Tag: writing-tips

Until next time

xxxlinsey

June 10, 2025 0

Imperfect Perfection

Do you struggle with perfectionism?

The need for every line, every word, every punctuation mark to fall into line?

I did. Once upon a time.

Now I have one of the biggest mistakes I’ve ever made right on the back of my first book.

Embarrassing, right?

Not anymore.

I’ve learned to embrace the small mistakes as quirks of my writing. Maybe someone will notice, maybe not. Doesn’t matter. It doesn’t make me less of a writer.

Perfectionism can be a silent saboteur for writers, often masquerading as a commitment to quality.

The relentless urge to make every sentence flawless from the first draft leads to endless revisions, stalled projects, and a crippling fear of the blank page, aka, Writer’s Block. This pursuit of an unattainable ideal drains creativity, transforms the joy of writing into a stressful chore, and prevents a writer from ever finishing their work, trapped in a cycle of self-criticism and dissatisfaction.

If you’re fighting perfectionism, help is available. 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

Overcoming the drive for absolute perfection involves a shift in mindset and approach. It means embracing the understanding that first drafts are inherently imperfect and that the true magic happens in revision. Setting realistic time limits for writing and editing sessions, rather than striving for endless polish, can foster productivity. By focusing on the process of creation itself, rather than solely on the end product, writers can rediscover the joy in their craft and allow their work to evolve organically, knowing that “good enough” is often the crucial step toward truly great.

Embrace the “Shitty First Draft”: Accept that first drafts are meant to be imperfect and that revision is part of the process. Write with abandon and don’t edit until it’s time to address the whole or a part of a piece.
Set Time Limits: Give yourself a set amount of time to work on a piece for writing and, later, for editing
Focus on the Process, Not the Product: Find joy in the act of writing, rather than fixating on the end result.
Seek Feedback: Share your work with trusted readers before you’ve polished it to death. This leaves room for improvements and reinforces the idea that writing is a process.
Recognize “Good Enough”: Understand that striving for excellence is different than striving for an unattainable perfection

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: 20,770 (back in the sadddle)

ASD Draft 0: 15,401

Yesterday, I opened the doc and caught up with where I am. Next is copy/pasting some work to finish the draft before I go through the whole thing again in July. This month is prep for that work.

HAPPENING THIS MONTH

Tonight 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 Monday, July 7th, 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

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.

Until next time

xxxlinsey

June 3, 2025 0

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?

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.

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.

Until next time

xxxlinsey

May 27, 2025 0

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.

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.

Until next time

xxxlinsey

May 6, 2025 0

THIS WEEK ONLY: Help me with Market Research

Share Your Insights For a Prize!

Hello fellow writers and readers!

I’m reaching out with an opportunity and invitation.

As a writer and a writing coach, I’m constantly learning and evolving, and I believe there’s value in hearing other experiences. That’s why I’m conducting some marketing research this week, and I’d love for you to participate.

Give me your Opinion

What’s a Marketing Research Call? Just an informal chat about your writing goals and processes.

Whether you’re a seasoned author, an aspiring novelist, a dedicated blogger, or simply someone who likes to write, your perspective is valuable. Yes, this means you.

In this 30 to 45-minute call, I’ll ask you some questions about your struggles and successes. Your insights will help me better understand the needs and experiences of writers like you, allowing me to create more relevant and supportive resources in the future.

NO pitch, pressure, or payment.

But you must book this week (up to 5 days out) to get the prize, so do it now! Space is limited.

Give me your Opinion

As a sincere thank you for sharing your time and wisdom, you’ll get to choose a prize:

A free book (valued at $10) to fuel your reading and writing.
Our popular coaching calendar (valued at $30) to help you organize your writing goals.
A half-hour coaching session (valued at $60) to discuss your specific writing aspirations or challenges.
Or, if you have another prize in mind that would be particularly helpful to you, suggest it – I’ll consider all reasonable requests!

BOOK TODAY!

STRUGGLES AND SUCCESSES

My poetry-every-day has not worked out as expected, but I have gotten a couple of cute verses out of it.

Here’s one:

April 11
Be Gone!
linsey ewing

BE GONE!

Away from me

With all your negativity.

I will prevail.

I will not fail.

You will see

It will be.

Dream on.

The novel is going well. It feels like carving stone with a toothpick, but it’s coming along. I’ve practically doubled my words last week, and I want to do that again this week.

Don’t forget, I’m doing a poetry exercise and challenge this month. To participate, email me or sign up at linseyewing.com under the Get Access tab. You’ll also get freebies to help your writing journey.

Let me know what you discover and share your poems: Contact me.

CURRENT NOVEL PROGRESS

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

ASD Draft 0: 3,081

HAPPENING THIS MONTH

Tonight and every Tuesday in April: YouTube Stream at 5 PM Central / 6 EST

CREATIVE COLLECTIVE: The next meeting is Monday, May 5, at 7:30 PM Central / 8:30 EST

In Other News

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.

Until next time

xxxlinsey

April 22, 2025 0

April Showers: Rhythm and Blues

For National Poetry Month, I’m sharing some of my faves, both by me and others. If you have poetry to share, I’d love to read it! Send it to me and, if you want, give me permission to share it here. I’d love to have you involved.

You can read and listen to someone read the poem-a-day if you want to catch up on what’s happened this month.

I’m drafting a novel and creating some poetry. What are you writing this month? Let me know!

We can talk about whatever you need.

STRUGGLES AND SUCCESSES

Neither the poetry nor the novel is going like I wanted. I am, as usual, struggling to enjoy the space I am currently occupying. I wanted to draft. Now that I’m drafting, I want to research. My poetry not only is no good, it’s also like pulling teeth to get a rhyme sometimes.

The answer?

Stop Rhyming.

Focus on the rhythm instead.

Every space has its own rhythm. Notice the rhythm of the space you’re in, and write about it. How does it feel?

What about your favorite song? or the earworm you can’t get rid of? Do they rhyme? What’s their rhythm?

Let me know what you discover and share your poems: Contact me.

CURRENT NOVEL PROGRESS

TDG Draft 5 Word Count: 18,292 (currently with the dev. editor)

ASD Draft 0: 1,750

HAPPENING THIS MONTH

Tonight and every Tuesday in April: YouTube Stream at 5 PM Central / 6 EST

CREATIVE COLLECTIVE: The next meeting is Monday, May 5, at 7:30 PM Central / 8:30 EST

In Other News

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.

Until next time

xxxlinsey

April 15, 2025 0

April Showers: Poetry in Motion

Did you know it’s National Poetry Month?

This month I’m sharing some of my faves, both by me and by others.

If you have poetry to share, I’d love to read it! Send it to me and, if you want, give me permission to share it here. I’d love to have you involved.

What are you writing this month? Let me know!

You can send an email to linseyewing@gmail.com or

STRUGGLES AND SUCCESSES

Poetry is one of my favorite disciplines. I respect it, like math, for all its forms and rules, and I stand in awe of people who can accomplish it with ease. I love its ability to move, to anger, to comfort, and to incite.

To that end, I’m going to share one that moved me.

I just found it yesterday. It was the poem-a-day poem for April 7th, and it certainly spoke to me.

It’s about politics, ownership, anxiety, and art. It’s called High Stakes by Yesenia Montilla.

You can read and listen to someone read the poem-a-day if you want to catch up on what’s happened this month.

Last week I shared my favorite poem. This week I’ll give you one of mine. Keep your expectations low.

And remember, I’m doing this for the exercise and a challenge. If you want to participate, you can get tips at linseyewing.com by signing up under the Get Access tab. You’ll also get fun freebies there to help your writing journey.

DAY 1: April 1, 2025
POEM
linsey ewing

Perhaps I’ll write an Acrostic.
Of course, they’re
Easier than
Most forms.

That’s it. Low-hanging fruit, but it’s a start. Let me know what you think and share your own poems: Contact me.

CURRENT NOVEL PROGRESS

TDG Draft 5 Word Count: 18,292

ASD Draft 0: 1,085

HAPPENING THIS MONTH

Tonight and every Tuesday in April: YouTube Stream at 5 PM Central / 6 EST

CREATIVE COLLECTIVE: The next meeting has been changed to Monday, APRIL 14 at 7:30 PM Central / 8:30 EST

In Other News

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.

Until next time

xxxlinsey

April 8, 2025 0

April Showers: National Poetry Month

Here are all the tools from the toolkit: Feel free to revisit each post to see how I do it. If you’re not getting emails, you’re not getting my tips and tricks designed for you. Sign up at linseyewing.com under the Get Access tab.

Handwriting practice, or Morning Pages, every day.
Prepping your space and your materials to write.
Tracking your progress, no matter how small.
Writing with abandon.
Revising/editing with determination.

If you’re just starting and this is overwhelming, let me help.

STRUGGLES AND SUCCESSES

April is one of my favorite months. I’m not sure why. Maybe it’s the return to normal after my birthday month (though I am, of course, still accepting presents) or maybe it’s that Spring has finally Sprung and everything is in bloom (achoo!). Whatever the reason, I have a definite way to celebrate.

Poetry.

Did you notice your response?

Was it fear? disgust? an eye roll? or did you sit up straighter, lean in, perk up?

Poetry can do all those things and more, and that’s part of why I love it.

REVELATIONS AND RESISTANCE

Let me be clear: I am no poet.

I’m a clumsy one at best, but I apparently have no fear or shame, because I am going to share some of mine with you as well as some of my favorites written by others, so that you may know what good poetry looks like.

Wish me luck.

Learn more about National Poetry Month.

I’m celebrating by writing a poem every day. That’s in addition to my new novel draft. Still. They don’t have to be perfect. I just want to enjoy the journey. I won’t be sharing all I write, but who knows? Maybe something good will come up.

Up first, my favorite poem of all time. It’s perfect: short, sweet, and sensual.

This is Just to Say by William Carlos Williams evokes an image with all the senses.

Read it and tell me what you think! I’d love for you to contact me about this or other posts!

CURRENT NOVEL PROGRESS

TDG Draft 5 Word Count: 18,292

ASD Draft 0: TBA

HAPPENING THIS MONTH

Tonight and every Tuesday in April: YouTube Stream at 5 PM Central / 6 EST

CREATIVE COLLECTIVE: The next meeting has been changed to Monday, APRIL 14 at 7:30 PM Central / 8:30 EST

In Other News

TODAY ONLY! (April 1)

No joke! I’m offering the Paperback Promo (buy 1 get 1) and early access to LIVING WRITE for ONE DAY ONLY! Email/text/contact me for more details. You do not want to miss this!

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.

Until next time

xxxlinsey

April 1, 2025 0

Toolkit: Episode 5

Have you been keeping up with the tools?

Here’s an overview:

Handwriting practice, or Morning Pages, every day.
Prepping your space and your materials to write.
Tracking your progress, no matter how small.
Writing with abandon.

If you’re just starting and this is overwhelming, let me help.

STRUGGLES AND SUCCESSES

Now that we’ve gotten to the nitty-gritty of writing, what’s next?

Revising, of course.

I can hear the groans from here.

This may be everyone’s least favorite process, but I think there is joy in creating order from chaos, and revising can be its own reward.

REVELATIONS AND RESISTANCE

Write Drunk. Revise/Edit Sober.

As long as I keep the two processes distinct, I don’t have the angst of either.

Here’s how I separate the two processes:

Write with abandon. Find the Joy. Do not backspace (I have gone so far as removing the backspace key from my keyboard). Do not judge the work. Do not edit as you go. Move forward only.
Take a Break. This can be for weeks, months, or years.
Print it out.
Read the draft.
Steps 3 and 4 may happen several times as I make changes.
Read it aloud.
Read it backward.
Have it read to me.
Have someone else read it.
Begin again.

What’s the point? To separate myself from my own words as much as possible before I judge them.

I happen to like this process as much or more than writing itself. If you don’t, you can shorten my process and bring others in earlier, or hire a developmental editor (like me) to help you make sense of your mess.

I won’t be revising or editing anything of my own probably until the fall. I’m supposed to finish this draft of TDG by the end of the month, and that will sit for a while before I touch it again. In the meantime, I will be drafting (writing drunk) all April on the next novel in line, All Saint’s Day (ASD).

I’ll keep you updated on my progress here and in my weekly email. If you’re not getting those head over to linseyewing.com and click the Get Access tab. You’ll find Writing Freebies and be signed up for the email (separate from this blog though I’m working on linking them).

CURRENT NOVEL PROGRESS

Draft 5 Word Count: 18,080

HAPPENING THIS MONTH

Every Tuesday in April: YouTube Stream at 5 PM Central / 6EST

CREATIVE COLLECTIVE: The next meeting has be changed to Monday, APRIL 14 at 7:30 PM Central / 8:30 EST

In Other News

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.

Until next time

xxxlinsey

March 25, 2025 0

Toolkit: Episode 4

Are you handwriting?

Got a dedicated writing spot that you love?

Tracking your progress?

Great. It’s time to start writing.

Don’t know where to start?

STRUGGLES AND SUCCESSES

Ready?

It’s the fun part. Right?

Writing.

Why not? Probably too much pressure, Imposter Syndrome, fear of success…sound familiar?

REVELATIONS AND RESISTANCE

Writing should be the best part of the process, so why isn’t it, and how do we change that?

Write Drunk.

I don’t mean literally (unless that’s your thing, and we can talk over a glass of whatever).

I mean enjoy the process. Here’s how I do it:

Find the Joy: There was a reason we started writing. There’s still something that makes us go squeee. Find that thing and let it rule the roost for 30 days. It won’t break everything, I promise.
Reconnect with your Story Passion: There’s something about this WIP that won’t leave me alone. So I’m devoting some time to trying to figure that out in my month of writing.
Write with Abandon: Don’t edit. Don’t stop. Don’t question. Write On.

I’m starting a new drafting project in April, because that’s what I do. I find the time and make the schedule around writing with abandon for 30 days. Alcohol may or may not be involved. Regardless, it’s the time and respect that we give our projects that get them done. For me, that means I write 3 months a year when it doesn’t matter what I write. I write drunk.

You can too. If you’re not getting my weekly tips and tricks emails (separate from this blog announcement) then head over to linseyewing.com and click the Get Access tab. You’ll find Writing Freebies designed to get your organized and you’ll also be on my main mailing list (don’t worry; you won’t be doubled up).

This week’s email is all about how to write with abandon. How to make the time and commitment to start or finish or just make progress on a draft. You can do it and I can help. If you don’t know where to start, send me an email or Contact me.

CURRENT NOVEL PROGRESS

Draft 5 Word Count: 15,068

Let’s see where I can get by the end of the month. I want to turn this draft in and start a new draft next month. We’ll see.

HAPPENING THIS MONTH

TONIGHT (skipping next week) and every Tuesday in April: YouTube Stream at 5 PM Central / 6EST

CREATIVE COLLECTIVE: The next meeting is APRIL 7 at 7:30 PM Central / 8:30 EST

In Other News

Know someone who needs these posts or emails? Encourage them to contact me or sign up at linseyewing.com. They and you will find lots of free writing tools.

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.