“I’m dying for a break,” said my client Tim, the chief physician of adult and family medicine at a large health care system. “But even when I try to take a single weekend off, I can’t seem to go more than a few hours without opening my work email. Logically I know I don’t have to — and I don’t really want to — but I feel compelled to check. To be honest, I become restless and insecure if I don’t.”

“I thought that when I finally secured funding and launched this business I’d be content,” said Samantha, an entrepreneur at a fast-growing technology company. “But I was wrong. And I’m a bit worried that if this isn’t enough, I’m not sure what will be.”

“I’ve long felt the pull of distraction and I’ve long had a tendency to overthink things,” explained Ben, the CEO of a large software company. “Yet it feels intensified now. Like hyper-distraction. It’s harder than ever to be present. I can deal with it; but I don’t like it.”

“I cannot stop obsessing about getting my book published by a major house,” bemoans my friend Ben. “I wish I could, but it’s become this nagging force pulling on my self-esteem.”

Here’s my other friend, Sarah: “I thought that once I got published by a major house I’d be satisfied. But it turns out, now I spend all that time thinking about hitting a major bestseller list. And on social media. And on all these other sources of stimulation that are not writing.”

How to stay grounded in the face of heroic individualism

Everyone wants to be successful. But few people take the time and energy to define the success they want. As a result, they spend most, if not all, of their lives chasing what society superimposes on them as success. Examples include a bigger house, a faster car, a more prestigious position, greater relevance on the internet, and so on. Yet, even if someone finally attains these so-called successes, they are often left wanting.

Many men describe an ever-present pressure, a cumbersome need to be bulletproof, invincible. Many women report feeling like they must be everything always, continually falling short of impossible expectations. I’ve come to call this heroic individualism: an ongoing game of one-upmanship, against both self and others, paired with the limiting belief that measurable achievement is the only arbiter of success. Even if you do a good job hiding it on the outside, with heroic individualism you chronically feel like you never quite reach the finish line that is lasting fulfillment.

Long before heroic individualism, in ancient eastern psychology there was a concept known as the hungry ghost. The hungry ghost has an endless stomach. He keeps on eating, stuffing himself sick, but he never feels full. It’s a severe disorder. And it is one that too many people are still suffering from, as evidenced by skyrocketing rates of anxiety, loneliness, depression, burnout, and substance abuse.

It’s none of our faults, per se. After all, the survival of a consumerist economy, like the one most of us live in, depends on the creation of hungry ghosts and heroic individuals: people who feel like they never have enough, always on the lookout for more, trying to fill emptiness with stuff and outward achievement, on a treadmill that keeps spinning round and round. But you, me — all of us — can choose to opt out of this game. You just have to know how.

Enter: groundedness, a transformative path to success that feeds — not crushes — your soul

Groundedness is internal strength and self-confidence that sustains you through ups and downs. It is a deep reservoir of integrity and fortitude, of wholeness, out of which lasting performance, well-being, and fulfillment emerge.

Groundedness does not eliminate passion, productivity, or all forms of striving and ambition. Instead, it is about ditching an omnipresent and frantic anxiety to begin living in alignment with your innermost values, pursuing your interests, and expressing your authentic self in the here and now.

When you are grounded there is no need to look up or down. You are where you are, and you hold true strength and power from that position. Your success, and the way in which you pursue it, becomes more enduring and robust. You gain the confidence to opt out of the consumer-driven rat-race that leaves you feeling like you are never enough. And, you get much better as a writer—because you can focus on the craft itself, not all the stuff surrounding it.

How to stay grounded: 6 principles of groundedness for writers

The concept of groundedness is the result of the last five years I’ve spent coaching, researching, and reporting for my own book, The Practice of Groundedness: A Transformative Path to Success That Feeds — Not Crushes — Your Soul. It is drawn from both the latest research in psychology, neuroscience, and sociology, as well as age-old teachings from Buddhism, Taoism, and Stoicism. It offers six principles as a roadmap to a different kind and better kind of success. 

As you’ll see below, each of these principles is especially important for writers. 

Accept where you are to get you where you want to go

Seeing clearly, accepting, and starting where you are. Not where you want to be. Not where you think you should be. Not where others think you should be. But where you are. You can’t work on something in a meaningful way if you refuse to accept that the thing is happening to begin with. You don’t have to like what is happening, but you have to accept it.

Many writers fall into the trap of wishing they had this deal or that deal, that they got their work accepted by this publication or that one. As a result, we tend to engage in a lot of wishful thinking. This wishful thinking often gets in the way of the writing itself. Acceptance means focusing on the work, even if you don’t already have publishing glory lined up. After all, there is no publishing glory without doing the butt-in-the-chair work. If you are struggling to get started, remember: you don’t need to feel good to get going, you need to get going to give yourself a chance at feeling good.

Be present so you can own your attention and energy

Being present, both physically and mentally, for what is in front of you. Spending more time fully in this life, not in thoughts about the past or future. Distraction is tempting — perhaps for some, even addicting — but the research is clear: happiness, well-being, and peak performance emerge from full engagement in what you are doing.

Writers, take note: do not rely on your willpower to overcome distraction. Schedule time to write, and during that time, keep your phone in another room, close your Internet browser, turn off your email client. If that’s not enough, consider buying a cheap computer with no internet connection, and use it only for writing (something I’ve done before when struggling with distraction).

Be patient and you’ll get there faster

Giving things time and space to unfold. Not trying to escape life by moving at warp speed. Not expecting instant results and then quitting when they don’t occur. Realizing that we often do things quickly — not better, but quickly — to gain time. But what is the point if in the time we gain we just do more things quickly? I have yet to meet someone who wants their headstone to read, “They rushed.”

Let the process unfold. This often means stopping a bit short today so you can pick up in a good rhythm tomorrow. Ernest Hemingway was known for forcing—that’s right, forcing—himself to stop working when he was still in a groove so he could resume from that place the next morning. There is nothing wrong with a marathon session; but don’t make it a habit. Consistency compounds. Small steps—or in this case, sentences—taken every day compound into something big.

Embrace vulnerability to develop genuine strength and confidence

Being real with yourself and with others, at work and in life. Eliminating cognitive dissonance, the inner turmoil and distress that arises when too much of your outward life is performative, when there is too wide a gap between what the sociologist Erving Goffman called your “front stage” and “back stage” selves.

Don’t be scared to take big swings and to put your heart on the page. Writing that feels the most vulnerable is also writing that resonates the most with other people. Why? Because everyone is going through something always. What feels unique to you rarely is. Research shows the more vulnerable we are, the more connected to other people we become. This is every bit as true on the page as it is off of it. This is how to stay grounded.

Build deep community

Nurturing genuine connection and belonging. Building supportive spaces in which individuals can hold each other through ups and downs. Prioritizing not just productivity, but people too. Remembering that on our deathbed we are less likely to harp on the gold-medal, promotion to regional vice president, bestseller, or any other outward achievement, and more likely to savor the bonds and relationships we forged along the way.

The best way to get better at any craft, including writing, is to surround yourself wisely. Connect with other writers. Share you work. Brainstorm together. The title and the sub-title of The Practice of Groundedness both came from conversations with other writer friends. 

Move your body to ground your mind 

Regularly moving your body so that you fully inhabit it, connect it to your mind, and as a result become more situated wherever you are. This doesn’t mean you have to be an athlete. It just means to make movement a part of your life, even if only in some small way.

Study after study shows that the single best way to enhance creativity is to move your body. I consider exercise a part of my job as a professional writer. At least 60 percent of my best ideas have come while on the trail. Even though it can feel like you are sacrificing precious writing time to exercise, it’s actually the opposite that is true. By moving your body, you are bolstering what you bring to the table during your precious writing time.

Brad Stulberg’s book, upon which this story is based, The Practice of Groundedness: A Transformative Path to Success that Feeds — Not Crushes — Your Soul, is available on Amazon.

Whether you’re a writer, artist, or any creative professional, mastering the art of networking can open doors to collaborations, insights, and pathways that were previously out of reach.

This article will guide you through the top networking books that offer valuable techniques and insights tailored specifically for creatives like you.

How to apply ideas from the best networking books

To truly benefit from these networking books, you must move beyond reading to action.

Start by setting clear networking goals: What do you wish to achieve? Who are the key people in your field you need to connect with?

Incorporate one new strategy into your routine each week, whether it’s reaching out to a new contact, attending a networking event, or simply engaging more on professional social media platforms.

Keep a journal of your networking activities and outcomes to monitor your progress and refine your approach.

1 – Never Eat Alone – Keith Ferrazzi

This book emphasizes that networking should be a constant, ongoing process, not a means to an end. Ferrazzi introduces the idea of turning solitary meals into networking opportunities. To implement these ideas, consider joining groups or forums that meet regularly, where eating together fosters an informal atmosphere conducive to forming deeper connections.

2 – How to Win Friends and Influence People – Dale Carnegie

Carnegie’s timeless advice focuses on understanding and influencing people, a crucial skill in any creative field. By learning to listen actively and showing genuine interest in others’ projects, you can develop meaningful relationships that go beyond superficial connections. Start applying these principles at industry workshops and seminars where you can practice and refine your interpersonal skills.

3 – The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference – Malcolm Gladwell

Gladwell discusses how small actions can create significant change, a concept that can be particularly powerful in building a personal brand. Apply these insights by focusing on how you can use social media to effectively share and promote your work. Engaging consistently and authentically can help you reach a tipping point where your audience starts to grow organically.

4 – Networking for People Who Hate Networking – Devora Zack

Zack offers strategies tailored for introverts, who often find traditional networking challenging. She suggests choosing environments that naturally facilitate deeper conversation, such as small gatherings or online groups that focus on specific interests. Start by attending smaller, more intimate events where you can have one-on-one conversations, which can be more comfortable and rewarding for introverts.

5 – Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion – Robert B. Cialdini

Cialdini’s book delves into the psychology behind why people say “yes” and how to apply these understandings as a creative professional. You can use these principles to enhance your persuasive skills, crucial when pitching ideas or seeking project collaborations. Try implementing one of Cialdini’s principles, such as reciprocity or commitment, by offering something valuable to your network before asking for something in return.

6 – The Connector’s Way: A Story About Building Business One Relationship at a Time – Patrick Galvin

Galvin illustrates through storytelling the importance of building genuine, long-lasting relationships in business. For creatives, this means focusing on quality over quantity in your connections. Apply this by nurturing a small number of key relationships within your industry, regularly checking in and offering help or resources without expecting immediate returns.

7 – Dig Your Well Before You’re Thirsty – Harvey Mackay

Mackay advises that the best time to network is before you need anything, by establishing a broad and deep network. As a creative, start attending diverse industry events and participating in forums outside your immediate field to broaden your perspective and connections. This proactive approach ensures you have a robust support network when you need guidance or opportunities.

8 – Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success – Adam Grant

Grant explores how success in today’s world is increasingly dependent on how we interact with others. He categorizes people into givers, takers, and matchers, and shows that givers—those who provide support to others without immediate personal gain—often achieve the most success. Reflect on this by volunteering your skills in community projects or mentorship programs, thereby building a reputation as a generous collaborator.

9 – Enchantment: The Art of Changing Hearts, Minds, and Actions – Guy Kawasaki

Kawasaki focuses on the power of personal charm in making changes and achieving goals. For creatives, enchantment can be about captivating your audience with your authenticity and passion. Apply Kawasaki’s techniques by enhancing your storytelling skills in your presentations or in the content you create, making sure they resonate on an emotional level with your audience.

10 – Superconnector: Stop Networking and Start Building Business Relationships that Matter – Scott Gerber & Ryan Paugh

Gerber and Paugh argue against traditional networking in favor of building meaningful relationships. They suggest using technology to manage your connections more intelligently. As a creative, use CRM tools to keep track of your contacts’ details, interests, and interactions, which can help personalize your communications and strengthen your relationships.

11 – The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters – Priya Parker

Parker offers a fresh approach to gathering that focuses on purposeful meetings. Creatives can apply these ideas by hosting or attending gatherings that are intentionally structured with clear objectives, such as feedback sessions, collaborative workshops, or thematic meetups that align with your creative goals.

12 – Making Connections: How to Network Effectively to Build Better Business Relationships – David Cotter

Cotter provides a step-by-step guide to effective networking, emphasizing strategic approaches to building and maintaining professional relationships. For creatives, this could involve setting specific networking goals for each event you attend, such as meeting potential collaborators or learning about new trends, and following up with new contacts within 24 hours to solidify the connection.

13 – Friend of a Friend: Understanding the Hidden Networks That Can Transform Your Life and Your Career – David Burkus

Burkus sheds light on the science of networks and explains how the existing relationships in our lives are instrumental in predicting our success. As a creative, leverage the friends of your friends by asking for introductions to individuals who could provide career guidance or collaborative opportunities. Begin by mapping out your network to identify potential connections that lie just one or two introductions away.

14 – The Networking Survival Guide: Get the Success You Want By Tapping Into the People You Know – Diane Darling

Darling offers practical advice for those who find networking intimidating. She breaks down the process into manageable steps. Creatives can apply this by starting with small, informal meetups rather than large-scale professional gatherings. This approach can help build confidence and gradually improve networking skills.

15 – Power Networking: 55 Secrets for Personal and Professional Success – Donna Fisher & Sandy Vilas

Fisher and Vilas provide concise, actionable tips that anyone can use to improve their networking skills. For creatives, this could mean focusing on developing a memorable personal brand or elevator pitch that communicates your unique skills and passions in a nutshell. Implement these tips at every opportunity to leave a lasting impression.

16 – Business Networking and Sex: Not What You Think – Ivan Misner, Hazel M. Walker, and Frank J. De Raffele Jr.

This book explores how gender affects networking strategies and outcomes. As a creative, understanding these dynamics can be crucial. Tailor your approach based on the audience and context to ensure effective communication and relationship building. For instance, emphasize collaboration over competition in mixed-gender networking situations to foster inclusivity.

17 – Networking Is Not Working: Stop Collecting Business Cards and Start Making Meaningful Connections – Derek Coburn

Coburn challenges conventional networking tactics and suggests a more strategic approach focused on deeper relationships rather than superficial contacts. Creatives should focus on fostering a few meaningful partnerships that provide mutual value over gathering a large number of loose connections. Prioritize quality over quantity by engaging more thoroughly with fewer people who align with your creative vision.

18 – The Introvert’s Edge to Networking: Work the Room. Leverage Social Media. Develop Powerful Connections – Matthew Pollard

Pollard offers tailored advice for introverts, who often struggle with traditional networking settings. As a creative introvert, use digital platforms to make initial contacts and then deepen those connections through one-on-one meetings in comfortable settings. Utilize social media and online forums to showcase your work and attract like-minded individuals.

19 – Click: Ten Truths for Building Extraordinary Relationships – George Fraser

Fraser emphasizes the emotional components of successful professional relationships, arguing that personal bonds can greatly enhance business opportunities. For creatives, this means investing time in getting to know your network personally. Share your passions and challenges and listen genuinely to theirs, which can lead to a stronger, more supportive network.

20 – Social Networking for Career Success – Miriam Salpeter

Salpeter highlights the importance of social media in modern networking, offering strategies to maximize online presence effectively. Creatives should focus on platforms where their work can shine, like Instagram for artists or Medium for writers. Use these platforms to not only display your work but also to engage directly with peers and potential mentors or collaborators.

21 – Little Black Book of Connections: 6.5 Assets for Networking Your Way to Rich Relationships – Jeffrey Gitomer

Gitomer presents networking as a vital asset to career success, emphasizing actionable advice to create and maintain valuable connections. For a creative, implementing Gitomer’s strategies might involve always being prepared with a well-crafted story about your projects or aspirations that you can share in any casual conversation, turning everyday encounters into networking opportunities.

22 – Mastering Online Meetings: 52 Tips to Engage Virtually and Build Influence – Michael Wilkinson

Wilkinson provides essential tips for navigating the increasingly common online meetings and virtual workspaces. Creatives should focus on mastering digital communication tools and techniques to present their ideas compellingly and professionally in virtual settings. Implement tips like maintaining eye contact through the camera and using engaging visuals to make your points more impactful.

23 – The 20-Minute Networking Meeting – Executive Edition: Learn to Network. Get a Job. – Nathan A. Perez and Marcia Ballinger

Perez and Ballinger boil down the essence of effective networking into concise, manageable meetings. Creatives can apply this streamlined approach by planning focused, time-efficient meetings with potential contacts, ensuring that both parties understand the purpose and desired outcome of the interaction, maximizing both relevance and respect for each other’s time.

24 – Connect: Building Exceptional Relationships with Family, Friends, and Colleagues – David L. Bradford and Carole Robin

Bradford and Robin, drawing from their experience at Stanford’s famed Interpersonal Dynamics course, offer insights into creating meaningful and lasting connections. Creatives should apply these principles by fostering transparency and vulnerability in professional relationships, which can lead to deeper connections and more collaborative opportunities.

25 – Networking for Dummies – Donna Fisher

This accessible guide demystifies networking for those who may feel overwhelmed by the concept. Creatives can take advantage of Fisher’s straightforward advice by starting with basic networking tasks and gradually advancing to more complex strategies, ensuring a solid foundation of networking skills that can grow and evolve.

26 – Networking Like a Pro: Turning Contacts into Connections – Ivan Misner, Brian Hilliard

Misner and Hilliard provide a step-by-step guide to transforming casual contacts into solid professional connections. For creatives, this involves regular follow-ups, sharing useful information or opportunities, and consistently showing genuine interest in the growth and success of their contacts.

Are you ready to take action on ideas from the best books about networking?

The books featured in this guide offer a comprehensive look at networking from various angles, each providing unique strategies tailored to enhancing your professional connections.

As a creative, choosing to actively engage with these methods can significantly boost your career.

Start with one strategy, one book, and one connection. Evaluate what works best for your personal style and professional needs, and let these newfound connections propel you toward greater success.

Embrace networking as a continuous personal investment, and watch as it opens doors to unexpected and enriching opportunities.

While this may sound like a fairy tale, it’s a testament to the power of networking in the writing world. 

In an industry where who you know can be just as important as what you write, mastering networking skills is no longer optional—it’s essential. 

This article will guide you through 17 crucial networking skills that can elevate your writing career to new heights.

What are networking skills?

Networking skills are the abilities that allow writers to build and maintain professional relationships effectively. 

These skills encompass a range of social, communication, and strategic competencies that enable you to connect with peers, mentors, industry professionals, and potential clients or employers. 

For writers, whether freelance or aspiring novelists, these skills are crucial because they open doors to opportunities, provide support and resources, and help establish your presence in the literary community.

17 powerful networking skills to learn

Read on to discover 17 of the most important skills for effective networking as well as some advice for getting better at them.

1. Active listening

Active listening involves fully concentrating on, understanding, and responding thoughtfully to what others are saying. 

It’s about hearing not just the words, but also understanding the complete message being communicated through tone, body language, and context.

As a writer, active listening allows you to truly understand the needs of potential clients, grasp the nuances of industry trends discussed by peers, and pick up on subtle cues that can inform your writing and professional relationships. 

By demonstrating that you value others’ input, you make a lasting positive impression, which is crucial in expanding your network and creating opportunities.

How to improve your active listening skills

Practice giving your full attention in conversations. 

Avoid interrupting and use non-verbal cues like nodding to show engagement. 

After the speaker finishes, paraphrase what you’ve heard to ensure understanding.

2. Clear communication

Clear communication is the ability to convey your thoughts, ideas, and intentions effectively, both verbally and in writing.

As a writer, your ability to communicate clearly sets you apart.

It helps you articulate your value proposition, discuss project details with clients, and share your ideas with peers.

Clear communication prevents misunderstandings and showcases your professional expertise.

How to improve your clear communication skills

Practice explaining complex ideas simply. Seek feedback on your communication style and actively work on areas of improvement. Remember, clear writing often translates to clear speaking.

3. Elevator pitch mastery

An elevator pitch is a concise, compelling introduction of yourself and your work, deliverable in the time it takes to ride an elevator.

You never know when you’ll meet a potential client or valuable contact. A well-crafted elevator pitch allows you to make a strong first impression and clearly communicate your unique value as a writer.

How to improve your elevator pitch

Craft a 30-second pitch about who you are and what you do.

Practice it regularly and refine it based on the reactions you receive.

4. Social media savvy

Social media savvy involves effectively using various platforms to build your brand, engage with your audience, and connect with industry professionals.

In today’s digital age, much networking happens online.

Being social media savvy helps you expand your reach, stay updated on industry trends, and connect with potential clients or collaborators.

How to improve your social media savvy 

Choose platforms that align with your goals.

Consistently share valuable content and engage meaningfully with others in your field.

5. Empathy

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others.

As a writer, empathy helps you connect more deeply with your network.

It allows you to understand others’ perspectives, which can lead to better collaborations and more meaningful professional relationships.

How to improve your empathy skills

Practice putting yourself in others’ shoes. Listen to understand, not just to respond. Reflect on how your words and actions might affect others.

6. Follow-up discipline

Follow-up discipline is the consistent practice of maintaining contact after initial meetings or conversations.

Following up helps you stay on people’s radar and shows your professionalism.

It can turn a casual encounter into a valuable long-term connection.

How to improve your follow-up discipline

Set reminders to follow up after meetings.

Send personalized messages referencing specific points from your conversation.

7. Adaptability

Adaptability is the ability to adjust your approach and communication style to suit different people and situations.

The writing world is diverse.

Being adaptable helps you connect effectively with various personalities and navigate different professional settings.

How to improve your adaptability 

Expose yourself to diverse networking situations.

Reflect on what works best in different contexts and be willing to adjust your approach.

8. Genuine interest in others

This skill involves showing authentic curiosity about others’ work, experiences, and perspectives.

Showing genuine interest helps you build deeper connections.

It can lead to unexpected collaborations and makes you more memorable to others.

How to improve your ability to show genuine interest

Ask thoughtful questions about others’ work and experiences.

Practice active listening and follow up on details they share.

9. Confidence

Confidence is the self-assurance in your abilities and value as a writer.

Confidence makes you more approachable and memorable.

It helps you articulate your ideas clearly and pursue opportunities that can advance your career.

How to improve your confidence

Prepare well for networking events. Remind yourself of your accomplishments and unique strengths.

Practice positive self-talk.

10. Value proposition awareness

This is the ability to clearly articulate what unique value you bring as a writer.

Understanding and communicating your value helps potential clients or collaborators see why they should work with you specifically.

How to improve your value proposition awareness

Identify your unique strengths and experiences.

Craft clear statements about how these translate into value for others.

11. Relationship building

Relationship building is the ongoing process of nurturing professional connections over time.

Strong, long-term relationships can lead to repeat work, referrals, and a supportive professional community.

How to improve your relationship building ability 

Regularly reach out to your contacts, not just when you need something.

Share valuable information or opportunities with them.

12. Event navigation

Event navigation is the ability to comfortably and effectively network at professional gatherings.

Writing conferences, book launches, and industry events are great opportunities to expand your network and learn about new opportunities.

How to improve your ability to navigate events

Set goals for each event you attend.

Practice approaching new people and joining ongoing conversations politely.

13. Professional appearance

Professional appearance involves presenting yourself in a manner appropriate to your industry and the specific networking context.

Your appearance can affect people’s first impressions and their perception of your professionalism.

How to improve your professional appearance 

Research dress codes for different types of writing events.

Ensure your appearance aligns with your personal brand as a writer.

14. Time management

Time management in networking involves balancing relationship-building activities with your writing work.

Effective time management ensures you can maintain a strong network without sacrificing your writing productivity.

How to improve your time management

Schedule regular time for networking activities. Use productivity tools to track and optimize your networking efforts.

15. Reciprocity

Reciprocity is the practice of mutual exchange of help, information, or support within your network.

Giving back to your network strengthens relationships and often leads to more opportunities coming your way.

How to improve your ability to show reciprocity 

Look for ways to help others in your network.

Share useful resources or make introductions that could benefit your contacts.

16. Digital networking proficiency

This skill involves effectively using online platforms and tools for networking purposes.

In an increasingly digital world, much networking happens online.

Proficiency in digital networking expands your reach beyond geographical limitations.

How to improve your digital networking abilities

Familiarize yourself with popular networking platforms in the writing industry.

Participate in online writing communities and virtual events.

17. Persistence

Persistence is the ability to continue networking efforts despite setbacks or slow progress.

Building a strong network takes time.

Persistence ensures you don’t give up before you see the benefits of your efforts.

How to improve your persistence

Set realistic networking goals.

Celebrate small wins and learn from unsuccessful attempts.

Remember that every interaction is a learning opportunity.

Are you ready to put these networking skills into practice?

Now that you’re armed with these essential skills, it’s time to put them into action. 

Start by identifying one or two skills you’d like to improve and create a plan to practice them. 

Whether it’s crafting your elevator pitch or improving your digital networking proficiency, every step forward is a step towards a more connected and successful writing career. 

Your next great opportunity could be just one conversation away!

Today, we’ll be sharing 26 of the greatest Ernest Hemingway quotes, ranging from his takes on writing and literature to life death.

On Writing and Literature

“There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.” 

Writing is a raw and cathartic process that demands emotional investment.

“The first draft of anything is shit”

The initial version of any creative work is often imperfect and requires refinement.

“All good books are alike in that they are truer than if they had really happened and after you finish reading one you will feel that all that happened to you and afterwards it all belongs to you; the good and the bad, the ecstasy, the remorse, and sorrow, the people and the places and how the weather was.” 

Great literature captures universal truths, resonating with readers as authentic experiences.

On Life and Experience

“The world breaks everyone, and afterward, some are strong at the broken places.”

Adversity is a common experience, but resilience and strength can emerge from hardships.

“Courage is grace under pressure.” 

True bravery is displayed in maintaining composure and dignity during challenging moments.

“But life isn’t hard to manage when you’ve nothing to lose.”

When faced with minimal stakes, life becomes more manageable.

“The only thing that could spoil a day was people. People were always the limiters of happiness except for the very few that were as good as spring itself.”

Human interactions can be both a source of happiness and a potential hindrance to it.

On Love and Relationships

“The most painful thing is losing yourself in the process of loving someone too much, and forgetting that you are special too.”

Overcommitment in love can lead to self-neglect and personal loss.

“When people talk, listen completely. Most people never listen.”

True understanding requires active and thorough listening.

On War and Conflict

“Never think that war, no matter how necessary, nor how justified, is not a crime.”

War, even when deemed necessary, is inherently destructive and carries moral implications.

“In modern war you will die like a dog for no good reason.”

The harsh realities of modern warfare often involve senseless and unjustifiable deaths.

“War is not won by victory.”

The consequences of war extend beyond the immediate triumphs or defeats.

On Death and Existence

“Every man’s life ends the same way. It is only the details of how he lived and how he died that distinguish one man from another.” 

Death is inevitable, and one’s legacy is shaped by how they lived..

“The world is a fine place and worth fighting for and I hate very much to leave it.”

Despite the hardships, life is precious and worth preserving.

On Truth and Honesty

“All you have to do is write one true sentence. Write the truest sentence that you know.”

The essence of good writing lies in capturing a single, authentic thought.

“Never go on trips with anyone you do not love.”

Traveling with loved ones enhances the experience and creates lasting memories.

On Nature and the Outdoors

“He was an old man who fished alone in a skiff in the Gulf Stream and he had gone eighty four days now without taking a fish.”

The loneliness and determination of the old man in “The Old Man and the Sea” reflect the human spirit.

“I never knew of a morning in Africa when I woke up that I was not happy.”

Africa holds a special place in Hemingway’s heart, evoking consistent joy.

On Art and Creativity

“An artist is a creature driven by demons. He doesn’t know why they chose him and he’s usually too busy to wonder why.”

Creativity often stems from a relentless inner drive or passion.

On Friendship

“There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man, true nobility is being superior to your former self.”

True nobility lies in personal growth and self-improvement, not in comparison with others.

“The best way to find out if you can trust somebody, is to trust them.”

Building trust involves taking the initial step of trusting others.

On Time and Simplicity

“Time is the least thing we have of.”

Time is a limited and precious resource.

“Simplicity is the most difficult thing to secure in this world; it is the last limit of experience and the last effort of genius.”

Achieving simplicity in expression or lifestyle is a challenging but worthwhile endeavor.

“My aim is to put down on paper what I see and what I feel in the best and simplest way.”

Writing should aim to convey genuine thoughts and emotions in the simplest manner.

On Discipline

“There is no rule on how to write. Sometimes it comes easily and perfectly; sometimes it’s like drilling a rock and then blasting it out with charges.”

Writing has no fixed rules; it can be a diverse and individualized process.

“I learned never to empty the well of my writing, but always to stop when there was still something there in the deep part of the well, and let it refill at night from the springs that fed it.”

Preserve creativity by stopping before exhaustion and allowing inspiration to replenish.

Join us as we tap back into our inner children and explore the world of bedtime stories for adults.

What are Bedtime Stories for Adults? 

What exactly do we mean when we say “bedtime stories for adults”?

Bedtime stories for adults can come in many forms. There are stories specifically designed to help the adult mind fall asleep, but this could also be any story that helps you relax and drift off into dreamland. 

Imagine: It’s been a long, hard day, week, month or even year and you are absolutely exhausted and yet you still can’t fall asleep.

Not so hard to imagine? What if you laid down to rest and could escape into a different world, even just for a few minutes, and forget about all your deadlines, responsibilities and stressors and fall into a deep restful sleep with ease? 

This is where bedtime stories for adults come into play. 

Why Do Adults Need and Want Bedtime Stories? 

Modern adult life for many people is one big ball of stress. If you’re anything like me, when does this stress like to make an appearance? (say it louder for the people in the back!)

At bedtime! 

Just me? (He’s probably in the hospital donating a kidney or saving baby penguins in the Antarctic and doesn’t have cell reception. That must be it.)

All of this is to say that adults need and want bedtime stories because sometimes we have a lot going on and can’t always turn off our brains.

Bedtime stories can help distract our brains by focusing on something else, allowing us to fall asleep much faster. 

Having a non-chemical sleep aid like adult bedtime stories can be a powerful tool for those with sleep problems, or anyone who just wants to create a soothing sleep environment. 

The Power of Bedtime Stories 

There are many different reasons why we may have a hard time falling asleep at times. Often, a racing mind is the culprit and bedtime stories have a special power of being able to switch our thinking brain off, help us unwind, and make it easier to fall asleep. 

The power of stories, particularly auditory versions, is backed up by science. As you fall asleep, your senses power down one by one and the sense of hearing is the last one to turn off. Listening to an adult bedtime story can help your body be able to shut down the other senses more quickly and get you off to sleep faster. 

Another reason why bedtime stories can work so well is that they can help avoid the sleep paradox.

You have likely experienced that once you start thinking about it and noticing that you can’t do it, it becomes nearly impossible to sleep. That is the sleep paradox. This is where reading or listening to a bedtime story can take the attention away from thinking about sleep (or lack thereof), replace it with something else to focus on, quiet the mind and help you fall asleep. 

Different Types of Bedtime Stories 

Let’s look at some examples of books, audiobooks and podcasts that you can try the next time you find yourself on the midnight sleepy time struggle bus. 

Books 

Books are the OG of bedtime stories (at least in my lifetime). Books! Reading before bed is a great habit to build into your night time routine for a number of reasons. 

• Having a regular bedtime routine helps prompt your brain into knowing that it is time to wind down and get ready to sleep
• Reading a book keeps you off your phone before bed
• It gets your mind focused on something other than your thoughts before your head even hits the pillow

Examples: 

• Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker: If you are into non-fiction, this book discusses the science of sleep, why it is so important for our overall health and provides tips for good sleep hygiene.
• Something light and fluffy: If non-fiction and science before bed is not your thing, grab something that is easy to read like a romance or general fiction book. Something that can help you unwind without grabbing your attention so much that you stay up reading all night
• Something boring: Ever fallen asleep reading a textbook for school? Picking up a book you find boring can help put you to sleep quickly.

Audiobooks 

Audiobooks are a fantastic way to incorporate bedtime stories for adults into your life whether it is nightly or just on those particularly difficult nights. Being able to lay there with your eyes closed and the lights off while listening to a story helps your mind enter the world of the book and you can fall right to sleep without having to put the book down. 

Any book will do, but something nostalgic can be particularly helpful because you are already familiar with the story so your brain can relax that much more. 

Examples:

• Harry Potter series by JK Rowling: So many people know and love the Harry Potter series, making it a popular choice for an audiobook reread. These stories often bring back good memories and the familiarity of the story and the movies means our brains don’t have to work too hard to transport us into that world
• Bedtime Stories for Stressed Out Adults by Lucy Mangan: How fitting? This book incorporates a mix of calming stories, poems and classic favorites specifically designed to help you fall asleep faster

Note:  worked too well; I fell asleep immediately but I lost one of my airpods 🙁 good news I found it!

Podcasts

Podcasts work in a very similar way to audiobooks. You can drift off to sleep to whatever you find relaxing. There is a podcast for everyone about literally any subject you can imagine. As long as it helps you go to sleep, any one will do. However, there are podcasts specifically designed for sleep that you may want to try. 

Examples: 

• Sleepy: In this weekly podcast, host Otis Gray reads classic tales in a low, soothing voice to help you turn off your brain and get to bed
• Nothing Much Happens: In this podcast, host Kathryn Nicolai shares stories where, just as the title suggests, nothing much happens so your mind can focus on resting

With all of life’s stressors, bedtime does not have to be yet another one. Getting plenty of good quality sleep every night is one of the best things you can do for your health. For a lot of people, that is easier said than done and we may need a bit of help sometimes. Try incorporating bedtime stories for adults into your nightly routine and wake up more refreshed and rejuvenated.

Sleep tight.

If you’ve ever wondered what exactly qualifies as passive voice misuse you’ve come to the right place. Passive voice is an issue many new writers face. In fact, I didn’t know there was a “right way” to write until I was in college.

As a new writer, I thought great writing came down to the idea and the adjectives used to describe that idea. Point-of-view, voice, and tense were not major factors in my writing. Thankfully, once I began training in creative writing I quickly learned that I had a lot to study. 

Passive voice misuse can set writers apart as novices or as experts who know how to wield writing rules with power. In this article, I define what passive voice misuse is, why it’s a no-no for new writers, and give four steps to fix passive voice misuse. Let’s get right into it! 

Defining Passive Voice Misuse 

While there is a time and place for this type of voice, passive voice misuse occurs when the subject should be performing the action. 

Passive voice is simply when the subject of a sentence is acted on by the verb. Can you spot the use of passive voice in the previous sentence? You can make a sentence active by focusing on the subject as the one doing the action. 

Passive: Passive voice is simply when the subject of a sentence is acted on by the verb.

Active: Passive voice is simply when the verb acts on the subject of a sentence.

In this active sentence, the verb is doing the action rather than the subject being acted upon. Many writers unconsciously use passive voice throughout their stories. 

Why Passive Voice Is A No-No

The reason writers frown on passive voice is due to its unnecessary wordiness and lack of clarity. For newer writers, writing to just “get the story down” is perfectly acceptable. However, passive voice easily creeps in. Several issues can result: 

• Protagonists feel reactive 
• Confusion overrides clarity
• The writing lacks strength 

It’s easy to write passively. It takes forethought to write in an active voice. So how do we fix this issue?  

4 Steps To Fix Your Voice

One of the best ways to combat passive voice is to simply change your mindset in writing. If the mindset shift doesn’t work, there are some concrete steps you can take to further help. Let’s start with a mindset shift.

Move Action Forward With Purpose

At the core of writing lies an advancement of the plot. Consider the classic example of the hero’s journey: The protagonist sets off on a journey (literal or figurative) with an endpoint, or goal, in mind.

Whether it’s Frodo Baggins taking literal steps toward Mordor or Peter Rabbit hopping out of the garden and toward home just in time, these beloved characters feature a proactive mindset. 

Personalize this mindset by focusing on the end of your story and proactively, rather than reactively, writing toward it. 

Simple lines such as the following take on an entirely new meaning. For instance:

Example 1: Professional figure skating was her dream. The Olympics was a real possibility if she put in the work. 

Example 2: She dreamed of professional figure skating, and if she put in the work, she could make it to the Olympics.

In the first example the reader passively takes in information. In the second, there is a sense of urgency. The protagonist is the one proactively dreaming. 

Create An Active Protagonist 

Your mindset also plays a role in how you describe your protagonist. Look through the following list and ask yourself how your protagonist would act or speak in the following situations: 

• Planning a beach day but waking up to rain
• Responding to a breakup 
• Getting rear-ended 
• Pursuing their dream job
• Spotting a lost child

In the first three examples, outside circumstances impact the protagonist: Rain, being broken up with, and someone hitting their car. The last two feature the protagonist as proactive, or with the possibility of being proactive. How you write them is imperative:

• “It’s raining. I’ll go study at a coffee shop” Or, “It’s raining. I’ll have to stay in today.”
• “He broke up with me. I’ll cancel my plans.” Or, “He broke up with me. I’ll go home and process.”
• “That child looks lost. I wonder if his parents are around.” Or, “That child looks lost. I’ll go see if I can help.”

Same situation, similar responses, but one features a passive protagonist and the other a proactive one. 

Cut Being Verbs

If the mindset shift isn’t quite doing it for you, try this concrete step: In point number two, look at the subtle difference in how I could write the opening sentence. In the sentence I used, I excluded being verbs. In the second example, I include being verbs.

Sentence 1: Your mindset also plays a role in how you describe your protagonist. 

Sentence 2: Your mindset can also be influenced by how you describe your protagonist. 

In the first sentence, the subject (mindset) leads the sentence actively (plays a role). In the second one, the subject is acted on by the verb. 

In the same way, if your protagonist must complete a task, how can you shift the focus from their response to circumstances to them impacting circumstances? Frodo makes the active choice to take the ring to Mordor, even though he appears to be the least equipped out of the nine. 

Imagine Tolkien writing The Lord of the Rings passively. Instead of the iconic line, “I will take the ring. I will take the ring to Mordor!” We could read, “The ring will be carried by me. The ring will be carried by me to Mordor.” This is the difference between writing actively and passively.

Try Present Tense

If you’re willing to take action steps even further, I’ve found present tense as a shortcut to learning the power of active voice. In fact, I wrote an entire manuscript in present tense rather than past tense because I felt so stuck in my habit of passive voice misuse. 

Past tense: I was going home when I was followed by a black car.

Present tense: On my way home, I notice a black car following me. 

For some reason, this shift dramatically helped me.

Caveat: Know The Rules So You Know When To Break Them

Now that we discussed several cons to passive voice misuse and how to combat it, it’s crucial to remember that there is a time and place to break writing rules. 

Passive tense is not always, forevermore, and with no excuses, a no. For new writers, studying writing tips and how to write actively will aid their learning curve. However, writing passively is not always bad. 

Learning how to write in an active voice helps you avoid passive voice misuse while also teaching you when you can use it. 

Think of a painter: They know the brushes and what they are intended for, but sometimes they may choose a different brush, one that isn’t intended for a specific style, to help present their painting in a more nuanced way. 

The same is true for tense. Learn the rules, and then enjoy (occasionally) breaking them!

Mood words are a controversial part of today’s writing. Used well, they can take your prose to an entirely new level. Used poorly, they can put your writing in a time warp and negate your creative credibility. Sound confusing? That’s why, in this article, we break mood words down.

What exactly are they? Why do they matter? How can you use them as a positive force to better communicate to your readers? It’s crucial to first start with a definition so we are all on the same page.

Mood Words: What Are They And Why Do They Matter?

Mood words are words that describe the inner feeling of a character or the outer tone of a scene. For a more textbook answer, these type of words are simply called adjectives. If you pick up a classic work of literature, you will likely see long sentences complete with many adjectives.

For today’s writers, adjectives are a bit more out of style and strong nouns and verbs are stressed in importance. So how do you tread this line? Let’s dive in.

What They Are:

You can use mood words to describe a variety of topics: the weather, a character’s feeling, the tone you want to communicate in a particular scene, etc. Below is a short list of examples.

• Angry
• Bitter
• Confused
• Dedicated
• Energetic
• Flirty
• Gregarious 
• Healthy
• Ingenious 
• Jaded
• Kind
• Loving
• Mean
• Nervous
• Opinionated
• Polite
• Quiet
• Resourceful
• Silly
• Timely
• Unique 
• Volatile 
• Wise

Used in a sentence, these words can be interchanged to set an entirely different mood. For instance, look at the example below where I use mood words in two entirely different ways.

• The couple seemed flirty, even though they had just had an energetic fight.
• The wind came in short, flirty gusts, playing with her hair.

With these examples in mind, let’s discuss a bit more why they matter.

Why They Matter

Mood words can quickly set the tone in your writing, but you should use them sparingly. Gone are the days of sitting in a library for hours, reading a novel while waiting for tea. 

Today’s writing is all about grabbing readers’ attention and keeping their attention with short, punchy sentences.

While in previous centuries mood words were combined to detail the feelings of characters, today they’re used to quickly set the tone.  Writers don’t have any spare moments when it comes to keeping the reader’s attention.

At any moment, their reader could get a text, a phone call, or be jerked out of the fictional world with a social media notification. So how do you use mood words in today’s writing?

How Mood Words Level Up Your Writing

Because mood words are such a powerful way to communicate, let’s discuss six ways you can use them to take your writing to an entirely new level.

#1 – Quickly Set The Tone

With literally seconds to capture your readers, plunging them into the tone of the story is critical for your success. Look at how J.K. Rowling uses mood words to set the tone in her fifth Harry Potter book:

“October extinguished itself in a rush of howling winds and driving rain and November arrived, cold as frozen iron.” 

She uses rush to personify October, dragging you into the chill of the tone in just a few words. Instead of dragging on the scene and describing every detail, the word rush quickly sets the tone and allows her to move on.

#2 – Speed Up The Scene

If you want to slow a scene down, similar to how videographers use slow motion, you can elongate your sentences: add words, describe details, and so forth. In the same way, if you want to speed up your scene, use short, punchy mood words and sentences. Consider the following:

Nervous, she dropped her notebook. Energetic wind blew her papers. 
“Can I help?” The voice was quiet. 
She looked around. No one. Confused, she stood frozen. 

While this example uses many mood words such as energetic and frozen to get the point across, quickly. Look at your own writing to see how you can use a word or two to speed up your scene.  

#3 – Leave Room For The Reader’s Imagination

Mood words act as succinct descriptors. A room can be chaotic, a person can be bitter, and an ocean can be volatile. Look at the following two examples:

#1: The waves crashed over the bow of the boat, sending spray over the occupants. They needed to reach land, but the waves continued to pound at the small fishing boat. 

#2: The occupants clung to the fishing boat, stranded in the midst of the volatile sea.

While it’s up to you, the writer, to choose how much description to use, never forget to leave room for what is often described as “the theater of the reader’s mind.” If you need to communicate a mood quickly and continue with the story, try using mood words to do so. 

#4 – Define Characters

Mood words are a greatly underestimated writing strategy to describe characters in just a word or two. For instance, think of how you could describe someone who is easily angered, has good moments and bad, and is larger than life: He was volatile, always waiting to erupt. 

What about a timid, soft spoken child who likes to blend into his surroundings? Try the following: He stood against the wall, anything but gregarious. 

And for one more example, what about a grandmotherly figure who has decades of wisdom and the personality to share it? What about this: She had a healthy wisdom that came out in quiet moments. 

Mood words are a powerful way to describe a person, place, or even an idea, without going into long sentences of description. 

Establish The Humanity In Your Writing With Mood

Oftentimes, the best writing is the most relatable. What is more relatable than humanity itself? After all, regardless of our social status, jobs, who we know, or the goals we strive for, we are all human.

When you decide to use mood words you open yourself up to taking an even deeper look at the humanity of your characters and the sensory details of your scene. Combine mood words with personification and you take your writing to an entirely new level:

• The paint chipped away from the door, jaded by how many people had walked out. 
• The wind chapped her hands, as if bitter she refused to wear gloves. 
• Flowers pushed through the earth, showing a quiet disregard for the snow still on the ground. 

Now that you see how powerfully mood words can influence writing, spend the next few weeks noting where writers do so. What fiction or nonfiction books use mood words in the first chapter? Page? Paragraph?

Which authors use these types of descriptors to quickly portray the personality of their characters? 

If you take notes in your books, make a practice of circling in pencil every time you spot mood words (you can always erase it later).

And if you’re feeling really brave, try creating your own examples and leave one or two in the comments to inspire others. We’d love to see what you come up with!

Before computers, notebooks were the primary tools needed to achieve writing dreams. We could go back to parchment and charcoal or jump ahead to a quill and ink, but as long as writing has been around, some form of capturing words has as well. Even today, notebooks for writers are popular and many writers prefer writing by hand to using digital writing software (at least for their first draft).

In fact, involving your senses in learning can improve your retention. With this in mind, let’s discuss various notebooks for writers and some fun options to help fuel your creativity.  

How to Choose Your Next Writing Notebook

Writers are notorious for stacking up piles of unused notebooks (as well as unread books). There’s something so fun about going out to your favorite store, looking through the various notebooks, and deciding that you could use just one more.

Speaking from experience, I could easily get lost in the leather journal section of Barnes & Noble. There’s something about purchasing a new notebook that just makes you feel like a writer. But how do you choose the best one for your specific needs? 

There are two key questions to answer before making your next notebook purchase. When it comes to notebooks, knowing exactly what you need and why is key. 

Hardcover or Softcover?

Let’s say that you plan to go on a day hike but want to jot down notes about your work in progress. Because you won’t be writing at a desk you may want to choose a hardcover notebook.

Similarly, if you’re flying overseas and your luggage is already full, choosing a soft cover notebook will likely make your life much easier than trying to cram a hardcover one into your overstuffed carry on.

Lined or Blank? 

The second main question to ask is if you want a lined notebook or a blank notebook. Some people prefer to color in the lines so to speak and others tend to lean toward the free spirit version of notebooks. There is no right or wrong answer, just what is best for you. With your answers in mind, let’s dive into notebooks for writers! 

7 Popular Notebooks for Writers to Consider

Whether you are a lefty or right-handed, looking for a spiral bound notebook or something small to fit in your pocket, look through the list below for inspiration on your next notebook purchase.

Moleskin

According to Writerly Sage, the Moleskin has a heritage going back to the era of Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald. As far as notebooks for writers are concerned, Moleskins are a great first place to look. They come in a variety of options:

• Softcover
• Hardcover
• Lined
• Graphed
• Blank
• Various sizes 
• Variety of colors 

This tried and true notebook is an essential because it covers a variety of writer needs. 

Twin Sparrow

For the earthy, flower-loving creatives among us, Twin Sparrow is a great choice. Their notebooks are perfect to pair with your current read or for taking notes on your next manuscript. 

Additionally, each notebook is designed with an inspiration word on the front cover:

• Inspire
• Becoming
• Hope
• Abide
• Explore

Choose from even more options to personalize the purpose behind your notebook. Twin Sparrow has a few added reasons for making your next purchase with them. Their products are:

• Sourced with the highest quality leather possible
• Hand crafted in Northern California
• Supplied in the USA

Support your writing endeavors while supporting a quality business!

Mead Cambridge

You can’t find much more of a classic in notebooks for writers than when you stumble upon the Mead Cambridge selection. 

Ruled pages, spiral bound, but still elegant, these notebooks have taken me through both college classes and writing conferences. Plus, this classic notebook comes in many formats and colors.

Left-Handed Notebook

Most notebooks for writers cater to the majority of the right-handed population, and understandably so. However, with this ruled, 48-page, soft cover notebook you can say goodbye to the days of flipping your notebook upside down as a lefty. 

Specifically created with land-handed writers in mind, this notebook is minimal, small enough to slip in your purse or jacket pocket, and will make your note-taking so much easier. 

Large Left-Handed Notebook

Out of all the notebooks for writers in the world, this one has the spiral binding on the right-hand side. Why? It’s designed for lefties! If the compact notebook is just too small for you, consider adding this assorted-color, perforated, 8.5″ x 10.5″, 100 sheet notebook to your backpack. 

You won’t have to awkwardly lift your arm while trying to take notes and the wide-ruled spacing gives you room to get creative. 

Blank Journal

Paperage is a blank notebook, much like the Moleskin mentioned above but for roughly 50% of the price, and comes in a variety of colors. Their premium paper includes the following attributes: 

• Acid-free paper to help hold up over the test of time
• Thicker paper than average notebooks (100 gsm)
• Most pens, pencils, and even markers will not bleed through 

If you love taking notes with markers or sharpies, this one’s for you! No more ink seeping onto the next page, acid free paper, and at a great price, this classic will keep your notes for years to come.

Rustico Personalized Notebook

Last, but certainly not least in our notebooks for writers is the Rustico, personalized, leather notebook. For those willing to invest, this notebook is both practical and can be used as a keepsake. 

• Small size: 5.5” x 7.25” x 1.75”
• 160 lined pages
• Cream-colored, rough-cut paper
• Hand sewn spine and a flap-tie closure
• Made from top-grain cowhide leather 

And bonus, you can personalize this notebook so if it’s tied closed, everyone knows who owns it simply by glancing at the front cover. This is a great notebook for tracking major wins in your writing journey, including key notes, or even collecting quotes from your favorite authors. 

Begin Your Journey to Success Today

If you’ve ever listened to a motivational speaker or worked with a personal life coach, you’ve likely heard that writing down your goals is an important step in the process of achieving them.

When it comes to your writing dreams, the same rules apply. Using a notebook to track your progress is a fantastic writing strategy. While it may feel miniscule to put much thought into what type of notebook you purchase, choosing the best one for you will make you that much more likely to actually use it.

Once you begin to use your notebook, you will see your dreams, goals, successes, and lessons you’ve learned compile. Over time your notebook can become a physical map recounting the highs and lows of your progress.

When you feel discouraged, simply open your notebook and glance through how far you’ve come. Upon consideration, is there really any such thing as “just” notebooks for writers? Notebooks can play a key role in author success.

As you’ve seen, the Moleskin is said to go as far as Hemingway’s era. Notebooks matter, and notebooks for writers can play a crucial role in the writing process. Which one will you choose to aid you on your writing journey?

If there’s one issue that keeps writers from becoming successful authors, it’s writer’s block. Writer’s block, imposter syndrome, and simply not following through with finishing keeps many writers from achieving their dreams. However, today I’m going to give you four answers you can use to overcome this block once and for all.

In this article I discuss what writer’s block is, if it even exists, different perspectives on the issue, and real solutions you can employ today.

If you struggled with the writer’s block before, you are not alone. Some of the most successful authors struggle with imposter syndrome, or feeling like they will one day be found out for not being the creative writer they are known to be. Struggling with writer’s block is just another facet of the writing journey. With time and effort, it can be overcome.

What Is Writer’s Block?

Writer’s block is simply not knowing how to move forward in your work-in-progress. It is that sinking feeling of staring at the page and seeing the sentences you wrote yesterday but not knowing how to add sentences today.

Writer’s block is sitting in the chair, listening to the clock tick, knowing you need to be writing, and having no idea what to write. It’s as if your fingers are frozen on the keyboard and your brain has no ideas left. Not a good feeling, to put it lightly!

Of course, writers can experience this block in varying degrees. For some writers they may not know how to end their writing day, but are able to get back to it during their next writing session. 

For others, this is not the case. They struggle for weeks, months, or perhaps years on end, not knowing how to add to their story. This is a massive problem because by definition, writers must write. But does writer’s block actually exist?

Does It Exist? 

The existence of writer’s block depends on who you ask, but I would argue that successful authors do not believe in its existence. My writing mentor used to say that if worker’s block does not exist then how can writer’s block? 

He explained that if an employee can’t call into work saying they just don’t feel like working today, then writers should not be able to say they just don’t feel like writing today. While this may seem harsh, it actually brings freedom to many writers.

Perspectives On Writer’s Block

If we decide that writer’s block does not exist, we have a problem. Now we have to move forward as if we are in control of our writing journeys. For some of us, this may feel freeing. For others, this may feel like quite a bit of added pressure. Let’s discuss three different perspectives on this question.

#1 – If It Doesn’t Exist, You Can Finish Your Book

If writer’s block doesn’t exist, the good news is that you have the power to finish writing your manuscript. Whether you dream of publishing your memoir, your autobiography, or fiction work, writers block is no longer an excuse.

Whether you know what to write or not, it’s up to you to get your word count down on paper, edit those words, and repeat the process until you reach the finish line. This is an empowering mindset and in itself, can help you keep going.

#2 – If It Does Exist, You Are At It’s Mercy

A second perspective is that if writer’s block does exist, you are at its mercy. This mindset often sees writers typing out hundreds of words when they feel inspiration strike, then going for days or weeks without writing, simply because they don’t feel that same passion.

One of the main problems with this perspective is that you can never be quite sure if you will meet your writing deadline or not. If you don’t meet your deadline, your marketing will be off, your book release date will have to change, and your book launch will likely not be as successful as it could have been otherwise.

#3 – Will You Choose The Victim or Victor Mentality?

While choosing between these two perspectives may seem subjective, they essentially come down to one option—choosing to lead your dream or follow it. If you want to lead your dreams, you will embrace the perspective that writer’s block does not exist and you can finish your book. Writers are not the victims of writer’s block. There are real ways to take action steps against the feeling of uncertainty and move forward. 

Real Writer’s Quotes/Solutions

Ready for some answers? Let’s start with a quote:

#1 – Twyla Tharp

Twyla Tharp says, “Creativity is a habit, and the best creativity is a result of good work habits.” 

With this quote in mind, choose to make writing habitual. Write at the same time, in the same place, and for the same duration every writing session. This will help you become accustomed to the discipline. 

#2 – Octavia Butler

Likewise, Octavia Butler says it like this: “You don’t start out writing good stuff. You start out writing crap and thinking it’s good stuff, and then gradually you get better at it. That’s why I say one of the most valuable traits is persistence.”

One of the best ways to beat writer’s block is to simply keep writing. One helpful tip I’ve learned over the years is to end my writing day in the middle of a sentence. This ensures that you know exactly where to begin writing the next day. Even if your writing is rough on day one, you can spend day two editing and bringing it up to standard. 

#3 – William Faulkner

William Faulkner doesn’t pull any punches: “I only write when I am inspired. Fortunately I am inspired at 9 o’clock every morning.”

No matter what time you decide to begin writing on a given day, make sure you stick to that schedule. The routine will help you succeed and gradually, you will grow accustomed to feeling ready to write at the same time everyday.

Every writer has off days, but it’s the writers who define themselves by their will to write, rather than pure inspiration, who ultimately succeed. 

#4 – Charles Bukowski

If you can’t quite embrace the perspective that writer’s block is more of an excuse than anything, consider what Charles Bukowski says: “Writing about writer’s block is better than not writing at all.”

If you don’t know what to write about, simply write about not knowing what to write about. While this may feel counterintuitive, at least you will continue getting words on the page. You will likely delete them later, but you will have proven to yourself that you can in fact continue writing even when you feel a mental block. 

Write Like Your Career Depends On It

Especially in the early stages of starting your writing career, it’s important to write like your career depends upon it, because it does. 

Many people dream of becoming writers, far less achieve their dreams. Success comes down to having a dream and following through with it. There are many excuses not to write. Take the one excuse to write—because you want to follow your dream.