Gabriela Pereira of DIYMFA talks about her belief that you don’t go to a workshop, you workshop writing and what that looks like in her DIYMFA community.
::LINKS::
Gabriela Pereira and DIYMFA Pt. 1 Plus a writing prompt from Caroline Kim
How is writing like a martial art or a Montesorri school? Find out in my interview with DIYMFA’s Gabriela Pereira
And stay tuned for my thoughts on Caroline Kim’s prompt for the StoryADay Challenge
::Links::
Keep Writing Until It Gets Weird
Going from week 2 to week 3 of the challenge, something wonderful happens…things start to get weird, and it becomes about ‘getting it done’ not ‘making it good’. And that is a gift.
::LINKS::
This week’s writing prompt, from Roxane Gay: https://storyaday.org/2021-day-07
The 3 Day Challenge: https://storyaday.org/3dc
StoryADay Sept Week 1
What are you learning about writing in this, week 1, of the StoryADay September challenge, 2021?
Let’s talk…
PLUS my extended notes on last week’s writing prompt from award-winning writer Fran Wilde.
::LINKS::
Join the Challenge+ https://stada.me/challengeplus
Fran Wilde Prompt: https://storyaday.org/2021-day-01
3-Day Challenge: https://storyaday.org/3dc
Who do you think you are?
There are so many easy excuses for not writing, not taking part in challenges, not joining groups…even when we know they’d help. In this episode I encourage you to dismantle those excuses and let yourself be a happy writer, instead.
::LINKS::
StoryADay Superstars: https://members.storyaday.org/join-superstars
Writing prompt: https://storyaday.org/wow-extra-help
StoryADay September sign up: https://storyaday.org/signup
Other Writers’ Brains plus a writing prompt from Premee Mohamed
Writing can be a solitary act, but being a writer can’t be. In this episode I celebrate all the knowledge we have at our fingertips AND the generosity of writers.
Includes a writing prompt from writer Premee Mohamed.
::LINKS::
Premee Mohamed’s Writing Prompt (Text) https://storyaday.org/20-mohamed/
Buy Premee Mohamed’s books: https://stada.me/racpremee
Join me at a 5-Day Retreat in Pennsylvania: https://stada.me/5day2021
6 Ways Writing Prompts Help Your Writing
If you’re serious about your writing, doesn’t it seem like you should be working on your novel or the story-you-want-to-get-published rather than messing about with writing prompts?
Respectfully, no.
Using writing prompts has many benefits, if you’re getting good prompts and you know how to use them.
:LINKS:
Writing prompts: https://storyaday.org/category/inspiration/writing-prompts/
The 3-Day Challenge: https://storyaday.org/3dc
A Tale of Two Simones
If Simone Biles can get Gymnast’s Block, and Simone Manuel can get Swimmer’s Block, can we stop staying Writer’s Block isn’t real?
In this episode I talk about performance, confidence, skills and why we need to start being kind to ourselves.
Also includes a writing prompt that puts your character in an uncomfortable situation.
:LINKS:
John Burns Murdoch’s Tweet Thread: https://twitter.com/jburnmurdoch/status/1420026131604979719
Babies belly-laughing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L49VXZwfup8
Animal friendships: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7c0CyjhwtGg
Jack of All Trades?
What are you working on right now, and how do you work? Do you flit between projects or knuckle down and master each skill? That’s what I’m talking about this week on the podcast.
Also, I talk a little about the new Kindle Vella project…
::LINKS::
My latest column at WriterUnboxed: https://stada.me/wu8
A Writing Life
This week I talk about a concept you either love or hate: consistency. If you’re a hater (like I was) I’m here with some new ways for you to think about consistency that will contribute to that beloved word: progress.
::LINKS::
Join the I, WRITER Course: https://stada.me/iwriter
Mid Year Review
This week I encourage you to look at your writing plans for this year and revise your goals. I also talk about putting some structure into your writing life in order to make it easier to get to the fun parts!
This week’s writing prompt is all about character.
::LINKS::
Annual planning documents: https://storyaday.org/annualplan
Your Writing Life Series: https://stada.me/writinglifeclass
Gone Fishin’
The podcast is taking a brief vacation this week but you can find a directory of hundreds of episodes here.
Work With What You’ve Learned About Your Writing
This week I share some lessons learned by the StoryADay Superstars ranging from process and habit lessons to lessons about writing topics and techniques.
Continue reading “Work With What You’ve Learned About Your Writing”Give Yourself A Break
It may seem strange after telling you to write a story a day but I think you should slow down and start thinking about maximums. What is a reasonable amount for you to write every day that you can sustain day after day? Why does this matter?
:LINKS:
Greg McKeown’s book “Effortless” – http://stada.me/effortless
Writing Prompt: https://storyaday.org/wow-big-desire/
Shiny Objects Lesson: https://storyaday.org/shiny-objects/
StoryADay 3-Day Challenge: https://storyaday.org/3dc
What To Write Next
Part II of the StoryADay debrief process, which helps you assess what you learned during the challenge and what to focus on next. This process is useful after any big writing project or push, so don’t skip this episode, even if you didn’t take part in the StoryADay Challenge
::LINKS::
Comment on this episode here: https://storyaday.org/episode211
Get a printable version of these questions: https://storyaday.org/debrief
Last week’s episode: https://storyaday.org/episode210
Refining The Process
After the challenge it’s useful to capture all the lessons you learned. In this podcast I take you through an exercise for doing that, and give you the Challenge Plus version of today’s writing prompt.
::LINKS::
Need a little more support as you transition out of the challenge month?
Try the 3-Day Challenge. Prompts, videos, short story lessons: https://storyaday.org/3DC
The Stories We Resist
Lessons from StoryADay 2021, including what happens when we keep working through the resistance…
Working with Writing Prompts
How to keep going as we enter Week 2 of the StoryADay May challenge (hint: it’s about purpose); and how to work with writing prompts.
::Links::
Writing Prompt (The Bridge): https://storyaday.org/2021-day-01
Writing Prompt (A Happy Story): https://storyaday.org/2021-day-07
Writing Prompt (Scenario): https://storyaday.org/2021-day-08
Story: The PILGRIM’s Guide To Mars by Monique Cuillerier: https://www.diabolicalplots.com/dp-fiction-75a-the-pilgrims-guide-to-mars-by-monique-cuillerier/
StoryADay Has Begun. Let’s Talk About Perfectionism
Perfectionism is a creativity killer, and today and I’m talking about how StoryADay May can help you find a way forward.
LINKS
The Challenge: https://storyaday.org
The Challenge+ (even more support): https://members.storyaday.org/join-challenge-plus
Community
Writing can be a solitary activity. I made the argument that ‘being a writer’ is awfully hard to do, alone.
If you haven’t found your writing community yet, consider joining ours!
LINKS
Preparing for a Successful StoryADay May 2021
Is this the year you transform yourself into a writer? Thinking about participating in StoryADay May? I have tips, tricks, and behind-the-scenes info from the 12th annual StoryADay May. Make sure you’re signed up:
::LINKS::
Sign up for The Writer Code Masterclass
Be A Best Seller Summit with Emma Dhesi – http://stada.me/emma
Reading Room: http://stada.me/read
The WRITER Code 2021 Edition
Do you see structure as freeing or stifling? I talk about that and the upcoming free WRITER Code masterclass (2021 edition) in this week’s show along with a brief flash fiction writing prompt
LINKS
Are you taking the StoryADay May challenge this year? Sign up now:
Writing prompt:
Mind the GAP
There is a danger zone between our aspirations and the moment when our writing practice begins to click. You can navigate it safely if you Mind the GAP.
Also: My ShortLIST for figuring out which courses and events to sign up for in the always-crowded summer of Writing Conferences and Festivals.
It’s an acronym-heavy episode this week, but it’s all here to help you become the writer you know you’re meant to be.
Continue reading “Mind the GAP”Author Websites with Nancy Fields
To engage with your audience there’s no tool quite like an author website. Even if your social media presence is strong, it pays to have your own home on the web, and this week Nancy Fields of Fields Graphic Design is here to talk us through everything from how to set up a site, to what to put on each page.
::LINKS::
Nancy’s site: https://fieldsgraphicdesign.com
Writing Prompt: https://storyaday.org/wow-taste
Bluehost: Julie’s Referral link (current offer: from $2.95/month)
Engage with Focus
This week I invite you to think about why you do the things you do in your writing life…and how you can make some quick changes that yield big improvements.
::LINKS::
Leave a comment: https://storyaday.org/episode202
Get the 202-episode Podcast Table of Contents: https://storyaday.org/podcastlist
Should You Buy The Next Book/Course Flowchart: https://storyaday.org/shiny-objects/
Writing Prompt: https://storyaday.org/wow-sound
Do You Really Need Feedback On Your Writing?
One of the first questions people ask me, as new writers, is “how can I get some feedback on my writing”. In this episode I argue that might be the wrong question…
Also: a writing prompt about one of the senses.
::LINKS::
Get the critique group primer: https://stada.me/vulnerable
Writing Prompt: https://storyaday.org/wow-smell
The Power of Persistence – 200th Episode Celebration
I look back on 200 episodes of this podcast and pull out lessons for every creative person and endeavor.
Plus, a writing prompt with a pep talk.
::LINKS::
Podcast On-Demand Table of Contents – get it now
Craft In the Real World, an Interview with Matthew Salesses
Matthew Salesses is the author of three novels — one written in Flash Fiction — and the writing handbook “Craft In The Real World”. In this episode we talk about writing rules, audience, how to give and receive feedback and what it was like to write a flash fiction novel.
Photo credit: Grace Salesses
198 – The Practice by Seth Godin
When Seth Godin talks about creative work, I listen.
This week I talk about his new book “The Practice” and how we can rethink and build up our own creative practices.
Also: if you’re on the Clubhouse audio social app, you can follow me @julieduffy and join me at 4PM (Eastern US) every day next week for a creativity boost.
Links:
Comment on the questions in this episode: https://storyaday.org/episode198
The Practice at Amazon.com (not an affiliate link): http://stada.me/GodinPractice
This week’s Writing Prompt: https://storyaday.org/ow-achieve
197 – Your Writing Legacy
In this episode I pay tribute to my writing buddy Tony Conaway; talk about Creative Wills; and organizing your writing archives and processes.
::Links::
Creative Will – http://stada.me/will
Your Organizing Tips – http://stada.me/organize
Tony’s Tips for Revising: http://stada.me/tonyrevision
A Writing Prompt: http://stada.me/tonyprompt
196 – Narrative With Dr. Julie Helmrich
Why the story we tell ourselves is the most important we’ll ever tell…and the impact it has on our ability to manage our inner critic, imposter syndrome and to get our work done.
Dr. Julie Helmrich, psychologist and founder of Iron Psych specializes in change fluency and narrative, and is my guest this week, talking about psychological fitness for writers.
Links:
Dr. Helmrich’s site: https://juliehelmrich.com/
Writing prompt: https://storyaday.org/wow-customs