignment? To chronicle your family history? To heighten your professional credibility? To express your opinion about a topic dear to you? The more you understand your "why" and the more compelling your “why,” the easier it is to start and keep writing. 

• What are you writing about? Can you describe your theme in 25 to 50 words?  These few words serve as a helpful guide, especially if you get stuck or off track.  

• Who is the ideal reader? When you can envision your ideal reader, you can write as though speaking directly to him or her. The words start to flow naturally. 

Taking time upfront to answer the questions “why, what and who” will give you a solid base for launching your writing process and guiding you to completion. Instead of struggling, you may even find yourself experiencing the sheer joy of being in the flow!    

Power Your Writing With Dynamic Verbs

Verbs — run, talk, sleep — drive a story forward. They describe actions. The more specific the verb, the more your reader can see the story you're telling.

For example, "run" is a general verb which creates any number of images. What do you see when you read this sentence?  The girl ran down the street.

Let's see what happens when we choose specific verbs, like these:
The girl skipped down the street.
The girl dashed down the street.
The girl sauntered down the street.

Verb choice makes a huge difference in the mood and energy of the image, doesn't it. The more specific your verb selections, the more control you, the writer, have over the image your reader sees.

See what specific verbs you can use instead of "talk" and "sleep."

How about chatter, gossip, whisper ...

And snooze, doze...

Go ahead. Give it a try!

Act Now to Propel Your Writing Project To Joyful Completion

The 1:1 Writing Program With Rose is now accepting registrations for June start dates.

Is your story, essay, memoir or other piece of writing screaming to get out of your mind and onto paper? Did you start a project and lose your momentum mid-stream?  

Give it life and get it done!

The guidance and support provided through the five-week 1:1 Writing Program With Rose helps renew your focus, confidence and enthusiasm for writing and completing your project.

For details and to register, visit the Private Coaching page.

Its Magic - It's Magic!

Every writing contest judge, editor and instructor has a grammatical pet peeve. And so do readers. Mine is the misuse of "it is" and "it's." It's bad enough when I see their misuse in email and other casual communications. But when a reportedly professional publication misuses them, I cringe! It's enough to make me quit reading. I catch myself thinking, "If they can't get this right, how valid are their facts?"

If its and it's confuse you, here's an easy way to test which is correct.

• If you can replace the letters i-t-s with "it is," use it's, which is the contraction for "it is." For example: The liquid removes the stain immediately. It's magic!  (It is magic.)
• If you cannot replace the word with "it is," use its, which is a possessive pronoun. For example: The liquid removes the stain immediately. Its magic comes from a secret ingredient. Would it make sense to say "It is magic comes from a secret ingredient"? No. In this example, "its" is a possessive pronoun referring to the liquid. Instead of saying, "The liquid's magic comes from a secret ingredient," you can say, "Its magic comes from a secret ingredient."

The test: If you can replace the letters i-t-s with "it is," use "it's." If you can't, use "its." 

And never, ever use its'. The writing gods will have a hissy fit!

What Color IS Green?

As I look at the leafing trees on the Ozark Mountains, I'm struck by the question, "What color is green?" The slopes sport a full range of hues, from the palest, softest greens to the deepest, most vibrant ones.

A major challenge of descriptive writing is selecting the precise adjective to use. It needs to show the reader what's in the writer's mind. If I write "green," each reader will see what the color green looks like to her. But if I write "lime green," most readers will see green that is the color of a lime.

For a general audience, I like to choose words that most readers will identify with. For example: celery green, emerald green, forest green, iridescent green and so on.

Despite the wide selection of words available, when I look at all the beautiful shades of green as spring unfolds in the Ozarks, I'm at a loss for adequate descriptive adjectives. What color IS green?

What's Your Wacky Word?

Wacky words are words that thrive in our vocabulary but don't exist in the dictionary. Or if they do, we use them incorrectly.

No matter how many books we've read, how many classes we've attended or how many stories we've written, we all have a wacky word. They live independent lives, undetected by us. Rarely do people discover them on their own. We only find out about our wacky word when someone else notices it — and is willing to tell us.

My wacky word was foilage. I had no idea it ran rampant in my vocabulary until a guy I was dating pointed it out to me. I was lucky because I found out from a friend instead of from an editor or a client. And he was gentle about correcting me. He joked, "You've got foil on your mind from working all those years for the Aluminum Company of America."

That conversation is etched in my mind — and I've pronounced and written foliage correctly ever since. If he hadn't told me, foilage would probably still be in my vocabulary. (Truth is, I still prefer the sound of foilage.) I wonder how many other wacky words I have? I'll have to get bold and ask.

What's YOUR wacky word?

Why Bother To Have A Coach?

When I first heard about coaching 10 years ago, I wondered why all the buzz? Why would I pay someone to do what I ought to be able to do for myself?

I soon discovered why when I won a series of free sessions at a conference. I remember being awestruck time and again by my responses to exercises and questions. Many times words like these tumbled out of my mouth: “I didn’t realize how important that (goal, thing, person) is to me!”

Since discovering the value of coaching during that initial experience, I have regularly signed on for 1:1 and group coaching for different personal and professional goals.

Now, I also coach. My clients are writers. During each 5-week series, I have watched their writing creativity and expertise notably improve, even soar. As a coach, I facilitate their progress, but it’s their commitment to their intentions, goals and dreams that makes it happen.

Here are some of the benefits I have personally experienced by having a coach:

• Accountability to someone else to meet my personally-scheduled deadlines
• A nonjudgmental, compassionate listener
• Giving “voice” to my goals by stating them out loud to another person
• Being able to ask “dumb” questions without feeling embarrassed
• Valuing my professional growth by investing in it
• 1:1 access to the knowledge and expertise of a professional

What has been your experience with coaching? I’d love to know. If you have questions about coaching, send them my way. I’ll do my best to answer them. (You can send your comments and questions below.)