LET’S TALK about WRITING BOOKS

 
Process Adkins Mary Process Adkins Mary

First Draft Pharmacy: Why Can't I Finish My Darn Book?

If you're thinking, why can't I finish my darn book? you've come to the right place. Does this sound like you?

You have one, or two, or eight files on your computer with that Great American Novel title as their file name, but when you open it, you've only written the first 10 pages or maybe even a hundred pages.

Whatever it is, you can't seem to finish writing your draft. What's up? Is it you? Is it that you can't come up with a good enough idea?

No, it's probably neither. Here I'm going to talk about the most common reasons why you can't finish your draft and how to fix them.

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Process Adkins Mary Process Adkins Mary

Scrivener : The Ultimate Software for Writers (A Walkthrough)

If there's one bit of software that I recommend to every writer I work with, it's Scrivener. Why? Well, I use it and I think it really helps to organize your thoughts, plan out your writing, and keep everything in one place.

When we're writing something as big as a book, planning and organization are very important, and just keeping on track and not getting confused by your own project. So in this video, I want to give you an overview of the software and how I use it in my own writing.

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Process, Craft Adkins Mary Process, Craft Adkins Mary

5 Common Mistakes All New Writers Make

Everybody has to start somewhere on their writing journey. We all have things to learn. I've published three novels and I still have a ton to learn.

But there are a number of mistakes that are quite common for new writers to make when it comes to actually writing books and stories. I want to share the top five common ones that I see. So let's go.

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Mindset, Process Adkins Mary Mindset, Process Adkins Mary

How to Blast Past “Writer’s Block” in Minutes

Today we're talking about how to blast past writer's block in just minutes. Writer's block is something that can strike all of us at one point or another, no matter how many ideas you have or how experienced a writer you are.

The good news is that there are a number of simple techniques that you can use to get past it quickly and easily. So let's take a look at some of my favorite techniques.

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Process Adkins Mary Process Adkins Mary

3 Bits of Software Every Writer Needs in Their Life!

Today I'm going to share with you the three bits of software that I think you need in your life as a writer. As writers, I know we all have our favorite way to write.

Some of us write on iPads. Some people swear by notebooks and ink. Some romantic types have their typewriter or their more modern version of typewriters. And in the magic of the digital era, we now have software that that can sometimes be absolutely essential.

So in this video, I'm going to share my three favorite kinds of software to use as a writer. Let's go!

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Process, Craft, Mindset Adkins Mary Process, Craft, Mindset Adkins Mary

5 Books Every Writer Needs to Read!

Today I'm going to share with you five books that I think every writer needs to read. For a writer, a good book on writing can be your best friend.

My favorite books on writing have literally changed my life and how I view the world.

I'm really excited to share those with you today, but their power also goes both ways. A bad book on writing can derail you and that has happened to me, so I'm also going to tell you the book that did that for me, which I tell everyone not to read.

So let me share my favorite books and my least favorite writing book with you now. Let's go!

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Process Adkins Mary Process Adkins Mary

3 Things No One Tells You About Writing Your First Book

Today I'm sharing three things that no one tells you about writing your first book. I've written three books over the last few years, and I've coached many others to write and complete their books.

Working with writers I find that there are some things that no one ever talks about in writing classes and writing groups, and when they come to me, I find that there's some things that I need to debunk. So in this post, I'm going to share some of these things. Okay, let's go!

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Process Adkins Mary Process Adkins Mary

Opening the Writer’s Desk: Writing Tips from Stephen King

Today, we are taking writing tips straight from the desk of Stephen King. You may have heard of him.

When people ask me what it takes to write a book and get it published, I often point them to Stephen King.

Why? Because he's clearly a talented writer or at least knows how to write books that millions of people read, and it took him four novels before he actually got one published. You've probably heard of Carrie.

If you're having trouble, it's not for lack of talent. He's a great example of that. So let's dive into some strategies that king himself uses to help him write well, and consistently.

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Process Adkins Mary Process Adkins Mary

How Quickly Can You Write an Amazing Book?

So how long does it actually take you to write a really good book? Let's say you've always wanted to write a book, but you have a full-time job and a family, and when are you supposed to find the time? Doesn't that kind of thing take people years anyway?

It can sound overwhelming to commit to writing a book. I know it's a huge project, especially when you have other stuff going on that you're not able to sacrifice or don't want to sacrifice.

Well I have good news. Writing a book, and not just any book, but a good book, doesn't have to take over your life or take forever. In fact, you can write a solid draft in 45 minutes a day, five days a week, and over just a few months.

I'm not even talking a year. Yeah. It's basically like carving out time for a workout plan and people do that all the time, right? Okay. So I'm going to tell you exactly how to do this. Let's go!

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