Inspiration and Instruction for Writers |
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Tips & Tools, August 2022 |
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In this newsletter: - When Good Is Enough
- Recommendation: A Fiction Writer’s Newsletter
- Save the Date!
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“Sometimes, as a writer, you need to accept that a project is good enough, rather than strive for perfection.” That’s something my friend and New York Times bestselling author Susy Flory says to writers. The first time I heard Susy say this, I balked, which told me something about the impossible standards I hold for myself as a writer. But this morning, I am nodding in agreement with Susy and am so grateful for her wisdom. Why? Because the content of this month’s Tips & Tools is not the content I’d planned. But it is good and it is enough. On the day you receive this newsletter, I will be moving into a new home after months of cleaning, selling many of my belongings and boxing up the rest, nursing a body that’s rebelled against the extra physical activity, and saying an emotional goodbye to a living situation I’ve enjoyed for nearly a dozen years—all while keeping up, mostly, with the demands of my work schedule. As I write this, I am physically and emotionally spent. Maybe beyond spent, if that’s possible. When I sat down to work this morning, I had nothing to offer. No wise words. No tips. No tools. Nothing. Yet, I had a newsletter to craft and a team of copyeditors waiting for the late draft. So . . . as writers, what do we do when deadlines loom and we have nothing left to give? Sometimes, it’s necessary to wave the white flag of surrender. Other times, we pivot. Here are my tips for those times you have nothing left to give. I pray these tips will help you as they’ve helped me today. - Seek God and depend on His strength
- Ask for help (for example, prayer support or suggestions of tangible ways to relieve your load)
- Let go of perfectionism (this is always a wise step)
- Embrace good enough
- Pivot, if necessary
- Drink water
- Take a nap
My final tip is to reflect on God’s goodness and mercy . . . Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22–23 NIV |
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Recommendation: A Fiction Writer’s Newsletter |
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In the April 2022 edition of Tips & Tools, I mentioned that I would share links to some of my favorite newsletters. These newsletters are written by pre-published or multi-published writers who have done the work to figure out who their ideal readers are, what their readers want, and how to best serve them. I hope you’ll subscribe to the newsletters I recommend, as a means of observing and learning from writers who are engaging their readers well. This month, I’m pleased to share a fiction writer’s newsletter. Sometimes, fiction writers, myself included, struggle with what to share with our readers. Coming up with content seems easy when we have a new book ready to release, but what do we share during the long season of writing between book launches? Through interactive writing projects, Laura Joy Lloyd invites readers into that place where real life inspires fiction. When you subscribe to Laura’s newsletter, you’ll receive a link to stories that have been published through past newsletters. Subsequent newsletters will give you opportunities to influence what happens next. Laura’s current interactive writing project is set in a very special place called Reclamation Island. |
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From Laura Joy Lloyd Like many pre-published writers, I’ve gotten a lot of confusing advice about how to find my target reader. I finally decided to stop writing to an ever-shifting ideal I wasn’t even sure existed and design a newsletter that would be fun for me. I also wanted the time I spent creating newsletter content to support, not distract me from, my fiction writing. Since I’m fascinated by the connection between real-life experience and creative writing, I focus my newsletter on this theme. Every so often, my subscribers receive a new installment in a continuing fiction series. Between installments, subscribers can vote on story details like a character’s vehicle color or favorite coffee drink. Subscribers can influence bigger themes by answering questions about which characters they identify with and where they think the story might go next. As it turns out, what’s fun for me is also fun for my subscribers! So, if you’re mulling ideas for your own newsletter, think about something you love in this world and how it influences your writing. Think about how you could bring those loves together in a way that’s fun for you. Trust that others want to be invited into that special connection. And if you’d like a friend to cheer you on, feel free to continue this conversation by subscribing to my newsletter or sending me a message. |
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The second annual 31-Day Platform-Building Challenge is scheduled for October 1–31, 2022. Whether you’re a multi-published author or a new writer, a nonfiction or fiction writer, building your platform is an important and ongoing process. When you join our pop-up community, you’ll be included in discussions about necessary platform elements like websites, email marketing servers, social media engagement, and lead magnets. We’ll also discuss ways to continue building your following, including opportunities to connect with other writers for platform-building and marketing collaborations. Most importantly, we’ll talk about ideas for engaging with the heart of your platform—your present and future readers. More information about the 31-Day Platform-Building Challenge is coming soon! |
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