Channeling the Flow

If you are the kind of person who seems to have chronic writer's block, this is not your post.  Oh, feel free to keep reading, but just know that this is for people who can't stop writing.  If you are like me, the flow of words, sentences, and paragraphs (even without the story) is so strong, you are constantly overpowered by tittle-tattle.  The characters yell at you, desperate to escape the confines of your mind, ready to leap into the world and share their adventures.  However, the problem is with you.  School, chores, sports, and family get in your way and you just can't seem to make any time to write.  There are a few simple solutions.  This list is a combination of how to get your ideas out quickly and how to finish them. 

1.  Keep a small notebook and pencil in your purse or pocket for quick story skeletons you want to scribble out before going on your way.  These little ideas pelt you constantly so it's a good idea to write them down.

2.  My mom suggests getting up early to write, my philosophy however, is to stay up late.  Not a good idea, but it works. 

3.  Outline your story in one or two sessions with your laptop or notebook and when you come back to it, start adding details.  Don't begin with the words "Once upon a time".  Contrary to what people say, the beginning is not a good place to start.

4.  After you've finished writing and using my other posts as your guide, print out your story and find a good red pen.  I don't mean a pink pen, I mean RED.  Some people find red scribbles on their paper offensive - a writer knows the power of those scribbles.  The scribbles being, of course, your editing.  It's fun to edit your own stories during a car ride or while you eat dinner.  Be harsh, be critical, be constructive. 

5.  After you've edited your story and made the changes so that your story is nearly perfect, find someone who has more writing experience than you and have them edit it.  Tell them to be harsh, critical, and constructive.  After they've edited it and you've made changes, you face a choice.  See step 6.

6.  Now that your story is finished, you have several options.  You can leave it on your shelf and forget about it until sixty years later.  You can pay a lot of money and have it professionally edited and then published.  Or, last, you can self-publish.  Popular websites for self-publishing are as follows:
www.xulonpress.com
www.amazon.com
www.createspace.com
www.outskirtspress.com

Self-publishing is becoming more and more popular because it is less expensive and just as easy to promote.  Check out self-publishing and let me know how it works out!  Tell me what you think in the comments!
May your pens stay sharp!
*Evyn