Writing Issues

[Lacresha Hayes]

What are some of the things that can hinder great writing? How do you overcome it?

[Coach Marla]

Those are such great questions and ones I have asked myself numerous times.
I am in the process of writing a book about my overcoming being diagnosed with RSD, and then RSD Full Body, Fibromyalgia, Osteoporosis, and MS....and becoming the first known RSD CoachTM. I have some of the background work done and up to when I become diagnosed, but then I feel as if I have this "block" stopping me from writing more, so I put it on the back burner, which is not a good thing...hahahaha.

So, I am totally interested in how to overcome that.

Thank you for asking such great questions!!

Many Blessings,
Coach Marla

[Lacresha Hayes]

One tip would be to write disorganized when your thoughts won't flow freely. It's the same as doodling. The more you write, it finds its way back to the point. With word processing programs, its simple to copy and paste.

Another thing you could try is to go back and read the last couple of chapters. Nothing like review to get those creative juices flowing.

[Linda L Wagner]

I like Coach Marla, also have RSD. Fortunately I do not have the fibromyalgia, but I do have osteoporosis. I broke my right hand (dominant) and had to learn to write all over again, but did get RSD in that hand. Was told my cast was on too tight which I had complained about. Being a nurse, I had to stop that profession for a while. Got back into the swing of things and lost three members of my family in one year, one of them being my husband. Now I have broken my left wrist and got RSD all over again. This time, a severe case of it. Have had the RSD for almost 7 months. It really makes it difficult to write and the pain is almost unbearable at times. I don't know what you experienced with your RSD, but I not only have numbness and tingling, shooting pain down my fingers, but often my hand feels like is on fire and it feels parched all the time. But I am determined to write. I find when I start feeling sorry for myself, all I have to do is look around and I find someone a whole lot worse.

I don't know where you have your RSD, but they say, physical therapy and using that extremety as much as possible is best. It's the repetivie motion, like with typing that I find it so difficult. So I got myself a program called speak e-z and it helps if I am going to be doing a lot of writing.

As far as disorganized thoughts, I often find myself writing like I am talking to someone. I think I have more problems with keeping my mind off writing when I am at my real job. I'll have an idea pop into my head and I will quickly write it down. But I don't have any published work yet, but have a piece ready. I just keep plugging away. And I have met the neatest people that have given me such encouragement. I am finding out that there is just a world full of really nice people.

I would like to ask a question? What do you all think about self-publishing? I've heard neat stories, and I have heard horrific stories. Anyone care to share?

[JaWar]

There are a number of software packages on the market that allow you to speak and it will type for you. While the software typically isn't 100% accurate over the years it has improved and may be worth using. You may download and/or get at an office supply store such as Office Depot, Office Max and Staples, etc. The software normally cost anywhere from $40 to $150 U.S. Dollars. Perhaps this may help you and others who have found it difficult to write/type from time to time.

[Coach Marla]

Hi Linda,

I am so sorry you are having to deal with RSD, it is a horribly painful ordeal to cope with. That is why I am called 'Coach Marla'. I am the first known RSD Coach(tm). My RSD started from a broken ankle in 2003 and in the beginning was primarily housed in my left ankle up to the knee. Then in 2006, it had taken over my entire body and invited friends. That is when I decided to help others with their daily living issues by coaching them through the difficult times. It makes such a huge difference in somebodies life when there is someone who can mentor them who actually knows what they are talking about and can "Empathize" instead of "Sympathize" with them.

I feel so blessed by God to have these afflictions because of the help I can be to so many others. I am very proud of the career choice I have made because I took such a negative problem and turned it into the incredibly positive house of solice that it has become and continues to be.

You are correct about the physical therapy....to a degree, but there are ways you can do that without causing so much agonizing pain along with it.

It is so nice to meet you Linda....as well as everyone else.

~Many Blessings To All~
Coach Marla

[Lacresha Hayes]

Hey Linda. I've missed you. I didn't know you were hurting so badly. I will keep you both lifted up in prayer.

As far as self-publishing goes, it can be really good, or really bad. It depends mostly upon your own knowledge and your ability to find qualified people to do what you cannot do. Some find great success through self-publishing. Others, however, have failed miserably at it, normally for lack of knowledge or fear, or both.

[JaWar]

"Others, however, have failed miserably at it, normally for lack of knowledge or fear, or both." Lacresha

From my experience what you mentioned are true reasons why people fail at self-publishing more than any other reasons. I invite readers to visit Self-Publishing Your Own Book to get information on releasing their own book.

[JaWar]

The lack of motivation may hinder us from great writing.

Sometimes we have hangups that prevent us from getting started and sticking with our plans. One of the ways to stay motivated is to have a burning desire to complete a particular project, book, blog and/or writing assignment. Next write a practical written plan. Finally, your plan should include daily execution. If we follow these three steps we will get past what may hinder us from great writing.

Create a Burning Desire
Write a Practical Written Plan
Execute Your Plan Daily

[Lea Schizas]

One of the major things I have found with writers I've spoken to is that they edit their books as they write. A no-no. I've always told my members to simply write, to forget about typos or using their thesaurus in the first draft. Write the story, finish the story and THEN wear your editor's hat, not before.

By allowing the story to move out of your creative mind and onto paper you are moving it forward. Keep editing and going back and rereading and you'll take longer to finish that book.

[JaWar]

Yeap that's right Lea.

[Coach Marla]

That is a real good point Lea. I am so guilty of doing just that.
If I see a miss-spelled word or a run on sentence, I have to go
back and fix it. I know I shouldn't, but I do. That is one of my
goals, break the perfectionist in me....hahahahaha.

Thank you,
Coach Marla

[JaWar]

Coach Marla, I typically type with my automatic spell/grammar check on and it typically fixes many of those little goof ups when writing. I think it is a time saver as my editor and I don't have to correct every single little mistake I made when initially writing my books.

For those of us who are perfectionist :-) we may find it hard not to correct ourselves when initially writing, but as you said Lea makes a good point.