Writers, You Know You’re Procrastinating When

Writers, You Know You’re Procrastinating When…

I find it wildly amusing that I procrastinated on this blog. This blog about procrastination. I was going to start it in the morning, but then got caught up in some emails. My stomach started to growl and I knew I’d be much more efficient with food, so I left the house for a quick brunch. When I got back home my friend called from out of the country, so I just had to answer and make sure she tried out my favorite restaurant. Now, before I know it, it’s 3:30 pm and if it weren’t for those annoying deadlines, I’d most definitely put this off until next week.

They say ‘write what you know.’ If that’s the case, all writers should write about this. Procrastination is so common that it feels like a natural part of the writing process. Read on to determine if you’re procrastinating or simply seizing opportunities to be proactive in other areas. Or if you’re in the mood to have your toes stepped on.

Writers, You Know You’re Procrastinating When…

  • You Exercise. After not working out for months, you decide now’s the time to get back in the gym –right in the middle of a scheduled writing session. Unfortunately, it’ll take a while to renew your membership, get reacquainted with the staff, and to figure out all the equipment.
  • You eat. Again. You ate half an hour ago but as you sit there looking at the computer screen, you realize that you could really go for some cookies. Man, you don’t have any – looks like you’ll have to drive across town to get the ones you love.
  • You rearrange furniture. Your space has looked the same for years but for some reason, all the furniture in your living room feels wrong today. After an hour of playing interior designer, you’ve exhausted yourself from all the heavy lifting and need a break.
  • You start conversations. You’ve complained about your roommate talking your ear off, distracting you from work. But today, you knock on his door, pull up a chair, and ask him how that date went three weeks ago.
  • You check social media. You hop on Facebook – just to check a quick message – and an hour later you’ve learned WAY too much about an acquaintance from the 3rd grade. The good news is her husband is now back on his feet after losing such a good job with benefits and Jenny (her oldest) just got a band scholarship. “Like.”
  • You start spring-cleaning. Suddenly, the dust on top of your ceiling fan drives you mad. But in order to clean the top of the fan, you must be prepared to clean everything that falls under it. And that rug needs to be moved before you do it. In fact, it could use a good shampooing.
  • You make calls. After putting off that conversation with your grandmother, you decide it can’t wait a moment longer. While you’re at it, you might as well check in on Uncle Eddie and Aunt Karen (the talkers in the family).
  • You become an accountant. All of a sudden you have a burning desire to go through your receipts with a fine-tooth comb and categorize them according to date. No, wait… Item. No, wait… Amount. This is gonna take a while.
  • You organize. You start organizing random things that you didn’t even know needed it until now. Gmail inbox folders. Phone contacts. Paper clips. You’ll be able to work after everything is in order, whenever that perfect day comes.
  • You nitpick. You’re ready to work, but something isn’t right about your pen – it’s not writing the way you’d like it to. And your paper doesn’t really feel creative. You’d rather have a nice notebook for this project. Time to go to Staples for all the necessities (that you already have).
  • You create drama. There’s a little temptation to start mischief with your friends, significant other, or family member. You know what pushes their buttons and you’re suddenly in the button-pushing mood. “No Sarah, I didn’t say you have a bad haircut, I just said it wasn’t my personal favorite.”
  • You over-edit. You get so fixated on a certain word or phrase in your project that you spend half an hour deciding if you should use a dash or a semi-colon.
  • You go down the Internet hole. Now is also a great time to research the history of the semi-colon and to take an online survey that goes into detail about what your punctuation choice says about your personality.

Any of these sound familiar? Let me know if I’ve missed one!

David L. Hancock, Founder
Morgan James Publishing

Writers, You Know You’re Procrastinating When2018-03-14T13:22:50-04:00

10 Writer Roadblocks (You’re Not Alone)

10 Writer Roadblocks (You’re Not Alone)

You’re a solution-oriented person. While there’s not always a perfect answer for every situation, you know there’s a Rolodex of tools at your disposal to help eliminate any mountain in your path – or at the very least, to climb over it. But no matter how positive of a person you may be or how much of a cheerleader you are to your friends, everyone has those days when they can’t stomach the motivational, “keep your chin up” mentality. We know it’s right, we know it’s helpful, but unless we’re in the right frame of mind to have our chin lifted, it’s unwarranted, annoying chatter.

Sometimes we just need to know we’re not alone. Because writers lead such solitary work lives, the biggest comfort might not always come from a glossy solution but from taking solace in knowing that the roadblocks, feelings, and frustrations we’re going through have been experienced before.

So in the spirit of community, here are ten writer roadblocks that all scribes can relate to, with the solution being the relating itself.

#1 Procrastination

No matter how talented, successful, or motivated an artist may be, he or she has experienced procrastination. You know you’re procrastinating when you end up doing tasks that have been on your to do list for months: organizing files, cleaning out junk drawers, getting a jump start on taxes…

Disciplined writers have learned to identify this trap and fight their way through it but rest assured, you’re not the only one who decided that instead of writing, now would be a great time to update your Christmas card list (in June).

#2 Deadline Anxiety

Nothing puts a weight on creativity like a ticking clock. “Could you create a fantastical world, unique characters, and a compelling conflict? Oh, and could you have that turned in by 5pm EST?”

Writers who have been in the game for a while have the luxury of knowing that they always get it done – that’s been their experience. But the anxiety of how the project will be completed often remains a mystery – even for seasoned pros.

#3 Falling Out of Love

You’ve invested countless time and energy on a current project. The light at the end of the tunnel is shining. You know if you just roll up your sleeves and work a little longer you’ll reach the story’s finish line. But something happens around this time. You start to daydream about other stories and brainstorm about other characters. You come to the realization that you’re just not excited to tell this story anymore.

Maybe you’ve changed. Maybe your story’s changed. Whatever it is, you’re ready to move on to the next project before you’ve completed this one. Then the age-old question becomes, “to scrap, or not to scrap?”

#4 Distractions

It’s your big writing day and the whole project is mapped out. This is the day you’re going to dive in and only come up for food and water. It’s a crucial time for your project and the pressure is on to be wildly productive. Then, as if the universe is testing you, here comes the parade of distractions.

Your friend goes through a breakup and needs to talk. The Internet goes down.  Judging by the noise outside, there seems to be an episode of “Cops” happening in your neighborhood. Whatever the case, everything that hasn’t needed attention for months is suddenly screaming at you on this day.

#5 Odd Hours

Those who have the luxury of setting their own hours know that this freedom is a blessing and a curse. As hard as you’ll try to keep a set schedule, any artist knows that when inspiration strikes, you better be ready.

A creative streak will inevitably come that’s thrilling from start to finish – unfortunately it ends around 4am. Then, before you know it, you’re not sure if what you just ate was breakfast or lunch. Your hours are way off and as much as you want to feel like an adult with an “early to rise” attitude, you’ve now experienced the calm that only 2am provides and are secretly looking forward to your next “after hours” writing streak.

#6 Rejection

Possibly the worst part of being a writer, rejection is something we must all learn to deal with. And while we learn to handle it better and better each time, it doesn’t mean the feeling of rejection gets easier.

Nothing can take the wind out of our sails faster than when someone doesn’t “get” the project that makes us feel so darn alive. How can they not appreciate that funny twist at the end? How do they not feel compassion for my protagonist? A great deal of work goes into creating these worlds so when someone rejects them – for whatever reason – it stings. And it happens to the very, very best of us.

#7 Behind on Life

You’ve had the opportunity to dive into your project for a few days or weeks and feel extremely accomplished. You come up for air, excited to see daylight and friends again, then get hit with a pile of mail, messages, and mundane grown-up tasks. These are usually manageable and only slightly annoying when they’re spread out, but all together they feel like punishment for your creative vacation.

Showering and washing the t-shirt you’ve stayed in for the past three days is a start, but now you have to buy groceries, get an oil change, and be placed on a “brief hold” with some kind of insurance company for half an hour. Welcome back to society.

#8 Killing Babies

You’ve gotten feedback on your book from respected colleagues and to your dismay, one of your favorite things in the story needs to be taken out. You were so proud of that moment! In fact, it was one of your favorite parts in the entire story.

That moment, joke, or character perfectly captured your voice and represents what you’re trying to do in storytelling. Why must you take it out? Because a handful of trusted people are having the same experience with it and at the end of the day, your story is for your reader, not you. The harsh reality is that while your moment is wonderful, it takes away from the overall story and you must kill your darling.

#9 Clueless

You’ve been so excited about this project. You’ve raved about it to your friends and colleagues. You feel like the timing is perfect for the world to hear this tale and your voice and skills have effortlessly poured onto the page. Finally, your talent is being utilized in every way possible!

After all your edits, you sit down to enjoy this story as a finished product when a panic starts to bubble up inside…  You have no earthly idea if it’s any good. You’ve spent so much time rewriting, cutting, and crafting moments that it’s impossible for you to see it with fresh eyes. All you can do is now is hope and pray your efforts weren’t in vain.

#10 It’s Already Been Done

You’re just bursting at the seams to share the idea you’re working on. It’s universal with a creative twist, and has riveting characters to follow along through the journey. You’ve devoted every waking hour toward crafting this world when an article in the Hollywood Reporter comes out. It’s your story! Except it’s not.

Someone else, with a lot of money, is making the same thing. Their story is so similar to yours that you begin to wonder if your phone was tapped. Every writer knows (and fears) that these things happen all the time. Now every time you tell someone what you’re working on, they say, “Oh, your story is like Stephen King’s story!” And you say in a bitter tone, “No… His story is like mine.”

Like any relationship, writing has its ups and downs – why not be transparent about all our experiences? When you are ready for a little solution-oriented positivity and want to rekindle that flame with writing, try these 5 Ways To Fall In Love With Writing Again.

David L. Hancock,
Founder, Morgan James

10 Writer Roadblocks (You’re Not Alone)2018-02-28T17:00:32-05:00

5 Ways to Fall in Love With Writing Again

5 Ways to Fall in Love With Writing Again

Every relationship requires a little TLC. Just like a garden doesn’t water itself, plant new seeds, or pull out its own weeds – relationships need nurturing to truly thrive. In many ways our relationship with writing is no different than our relationship to a spouse, co-worker, or best friend. And while these people are the most important parts of our life, it’s common to take them for granted from time to time.

If your writing feels a bit blah, don’t let another day go by without pulling out the ole watering can. There’s a reason you fell in love with writing in the first place. It can be creative, therapeutic, even spiritual – why go another day feeling lackluster? In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, here are five ways to nurture this very important relationship to help you rekindle your passion and fall in love with writing again.

#1 Gratitude

Having a tool to express ourselves, comment on the human condition, and bring something to life that exists only in our head is an amazing gift, something we have a tendency to forget. Think of a skill you only wish you had, like dancing for example. Professional dancers are able to emote through precise physical movement. They have abilities and lifelong training that the rest of us will never have – their grace, physical strength, and discipline is second to none.

There are people who look at writers with that same mystery and wonder. “How can you create such colorful worlds? How do your characters just pop off the page?” We’re fortunate. With just pen and paper we have everything we need to create the wild visuals and emotions that play in our imaginations. Whatever skills you excel at within this craft, remember there are people who are in complete awe of it. Don’t take your ability for granted another day.

#2 Memories

Like reflecting on a first love, it’s fun to remember the first time you realized you were a writer. The first time you picked up a pencil for, what felt like the blink of an eye, but what were really pages and pages of being transported into another world.

What’s the first story you wrote? How excited were you to tell it? Creativity can feel elusive for many artists, writers have the privilege of being able to physically hold the words they’ve written. Enjoy the nostalgia of all the feelings you experienced when you wrote your first project. Let your mind revel in all the positive emotions, connections, and struggles you worked through to make your writing stronger and clearer.

#3 Read

Sometimes we’re so busy writing in a vacuum that we abandon the things that inspired us to write in the first place. What is your favorite story? Who is your favorite author? And most importantly, when is the last time you let yourself enjoy them?

By becoming a reader again, you’ll not only appreciate the thing you love most about this craft, you’ll most likely get more excited about the possibility of reaching readers on the level that you were reached. By experiencing the power of a fantastic story, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how to make your story that for others.

#4 Dream

What is one of your big, scary writing goals? What masterpiece do you hope to create one day? Get excited about all the possibilities that could come with achieving this goal and allow yourself to dream. Stop living in a practical world. Allow yourself to see the writing future you want so clearly that you can taste it.

The worlds, characters, and circumstances we create in our stories have no limits – why create them for our dreams? By allowing yourself to stay in touch with the things that get you excited about life, you’ll be much more likely to sit down and get to work with a positive, enthusiastic attitude.

#5 Learn

“Once you stop learning, you start dying.” Said a guy who learned a lot (Albert Einstein). No matter how experienced we become, there’s always something to learn. If you’re a veteran writer, remember how exciting it was to discover new writing techniques, elements of story, and character development skills.

Become a sponge again. Join a class, take a webinar, or read a book on writing and take everything you know and throw it out the window for a few hours. No one can take away your knowledge and experience, so try listening with new ears and become inspired again.

David L. Hancock, Founder
Morgan James Publishing

5 Ways to Fall in Love With Writing Again2018-02-13T19:18:50-05:00

Creativity Blocked? Try This

Creativity Blocked? Try This

Excitement of the New Year is still buzzing and you’re itching to write your next story. Your work has grown so much over the last year and you just know you’ll knock this one out of the park. You’re all stocked up on note cards, pens, and perhaps there’s a new dry erase board hanging. You open up your laptop, stare at the screen and…

You stare at the screen and…

The blinking curser on your blank document waves hello. After a while it turns into a taunt. Your mind starts to spiral and after three hours of staring blankly at the computer, you realize what’s happened: Your creativity is blocked. Has your well run dry, you ask? Not a chance.

If this sounds like you, get excited. This seemingly negative predicament can be a catalyst for unique and interesting ideas. Instead of throwing in the towel and waiting for your next creative streak, it’s time to shake things up with something different. Here are some brainstorming exercises to help awaken those creative juices and launch you into your next potential masterpiece.

Play Opposites

Make a list of your favorite stories of all time (in any medium) – book, TV show, film, or musical. Then write out the main story beats. For example: Baby in Dirty Dancing spends the summer at a resort with her family. She crosses paths with a dance teacher from the wrong side of the tracks who teaches her to dance when his partner is unable to perform. They fall in love and so on, and so on…

Now take that story and flip it on its head. Maybe a boy falls in love with a bad girl who teaches him chess during the winter – in prison. It doesn’t have to be “good” or interesting (this one certainly isn’t), but the hope is that by playing this game with a few stories, you’ll draw inspiration from something that DOES sound good and interesting. Let yourself be bad at this, it’ll feel so good.

Take A Stroll

‘Go for a walk’ sounds like elementary advice, but it can produce impressive results. “But a walk won’t give me my next idea, David.” Fair enough, although some folks at Stanford would disagree.

Their study on walking and creativity determined that people who walk (indoors or outdoors) generated more creative output – up to sixty percent more. Ask yourself this: Would you pop a pill that could boost your creative juices up to sixty percent? If so, ditch the pill and get moving. If it was good enough for Steve Jobs in his meetings, it’s good enough for the rest of us. Instead of trying to squeeze thoughts out of thin air, allow them to flow to you.

Draw From Your Experiences

Try creating an “experience” file on your computer. This is where you’ll log any memories you have that are worth writing down. Try starting with these warm-up questions:

  • What’s your most embarrassing moment(s)?
  • When was your first kiss? Give details.

Then dig a little deeper.

  • Was there a moment in your life when you felt very different than other people?
  • Was there a moment in your life when you felt like people are generally the same?

This has nothing to do with writing a novel about the time you weren’t picked for dodge ball. Our personal experiences could spark something universal to serve as your story’s foundation or theme. All you need is the germ of an idea to get the wheels turning into something compelling and relatable.

Fake News

Pick up the newspaper (or click on its website) and skim the headlines. News is full of high stakes, high drama. Take the headline and/or the beginning of an article that you’re not familiar with and try to guess what happens after the setup. You could create a whole new story based on a single logline.

“Thief Caught With Over Fifty Purses.” What if this purse thief was an eighty-year-old grandmother? What would her story look like? Let your imagination go wild.

Facebook

Much like the newspaper headline exercise, scroll your Facebook feed for posts that spark a story or character idea. Try these exercises to start:

  • Look at a stranger’s photo and write an interesting story about their life.
  • Funny meme? Create the story that lead up to that captured moment.
  • Browse posts and ignore the photo. Write an exaggerated character description for the kind of person who would write that post.
  • Join a Facebook group in an industry/topic you’re unfamiliar with and pickup on their specific lingo.

Take away the pressure to make each brainstorm your next best seller. Have fun with the games, hope to find something useful, and stop editing yourself as you go along. You never know what will come from allowing yourself the freedom to play. Inspiration is everywhere and there’s no shortage of ideas!

David L. Hancock, Founder
Morgan James Publishing

Creativity Blocked? Try This2018-01-31T15:40:45-05:00

2018 Writing Resolutions: Small Steps = Big Results

2018 Writing Resolutions: Small Steps = Big Results

In addition to achieving a 6-pack, paying off debt, and spending quality time with your fish, it’s crucial that creatives make specific goals for their projects. Most of us don’t have an editor begging for pages with a 6-figure book deal on the table, or an audience waiting on pins and needles to read our latest work. We run our own writing schedule and decide how long it should take for our inspiration to spill onto the page.

While many have listed “write more” as a 2018 resolution, this vague goal could leave us in front of the computer scratching our heads. It’s important to set a specific objective based on our needs, schedule, and resources so we’re moving forward with our projects (and craft) in the most efficient way possible. Here are steps to create direct action that will help make your resolution a reality.

Stay Consistent

More important than the amount written on the page is the consistency in which it is written. We’ve all had periods where the words flow like honey – the gods above have hand-delivered a beautiful story and told us exactly what to say and how to say it. But when the fairy dust settles, we’re often left staring at a page of manic words with no idea what to do with them.

Consistency is what separates the men from the boys. It’s the difference between a hobby and a profession and it’s how anything great is made. In “The War of Art” by Steven Pressfield, he referenced Somerset Maughham’s response when asked if he wrote on a specific schedule or only when stuck by inspiration.

“I write only when inspiration strikes,” he replied. “Fortunately it strikes every morning at nine o’clock sharp.” 

If you haven’t created a writing schedule or are struggling to maintain the one you have, start small. The act of sitting down and writing is a muscle – even before the writing begins – so you’ll want to train your body and mind on what that feels like. Every. Single. Day. Keep tweaking your process and recognize what works and what doesn’t. Talk to your colleagues and see what they do. Strive for consistency and water your project daily.

Stay Accountable

It takes a village to raise a child and it takes that same village to grow your baby – project that is. Don’t go at it alone. After you’ve identified what you want to accomplish, bring in backup. A motivated friend dedicated to your success, a professional coach, a family member that’s in your corner – whoever it is, make sure they are invested in you. Get these goals down on paper and give your buddy permission to challenge you. Are you doing enough? Are you too hard on yourself? Give this person the freedom to speak his or her mind (and make sure they’re willing to do it).

Create High-Stakes Deadlines

Raise the stakes on your project deadline by getting someone you admire involved – ideally a writer who is further along in their career and who has expressed an interest in your growth. Ask if they’ll read your work, then give them a specific date and time it will arrive in their inbox. This will not only have you hustle to complete your project, it will help ensure that you’ve done everything in your power to make it as good as it can be on your own. The people we admire are busy, so we want to make the most out of their notes. No one benefits from feedback that could have already been applied had the preparation been better.

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

BAD NEWS: We don’t have full control over our project’s success. (There is no surefire solution to make your book a NY Times Best Seller.

Flying in with GOOD NEWS: We can give our book everything we have for the best possible chance of success.

Dreaming big is what makes America the Promised Land, but without a plan in place, it leaves us lying in bed staring at the ceiling. The goal to become a NY Times Best Seller isn’t a plan of action – it’s a dream. What tangible steps can you take toward the finish line?

If you want to turn your novel into a TV show, for example, the first step would be to reformat your book into a script. After that, you’ll need a pitch document, you could take meetings with people in that industry, then research other authors who have taken a similar path for inspiration. Constantly ask yourself: What ACTION can I take to get me there?

Make Adjustments

Be diligent, but not delusional. If what you’ve been doing hasn’t worked for an extended period of time (meaning there has been no progress), it’s time to change it up. Be very honest with yourself about your ability, the projects you’ve created, and the time and energy you’ve invested toward your goal. Now, more than ever, you must start thinking outside the box. Sometimes we get so stuck in the traditional way of doing things that we miss opportunities to go in through the backdoor.

Bring in outside support. Hire a coach or mentor to help you make positive adjustments. Experienced people who know the industry you’re in have the ability to see things that you couldn’t possibly see. Sometimes we need to take a few steps back before we can leap forward, but as long as you’re willing to learn and grow, you’ll find a way to get there.

David L. Hancock
Founder, Morgan James Publishing

2018 Writing Resolutions: Small Steps = Big Results2018-01-19T16:53:33-05:00

Your Wacky Family: A Character Study this Christmas

Your Wacky Family: A Character Study this Christmas

Crazy Uncle Billy, Wild Aunt Wanda, Weird Cousin Fester and his yellow snake… Every family has at least one unique relative running around. Ya know, the person your family dodges, and then shares stories about after they’ve left the room.  Public Service Announcement: if you don’t know who the crazy one is, sorry… It’s you.

When you’re thrown into close quarters with wacky relatives this season, you have two choices:

  1. Avoid them at all costs.
  2. Take notes!

We’re not just writers when the laptop opens – our wheels keep turning long after deadlines are met. Here’s a little inspiration to help you treasure your family’s oddball unicorns and why they’ll make your writing (and life) a lot more interesting.

Forget Netflix

Turn off the TV and raise your mental antenna because you’re not going to find these people on Netflix. Unless your family member is toxic, a little crazy can be next-level entertaining. Something magical happens when we stop expecting people to play by the rules: we step into their world. Instead of yapping about bitcoin with your pretentious brother-in-law, ask Aunt Wanda about that Sasquatch tattoo peeking out from her neckline.

Our life experience is really dependent on our attitude. By choosing to see these family members as the unique treasures they are, you’re creating a positive environment for everyone in the family. You might inspire others to show a little more interest in the black sheep, initiating a more joyful holiday experience.

Story Time

Once upon a time, there was a crazy uncle who gave his niece a best-selling idea for her next novel. Will you be there to receive it? The choice is yours. Eccentric people often love to talk. Ask them one question and get ready for a whole conspiracy theory or ghost-hunting tale. Instead of running away, take notes! These relatives think outside the box – right where you want to be. Go with them on their story’s journey – there might be some inspiration hidden between Elvis sightings and tinfoil hats.

Outrageous stories are a dream because the hard work has been done for us. We can always tone something down or cut details that don’t make sense. You might feel stuck with a project until your relative says one thing that infuses new life into it.

Character Traits Galore

Writers can never have enough characters in their arsenal and family members are a gift from Santa himself – even the “normal” ones. Study people’s quirks: their dog-like sneeze, why they steal Sweet’N Low from the family dinner table, what’s so terrifying about pecans? Don’t judge them (you have your own traits), develop an honest fascination. It’s better than that PSYC class you had in college.

Write down anything unusual, then reverse your mindset and discover predictable traits your audience can relate to. Record these interesting idiosyncrasies in a document and watch the word count grow. When we’re in a quiet room with our computer, the little things are hard to remember. You’ll thank yourself later for putting together a “quirk” file.

Common Ground

What’s the cardinal rule about creating characters? Never judge them. Your killer craves revenge, your prostitute has no other options. We don’t invent two-dimensional characters so why would we treat others like they’re two-dimensional?

If you can get past someone’s ‘crazy,’ there’s always something to relate to. While too much of any emotion can make someone go off the deep end, most feelings are universal. Become curious and learn what makes them tick. Understanding leads to compassion – a happy place for artists. And you never know, this eccentric character might end up being the one person who “gets you” or who at least won’t think you’re crazy.

Strange people are usually strange because they’ve stopped hiding it. We all have a little crazy in us, and it can be a breath of fresh air when people skip the “how’s the weather” small talk and go right into their goldfish trauma. Honesty is rare, so appreciate the abandoned filter. There’s courage in being your true self and you might find yourself inspired to take a page out of their book.

David L. Hancock, Founder
Morgan James Publishing

Your Wacky Family: A Character Study this Christmas2018-01-10T21:59:41-05:00

‘Tis the Season: The Seasons of a Writer

‘Tis the Season: The Seasons of a Writer

Ask any artist about their work-life balance and you’ll most likely get a great big belly laugh in response. Family, friends, finance, spirituality, creativity, errands, exercise… It’s impossible to give equal attention to everything on a day-to-day basis — especially when there’s a project in the works (and there’s always a project in the works).

Once writers surrender to this truth the process becomes a lot smoother. Because, while daily balance is like finding the Holy Grail, there are seasonal patterns an artist goes through that just might balance out the imbalance when it’s all said and done. Here are four common seasons that many writers cycle through and why they’re so darn important.

The Writer’s Cave – Season of Isolation

Ah, the isolation… A close relationship with a writer comes with a level of understanding: there will be weeks (sometimes months) when these people are just not available. They’ve gone to the dark side and will return when the deed is done.

During this time the writer hopes to have enough food in the fridge to survive – can’t risk going to the grocery store and throwing off the flow. Dress code ranges from bathrobe to pajamas. Oftentimes men don’t shave and women leave their makeup behind. It’s raw, it’s precious, and it’s extremely private. Phone off, head down, creative antenna up.

Picasso nailed it when he said, “without great solitude, no serious work is possible.” We need mental space for our creativity to come out and play. Collaboration is a beautiful, necessary part of the process but it’s crucial to explore our own instincts and urges or they’ll never be fully realized. The irony is, when we’re alone and tapped into that thing that we’re all striving to tap into, we never feel alone. It’s one of the most fulfilling experiences an artist can have.

The Deadline – Season of Panic

Not to be confused with the writer’s cave, deadline time usually feels 10 percent creative and 90 percent panic. “Will I meet my deadline? Will they like it? I’m a genius! I can barely read and write.” Imposter syndrome comes knocking and a lot of emotional energy is expelled just trying to convince ourselves we can actually do it.

This period feels the most isolating for many because no one can completely relate to our concerns. You’ll want to vent, confide in and get sympathy from your close relationships, but as soon as you say something like, “I’m trying to decide if this character’s spirit animal really is a jungle cat or if I should scrap all of chapter eight and write her as the flamingo she’s grown to be.” You’ll get a few crickets, and then have to leave the dinner table early to figure out chapter eight all by your lonesome.

Necessary? Absolutely. Something magical happens right after a project is finished: all that worry drains from the body and there’s peace. There’s pride in the completion and relief that you survived. This season is quite possibly one of the most unpleasant parts of the writing process but it instantly separates the women from the girls. So if you come out on the other side without developing a drug habit, you’ve won at life. And while the next deadline might not be easier, your muscle for it will be stronger. Every. Single. Time.

The Promoter – Season of Celebrity

This is the shaking hands and kissing babies season. Your project is launching and you know its success rides on how much you put it out there – so you hold your breath and dive underwater. Depending on your personality, this could either be a heaven or a total hell. Since many writers claim to be introverts, it’s not looking good for the majority.

You’ll meet a lot of people, gain new fans, and possibly feel a little unnatural as you talk about your book and hand out business cards. You’ll catch yourself wondering how long this season will last because all you want to do is go home and put on fuzzy socks. The bright side? This season can manifest exciting things. You meet people you’d never meet at home, put faces to email addresses, and run into old contacts you haven’t seen in years. You’ll remember that you’re actually attractive with your hair done and bathrobe off and there’s a part of you that starts to enjoy these social events. You’ll get some lovely photos for your website and think, “Wow, I look like a successful writer.” And while you try to meet as many people as possible, you know that sometimes it just takes one connection to get you to that next step. Simply put, the possibilities are worth putting a comb through your hair and driving across town.

The Fresh Air – Season of Fulfillment  

In this season, you’re like a gopher popping its head up from the ground. The daylight is blinding but the fresh air feels delightful. You miss your friends and family desperately and feel like you’ve been so busy writing about life that you haven’t gone out there and lived. You set up one-on-one time with loved ones, plan a trip, and finally go to that place everyone hangs out at called the ‘grocery store.’

As diligent entrepreneurs, it’s easy to work a weekend here and a weekend there. Creativity might hit us hard one night and before we know it, it’s been twelve hours of grind. While putting our butts in a chair and words on a page is important, we must remember there’s a whole world out there – one full of inspiration. You can spend an entire day at home crafting a new character or bump into her at a museum. Life is meant to be lived, not just written about.

Each season contains necessary elements for growth in several areas of our life. That’s why this process is so diverse (and because hanging out in one season too long could drive anyone crazy). So if you’re struggling with balance, accept that you’re probably in a season – one that should be enjoyed because as soon as you get comfortable with the weather, it will change.

David L. Hancock, Founder

‘Tis the Season: The Seasons of a Writer2017-12-16T01:13:58-05:00

If You Want Something Done Right, Write it Yourself

If You Want Something Done Right, Write it Yourself

If you’ve ever…

Walked out of a movie early.

Read a book that put you to sleep.

Browsed a blog that offered words but no content.

You’ve just been hand-delivered a gift. No doubt unfulfilled stories are disappointing, but if you’re a creative, these annoyances could very well be the motivational shove needed to create what you crave into existence.

The Gift of a “Bad” Experience

A bad experience is a matter of opinion. When we’re disappointed by another’s work – left feeling unfulfilled or mislead in some way – consider it a precious, precious gift. Why? You’ve just been offered a puzzle that’s waiting to be solved. Instead of just reading books about writing, experiment with your new skills on this story.  So much growth can occur when we take the time to identify what felt unsatisfactory.

Pinpoint what’s missing from your experience. Explore ideas that could have made it better. Ask the question, “How would I put my spin on it?” Then go off and make sure your next project delivers the goods.

If a server eats at a restaurant, for example, and her waiter is rude and unhelpful, she’ll most likely return to her serving job more motivated to provide her customers with a pleasant experience. She was fine at her job before, but the blessing of that experience was a direct reminder of what it feels like to be on the other end. Be the change, so to speak.

Fill the Gap

“I wish there were more female-driven stories.”

“There should really be more diversity.”

“I’d love to spend a day in the shoes of _____.”

Writers have the gift of creation – the power to take a blank page and fill it with what’s in our heart and soul. And as Spider-Man’s Ben Parker said, “With great power, comes great responsibility.” Part of that responsibility is to tell the stories we want to see. Why does it matter what you think? Collective consciousness tells us that if you’re having these thoughts, others are having them too. Pay attention, not only to the ideas you know you can write well, but the ones your soul aches for.

Be an Outsider

“But I don’t know anything about this character. How can I, a young Indian woman write about a Black man in his 60s? How could I possibly capture all of his life experiences, wisdom, hopes and fears?”

Every story should be given the justice it deserves, but that justice will never be done if you block yourself from writing unfamiliar things all together. There’s a difference between a lack of knowledge and a lack of interest. If you’re only lacking knowledge, don’t let that deter you from creating something that you’d love to see.

Research, interview, study. The beauty of being an outsider is that you’ll ask questions that insiders won’t. You’ll see things from another angle, appreciate details that are considered normal, and bring light to things that would otherwise stay in the dark. Do everything in your power to create truthful worlds but also embrace your unique viewpoint. When you surrender to that, you might become the best possible person to tell another’s story.

The Game-Changing Question

How do you think Morgan James Publishing came into existence? As big as this business has become, it started from something quite small: one man’s dissatisfaction with the publishing process.

Was the goal to become the go-to publishing house for entrepreneurial authors? Not really. Was the motivation to have six offices across the map? Nope. Was the catalyst to become one of Publisher’s Weekly “fastest growing publishers in the nation?” Not at all. The goal for this movement started with a bad experience that produced a longing for a better one. The result? Not only has Morgan James Publishing created a better experience its founder; it has gone on to provide a better experience for authors, publishing houses, and readers everywhere.

One man saying, “Hey, this is more difficult than it should be,” produced positive results for many because, as we’ve learned, if one person is thinking it, others are too. Most people would have complained and moved along, but David L. Hancock asked a game-changing question: How can I make this better? This one question holds the power to create change in the world.

What kind of change can you create today?

David L. Hancock, Founder
Morgan James Publishing

If You Want Something Done Right, Write it Yourself2017-12-04T20:44:58-05:00

Perfectionism – The Scariest Monster of All

Perfectionism – The Scariest Monster of All

Perfectionism has its place in the world, but if we operated from this mindset all the time nothing would ever get done – especially this blog post. There’s a precious factor for many artists that can suck the art and joy out of any project. Our work is our child, after all. But have you ever been around perfectionist parents? They’re so busy sanitizing and organizing that it’s hard for their kids to be kids. Much like over-editing – in an effort to make things perfect, the passion and spirit of a project can get watered down.

If you have a tendency to fall down the perfection rabbit hole, here are some reminders on why to knock it off ASAP. *For the hardcore perfectionists, there is one purposeful typo below. Happy hunting!

An Arrogant Excuse

“I’m a perfectionist,” we say in job interviews, first dates, and accountability groups. This statement tells others, “I have a higher standard. I have excellent taste.” That works fine when you’re picking out the perfect grapefruit, but falls short when it’s preventing you from writing that book.

Think of all the things you’ve accomplished in your life. Have any of them been perfect? Probably not, but they were complete. Brought to life. Experienced. Everything else is just a good idea buried in fear.

If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done.”

–Ecclesiastes 11:4

The Death of Art

Endless categories tempt perfection; Body fat percentage, speed of execution, proper use of a semicolon… Yet some of the most amazing moments happen organically when there’s no fear around creation.

Would you stop Meryl Streep during Sophie’s Choice to smooth her hair and wipe her tears? If she stumbled on a word through her captivating performance, would you demand a retake? Great film directors keep the camera rolling after a scene, just in case.

As authors, we must apply this to our work and welcome organic opportunities. It’s our job to present slices of life and life is anything but perfect. What can feel different or off the cuff? How can you break the rules? Things that fall between the cracks are thrilling in a world of crossed t’s and dotted i’s.

Yes we must study our craft, but when inspiration strikes it must come in its raw form. Technique and skill are learned, creative juice is a blessing and shouldn’t be slapped with a ruler. Ever.

Letting our hair down presents such a captivating freedom that no one would dare brush it into place. Enjoy the snippets and flashes that the universe throws your way. Instead of screaming, “It’s not enough! Now I have to make this tidy.” Say, “thank you for the fun toy you gave me.” Then see if you can attract others to play with you.

“It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all – in which case, you fail by default.”

–J.K. Rowling.

A Growth Killer

As adults, we’ve become quite comfy being good at things. Driving? No problem. Emailing? Nailed it. Doing things we already know how to do makes us feel smart (and possibly better than people who can’t do it as well).

The unfortunate truth is that so many people stop growing in adulthood. They’ve become comfortable feeling comfortable and have forgotten what it’s like to be bad at something. And because we’re our own parents, we protect ourselves from danger– and for many that means feeling vulnerable.

As children, we stumble all over the place, celebrating small wins, like counting to five and not dropping a glass full of juice. If we trip today – literally or figuratively – shame sweeps in like a bandit, robbing us of our joy.

By shaking off perfectionism and trying new things we allow ourselves to truly live. Risks… Challenges… They shape who we are. To eliminate them is a slow and sneaky death of the spirit.

“To be a learner, you’ve got to be willing to be a fool.”

–George Leonard

Your Brain on Perfectionism

Thanks to neuroplasticity, our brain has the literal ability to grow, change and rewire from new stimulations. When perfection prevents us from trying new things, our brain stops working for us. Repeating the same things day after day bores our brain into autopilot. “Use it or lose it” couldn’t be truer. Your brain deserves to function at an optimal level.

“Life is a moving, breathing thing. We have to be willing to constantly evolve. Perfection is constant transformation.”

–Nia Peeples

Food For Thought

Give perfectionism shade and move toward your artistic urges like the creative junkie you are. The best things in life don’t come to those who wait, they come to those who act. And when you do that, you’ll quite possibly see through all the imperfection and discover something absolutely purfect.

David L. Hancock, Founder
Morgan James Publishing

Perfectionism – The Scariest Monster of All2017-10-31T19:11:35-04:00

“It’s Been Done” is Just an Excuse

There are no original ideas – that statement itself is unoriginal. Nothing will take the wind of out a writer’s sails faster than coming up with an idea– an idea that very well could be “the one,” only to discover a book, TV show, and movie with the exact same premise.

While you never want to copy or produce an identical product, there’s nothing wrong with bringing your idea to life and everything right with it. After all, storytelling is an art. Have you ever heard someone say, “Uh, I’ve already seen a painting with that shade of blue”?

Walk the Walk

There’s an improv exercise that goes a little something like this:

You form a line. The first person walks. The second person imitates the first person’s walk. The third person imitates the second person’s walk and so on. By the time you get to the tenth person it’s a completely different walk.

As in life, when we mimic others we look nothing like the person we’re mimicking. So if two writers have the same premise (by accident) their execution will likely be much different in tone, character, theme, and resolution.

Timing

Pick up a book you read ten years ago and see what registers today. Chances are your 35-year-old self absorbs a few things that your 20-year-old self skimmed right by.

Yes, your audience may have heard your message from someone else in some other time in some other place. But there are people who couldn’t process it at that time and their evolved brains are aching for what you have to say. Yes you. They are meant to hear it in the same way you’re meant to say it, which brings us to…

New Ears

Cartoons haven’t changed much – as far as story goes – so why are such unoriginal characters sweeping toy stores across the nation? What seems boring and overdone to is is fresh and hilarious to a child. That goofy monkey slipping over a banana peel is comedy gold!

The fundamentals will never die and they shouldn’t. The world and the people in it are constantly changing so old messages need new settings and new furry characters for new ears – only then can these messages be delivered at an optimal level.

Telephone

Remember the game Telephone? Someone whispers a sentence in their neighbor’s ear, then that neighbor passes it along to their neighbor and off it goes. The last person in the circle tells everyone what was said to them and laughter ensues. Why? What that person says is usually nothing like what the first person said. This leads us toward two conclusions.

  1. We’re terrible listeners.
  2. We hear differently.

What we say and what people hear can be totally different. We’ll never completely know how our message is received so let’s stop assuming everyone thinks just like us. Hiding the message we want to say for fear of sounding trite could do our audience a complete disservice. One man’s Goodwill pile is another man’s treasure.

Your Thumbprint

Spiritual differences aside, most will agree that there are things in this world we cannot see, touch or explain. What if our impulses are larger than ourselves? If you have a creative urge and the need to share it, is it possible that it’s not for you? You’ve been hand-delivered a message and if you throw it away, the person it’s meant for will never receive it. What are we here to do again?

If we all spoke with the same voice and thought the same way our ideas would be just that – the same. But the only way your tribe can receive a message is through the very special way you communicate it. So don’t hold back. There are people, right now, who need to hear your unoriginal, original message.

David L. Hancock, Founder
Morgan James Publishing

“It’s Been Done” is Just an Excuse2017-10-20T13:08:17-04:00
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