A Comic About Writing Challenges (and a gentle reminder)

Writing challenges can be inspiring and fun, but always remember WHY you are doing them. If you're just doing them for fun, of course, the writing part is secondary. Commiserate with others on the message boards! Go to the kickoff parties! If you're doing a writing challenge in hopes of ending up with something you might want to get published, then I encourage you to take the challenge seriously. You can still have FUN while doing it, but be aware of how much time you spend actually writing as opposed to talking about writing. 

Comic: On Writing Challenges

A comic for those doing NaNoWriMo...plus an alternative for those looking for a gentler writing challenge

To those doing NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) this month: good luck! I've done NaNoWriMo a few times and even gotten a couple of novels finished. The biggest reasons I did the NaNoWriMo challenge was to help get me back into the daily habit of writing and also for the online community aspect -- it was fun and motivating to be writing to the same deadline as thousands of other writers doing the challenge.

I have found, though, that Novembers are generally NOT a good time for me to do a daily challenge like this, mainly because I'm always away for a week partway through to attend an annual board gaming convention. This month is especially hectic because in addition to the board gaming event, I'm also away on a book tour (for I'M WORRIED).

For others who are in a similar boat, who are looking for a writing challenge with more flexibility, I encourage you to check out my Daily Write challenge.

And for those looking for more NaNoWriMo comics, do check out my friend Errol Elumir's daily NaNoToons!

My Inktober post for bibliophiles

Having fun with Inktober this month! I've been doing mostly non-digital art with real-life inks but today opted for digital because I was short on time. You can see some of my other Inktober posts on Instagram.

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL CAPS LOCK DAY!

Yes, there is such a thing as Caps Lock Day.

Comic: Why you should always remember to do regular backups.

Happy Punctuation Day!

Have a professional work ethic. It can make the difference between getting published and getting discouraged. - Pat Cummings

Advice for hopeful authors & illustrators: Do your research & have a professional work ethic. The professionalism you show can make the difference between getting published & getting discouraged. More great advice from author/illustrator Pat Cummings in her Inkygirl interview.

A comic for punctuation nerds

Writers: Be aware of when research and prep turns into procrastination

Writers: Be aware when research/prep turns into procrastination.

Ask yourself: "What are you afraid of?" JUST JUMP IN. You can revise later.

(And YES, I speak from experience....)

Comic: The Plot Hole

Comic: Writers On Vacation

Comic: What NOT to say to a children's picture book author on a first date

Comic for writers: Best Birthday Gift

Happy Mother's Day! (Also, why you should always read your email one last time before hitting SEND)

Don't let fear of writing poorly stop you from writing. That's why we revise. - Cindy Pon

For more info about Cindy Pon, the author who said "Don't let fear of writing poorly stop you from writing. That's why we revise....", see CindyPon.com.

ME, as I work on my middle grade novel.

No guarantee that my middle grade novel will ever be published; that's out of my control.

I'm trying to focus on what I can control:

(1) Writing the best book I possibly can, and

(2) FINISHING the book.

Comic: Font Sommelier

Comic: Cinderella Writer, Revamped (and Happy International Women's Day!)

Comic: The Angst Of Reading A Good Book