Category: Uncategorized

Overcoming Isolation

Writers need solitude.

We need space to dream, to plan, to build castles in the air. Then we have to get those ideas on paper. It’s hard to do that with a house full of people who need you or the constant distraction of other, potentially more satisfying, activities.

Solitude is perhaps the greatest gift you can give a writer. Space, literal and figurative, to create.

But when does Solitude become Isolation? How are they different, and why is one dangerous?

Photo by Markus Spiske on Pexels.com

I like these definitions:

Solitude is a chosen, intentional space for focused work, reflection, and creative replenishment. It’s a peaceful, productive withdrawal that allows ideas to germinate and words to flow without external distractions. Isolation, on the other hand, is an unwelcome and often prolonged state of being cut off, leading to feelings of loneliness, disconnection, and a lack of support.

I like the idea that we choose solitude, whereas isolation separates us from our support systems unwillingly.

Too many times, isolation can lead to low self-worth, writer’s block, and more devastating mental and physical health problems. It’s a serious problem, and it deserves serious help.

If you’re feeling isolated, get help now. As a reminder, you can book a free 15-minute meeting. Consider it a mini-writing-therapy session. You don’t have to suffer in silence. Let’s connect and start finding solutions.

STRUGGLES & SUCCESSES

I’ve felt isolated before, and it’s the pits. So I created an online community you can join where we encourage each other to be productive, practice self-care, and enjoy the ride. Here are some ideas to overcome isolation today.

  • Join a Writing Group: I stream on YouTube on Tuesdays for connection, support, feedback, and camaraderie. I also host the Creative Collective for accountability once a month. See below for your invitations to both.
  • Attend Writing Workshops or Conferences: I co-host the Space to Create Writing and Working retreats in French Camp, MS. There are also a multitude of online forums or social media groups dedicated to writing. I can help you find one or more (but not too many) that are right for you.
  • Find a Writing Buddy: I partner with other writers for accountability, support, and shared goals.
  • Prioritize Social Activities: I make time for social activities outside of writing life.

I’m sharing strategies to writers’ pain points here and in my weekly email. Have some you’d like to share? Let me know! If you’re not getting that email, sign up at linseyewing.com/get-access. You’ll also find some fun writer freebies.

CURRENT NOVEL PROGRESS

TDG Draft 5 Word Count: 18,292 (back from the dev. editor)

ASD Draft 0: 15,401

I’m still resting. The Daily Grind will resume in July.

HAPPENING THIS MONTH

Tonight, June 3rd, and June 17th: YouTube Stream at 5 PM Central / 6 EST

We’ll take a break for a few weeks and return in July. I also have a joint stream planned for the weekend of July 12. Might want to write that one down.

CREATIVE COLLECTIVE: The next meeting is Next Monday, June 2, at 7:30 PM Central / 8:30 EST. This is our accountability group, and you are more than welcome. Just email me for the Zoom link.

In Other News

Don’t forget about

Paperback Promo: Buy one, get one free on GOODBYE and LUKE. Signed and personalized for free. Shipping inside the US only. This Promotion is good through May 31!

and

LIVING WRITE: a 5-module course on creating a writing routine that works for you. Enrollment starts now and ends June 1. If you’re interested in either, contact me.

If you’re having trouble naming your passion, finding time to work, or just want to discuss your WIP, I’m only a click away. Take the time. You won’t regret it.

Start or Finish today. I can help.

Book your FREE 15 minutes

Until next time

xxxlinsey

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Oh yes, I mean that…

What’s the worst pain a writer has? What do you think?

We’ve discussed the pain of Rejection and Self-Doubt of our words and our worth. Those are pretty bad, but we’ve also discussed how we can overcome or at least mitigate them.

What about Writer’s Block? The dreaded blank page. Does it inspire fear? It should. It’s about the worst thing I can think of, and it happens to every writer sooner or later, for more or less time, eventually.

It’s like a sticky pit you can’t avoid. I only know ways to get out/through. No way to prevent it.

Photo by Castorly Stock on Pexels.com

Just a reminder, if any of these issues are currently bothering you, support is available. Book a free 15-minute meeting during which we can discuss your specific challenges and explore potential strategies. Consider it a mini-writing-therapy session. You don’t have to suffer in silence. Let’s connect and start finding solutions.

Also, if you have writers’ pain points you’d like discussed or remedies to the same, I’d love to hear from you. Comment here or email me

STRUGGLES & SUCCESSES

Here are my strategies for overcoming Writer’s Block.

  • Be patient: Look at it as a mental break and take it. Enjoy the free time and deal with the idea only in your imagination. This is not the time to slog. Think of it as a mini vacay and treat yourself well.
  • Fill the well: Surround yourself with creative things. Try a paint-and-sip or pottery class or another artistic adventure. Go to movies, read books, enjoy museums, and focus on inputting creativity rather than outputting. Create. Get your hands in the garden, play with watercolors, or do some doodling. Have some dang fun, why don’t ya? And let me know how it goes.
  • Document: A wise person once told me, “If you can’t create, document.” That means write it down. No matter what it is. Start with the weather or your mood. Detail what you see, hear, smell, taste, and feel. You have no idea the details that will end up in your next story because you bothered to write down the light in the trees or the sound of the woodpecker.

In other words, we don’t so much as overcome Writer’s Block as wait it out. I’ve learned to enjoy the wait and to have faith that the words will return. Eventually, the pit becomes not-so sticky and not-so steep. Pretty soon, we can walk right up and out.

You can read more about my approach to Writer’s Block in this week’s email. If you’re not getting that email, sign up at linseyewing.com/get-access. You’ll also find some fun writer freebies.

CURRENT NOVEL PROGRESS

TDG Draft 5 Word Count: 18,292 (back from the dev. editor)

ASD Draft 0: 15,401

I’m still resting, but trying to mentally lean back into The Daily Grind. I can finish this draft in a month, easily, but I am busy with life in June, and not sure how much will get done before July, my next writing month.

HAPPENING THIS MONTH

Tonight and every Tuesday through June 3: YouTube Stream at 5 PM Central / 6 EST We’ll then take a break for a few weeks and return in July.

CREATIVE COLLECTIVE: The next meeting is Next Monday, June 2, at 7:30 PM Central / 8:30 EST. This is our accountability group, and you are more than welcome. Just email me for the Zoom link.

In Other News

Don’t forget about

Paperback Promo: Buy one, get one free on GOODBYE and LUKE. Signed and personalized for free. Shipping inside the US only. This Promotion is good through May 31!

and

LIVING WRITE: a 5-module course on creating a writing routine that works for you. Enrollment starts now and ends June 1. If you’re interested in either, contact me.

If you’re having trouble naming your passion, finding time to work, or just want to discuss your WIP, I’m only a click away. Take the time. You won’t regret it.

Start or Finish today. I can help.

Book your FREE 15 minutes

Until next time

xxxlinsey

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Conquering Your Inner Critic

Last week, we talked about Rejection…but that comes from the outside when others reject your work or efforts.

What about the insidious doubts that come from within?

Self-doubt can be a writer’s constant companion.

The nagging voice that casts a shadow over every sentence, whispering doubts about your talent, your ideas, and your ability to craft a story that resonates.

This inner critic is relentless, dissecting your work with a harshness you’d never inflict on another person, much less another writer. It questions word choice, plotlines, and character development, often leading to paralysis and stifled creativity.

This persistent self-doubt erodes confidence, making it difficult to share your work, submit to publications, or even continue writing. The fear of not measuring up can be crippling, leading to missed opportunities and a diminished sense of self-worth.

Learning to manage this inner critic is crucial for any writer who wants to thrive and share their voice with the world.

Photo by Nathan Cowley on Pexels.com

If any of these issues are currently bothering you, support is available. Book your free 15-minute meeting where we can discuss your specific challenges and explore potential strategies for overcoming them. Consider it a mini-therapy session for your writing soul.

You don’t have to suffer in silence. Let’s connect and start finding solutions.

STRUGGLES & SUCCESSES

How do I silence the inner critic? I have a few strategies:

  • Name her (or him): My inner critic has the name of a middle school bully. Personify that voice so you can ask it 1)what it’s problem is, 2) what it needs.
  • Do instead of Doubt: I prove it wrong. Prove your critic wrong by doing.the.damn. thing. Sit in the chair for 15 minutes, journal, or make some art. Something that proves that voice has totally got it wrong about you.
  • Turn it around: I listen. Sometimes the voice of doom is there for a reason. Approach your inner critic with compassion and curiosity and see what happens.

You can read more about this and the next topic, writer’s block, in this week’s email. If you’re not getting that email, sign up at linseyewing.com/get-access. You’ll also find some fun writer freebies.

CURRENT NOVEL PROGRESS

TDG Draft 5 Word Count: 18,292 (back from the dev. editor)

ASD Draft 0: 14,376

It’s been going well. I haven’t pushed myself to produce, but I have spent time thinking about both manuscripts. ASD is finally fully outlined, and, though I said I would probably let it rest, I have a few more things to tinker with before I’m done with it. Might as well do them while it’s on my mind.

HAPPENING THIS MONTH

Tonight and every Tuesday through May: YouTube Stream at 5 PM Central / 6 EST

CREATIVE COLLECTIVE: The next meeting is Next Monday, June 2, at 7:30 PM Central / 8:30 EST

In Other News

Don’t forget about

Paperback Promo: Buy one, get one free on GOODBYE and LUKE. Signed and personalized for free. Shipping inside the US only. This Promotion is good through May 31!

and

LIVING WRITE: a 5-module course on creating a writing routine that works for you. Enrollment starts now and ends June 1. If you’re interested in either, contact me.

If you’re having trouble naming your passion, finding time to work, or just want to discuss your WIP, I’m only a click away. Take the time. You won’t regret it.

Start or Finish today. I can help.

Book your FREE 15 minutes

Until next time

xxxlinsey

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Let’s Talk About…It.

Probably not what you’re thinking….but we’ll see. I mean the Pain Points of Writing.

Writing is often romanticized, portrayed as a solitary pursuit of passion and creativity. While those elements are undoubtedly present, let’s be real: writing can also be painful. Not just the emotional vulnerability of putting your work out there, but the day-to-day struggles that can make this journey feel like an uphill battle.

Trigger Warning: These posts will discuss common challenges that writers face, including topics like rejection, self-doubt, and burnout. If these are sensitive areas for you, please proceed with caution. But Never Fear. I have the solution. You can book your Free 15-minute call anytime.

Writers’ pain comes in many forms:

  • The sting of rejection.
  • The gnawing self-doubt that whispers, “Is my work good enough?”
  • The blank page that mocks you.
  • The isolation of spending hours alone with your thoughts.
  • The financial strain of pursuing a passion that doesn’t pay the bills.
  • The pressure to constantly create, produce, and promote.

We don’t discuss these things; we suffer in silence, convinced that we’re the only ones struggling. But the truth is, these pain points are universal.

So I’m opening the door. We’ll be discussing our pain here and in my weekly email. If you’re not getting that, sign up on linseyewing.com under the Get Access tab. You can also email me about these subjects and/or share your own pain points.

First, let me say, there is a solution. We’ll be delving into the pain, but I promise not to leave you brokenhearted. Acknowledging our pain is the first step toward finding relief.

You’re not alone, and these struggles don’t define your worth as a writer.

If any of these issues are currently bothering you, support is available. Book your free 15-minute meeting where we can discuss your specific challenges and explore potential strategies for overcoming them. Consider it a mini-therapy session for your writing soul.

You don’t have to suffer in silence. Let’s connect and start finding solutions.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

STRUGGLES & SUCCESSES

I’ve gotten to a stopping point on ASD, and I think it’s time to rest. I have several things going on in May, but it’s supposed to be a rest month from writing.

We’ll see how that goes. I’m very pleased with my current progress and I will decide in July which project to revisit.

CURRENT NOVEL PROGRESS

TDG Draft 5 Word Count: 18,292 (back from the dev. editor)

ASD Draft 0: 9,941

HAPPENING THIS MONTH

Tonight and every Tuesday through May: YouTube Stream at 5 PM Central / 6 EST

CREATIVE COLLECTIVE: The next meeting is Next Monday, June 2, at 7:30 PM Central / 8:30 EST

In Other News

Don’t forget about

Paperback Promo: Buy one, get one free on GOODBYE and LUKE. Signed and personalized for free. Shipping inside the US only.

and

LIVING WRITE: a 5-module course on creating a writing routine that works for you. Enrollment starts now and ends June 1. If you’re interested in either, contact me.

If you’re having trouble naming your passion, finding time to work, or just want to discuss your WIP, I’m only a click away. Take the time. You won’t regret it.

Start or Finish today. I can help.

Book your FREE 15 minutes

Until next time

xxxlinsey

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10K – DAY! LIVE STREAM SUNDAY

Join us for a 10k day on Sunday, July 21st, as we tackle our Camp Nano projects.

Bring your own project to work on or just come to cheer us on. We’re starting at 10AM GMT (6AM EST)

We’ll alternate sprinting and chatting to encourage each other to hit 10k words in one sitting. You’d be surprised how difficult that is, but it’s easier with support. Whether you have a writing project or need to do chores, catch up on reading or homework, or whatever you do, we’d love to have you. Come and be part of the fun.

Are you ready?

JOIN THE LIVE STREAM

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Upcoming Events: YouTube Streams and July Camp Nano Prep

It’s been a busy week. I knew it would be and was prepared, but it was still a whirlwind.

Let me know what you think of this new format in the comments.

STRUGGLES AND SUCCESSES

I have just begun June’s projects, and they appear daunting.

CURRENT NOVEL PROGRESS

I’m working on TDG this month and next month for Camp Nanowrimo. My goal will be 25k words.

I still expect to publish in January 2025.

HAPPENING THIS MONTH

TONIGHT YouTube Stream at 5pm central 6/eastern

June 18th YouTube Stream at 5pm central 6/eastern

June 25th YouTube Stream at 5pm central 6/eastern

IN OTHER NEWS

July Camp Nano is just around the corner! What are you planning or prepping in June? Are you starting a new project or working on an existing draft? Let me know below!

Photo by Ron Lach on Pexels.com

Until next time

xxxlinsey

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What’s New and What’s Next @litewings.ink

I’m trying a new format.

I want to keep a record of my progress and give a little insight into my process. Let me know what you think in the comments!

STRUGGLES AND SUCCESSES

I got a new job (fun but challenging!), went on vacation (same!), and took a major break from my projects (almost as hard). Whew! It’s a busy Summer already, and we’re just getting started.

I’ve been trying to realign my life and balance the things that belong with the new things that are coming into my orbit. Sadly I had to let go of some of the things I enjoyed, but I am convinced I made the right decisions.

During all the activity, I took May off my writing and organizing projects. I was tempted a time or two, but I managed it. Resting is not easy for me, but it’s essential to the creative process and I respect that. I have some hard work on the horizon and I’m glad I took the time.

June has two major projects but they don’t run concurrently. We shall see how it goes.

CURRENT NOVEL PROGRESS

One of those projects is continuing to work on TDG this month and next month for Camp Nanowrimo.

I still expect to publish in January 2025 so stay tuned for updates.

HAPPENING THIS MONTH

June 10th Creative Collective

June 11th YouTube Stream at 5pm central 6/eastern

June 18th YouTube Stream at 5pm central 6/eastern

June 25th YouTube Stream at 5pm central 6/eastern

IN OTHER NEWS

July Camp Nano is just around the corner! What are you planning or prepping in June? Are you starting a new project or working on an existing draft? Let me know below!

Photo by Dominika Roseclay on Pexels.com

Until next time

xxxlinsey

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Elevate Your Writing Journey: Two Online Events

Are you a creative seeking inspiration, connection, and growth?

Look no further! We’re thrilled to invite you to not just one, but two online events designed to ignite your creativity, foster community, and provide invaluable support on your journey.

Make progress.

Photo by Terje Sollie on Pexels.com

YouTube Streams:

  • Engage with writers, editors, and other creatives.
  • Ask questions, share insights, and connect.
  • Work!

Stay motivated.

Photo by fauxels on Pexels.com

Creative Collective:

  • Join an exclusive community dedicated to nurturing creativity.
  • Share and seek feedback in a supportive environment.
  • Connect!

So what are you waiting for? Whether you want to move forward or forge meaningful connections with fellow creatives, we’ve got you covered. Join our YouTube streams and become a part of the vibrant Creative Collective community. Your creative journey is about to reach new heights!

I hope you’ll join us, and as always, happy writing,

xxxlinsey

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APRIL CAMP NANO 2O24 UPDATE: The Bitter End

Well, I didn’t hit 50k, but my goal was 30k and I got more than 10k over that, so I’m happy.

In Other News:

I am running a PAPERBACK PROMO for the month of MAY.

LINSEY with GOODBYE & LUKE

You can get a free signed paperback when you purchase either the ebook or paperback copy.

Get one for yourself and one for a friend.

I’m taking May off from my projects so I can hit them hard next quarter.

Novel 3, TDG, is back from the developmental editor and I have new direction and new ideas. I’ll begin working on that for the next CAMP NANOWRIMO in JULY. Stay tuned for updates

What are you working on this summer?

xxxlinsey

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