#Tools and Techniques
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hi!! tysm for the tubular cast on suggestion <33 I tested a fold over and the italian/long tail methods and they were 1000x more stretchy than my long tails.. <333
You're very welcome!
I'm going to spruik one of my favourite knitting books, you might find it as useful a resource as I do!
(Link to Goodreads, I encourage you to check your local library or independent bookshop for a physical copy!)
This book is honestly my go-to. Nearly 11 years of knitting, and I still reach for it to find options for cast-on and bind-off that will give the foundation and finish I want for my projects!
The physical book is spiral-bound so it lays nice and flat, and breaks down the different steps for multiple cast-on and bind-off techniques. It's not every possible cast-on or bind-off, but it's a lot of them!
This book taught me my preferred cast-on techniques for flat, circular and ribbed knitting and I still reach for it at least once per project.
The same publisher has a couple of other books in the series, Increase/Decrease and Cable Left/Cable Right, which are equally good!
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SEO Automation: Tools and Techniques for 2024
In 2024, SEO automation has become crucial for businesses aiming to enhance their digital marketing efficiency. Automating repetitive tasks such as keyword research, content optimization, and performance tracking helps save time and reduces human error, allowing marketers to focus on strategic activities.
Top Tools for SEO Automation At the forefront of SEO automation are several potent technologies. Ahrefs and SEMrush excel in keyword research and competitive analysis. Relevance and readability are enhanced by Surfer SEO and Clearscope, while technical SEO audits are automatically conducted by Screaming Frog and Botify to find and address problems that impact search engine rankings.
Effective Automation Techniques
To maximize SEO automation, begin with comprehensive keyword research using automation tools to track performance and adjust strategies as needed. Utilize AI-driven platforms to generate content outlines and optimize metadata. Automate link-building by identifying high-authority sites and managing outreach efforts efficiently.
Balancing Automation with Human Insight
While automation handles data-driven tasks, human insight remains essential for creativity and strategy. Ensure your team reviews and refines automated outputs to maintain authenticity and effectiveness in content and link-building campaigns.
Future of SEO Automation
Advancements in AI and machine learning will further enhance SEO automation capabilities, predicting search trends and personalizing user experiences. Staying updated with these technologies is essential for maintaining a competitive edge.
Challenges and Considerations in SEO Automation
Despite its numerous benefits, SEO automation comes with its own set of challenges. Over-reliance on automation can lead to generic content that lacks the unique voice and personal touch crucial for engaging audiences. It is essential to strike a balance where automation aids but does not replace human input. Additionally, staying compliant with search engine guidelines is vital to avoid penalties associated with automated practices.
The Role of Data in SEO Automation
Data plays a pivotal role in the success of SEO automation. Real-time analytics and insights can guide automated processes, ensuring they are aligned with the latest trends and audience behaviors. Tools that offer robust data analysis capabilities can help businesses make informed decisions, refining their strategies for better outcomes.
In conclusion, SEO automation is essential for businesses in 2024, enhancing efficiency and allowing marketers to focus on strategy and creativity. By combining automated tools with human insight, companies can create authentic, engaging content and stay competitive. As AI and machine learning evolve, embracing SEO automation will drive organic growth and improve search engine visibility, ensuring long-term success in a dynamic digital View.
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10 Non-Lethal Injuries to Add Pain to Your Writing
New Part: 10 Lethal Injury Ideas
If you need a simple way to make your characters feel pain, here are some ideas:
1. Sprained Ankle
A common injury that can severely limit mobility. This is useful because your characters will have to experience a mild struggle and adapt their plans to their new lack of mobiliy. Perfect to add tension to a chase scene.
2. Rib Contusion
A painful bruise on the ribs can make breathing difficult, helping you sneak in those ragged wheezes during a fight scene. Could also be used for something sport-related! It's impactful enough to leave a lingering pain but not enough to hinder their overall movement.
3. Concussions
This common brain injury can lead to confusion, dizziness, and mood swings, affecting a character’s judgment heavily. It can also cause mild amnesia.
I enjoy using concussions when you need another character to subtly take over the fight/scene, it's an easy way to switch POVs. You could also use it if you need a 'cute' recovery moment with A and B.
4. Fractured Finger
A broken finger can complicate tasks that require fine motor skills. This would be perfect for characters like artists, writers, etc. Or, a fighter who brushes it off as nothing till they try to throw a punch and are hit with pain.
5. Road Rash
Road rash is an abrasion caused by friction. Aka scraping skin. The raw, painful sting resulting from a fall can be a quick but effective way to add pain to your writing. Tip: it's great if you need a mild injury for a child.
6. Shoulder Dislocation
This injury can be excruciating and often leads to an inability to use one arm, forcing characters to confront their limitations while adding urgency to their situation. Good for torture scenes.
7. Deep Laceration
A deep laceration is a cut that requires stitches. As someone who got stitches as a kid, they really aren't that bad! A 2-3 inch wound (in length) provides just enough pain and blood to add that dramatic flair to your writing while not severely deterring your character.
This is also a great wound to look back on since it often scars. Note: the deeper and wider the cut the worse your character's condition. Don't give them a 5 inch deep gash and call that mild.
8. Burns
Whether from fire, chemicals, or hot surfaces, burns can cause intense suffering and lingering trauma. Like the previous injury, the lasting physical and emotional trauma of a burn is a great wound for characters to look back on.
If you want to explore writing burns, read here.
9. Pulled Muscle
This can create ongoing pain and restrict movement, offering a window to force your character to lean on another. Note: I personally use muscle related injuries when I want to focus more on the pain and sprains to focus on a lack of mobility.
10. Tendonitis
Inflammation of a tendon can cause chronic pain and limit a character's ability to perform tasks they usually take for granted. When exploring tendonitis make sure you research well as this can easily turn into a more severe injury.
This is a quick, brief list of ideas to provide writers inspiration. Since it is a shorter blog, I have not covered the injuries in detail. This is inspiration, not a thorough guide. Happy writing! :)
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Check out the rest of Quillology with Haya; a blog dedicated to writing and publishing tips for authors!
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Building a Temporary Spray Booth
The completed spray booth is 30 ft long by 10 ft wide. I finally answered all the questions I generated in my previous post. So it was time to get all that stuff out of the boat and prep it for varnishing and painting the inside. As you can imagine, it’s much easier to do all this coating before enclosing the hull with the deck. Continue reading Building a Temporary Spray Booth

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advice for a character who grips control like a lifeline. who wants to be in charge of every little thing because whenever they're not in control of something something bad could happen. has happened. they can't let a single variable be wild or in someone else's hands
How to Write a Controlling Character
Backstory Rooted in Trauma or Guilt
This character likely has a history that has ingrained the belief that they must be in control or face devastating consequences. Perhaps they once trusted someone else with something crucial—a promise, a responsibility, or a life-altering choice—and that trust was broken in a way that had lasting repercussions. For example, maybe they lost someone because they weren’t “careful enough,” or they experienced a betrayal when they trusted another person’s plan.
They might frequently flash back to this moment, possibly catching themselves thinking, If only I’d been the one in control, this wouldn’t have happened. This memory fuels their need to keep a tight grip on everything, especially if they’re in high-stakes situations.
Rigid Daily Routines and Habits
This character’s day is probably packed with small rituals and routines that give them a sense of security. From double-checking door locks to setting multiple alarms, they rely on routines to give themselves a sense of order. In fact, they might be nearly ritualistic about small actions—checking emails three times before sending, never leaving a task halfway finished, or meticulously arranging their workspace.
Even something as simple as making coffee can become a precise process. If someone moves one of their tools or a file from their desk, they may feel a spike of frustration or even anxiety, seeing it as a disruption to their personal “system.” They could feel that control in their daily life is the only thing keeping chaos at bay.
Intensely Observant of Details and Mistakes
They are hyperaware of mistakes or inefficiencies in others, mentally cataloging things like a coworker’s slight lateness or a friend’s disorganization. They may feel a sense of superiority (or frustration) over people who don’t “have it together” and take it upon themselves to organize or “fix” things for others.
In conversation, they might cut people off or “correct” them even over small points, often justifying this to themselves as necessary. For instance, if someone shares a plan that seems half-formed, this character could immediately dive in, pointing out potential problems or filling in details.
Controlling Relationships and Social Situations
This character struggles in relationships where they aren’t the dominant or organizing force. They might instinctively take over when making plans with friends, micromanaging even casual hangouts to make sure everything goes “right.” For example, they might pick the restaurant, plan the travel route, and check weather forecasts—assuming that if they don’t, no one else will think of these things.
When someone resists their attempts at control, they can respond defensively, often turning cold or resentful, unable to understand why anyone wouldn’t want them to manage the situation. Statements like, “Fine, but don’t blame me if this doesn’t go well,” are frequent in their interactions.
Extreme Anxiety or Panic When Control Is Taken Away
When things go beyond their reach, this character might experience panic, as if they’re suddenly powerless. For instance, if an unexpected roadblock prevents them from handling a task (like a canceled flight they needed to board, or a plan that falls apart), they might spend hours trying to regain control, calling every contact or frantically exploring alternatives.
Their reaction may feel extreme to others. Even minor setbacks—such as a colleague taking initiative on a project or a friend planning something without consulting them—can trigger a disproportionate response, like clenching their fists, pacing, or silently stewing as they feel the situation “slipping.”
Inability to Accept Help or Collaboration
Their controlling nature makes it hard for them to collaborate, as they believe their methods are the only ones that work. For them, accepting help feels like an admission of weakness or failure, so they rarely delegate or ask for assistance. If they do reluctantly accept help, they are constantly supervising or “suggesting” things, making it feel more like they’re still in charge.
In a team setting, they might take on all the major tasks, either out of distrust in others’ abilities or a feeling that no one will match their standards. Their motto could be something like, “If you want something done right, do it yourself,” even if that means working late or burning out.
Reluctance to Show Vulnerability or Need
Since vulnerability and control rarely coexist for them, they avoid showing weakness at all costs, preferring to mask stress or struggles as “just part of the job.” If they do become overwhelmed, they’re more likely to shut people out, saying, “I’ve got it handled,” even if it’s far from true.
When people push them to let go or share the load, they might lash out, accusing others of “just not understanding.” They often see their intense responsibility as a form of sacrifice, justifying their behavior with, “If I don’t handle this, who will?”
#creative writing#writeblr#ask box prompts#how to write a controlling character#how to write#writing tips#writing advice#writing resources#writing help#writing reference#writing prompts#how to#writing tools#writing techniques#writing stuff
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Flowchart Symbols and Tools
Flowchart Symbols and Tools Flowchart is the sixth tool of the seven basic quality control tools. A flowchart is a diagram that uses graphic symbols to depict the nature and flow of steps in a process. A flowchart is also known as a flow diagram, process map, or relationship map. This article describes, in brief, what is a flowchart, the uses of process map, and the tools and techniques to…
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20 Alternative Losses Your Protagonist Can Face That Don't Involve the Death of a Person.
In one of my recent posts, I talked about losses as a core principle in driving a plot forward.

It's recommended in almost all guides. But here's the thing: someone doesn't have to actually die to create that emotional rollercoaster.
Here are 20 different losses your protagonist can face without losing someone to the cold hands of death:
1. Loss of a dream job opportunity
2. End of a long-term relationship or marriage
3. Betrayal by a close friend or family member
4. Financial ruin or bankruptcy
5. Loss of a beloved pet (The pet could go missing.)
6. Rejection from a prestigious program or institution
7. Injury or illness leading to the loss of physical abilities
8. Destruction of a childhood home
9. Loss of custody of a child
10. Failure to achieve a lifelong dream or goal
11. Being falsely accused of a crime
12. Natural disaster destroying personal belongings and home
13. Loss of a valuable family heirloom
14. Experiencing discrimination or injustice
15. Being forced to move away from a beloved community
16. Losing a significant competition or contest
17. Loss of memory or cognitive abilities
18. Falling out with a mentor or role model
19. Closure of a cherished local business
20. Loss of one's reputation due to scandal or rumor
Thank you for all of your support. If you love my blog, consider gifting me a rose. Val's here, and I hope your characters are ready to paint the town red.
Check out this printable template that helps you structure the nuanced parts of your plot you normally skip out on.
You also receive a free add-on that enhances your plot. It saves you time and helps you maintain quality.
#writeblr#writers on tumblr#writing#writers and poets#writerscommunity#writer#writing community#ao3 writer#wattpad#a03 writer#writers#writing prompts#writing guide#writing advice#writing reference#writing resources#writing habits#writing help#writing blog#writing techniques#writing template#writing tips and tricks#writing tool#writing tips#writing plot#plot problems#aspiring writer#writer and poets#writer blog#writer help
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★ 157 // “Whiteboard Mixed Media”
#jjba#jojo's bizarre adventure#steel ball run#sbr#johnny joestar#offerings#tools used:#whiteboard markers and whiteboard crayons#// This one is a throwback to 006 and 022 I suppose#Been wanting to see how these two mediums played together. And be messier in general.#I've been kind of burnt out and anxious about art lately so I'm favoring certain mediums and techniques#Just trying to get by with what energy I can#I feel like I'm due for a crashout any day now#There's been a lot of good things but at the same time my god life has been lifeing so much#I feel like I'm fundamentally a different person than I was a month ago and haven't processed anything yet#I will pray and keep going as best I can though. I love seeing your guy's support so thanks. <3
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This’ll probably be my last submission for @green-with-envy-phandom-event this year. This line art is from @wynterfay (I hope I have the correct @ down)
For once I tried manually placing stars for accuracy! Bet you can guess which two constellations I managed to fit in there, but it may be a bit tricky :3 It may not be 1-to-1 accurate, I did eyeball it after all, but they are in fact next to each other!
Final thoughts under the cut.
This event has been a great learning experience for me and I had so so much fun! I’ve learned a lot about how Procreate works, how to use the tools it provides, and to stop using procreate and go back to Sketchbook. (Took a whole year to figure that out TwT) You might be able to tell I colored this and the Inkling Danny in Autodesk Sketchbook! I’ll probably continue to use Procreate for animation until I find a better software I can use on my iPad, but for now it seems Procreate is not for me after all. The past week of using Autodesk Sketchbook has been freeing and I hope it brings better quality with it!
Also I’ve never done ambient soft lighting like this before as far as I can tell! Any drawings I could find from the past several years have had distinct and direct light sources and an overall direction the light is coming from! I hope I did this one the justice it deserves at least!
#greenwithenvy2025#danny phantom#dp#Wynter#I pulled out all of the old texturing techniques for this one! All of the classic tricks I learned from years of Sketchbook use!#I’ve been recommended either upgrading to the paid version or trying out Clip Studio Paint#my partner uses clip studio and it has a lot of tools I was failing to find on Procreate (ASB turns out to have one of them)#and one of my teammates on yellow uses it professionally to do flats and even showed me how it works! It was so cool!#Everyone has been so nice and I’ve learned so much! Thank you so so much for the experience! Hope I can do even better next year!
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Hey, Barb! (Can i refer to you like that? Idk, im new around here) i was wondering if you could share with a beginner artist what you use to draw. I am looking forward to starting digital art soon as well, and I was wondering if you have any suggestions for a tablet or whatever you use because i know it's mostly the skill, but your art looks so edible and i wanna do that too but idk what to get😔
My tablet is just a wacom tablet attached to my pc. It isn't a fancy digital drawing tablet or anything. I think it's a lot simpler than the other tablets i see cuz it doesn't have those fancy lil buttons at the sides. It's essentially a glorified track pad and i dont know what model it is. I feel so sorry whenever yall try to come to me for artist advice bcuz idrk enough about these things to give suggestions. I just bought the sturdiest looking one at the store and went with it, hoping it would last long(its five years old so far).
#i am so sorry#i know literally nothing about art tools(digital or traditional)#or techniques#im just winging everything using whatever tf
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I've been playing Minecraft!
My sister @dillybea ... led me astray, and... started me off on a HORROR MOD. I was playing as Collin and I... did not want to witness Collin get folded man... annnyway,
I've thought up an AU because of all this gameplay, and!! Io and Collin end up separated! So, their main objective is to survive until they're reunited together!
I imagine they're on two separate planets... so, that's why Io is stargazing looking for her lucky star...
God Bless!
#🚀#pikkiesart#io#collin#when people said minecraft is a wonderful tool for perspective... dude... i SLEPT on that SO HARD... I WILL BE USING MC AGAIN FOR ARTISTIC#REFERENCE#pikmin#pikmin 4#pikmin oc#minecraft#yall shouldve seen my method in drawing the stars... i had a specific stance and breathin techniques to not lose my mind
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100 Dialogue Tags You Can Use Instead of “Said”
For the writers struggling to rid themselves of the classic ‘said’. Some are repeated in different categories since they fit multiple ones (but those are counted once so it adds up to 100 new words).
1. Neutral Tags
Straightforward and unobtrusive dialogue tags:
Added, Replied, Stated, Remarked, Responded, Observed, Acknowledged, Commented, Noted, Voiced, Expressed, Shared, Answered, Mentioned, Declared.
2. Questioning Tags
Curious, interrogative dialogue tags:
Asked, Queried, Wondered, Probed, Inquired, Requested, Pondered, Demanded, Challenged, Interjected, Investigated, Countered, Snapped, Pleaded, Insisted.
3. Emotive Tags
Emotional dialogue tags:
Exclaimed, Shouted, Sobbed, Whispered, Cried, Hissed, Gasped, Laughed, Screamed, Stammered, Wailed, Murmured, Snarled, Choked, Barked.
4. Descriptive Tags
Insightful, tonal dialogue tags:
Muttered, Mumbled, Yelled, Uttered, Roared, Bellowed, Drawled, Spoke, Shrieked, Boomed, Snapped, Groaned, Rasped, Purred, Croaked.
5. Action-Oriented Tags
Movement-based dialogue tags:
Announced, Admitted, Interrupted, Joked, Suggested, Offered, Explained, Repeated, Advised, Warned, Agreed, Confirmed, Ordered, Reassured, Stated.
6. Conflict Tags
Argumentative, defiant dialogue tags:
Argued, Snapped, Retorted, Rebuked, Disputed, Objected, Contested, Barked, Protested, Countered, Growled, Scoffed, Sneered, Challenged, Huffed.
7. Agreement Tags
Understanding, compliant dialogue tags:
Agreed, Assented, Nodded, Confirmed, Replied, Conceded, Acknowledged, Accepted, Affirmed, Yielded, Supported, Echoed, Consented, Promised, Concurred.
8. Disagreement Tags
Resistant, defiant dialogue tags:
Denied, Disagreed, Refused, Argued, Contradicted, Insisted, Protested, Objected, Rejected, Declined, Countered, Challenged, Snubbed, Dismissed, Rebuked.
9. Confused Tags
Hesitant, uncertain dialogue tags:
Stammered, Hesitated, Fumbled, Babbled, Mumbled, Faltered, Stumbled, Wondered, Pondered, Stuttered, Blurted, Doubted, Confessed, Vacillated.
10. Surprise Tags
Shock-inducing dialogue tags:
Gasped, Stunned, Exclaimed, Blurted, Wondered, Staggered, Marvelled, Breathed, Recoiled, Jumped, Yelped, Shrieked, Stammered.
Note: everyone is entitled to their own opinion. No I am NOT telling people to abandon said and use these. Yes I understand that said is often good enough, but sometimes you WANT to draw attention to how the character is speaking. If you think adding an action/movement to your dialogue is 'good enough' hate to break it to you but that ruins immersion much more than a casual 'mumbled'. And for the last time: this is just a resource list, CALM DOWN. Hope that covers all the annoyingly redundant replies :)
Looking For More Writing Tips And Tricks?
Check out the rest of Quillology with Haya; a blog dedicated to writing and publishing tips for authors!
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Cool Cursed Abilities for Random JJK AUs Pt. 2
I got validation from the last one so I'm doing this again. I have so many of these cus basically every time I see cool art I think "hmm how would the story change if Yuji had this?" Feel free to steal these for your own stories, I will be talking in the context of Yuji using them, but you can give them to anyone.
Cursed Tool: Tengu’s Cloak - Gifted to him by his grandfather, Yuji has a cloak/cape that turns into wings. Between users it looks like a hooded cape, but I could also see the item changing appearance depending on the user’s needs or style. Like for Wasuke, maybe it was a back brace that he could easily hide under his thin shirts and wear while raising Yuji. But Yuji, it could be a backpack to carry his school supplies and wear over much thinker hoodies and school uniforms.
Cursed Technique: Breath of Tsukumogami - Ability to give temporary controlled sentience to inanimate objects. I could see this resulting in Yuji having Yaga as a mentor instead of Nanami. The technique would be scaling with larger objects being harder to control. I’d imagine that if Yuji had this technique he’d carry around either a bunch of figurines or origami. The main inspiration for this is the giant stone griffins in front of museums, I just think it would be cool af for Yuji to ride into battle on one.
"Tsukumogami are everyday objects, tools, and even musical instruments that are believed to gain a spirit or kami after existing for a very long time, typically 100 years." I’m trying to make the names more based in Japanese mythology.
Cursed Technique: Corrupted Touch - Anything Yuji touches with 5 fingers gets “infected” with a large amount of unstable cursed energy. For those infected, it feels like a very bad burning that quickly spreads across the body. Those who can’t rid themselves of the foreign energy experience a very painful death. For this technique Yuji 100% has gradient arms, and infected are left with a glowing hand print that has veins that spread quickly across their surface. This would be a technique that would cause the higher ups to demand for Yuji's execution, despite the fact it could easily be stopped with special gloves. Yuji would feel really guilty every time he uses because it's causes so much pain.
Cursed Tool: Book of Yōkai - A book possessed by a long forgotten minor god of knowledge, it is essentially a guide on every cursed spirit, tool, technique and sorcerer that has or will ever exist. It lists pretty much all information about a subject (birth/death, known users for a tool or technique, if it still exists, family trees, favorite foods, etc..) and will automatically open to somethings page if it's close by. The book was stolen from Kenjaku by Wasuke before they went on the trip that resulted in the “death” of Yuji’s parents. (I’m prolly gonna make short about this)
#jjk#jujutsu kaisen#yuji itadori#jjk yuji#jjk au#jjk headcanons#cursed technique#Itadori Yuuji has a cursed technique#itadori yuuji#jjk fanfic#cursed tool
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Flowchart Symbols and Tools
Flowchart Explanation Flowchart is the sixth tool of the seven basic quality control tools. A flowchart is a diagram that uses graphic symbols to depict the nature and flow of steps in a process. A flowchart is also known as a flow diagram, process map, or relationship map. This article describes, in brief, what is a flowchart, the uses of process map, and the tools and techniques to create a…

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How to Stay Motivated as a Writer.
I ran a poll to celebrate reaching 50 reblogs because you guys are amazing, and this topic won the poll.
(This is a bit lengthy, but I advise you to read to the very end. These are the kind of tips you rarely find without a fee, but for your amazing support so far, you get this from me for free.)
Let's dive in!
Before I became a writing coach, lack of motivation was something I battled with. Writing started to feel like a waste of my time, but whenever I stopped, I still found my way back somehow.
After a few more months of struggling and finding a clear routine that worked for me, I became a writing coach. Believe me when I say that it was such a commitment, and you'd never know until you get your first student.
I only knew how to stay motivated as an individual. After two students, I realized that motivation was also something they struggled with, and as their coach, it became my duty to offer solutions. In fact, nine out of ten writers struggle with this same problem, so I came up with the 'why and what' technique.
What is the 'why and what' technique?
This technique is a template to figure out the main reason a writer isn't motivated at the current time, which allows for the provision of tailored and personalized solutions to solve the specific problem. In other words: Understanding the why (the main reason for the lack of motivation at the time) to figure out the what (effective solution to solve the main reason).
Lack of motivation is pretty subjective and varies widely. Giving a particular piece of advice may work for some and not for others, which is why I ensured my technique benefits all.
I'll give examples of common reasons writers lack motivation for writing using the template. If you don't find any that relate to you, write it in the comments and get a personalized solution from me.
1. Lack of Inspiration
Why:
- Feeling uninspired by current projects.
- Overwhelmed by the vastness of ideas.
- Stuck in a creative rut.
What:
- Change your environment: Sometimes a new setting can spark creativity. Try writing in a different location, like a park or a café.
- Consume creative content: Read books, watch movies, or listen to music that inspires you.
- Engage in Free Writing: Set a timer for 10 minutes and write whatever comes to mind without worrying about structure or grammar.
- Take a step back: You are no less of a writer if you decide to take a break and watch other writers from afar. Personally, it's difficult to write when I'm not inspired. I find myself editing more than usual and, at times, discarding the piece I spent hours on. So for a little while, I only engaged online and learned other ways to improve my skills with the time on my hands.
2. Fear of Failure
Why:
- Worrying that your writing isn't good enough.
- Comparing yourself to other writers.
- Fear of negative feedback.
What:
- Set small goals: Break down your writing project into manageable tasks to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
- Seek constructive feedback: Share your work with trusted friends or writing groups who can provide supportive and constructive criticism.
- Celebrate small wins: Acknowledge and celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Always remember that our writing styles differ from one another, and that is what makes us unique as writers.
3. Lack of Time
Why:
- Busy schedules and other commitments.
- Difficulty prioritizing writing.
What:
- Create a writing schedule: Dedicate specific times in your day or week for writing and stick to it.
- Use writing prompts: Short prompts can help you get started quickly and make the most of limited time.
- Eliminate distractions: Find a quiet space and turn off notifications to focus solely on writing.
- Create or join writing challenges: Activities like the 3-day writing challenge, writing a novel in 6 months, the 7-day character creation challenge, the fantasy writers challenge, etc., have specific guidelines tailored to helping writers stay motivated and at the same time productive in limited times.
4. Perfectionism
Why:
- Striving for perfection in every sentence.
- Reluctance to move forward until everything is perfect.
What:
- Embrace the draft: Accept that your first draft doesn't have to be perfect. Focus on getting your ideas down first.
- Set time limits: Give yourself a set amount of time to write and then move on, even if it's not perfect.
- Practice self-compassion: Remind yourself that it's okay to make mistakes and that writing is a process.
-Listen to writing podcasts or join a valuable writing newsletter: You will learn more about the writing industry and writing processes of other established writers, their wins, struggles, difficulties, appreciations, etc., which can serve as an assurance that you are facing the processes of a typical writer.
Here's a podcast and newsletter for writers I totally recommend—The Shit No One Tells You About Writing. You can listen to The Shit No One Tells You About Writing on platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify or sign up for their newsletter.
5. Burnout
Why:
- Writing too much without breaks.
- Feeling exhausted and mentally drained.
- Stressed out from other engagements
What:
- Take regular breaks: Schedule breaks during your writing sessions to rest and recharge.
- Engage in other hobbies: Spend time on activities you enjoy outside of writing to refresh your mind.
- Practice mindfulness: Techniques like meditation or deep breathing can help reduce stress and improve focus.
- Listen to music: It's an amazing mind therapy.
6. Lack of Support
Why:
- Feeling isolated in your writing journey.
- Lack of encouragement from others.
What:
- Join writing communities: Connect with other writers through online forums, local writing groups, or social media.
- Find a writing buddy: Partner with another writer to share progress, provide feedback, and offer mutual support.
- Attend workshops and events: Participate in writing workshops, conferences, or webinars to learn and network with others.
- Get a writing coach: Find a coach that will dedicate their time assisting you through your writing processes.
7. Working on Too Many Drafts Simultaneously
Why:
- Overwhelmed by multiple projects.
- Difficulty prioritizing which story to focus on.
- Constantly switching between drafts, leading to a lack of progress.
What:
- Prioritize projects: Choose one or two main projects to focus on and set the others aside temporarily. This helps you concentrate your efforts and make significant progress.
- Create a project schedule: Allocate specific times or days for each project. For example, work on one story in the mornings and another in the afternoons.
- Set clear milestones: Break each project into bit-sized, manageable tasks with deadlines. Celebrate when you reach these milestones to stay motivated.
- Limit new ideas: Keep a notebook or digital file for new ideas, but resist the urge to start new projects until you complete your current ones.
- Use a timer: Work on one project for a set amount of time (e.g., 25 minutes using the Pomodoro Technique) before taking a break or switching to another task.
8. Frustration of Not Completing Any Stories
Why:
- Feeling stuck or losing interest in projects.
- Perfectionism preventing you from finishing.
- Lack of a clear plan or direction.
What:
- Set realistic goals: Define what "completion" means for each project (e.g., finishing a first draft, reaching a certain word count) and work towards that.
- Embrace imperfection: Accept that your first draft doesn't have to be perfect. Focus on getting the story down, and you can revise it later.
- Find accountability: Share your goals with a writing buddy or group who can help keep you on track and provide encouragement.
- Reward yourself: Plan small rewards for completing sections of your work. This can be anything from a favorite snack to a relaxing activity.
- Reflect on your progress: Regularly review what you've accomplished to remind yourself of your progress and stay motivated.
- Set a clear outline for your story: Having a clear and detailed outline for a story makes it difficult to run out of ideas.
- Share your achievements with others: Achievement posts are one of the posts that receive more engagement from people. I'm quite aware of Substack. The notes with the highest engagement have to do with achievements. People find those notes empowering and inspiring. Share your wins with others and let them celebrate with you.
9. Working on Too Many Drafts
Why:
- Perfectionism leading to endless revisions.
- Difficulty deciding when a draft is "good enough."
- Fear of publishing an imperfect work.
What:
- Set a draft limit: Decide on a maximum number of drafts (e.g., three to five) before moving on to the next stage.
- Establish clear goals for each draft: Define what you want to achieve with each draft (e.g., plot consistency, character development, grammar).
- Seek external feedback: Get input from beta readers or a professional editor after a set number of drafts to gain fresh perspectives.
- Create a timeline: Set deadlines for each draft to avoid getting stuck in a cycle of endless revisions.
10. Trying to Earn with Your Writing
Why:
- Financial pressure to monetize your writing.
- Balancing creative passion with commercial viability.
- Navigating the competitive market.
What:
- Diversify income streams: Explore various ways to earn from your writing, such as freelancing, self-publishing, blogging, or offering writing services.
- Build an online presence: Use social media, a personal blog, or platforms like Tumblr, TikTok, and Instagram to showcase your work and connect with potential readers and clients.
Remember, If you don't find any that relate to you, write it in the comments and get a personalized solution from me.
- Offer exclusive content: Create special content or giveaways for your audience to increase engagement and loyalty.
- Learn marketing skills: Invest time in learning about book marketing, SEO, and social media strategies to effectively promote your work.
- Network with other writers: Join writing communities and attend workshops or conferences to learn from others and find opportunities for collaboration.
Remember, If you don't find any that relate to you, write it in the comments and get a personalized solution from me.
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