September 5, 2019
Hope’s Hacks(some ways to break up that writer’s block) This month’s cure: Research, research, research What the cure is: Research as much as possible about the subject you’re writing Why the cure will help: Let me tell you a story. Once upon a week ago, I decided to write the third book of my trilogy. This book frightened me because of the enormous amount of research it required. […]
August 12, 2019
Hope’s Hacks(some ways to break up that writer’s block) This month’s cure: Time Travel What the cure is: Going to historical villages, attending medieval faires, and other historical events Why the cure will help: For some reason, going to a historical-themed village/play/event can kindle a creative spark. Maybe seeing actors trying their best imitations of Renaissance slang or watching a good Old-Fashioned joust can not only […]
July 8, 2019
Hope’s Hacks(some ways to break up that writer’s block)This month’s cure: Family and friends What the cure is: Detoxing from a burn-out of writing all the time Why the cure will help: I know, it sounds frightening. Taking a step away from the desk. But as someone who gets 5-8 bylines a week, and with book projects on top, I understand how quickly burnout can take over. […]
June 5, 2019
Hope’s Hacks(some ways to break up that writer’s block) This month’s cure: Travel Writing What the cure is: Finding time to be productive as you travel Why the cure will help: Summer usually involves some sort of travel. Whether you go to the Outer Banks with your 20-30 extended family members each year or decide to take a trip up to a major city in your State for […]
May 5, 2019
Hope’s Hacks (some ways to break up that writer’s block) This month’s cure: Background Noise What the cure is: Finding which noises help you write Why the cure will help: Although some writers, like myself, prefer to work in absolute silence, others need some background noise to help them improve their productivity. Consider the following avenues of noise to break up that block: Songs in other languages: I don’t […]
April 9, 2019
This month’s cure: Making Scents What the cure is: Filling your workspace with productive smells Why the cure will help: Nothing can turn a 500-word count goal into a meager 6 words if all you can smell is that pile of laundry in your closet that needs a good wash. Just like sights and sounds can affect one’s productivity, the same goes for scents. So get out those […]
March 5, 2019
Hope’s Hacks (some ways to break up that writer’s block) This month’s cure: Say Yes to Dress(ing up) What the cure is: Wearing something fun while you write. Why the cure will help: They say dress for the job you want to have. I say, dress for the book you want to write. It’s sometimes hard to write a book set in the 1600s while wearing sweatpants. So […]
February 6, 2019
This month’s cure: Font Runner What the cure is: Changing the font you use when you write. Why the cure will help: A recent trend in changing one’s font has proven to increase productivity in writing, and well, it’s fun.* Fantasy Font Suggestions: Algerian, Matura MT Script Capitals, Old English Text (if you can read it). Anything that screams Lord of the Rings or Medieval England. Sci-Fi Font Suggestions: Magneto […]
January 30, 2019
About the column: A handful of agents and interns who work with Cyle have learned the latest and (sometimes so, sometimes not so) greatest trends in publishing right now. Tune in each week to find out what’s trending, ranging from ABA to CBA, children’s to adult. The authors of these columns have included social media tags at the end to keep up with trends they […]
January 23, 2019
About the column: A handful of agents and interns who work with Cyle have learned the latest and (sometimes so, sometimes not so) greatest trends in publishing right now. Tune in each week to find out what’s trending, ranging from ABA to CBA, children’s to adult. The authors of these columns have included social media tags at the end to keep up with trends they […]
September 19, 2018
Hope’s Hacks (some ways to break up that writer’s block) *About the column: Hope Bolinger provides biweekly tips to help you through that writer’s block slump. As a person who has suffered from severe depression and anxiety for eight years, she knows first-hand what it’s like to not want to roll out of bed and face a blank screen and blinking cursor. Here are some […]
October 10, 2018
Note: Hope’s Hacks will be taking a brief hiatus. The column will come in a monthly form starting in November. However, if you are every struggling with writer’s block, don’t hesitate to reach out to Hope. She can be reached here. This month’s cure: Trick or Tweet What the cure is: Participating in Twitter Pitch parties to jumpstart the process of finishing that edit or last chapter. […]
November 7, 2018
This month’s cure: Thankful for Writer’s Block What the cure is: Writing thank you notes during periods of writer’s block Why the cure will help: As someone who has struggled with severe depression, I know it can be hard to roll out of bed. Let alone try to write my word count goal for that day. But I discovered that doing kind acts for others, such as writing […]
December 5, 2018
This month’s cure: Twelve Days of Writer’s Block What the cure is: A list of twelve items set to a classic holiday favorite to help you work through that winter slump. Why the cure will help: Music can help spur the writing juices, especially this holiday season. And the best way to spread holiday writing cheer is singing loud for all to hear. Try out this tune and […]