Writing is a State of Mind by Jason Rutherford

Image by Barbara Dieu

Let's face it. Sometimes we just do not have it in us to write that next piece. The pressure is on, the deadline is near, but we have mentally checked-out.  Trying to dig for something—anything at all—inside of us to inspire productivity is becoming trying and tiring.

First off, if this happens more frequently than you feel is acceptable, do not be so hard on yourself. It happens to the best of the best, the seasoned and the green. While you are taking the time, wrestling with yourself, inside something greater is brewing, developing and waiting to unfold.

Your state of mind is just that, a "state." It is not permanent; it is not for a lifetime, but just a season. A pretty short one at that! If your state of mind is on something rather than writing, don’t worry, it’s subject to change suddenly. If your state of mind is on writing, then by all means seize that opportunity and use it while you can.

In the soul of a writer there is that "hidden" place where your affection lies—those things about which you are passionate. You have to ponder and go after those things, rather than to expect that a fresh batch of ideas will somehow “brew” while you are patiently waiting. Accepting that you need to be in that particular mind-set is the kindest thing you can do for yourself.

Not to be confused with forcing, every now and then a little nudge is acceptable, and even required. Go ahead and clear your surroundings of anything distracting from and not relating to the task before you. Make a way for the process to begin naturally and relax—as you bring to paper what lies inside.

Need help with writing, editing, publishing, or book marketing? thepublishingguru(at)gmail.com

Read Before You Write by Jason Rutherford

Photo by Mo Riza

"Page after page, keeping your writer's thought before you, but not tarrying with him, until he has brought you the thing you are in search of."  Ralph Waldo Emerson

Picked up a good book lately? Yes? Have you actually taken the time to read it? More than likely not. It is easy to be enthusiastic about starting a new novel but it seems harder to actually crack open that first page and begin the journey beneath the pages. But oh,  once you do, you wonder why it took so long!

Anyone who appreciates the art of writing knows there is an unspoken "first" rule.  To write, you must first read. Early signs of a passion for reading begin as a child and breezing through English and literature classes later on is a good indication that you most likely have what it takes.

Pick up a book and begin reading. It does not take long to realize that it "sparks" your creativity.  Keep a notepad or your computer with you and start the brainstorming process. Jot down a few words or phrases that you want to incorporate into your next piece. It does not even matter if they make sense at the time. You will be able to use that and move forward in your writing process. You can also read a short article, poetry, biographies—basically, any written word. Also, change up what you are used to reading, it allows for going into uncharted waters.

Finally, when you have finished reading, read again.

Need help with writing, editing, publishing, or book marketing? thepublishingguru(at)gmail.com

Get a Second Publishing Opinion by Jason Rutherford

To Whom It May Concern~
Thank you for submitting your manuscript to Rejection Publishing. We regret to inform you that we cannot publish your work at this time... blah..blah..blah.

Shot down? You may as well have had someone tell you in no uncertain terms that you are a worthless, good for nothing, failure. You are not even worthy of the paper it took to print your "masterpiece."

Do not buy into the "lie."  Your blood, sweat and tears deserve a second chance. Or a third, forth or even a dozen. Just ask J.K. Rowling, or Stephen King. Rejected dozens of times by major publishers, these success stories represent many a hard climb to the top.

Publishing companies have many different reasons for rejection. For one thing, your script has to get into the hands of the right person.  Assuming that happens, obvious reasons why you will not get past "first base" are simple things like spelling errors. Even if your book is great, you will not get far with such basic oversights. A great tip so as not to waste either your time or the publishers is to check and make certain that your work appeals to the market to which they cater. A little bit of research will confirm this.

So after making sure that your basics are covered and that your story is unique and ready to convince publishers that it is a moneymaker, there is no reason not to be confident in what you have.

Remember, if at first you don't succeed, then submit, and submit again! If you get fed up and want to consider self-publishing, I can show you the ropes.

Need help with writing, editing, publishing, or book marketing? thepublishingguru(at)gmail.com