Over the past year we’ve talked about where story ideas come from, letting your book cook, dialogue, and how no one cares about your story. There’s one piece of advice that stands above the rest, which is why I’ve saved it for the last post.

Whose permission are you waiting for? A parent? A spouse? A teacher? An agent? If you’re seeking permission from one person, you have to realize there are 100 others who wouldn’t approve. So, what do you so?

Ever since I started reading seriously, in the last ten years or so, I’ve been interested in poetry. I love the way every word has to be perfect. I love that it has so many different uses. But, I often found it to be mostly inaccessible. 

I love encouraging writers, especially those just getting started. One of the most common roadblocks I hear from new authors comes from a lack of confidence.

I’ve found the key to being productive is to stagger your projects. 

I’ve tried a lot of productivity apps to help me write my stories. There are a ton great tools out there, but I’ve found Asana to be the best for me.

I’ve had a blast writing these weekly posts. They have opened up conversations with other authors, challenged me to think through some of these things more thoroughly, and haven’t interferes with my writing time. 

Let’s start with this; you can’t do this stage alone, but it starts with you. Also, the timing of this step is fluid. 

Let’s start with this; you can’t do this stage alone, but it starts with you. Also, the timing of this step is fluid. 

I love every step of the creative process, but this third step, Insight, or the Aha! moment, is a fun one. Let’s talk about what this step is, and then I’ll share why I enjoy it so much.