I was thrilled when Julie asked me to guest blog on Seekerville—and accepted immediately!
Likewise, I quickly landed on the thoughts I wanted to share. Mainly because these are 10 truths I’ve had to revisit recently in my own writing career in regards to staying focused and to finishing the book. Hopefully these 10 tips will be of help to you, too!
1. Disconnect…and be disciplined about it—
So easy to say, so hard to do.
So easy to say, so hard to do.
In my early years of writing there weren’t as many distractions as there are today—yes, we did already have cell phones and email (I wrote my first novel in 2002, not the dark ages!)—but phones and email and social media weren’t the "great commanders of time" as they seem to be now. The number of ways to communicate has increased exponentially since then. Which, in turn, has contributed to our lack of concentration and ability to focus.
Now there’s Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, blogs and the list goes on and on. An author could easily spend the majority of her time doing social media, staying connected with readers (which is an absolute blast!), and sorting the rest of "life stuff" that always crops up—and never write. Or at least never finish that novel.
The best—the only—way I’ve found that works for me is to turn it off. Literally.
Close your email. Silence your phone. Turn off notifications. I’ve even gone so far as to turn off the wifi connection on my laptop (#trueconfession). The main goal is to set aside a block of time when you’re not multitasking like a banshee. Give yourself the permission to do that (and gain agreement from family members to respect that time, too). It’s transformative!
Something else that works for me is to set a timer for 30-45 minutes. And for that block of time (whatever works best for you) all I do is write. Just. Write. If I come across a question I need to research, I write it down on the pad of paper beside me—which is vital!—and then move on.
Inevitably, thoughts will come to mind—people you need to reach out to, an errand you need to run, that quick email you intended to write yesterday that you could "take just a second and do right now." But don’t! Make a note of it and then move on! Writing those things down (instead of simply trying to "dismiss them" or making mental note) really helps to let go and keep powering forward.
Instrumental music also helps me get into—and stay within—the flow. I have a playlist entitled Music to Write By and—for whatever science there may be behind the therapeutic aid of music—this works for me.
Now there’s Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, blogs and the list goes on and on. An author could easily spend the majority of her time doing social media, staying connected with readers (which is an absolute blast!), and sorting the rest of "life stuff" that always crops up—and never write. Or at least never finish that novel.
The best—the only—way I’ve found that works for me is to turn it off. Literally.
Close your email. Silence your phone. Turn off notifications. I’ve even gone so far as to turn off the wifi connection on my laptop (#trueconfession). The main goal is to set aside a block of time when you’re not multitasking like a banshee. Give yourself the permission to do that (and gain agreement from family members to respect that time, too). It’s transformative!
Something else that works for me is to set a timer for 30-45 minutes. And for that block of time (whatever works best for you) all I do is write. Just. Write. If I come across a question I need to research, I write it down on the pad of paper beside me—which is vital!—and then move on.
Inevitably, thoughts will come to mind—people you need to reach out to, an errand you need to run, that quick email you intended to write yesterday that you could "take just a second and do right now." But don’t! Make a note of it and then move on! Writing those things down (instead of simply trying to "dismiss them" or making mental note) really helps to let go and keep powering forward.
Instrumental music also helps me get into—and stay within—the flow. I have a playlist entitled Music to Write By and—for whatever science there may be behind the therapeutic aid of music—this works for me.
2. Research—
I love research. I adore it. I’m convinced I could research for a living. But researching can oftentimes become a form of procrastination.
At times, I have to go back into my story and strip out parts of description where I’ve crossed the line of telling the story and, instead, am giving a mini-lecture on the medical procedures of a certain surgical practice of the 19th century simply because I found it so fascinating.
Save this information for your website. For instance, do a Truth or Fiction page for your novel where you can share more of this fabulously-detailed-but-not-at-all-interesting-to-some information with your readers. I did this for A Note Yet Unsung and also To Wager Her Heart, and these are highly visited pages on my website. Love it!
I love research. I adore it. I’m convinced I could research for a living. But researching can oftentimes become a form of procrastination.
At times, I have to go back into my story and strip out parts of description where I’ve crossed the line of telling the story and, instead, am giving a mini-lecture on the medical procedures of a certain surgical practice of the 19th century simply because I found it so fascinating.
Save this information for your website. For instance, do a Truth or Fiction page for your novel where you can share more of this fabulously-detailed-but-not-at-all-interesting-to-some information with your readers. I did this for A Note Yet Unsung and also To Wager Her Heart, and these are highly visited pages on my website. Love it!
3. Take breaks…but set a timer—
I do love my timers, can you tell?
Taking a break—reading a book, watching a movie, taking a walk, washing those dishes, doing that laundry—can give your mind a break and even fuel creativity. But, again, they can also be sneaky forms of procrastination. Set a timer and then get back to writing!
I do love my timers, can you tell?
Taking a break—reading a book, watching a movie, taking a walk, washing those dishes, doing that laundry—can give your mind a break and even fuel creativity. But, again, they can also be sneaky forms of procrastination. Set a timer and then get back to writing!
4. Know your characters—
The best way for me to get to know my characters is to write a free-form biography of their lives. This is a document that only I ever see. I don’t worry about punctuation or grammar. I just write about those characters—their families, their perceived strengths and weaknesses, the pivotal moments of their lives, their deepest fears, their proudest achievements—until they become "real" to me.
This step makes all the difference in my writing. And I do this for secondary characters as well.
Incidentally, when I’m majorly struggling with a certain scene, I also ask myself if I’m writing that scene from the best choice of POV character. That makes a big difference, too!
The best way for me to get to know my characters is to write a free-form biography of their lives. This is a document that only I ever see. I don’t worry about punctuation or grammar. I just write about those characters—their families, their perceived strengths and weaknesses, the pivotal moments of their lives, their deepest fears, their proudest achievements—until they become "real" to me.
This step makes all the difference in my writing. And I do this for secondary characters as well.
Incidentally, when I’m majorly struggling with a certain scene, I also ask myself if I’m writing that scene from the best choice of POV character. That makes a big difference, too!
5. Have healthy snacks at hand—
Creativity needs physical fuel as well as mental fuel. Yet as a rule, I don’t eat at my desk while writing UNLESS it’s a portioned-out quantity of something where I can’t absentmindedly crawl into the bag and eat my way to the center of the earth. And do your best to choose healthy snacks that won’t cause your blood sugar to tank. Writing can be a fairly sedentary career, so eating well and getting regular exercise is huge for staying well equipped to write.
Something that’s helped me in this regard is that I went Low Carb Gluten Free (#Keto) in June 2016. I’m down 28 lbs since then and love this lifestyle. I was a total Carb Queen. And I do mean total. So for me to do this was huge, and it’s made such a difference in my life. In my health. If you’re interested in finding out more, visit my Low Carb Love page on my website.
Something that’s helped me in this regard is that I went Low Carb Gluten Free (#Keto) in June 2016. I’m down 28 lbs since then and love this lifestyle. I was a total Carb Queen. And I do mean total. So for me to do this was huge, and it’s made such a difference in my life. In my health. If you’re interested in finding out more, visit my Low Carb Love page on my website.
6. Read—
I’ve already mentioned reading as a creativity fuel in a previous tip, but reading really is essential. The old adage, "If you want to be a great writer, you must be a great reader" still holds true. Read broadly. Read books out of your normal-go-to zone. Stretch yourself!
I’ve already mentioned reading as a creativity fuel in a previous tip, but reading really is essential. The old adage, "If you want to be a great writer, you must be a great reader" still holds true. Read broadly. Read books out of your normal-go-to zone. Stretch yourself!
7. Set realistic deadlines—
Deadlines are great motivators but unrealistic deadlines are flat defeating. Been there, lived through that. Too many times. If you’re writing for a publisher, be open with your editor about needing more time on a manuscript. Don't want until the last minute to tell them that. Be honest with them—and yourself!
Deadlines are great motivators but unrealistic deadlines are flat defeating. Been there, lived through that. Too many times. If you’re writing for a publisher, be open with your editor about needing more time on a manuscript. Don't want until the last minute to tell them that. Be honest with them—and yourself!
8. Find a writing critique partner—
Deborah Raney and I have been writing critique partners for going on 14 years, and she adds so much clarity and perspective to my writing. Plus critiquing someone else’s work teaches you so much about your own (similar to how we can see others’ faults but not our own…ahem.)
I share about writing with a critique partner here so if that topic speaks to you, you may want to check that out.
Deborah Raney and I have been writing critique partners for going on 14 years, and she adds so much clarity and perspective to my writing. Plus critiquing someone else’s work teaches you so much about your own (similar to how we can see others’ faults but not our own…ahem.)
I share about writing with a critique partner here so if that topic speaks to you, you may want to check that out.
9. Remember Who you’re writing for—
As a follower of Christ, everything I do—my writing included—is a form of worship to him. Spending time in the Word of God is essential. A friend suggested Bible Study Fellowship to me, and this is my seventh year to take part in that study. Life changing!
Remember, if God calls you to write, he’ll also equip you to write. Lean into the eternal confidence of the One who’s called you, not in your own ability to complete the task.
10. Finally, reward yourself—
Remember, if God calls you to write, he’ll also equip you to write. Lean into the eternal confidence of the One who’s called you, not in your own ability to complete the task.
10. Finally, reward yourself—
When you meet your daily goal, reward yourself! Celebrate! Watch that Redbox movie, settle into the comfy chair with that book, scour that antique shop, attend that yoga class. But when you don’t meet your daily goal, then—coming full circle back to #1 above—don’t reward yourself.
Since I moved to the Low Carb Gluten Free lifestyle, I do a ton more cooking and baking than I used to. Because truly LCGF products simply aren’t that readily available. So part of my reward system involves cooking and baking. I’ve discovered an entirely new realm of "fun in the kitchen" since going LCGF and that involves cooking and baking differently. So…that’s oftentimes my reward. And it’s a huge motivator for me!
So, find your own motivator and put it to work for you!
I hope at least a few of these tips have been proven helpful. And, as Deb (my writing critique partner) and I always say to each other when we make comments in a first draft—TorT! Take or Toss! Take what works for you, babe, and toss the rest!
Thanks for letting me share your wonderful corner of the writing world here at Seekerville!
GIVEAWAY!
Leave a comment and you’ll have your name tossed in the hat for a special gift basket from Tamera AND be eligible for a $50 gift card in this week’s giveaway!
About Tamera:
Tamera and her husband reside in Nashville, Tennessee, where they live a short distance from Nashville's Belmont Mansion and Belle Meade Plantation, the setting of Tamera’s bestselling Southern series. Her upcoming series, the Carnton Novels, launches this month with Christmas at Carnton, a Christmas novella, set in Franklin, Tennessee at the historic Carnton Plantation.
To connect with Tamera or learn more about her novels, visit www.TameraAlexander.com or frequent her Facebook page: www.Facebook.com/TameraAlexander
"For lovers of historical romance, To Wager Her Heart offers the very best of both history and romance. Tamera Alexander's well-told story details the early years of Fisk University as a school for freedmen after the Civil War. I was fascinated from beginning to end. This thoroughly enjoyable novel proves why Tamera Alexander is one of the genre's most beloved authors—and one of my favorites."
~Lynn Austin, Bestselling author of Waves of Mercy and Keepers of the Covenant
~ Francine Rivers, New York Times bestselling author of Redeeming Love and A Voice in the Wind
#1, I must do even more #1. Facebook is such a distraction that I have literally hid every single friend (except those having babies, I want to see the babies when they come! :) and a few family members) And FB literally doesn't know what to do with me. FB shows me EVERYTHING they do rather than just their posts because FB doesn't understand that people don't need at least 2000 posts to look at each day! :) Well, unless their author/business pages we like, because when you like a page, that means you hope not to see their post right..... Anyway it's helped some, but I could still disconnect more. I get a lot more done waiting on children in the car lately than anywhere else. NO INTERNET=MORE WORK DONE most definitely.
ReplyDeleteSO AGREE, Melissa! I literally have to turn it off to truly zone in these days. I love social media but I love it even more when I'm disciplined enough to "keep it in its place." Thanks for sharing, friend!
ReplyDelete#6 is my hugest distraction at the moment. So many books to read and review. In November, I am going to do National Novel Writing Month for the third time, so hopefully, I will start this series God has placed on my heart. No reading during November unless it is research, and not take much time, to finish my book. God bless!
ReplyDeleteGood for you, Kelly! And you're right about the TBR stack becoming distracting. These days, my Kindle commiserates with my Spanx! It's full to overflowing! I'm praying right now for focus and clarity for you in November. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI love how all of these posts pertain to more than just writing :-) "Life's little lessons in 10 steps"....lol!
ReplyDeleteAs a reader, I can apply several of these tips:
#1 Disconnect: Yep, there's quite a few things I could easily disconnect with. Let's get real: Facebook! I've found lately it's such a time waster, it sucks you right in and the next thing you know, you've just spent half the day looking at it. With all the negative posts or posts that just don't interest me anymore I could easily unplug for a while and go read a good book. I have several books due for the next three months that I can get an early start on, that I SHOULD be reading instead. I think it's time for a hiatus :-)
#6: Read...yep that's pretty easy for me, lol!
#7 Set realistic deadlines: Since I am on several street teams for authors, that's a given. There are books that will need a review for release day, so I order them like that. It keeps me on a schedule & organized. There have been a few times where unexpected things come up to interfere, and I've let my author know my circumstances as soon as I know them. They've always been understanding. And at the same token, if I feel I can't review that upcoming book because of time restraint or whatnot, I'll let them know.
#10 Reward myself: I love the feeling of accomplishment when I get done with my obligations! Then I can go and do whatever I want and not feel guilty because I SHOULD be doing something else. Just like when my kids were young, they'd get rewarded for doing what they know they should or do what they've been asked to. It's a good feeling isn't it?
Wonderful post Tamera! I so enjoyed your video chat on FB for Christmas at Carnton last night (?), but unfortunately I only caught the very end of it. Like the last two minutes maybe :-( I saw where you had made the low-carb peanut butter cups and shared the recipe on your page later. I'm like super crazy about peanut butter cups so I may have to try making them with the recipe. Never made anything low-carb or gluten free so it'll be a challenge!
Thanks for coming out and sharing your 10 tips! I found a lot I could relate to as a reader. Blessings!
P.S. On the video, the book wasn't backwards to me....lol!
Hey Trixi! I LOVE discovering all this about you! And yes, especially, to #10!
DeleteThanks for joining me for the FB chat (fiasco that it was at first, LOL), and you're gonna LOVE those Easy Peanut Butter Cups. They truly ARE easy. Getting the ingredients ahead of time is key, though. There are certain LCGF staples I always try to keep on hand. Cacao butter is one of them. It's a good fat that's solid at room temp so it really helps "hold together" some yummy sweet options for a Keto lifestyle.
Thanks so much for sharing—and for all you do as you read and give "word of mouth" about books to your community. So grateful!
I need to apply some of these tips to my everday life. I am trying to get my organization back on track after a distressing move a couple of years ago. Thanks for all the great tips and for the giveaways.
ReplyDeleteYour books sound great Tamera Thanks for sharing them with us.
Thank you, Linda, for sharing today. And yes, these tips could definitely "umbrella" over life in general too. Discipline is just flat hard, and it's a constant prayer of mine that the Holy Spirit would hone me more in this regard. I'm a work in progress! Thanks for the visit!
DeleteI've created wonderful characters, but as I write, I'm finding I don't know them as well as I should, and therefore, it hampers my dialogue and interactions between the H/H, and this stops me in my tracks. #4 will become my #1 as I'm not really that heavy into social media (yet). I follow #6 and #8...both are essential to our journeys.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the awesome giveaways and much-needed advice! Love your covers!
Blessings, Marcia
So glad #4 resonated with you, Marcia. That, more than anything, helps me to get deep into my characters. I hope it helps you too! Blessings to you!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI also wanted to congratulate you on your success with the Keto lifestyle. I'm so glad you didn't call it a DIET. I live a total Vegan lifestyle as I've been on the DIET route all my life. What a difference one word makes from a psychological point of view.
DeleteYes!! So true. It's a lifestyle, for sure.
DeleteI'm not a writer but I can identify relevance here.
ReplyDeleteSo glad, Mary. Thanks for taking part!
Delete#1 is my biggest roadblock in life. I get distracted easily and find myself procrastinating at getting back to the original task.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your 10 tips, they do resonate in other areas of life as well.
Happy Birthday Seekerville! Ten wonderful years!
Blessings,
Cindy W.
Amen, Cindy. I'm right there with you. Praying right now for focus and concentration for you (and me!!). Blessings...
DeleteWelcome Tamera! Thanks for sharing your tips with us. I completely agree with Trixi's thoughts on Facebook. Since I've taken a break, my productivity and focus has increased. Thanks so much for visiting today!
ReplyDeleteGood for you, Jill! Cheers to increased productivity! ;) Thanks for sharing...
DeleteThanks for sharing your ten tips with us!
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking part, Lucette!
DeleteThank you for these great tips. I am learning what a distraction the social media can become. I've been told to have a social media presence so I just revived an old Twitter that I haven't touched in years. The temptation is there now to keep checking it to see if anyone followed me. Moderation and putting things to do on a to list will definitely take place.
ReplyDeleteOur household has reduced carbs and gluten this year, some by choice and others for medical reasons. We're all healthier and thinner.
Great for you, Bettie! Moderation is key. I usually set aside a part of the morning (sometimes 30 mins, sometimes an hour) to do email, social media, posting, then I turn it off. Do that for about two weeks and it really does become a new (and better, IMHO) habit!
DeleteYay on the LCGF household. Carbs are like bad boyfriends. You love them but they don't love you. :) Hugs!!
Wow...these were great! I am not a writer but do have many responsibilities where these fit in. As a church librarian I need to be a step ahead and get my reading and reviews done and books ordered before they hit the shelves. The congregation looks forward to having the latest fiction and non fiction available to them. I also am a participant in Bible studies so I must be diligent and keep on target with my study work. I can't grow in His Word if I am doing things last minute. Thank you so much for sharing these great tips!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing, Patti. Amen and amen. And thanks for your service as church librarian. That's HUGE and serves so many. Blessings to you!
DeleteGreat tips. Thanks for entering me in the drawings.
ReplyDeleteYou betcha, Cathyann! Thanks for the visit!
DeleteWelcome to Seekerville, Tamera. Great tips. But I have to tell you I swooned at the Christmas book cover. Just lovely.
ReplyDeleteI know, right? #coverartgoals
DeleteThanks, Tina and Josee! I'm in cover love with that one too, especially after so many "Southern dress" covers, which I've enjoyed, don't get me wrong. But I love the pic of Carnton the cover, the Christmas feel...
DeleteI agree with the cover love!! Such a beautiful one and now we know what Carnton looks like. :-) I consider myself a cover snob because honestly, (if it's not a book for review) it's the first thing that draws my eye to a book. If I like it, then I read the back cover blurb and if that interests me, I'll read it. I'm going to be asking my library to purchase this book plus the Overdrive library to purchase the ebook because I really would love to read this and share the book love with other readers :-)
DeleteThank you, Trixi!! So appreciate that!
DeleteHi Tamera,
ReplyDeleteGood tips! I love the cover of Christmas in Carnton. Is there a real house that was used as a 'house model'?
Absolutely, Rose! It's Carnton Plantation in Franklin, TN where the book is set. It's a real house museum that you can visit and tour. Hope to see you there one day! ;)
DeleteThis is a fabulous list, Tamera! Personally, I find that #4 is crucial to the story flowing well and staying on track. When I hit a wall, it's not so much because I don't know where the story is going, but rather, not knowing my characters as thoroughly as I should.
ReplyDeleteThree years ago, I went KETO. While I no longer strictly adhere to the lifestyle, I continue to avoid grains and dairy so that I'm about 70/30. It makes a huge difference in how I feel. Writing is so sedentary and I struggle with that aspect of this business.
Another trap for me is #2. Just last night I deleted a few paragraphs that crossed the line into "tourist brochure" territory. As someone who has visited your history pages, I love the idea of adding interesting information to my website.
Thanks again, Tamera. I recently downloaded "To Wager Her Heart" and can't wait to read it on my drive to Canada this weekend. Your books have truly blessed me!
Thanks so much for your kind words, Josee. What an encouragement! I'm glad some of the tips resonated with you—and I hope you enjoy Sy and Alexandra's story in To Wager Her Heart! I bet Canada is going to be lovely!! Safe travels!
DeleteTamara, what a thrill to read your wonderful post today. I toured Belle Meade yesterday. All your books are on sale there. Rob, the historian, directed the tour I was on. He said your stories are more fact than fiction. High praise, for sure.
ReplyDeleteThanks for being with us today!
Thanks for sharing Rob's comment with me, Debby. MADE MY WEEK!! I could not have written the Belle Meade novels, Belmont novels, and now the Carnton novels without the help of the historians, curators, historical architects, and collections directors who've come alongside me and shared their knowledge—and their time as many of them have read through the first drafts and offered comments. They've truly opened up a world of treasures for this author and I'm so grateful to them!
DeleteSO glad you got to tour Belle Meade, too! I hope you got down to the old Harding cabin where Uncle Bob lived. Here's to keeping history alive, not burying it in the past. Hugs!
I just toured Belmont Mansion and saw more of your wonderful books! Nashville loves you and rightfully so. Seekerville loves you too! Thanks so much for being with us today!
DeleteTamera, Wow. I really took note of turning off social media, email and such in your column today. Guilty as charged. I needed a good push to get my book revised and finished. If you can write and take care of six children I shall certainly get myself back on track. You are amazing. Thanks for a great blog. Keep on writing.
ReplyDeleteHey Suzanne! I'm so glad some of the tips resonated with you! But lest you think far more of me than you should, I have only have two children and they're 30 & 28, so my nest is happily empty (though we adore having our grown children close and enjoy seeing them quite often!). I'm praying for your book, for your focus and energy—so you can get that project completed to God's glory! Much love from Nashville...
DeleteTAMERA, great post! Recovering from our house flooding from Harvey has messed with my reading plan of a book a day.
ReplyDeleteBLESSINGS!
Oh my, Caryl! I would imagine so! Praying for you and those around you still dealing with all the aftermath. Thanks for taking the time to check in today!
DeleteFirst of all, Tamera, I love Christmas at Carnton's cover. Absolutely beautiful.
ReplyDelete#6 Reading is the hardest for me. When I'm working hard and trying to get a lot of writing in, I don't find time to sit down and read. And reading really does help me to write better.
Great post!
Hey Connie! So glad you like CAC's cover. Me too. I was so pleased with the final product. And yes to #6. We must read!! Reading feeds the soul. Hugs!
DeleteGood morning, Tamera! And thank you for joining us in Seekerville to celebrate our 10th birthday!
ReplyDeleteI'm thrilled to find another "Timer Person." YAY! I don't know what I'd do without mine!
And my last book was written pretty much totally without the intrusion of internet and email--my computer had crashed only 4 weeks before my deadline (and I'd only written 10K at that point) so I had to borrow another one. So no easy access to those electronic intrusions. Fastest book I ever wrote and my editors loved it -- hopefully readers will, too. :)
Thank you for the great tips! I always love your covers!
Good for you, Glynna, my kindred timer sister! :) Congrats on getting that book finished. I'm praying God will get that novel to readers who need the message of hope and inspiration you've penned! Celebrating with you!
DeleteTamera, I love all your tips, but #1 and #4 particularly resonate with me. #1 for two reasons: I'm semi-retired now and it would be easy to let other things creep in, and also I worry about platform. I get around it by reminding myself that I now have TIME to write and why squander it, and also reminding myself that all the platform in the world doesn't mean anything if there's not a story to have a platform about.
ReplyDeleteSO important to know your characters. I'm "pantsing" a book for the first time in my career, the characters just took over, and I could never have done it if I hadn't known them in the first place. Of course I have to rein them in and make sure the craft is there too, but it's been fun.
I enjoy your books. That Mrs. Acklin is a piece of work, I would not want to go against her in any kind of deal, business or otherwise.
Kathy Bailey
Kaybee, what you shared about time and squandering it resonated with me. Reminds of the parable Jesus told about the ten talents. We're all responsible to do the best and most we can with what we've been entrusted with. And we should never offer to God something that has cost us nothing (II Sam 24, King David and the threshing field). Thanks for bringing those truths to mind again for me, and yes, that Adelicia WAS a piece of work! :) Thanks so much for reading and taking these journeys with me.
DeleteHi Tamera! Thanks so much for the tips! Between my full time job and running my business after school, I don't have a lot of writing time and I'm bad about not utilizing the time I do have. I am trying hard to disconnect more with social media and connecting more with my writing. I love the idea of a biography for your characters. I'm going to try that soon! And I'm already on your low-carb page. Congrats on losing so much weight. I just started trying to lose weight myself, so I'm loving your page!
ReplyDeleteSo glad the tips resonated with you, LeAnne, and YAY on us being connected on that Low Carb Love page. I'm grateful to the many bloggers and LCGF cooks who've aided me in this transition so am HAPPY to pass it on! Hugs!!
DeleteHi Tamera,
ReplyDeleteIt's great to have you here at Seekerville. Thanks for the tips. I tried going gluten free a couple of years ago but got sidetracked. I'm going to check out your website. I need to get healthier.
I also love your tip about disconnecting. I know I get more accomplished when I disconnect. I think this is a keeper post, because I also love your tip about getting to know your characters better.
Thanks for all of your great tips!
Congratulations on your new books!
Hey Jackie, and thanks for the encouraging words. Blessings to you and thanks for visiting today!
DeleteThanks for a great post, Tamera. I really needed to read this as I push through to the end of my novel. I will finish writing it!
ReplyDeleteI have a suggestion for Facebook that might help others who don't want to miss posts from family or good friends. I use the list feature--family, close friends, writer friends, etc. Then if I don't want to mindlessly scroll through everything that appears in my feed, I can just go to the family list and know I don't miss anything they might have, and so on.
Please enter me in the drawing!
Good for you, Sandy! Praying for you right now—for focus and stamina and creativity, all of which the Lord has an unlimited supply! Great tip on FB too! Hugs!
DeleteSandy, you are brilliant!!!! I'm going to have to incorporate the list feature on Facebook, what a fantastic idea! Most of my family is over 2000 miles away so FB is the only way to really keep up with them, then there's my authors I review for and my reader friends. This would narrow down lots of mindless scrolling, thank you, thank you!!! (((hugs)))
DeleteYou're welcome, Trixi. I hope it helps you. It is a good way just to keep up with those you want to see the most.
DeleteHI Tamera!
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited to see you here at Seekerville today. Your books are always on the top of my must read list and I've read both To Wager Her Heart and Christmas at Carnton. As I said in my review of your most recent book,
"Two of my favorite things~ A Tamera Alexander book and a Christmas story!"
So true, but I'm going to try to control my fangirl gushing here, but that Jake and Aletta, such wonderful characters! I can not wait for the series!
As a reader (6) I use books as my reward (10) when I've taken care of my other responsibilities. Reading is the same as writing as far as being a sedentary activity, so I've often wondered how writers and readers keep healthy. Snacks for people who sit a lot can be a real problem, and like you, I've tried to find healthier snacks (5) I follow your board on pinterest, I just need to get in the kitchen and make some of those yummy looking treats.
I love your historical research and locations. I would love to visit Belle Meade, Belmont and Carnton one day. You are a terrific "teacher" and bring history to life!
As a reader who gets to enjoy all your fine writing, I appreciate your 10 tips for staying focused and am happy you are so disciplined, thank you for all your hard work!
Thanks for the warm welcome, Tracey! I'm glad to be here today, and thank you for your kind words! Just the encouragement I need as I struggle on with this first full-length Carnton novel. Bless you!
DeleteBaking LCGF might seem a tad daunting at first, but truly it's not. Just dive in! AllDayIDreamAboutFood.com is an absolute FAVE site for LCGF. Carolyn has fabulous recipes. I've tried many of them (just got her new cookbook yesterday) and haven't had a clunker yet! The Lord has really taught me so much about discipline—and I've still got sooooo much to learn!—through this change in my lifestyle. I'm also off Diet Coke and Diet DP, which were my go toes for years. I'm mainly drinking water with a yummy Stevia sweetener called EVERLY (I'm posting about it today on my FB Page, actually), and do splurge occasionally on the STEVIA carbonated drinks. Love them!
Thanks for reading and taking these journeys with me. I love and appreciate history and am grateful to have the opportunity to weave it into the stories I write! Hugs!!
Thanks for the great tips. I love to use a timer as well. I have learned to reevaluate goals when life hits. I am gearing up for Nano next month.
ReplyDeleteLiving in the area where my book is set can be an advantage. For instance I heard something about coon hunting while at church. I asked if people actually eat racoons. I was told some of the old timers do. By the way I live in the Smoky mountains.
Wilani, my sweet timer sister, thanks for visiting today! How blessed you are to live in the Smoky Mountains. One of my favorite places is Cades Cove. I'm betting you've been there. ??
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ReplyDeleteTamera, wonderful post. Reward yourself-love that point!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sally!
DeleteGood Morning, Tamera.
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the tips. I took notes. :)
1) Use a timer for breaks. I've never consider timing my breaks and very often they are longer than I meant for them to be.
2) Add healthy snacks to the shopping list. I do tend to roam the kitchen and graze on whatever is easiest to grab.
3) Re-stock the TBR pile. In fact, during a particularly difficult slump while writing my previous book, I found inspiration in reading, To Whisper Her Name and A Note Yet Unsung. The genre was completely different than what I was writing, but immersing myself in books so beautifully written helped my own words begin to flow again.
Thanks for that!!
Hey Amy, and oy, do I relate to YOUR first point. And that's a great point about reading OUTSIDE of what you're currently writing. Thanks for the kind words, and for visiting today! Praying for your words to continue to flow!
DeleteTamara, I'm still amazed at how much I want to write but how easy it is to get sidetracked by distractions--and even some that feel essential (like researching that question that pops up when you're writing). I love the idea of keeping a list of those important distractions, so we can keep writing and address them later. Thanks for all the good tips. You gave me a couple of new strategies. (By the way, I am currently in my first ever BSF group. Wow!) :)
ReplyDeleteOy, Karen, from your mouth to God's ear, as they say. So true. And I'm PUMPED to hear you're in BSF too! Is it not such an incredible blessing?! Hugs to you!
DeleteHi Tamera! So glad to connect here with one of my favorite authors. I love all your books, but I keep going back to Rekindled as my favorite. A hard book to read, but so worth it in the end. I am looking forward to Christmas at Carnton since I always love Christmas stories. This was a great post, thank you for bringing it to Seekerville. You are the person who first taught me about igbok, which I have hanging over my desk. Now I'm going to use T or T. Just makes the whole thing feel better, right?
ReplyDeleteHey Cindy! You're so kind. Thanks for making me feel so welcome here.
DeleteAnd I have to say... I think about Larson and Kathryn all the time. I'd love to go back and write a sequel to Fountain Creek Chronicles. Believe me, that's on my list!
How cool about IGBOK! Love it! And yes, I use TorT all the time! ;) Hugs, friend.
TAMMY!!! It is soooooooo wonderful to have you here, my sweet friend, so THANK YOU for sharing some great tips that nailed my butt to the wall in several areas. YIKES!!
ReplyDeleteI will have to say, however, that I have absolutely NO PROBLEM with #2 because I hate research although it's inevitable as a historical author. Sigh. ;)
I do love the rich history in your books, though, which adds SO much depth and character to a story! Like in To Wager Her Heart, which I adored, by the way, I loved the richness added by the history of Fisk University, a school for freedmen after the Civil War. Not only is this important component timely, but essential in offering glimpses into our history that we often don't see. Thank you for all the time, effort, and authenticity you put into your books -- it blesses me and every single person who picks one up!
Hugs and more hugs,
Julie
LOL, Julie, and thank YOU for inviting me! Y'all have such a wonderful corner of the world here at Seekerville (Happy 10th year!!) and I appreciate you sharing it with me.
DeleteYes to all you said about history and its importance. Here's to remembering it and learning from it, not tearing it down and burying it.
Blessings to you, dear one!
Hello Tamera, and thank you for joining us here in Seekerville!
ReplyDeleteThese are great tips. I have used many of these tactics too, but I've learned something new as well. :)
I have a jar labeled "writer treats" that I earn by getting that dreaded assignment done, or getting to my goal even when I didn't feel like it. It does work! I have been amazed at what I will do to earn a piece of chocolate. Lol.
I'd love to be entered in the giveaway.
LOL, Amber! Chocolate is a mighty motivator! And your name is in the hat! ; ) Thanks for sharing today.
DeleteHi Tamera! Welcome to Seekerville!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely GREAT tips! OHHHH...the distraction of social media and all there is to keep up with there. I've learned to put a time limit on that or that can be the bottomless timesuck...even when we do love it.
The carb thing? *hangs head* Yeah. My daddy's from the South...where mashed taters and gravy are a meal. Or give me some good ol' cheese grits with bacon and a few pats of butter and I'm good to go. Or... maybe some ... well, you get the drift. I'm determined to do better this year.
I LOVE this post. Such great reminders and wonderful encouragement.
Oh...and your book covers? I could look at them all day. I need that house. (...Says the girl who wants to downsize now that her baby bird's flown the nest to college. I can't even clean what I have now. Yikes!) :-)
Hey Cynthia and thanks for your kind words!
DeleteHoney, I understand about mashed taters and gravy. I'm an Atlanta gal by birth and am Southern at heart, and it took the Holy Spirit some doing to get my attention at going LCGF. But he finally did and I'm so grateful for the change.
Thanks for visiting and for making me feel so at home here! And for the compliment about the book covers. :)
...And 28 pounds?! Holeeee gravy bowl! That's awesome! :-)
DeleteTamera, welcome to Seekerville! Thanks for your excellent tips for staying focused on storytelling. I've put my timer front and center on my desk. Funny how easy it is to "forget" what works.
ReplyDeleteI'll be checking out your new way of eating and your book!
Janet
Thanks, Janet, and yes, sometimes what's needed is really quite easy to do. We just have to do it!!! (She says, speaking to herself!) : )
DeleteThanks for the visit—and for checking out my website and books. Appreciate that.
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ReplyDeleteTammy, welcome!! It's great to have you here today. I loved your post!
ReplyDeleteYour suggestion to reward yourself really struck home with me. I always have this nagging feeling like I'm running behind on my writing. Even on days when I make my planned word count, for some reason I still feel guilty. I think I need to be better about rewarding myself with the night off when I've written what I need to in a day. I think my brain needs that break!
Hey Miss Missy! SO good to *see* you again! And yes oh yes oh yes to rewarding yourself. Give yourself grace (after the proper discipline, of course, LOL) and enjoy the fruits of your labor—both while you're working to finish that project AND when you're finished. Hugs to you, friend!
DeleteHi Tamera. What beautiful book covers you have! I enjoy playing around and creating my own book covers, and so I'm always on the lookout for the subtle nuisances that make some book covers look meh verses gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteAll your points are spot on. I need to get my act together and become as disciplined as you and then maybe I'd get somewhere with all my scattered efforts.
***However, what I'm really dying to know about is the Keto diet. I just looked on Amazon. It is described as HIGH fat--That scares me. Is that true? Am I looking at the same diet as you described in your post? Can you recommend a Keto book that you love the most so I can buy it first?
I'm excited to read your books. I love how they're connected to real places. I'd love to make a day trip and go and see those plantations you mentioned and then read your books. That would be a treat. Thanks for your post today.
Thanks, Aylett, for your kind words about the covers. And kudos to you for doing your own. That's a huge undertaking. I'm impressed!
DeleteYes, Keto is a HIGH fat diet (about 70% fat, 25% protein, and 5% carbs), and that can fluctuate a bit. If you'll look on the LOW CARB LOVE page (http://tameraalexander.com/extras/low_carb_love) on my site, I list my favorite Keto cookbooks which also list a ton about the Keto lifestyle, what you need to know about eating LCGF, and how you start, how you maintain, etc... The BEST books I've come across are these two: THE EVERYDAY KETOGENIC KITCHEN (http://amzn.to/2z1U9RI) and this one: THE KETOGENIC COOKBOOK (http://amzn.to/2z07fP6).
I've been eating this way since June 2016 and just had my annual physical. My cholesterol numbers are STELLAR, my doc says. My HDLs (the good cholesterol) is way up and he was impressed! And yes, I eat bacon and eggs every day. Every. Day.
I just made some fabulous fat bombs, as we call them. Which are yummy little treats that are really high fat (but the GOOD fat, not the bad fat) and keep your appetite sated for a long time. They're Easy Peanut Butter Cups and are in the first cookbook I mentioned above. You can find the link here:
https://alldayidreamaboutfood.com/low-carb-easy-peanut-butter-cups/
I made these the other night and had one for breakfast. Yep, breakfast. And not a smidgen of guilt was served anywhere near it! ;)
Thanks for the visit!
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DeleteOkay, I think I could go for anything that let me eat eggs and bacon every day! :)
DeleteThanks for the insight into your world. I love reading all your books!
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting today, Alicia!
DeleteSo good to see you here, Tamera! I am reading Christmas at Carnton at this time....love it! I NEVER miss reading your books! THANKS for your great writing!
ReplyDeleteCount me in for the gift card, please.
Thank you, Jackie! Time is precious and I appreciate you sharing yours with me!! You're duly counted, too! ;)
DeleteWelcome, Tammy!! Soooo happy to see you in Seekerville today! :) Your post is wonderful and going into my "Keeper Files" (okay, I might even frame these tips and post near my computer, LOL).
ReplyDeleteAs you already know, I am a HUGE FAN of all your books, and of YOU. I always tell folks that not only are you the MOST talented, amazing author, but you're super nice too (and very kind to first-time conference goers who burst into tears *wink*).
I am SO excited about your Carnton series and echo what others said about the cover of the Christmas book---just beautiful!
Hugs, Patti Jo :)
Hey Patti Jo! So great to see you here too! You're so kind, friend. You're always an encouragement—and we share a love of earrings so that's something too! ;) Love you!
DeleteIt's a delight to have you as our guest today, Tamera! And I have to say, you nailed me with several of your points.
ReplyDeleteI've really been neglecting the healthy eating and exercise for the past few months, so I'm determined to change those bad habits. Your post today reminded me to activate my Tomato One timer app, which gets me out of my chair every half hour or so for five minutes of movement.
I'm not ready to go cold turkey with internet and email, but during writing time I do try really hard to resist temptation. I use brief email and social media breaks more like rewards for getting the words written.
BTW, we visited Belle Meade Plantation a few years ago, so it was fun to be able to picture the actual setting when I later read your book!
Hey Myra! If I nailed you it's only because I nailed me first! I still have FAR to go in the area of focus and discipline but by God's grace and tutelage, I'm getting there!
DeleteYes, love that Tomato One timer! And great on visiting Belle Meade. I never tire of being out there. And I half expect to see Ridley and Olivia or Cullen and Maggie walk around a corner when I am. :)
Thanks for visiting!
Thanks for the post! Sometimes it's nice to be reminded of these things that really should be simple--but aren't. I have found cleaning chores to be a spectacular form of procrastination (having learned that strategy from a college roommate--much less guilt involved than wasting time on social media). But I also know it for what it is--pure procrastination.
ReplyDeleteAmen, Rachael, me too on the cleaning. When I realize I'm cleaning toilets and vacuuming vents...I know it's procrastination. : ) Hugs to you!
DeleteRachel, I'm the same way!
DeleteHi Tamera:
ReplyDeleteResearch is not only a form of procrastination, it's entertainment that makes you feel smarter afterwards. It's like sin that's good for you. I feel like Oscar Wilde when he said, "I can resist anything except temptation".
There just has to be a way to avoid this over-researching problem. If I just dig a little deeper I'm sure I can find a solution.
Please place me in your drawing. What I'd love to win is a copy of your "Christmas at Carnton: A Novella". Besides having a wonderful review by Francine Rivers and a theme that is perfect for Christmas, it is also in the Julie Lessman school of novellas by being listed at 500 pages on Amazon. That's a swella novella!
Vince
Hey Vince! And LOL! Yes, so true to that Oscar Wilde quote. Loved your post, and while Christmas at Carnton isn't quite 500 pages (what was that Amazon employee smoking??) it IS a hefty novella coming in at 60,000 words. Pithy, I am not. And apparently I don't care about trees either, but that's for another day .
DeleteAppreciate the visit and blessings on your writing!
VINCE, LOVE this!!!
Delete"It is also in the Julie Lessman school of novellas by being listed at 500 pages on Amazon. That's a swella novella!"
LOL!!! I actually saw that on Amazon, too, Vince, and about flipped out. I thought I was the queen of door-stopper novellas, but Tammy's got me beat, I'm afraid. ALTHOUGH ... A Light in the Window was supposed to be a novella and ended up at 115,000 words or so for a whopping 407 pages. Sigh. So trust me, Tammy -- you're "pithier" than I am, girlfriend!!
HUGS!!
Julie
Ha! I bow to the killer novella queen! ;) Hugs!!
DeleteTamera,
ReplyDeleteWonderful post. I don’t keep a pad right beside me when I write, and will now do so, great idea to keep those distractions quickly noted and move on.
I don’t set a timer as I then focus on that :) I use the chunky method and find that technique has changed my writing flow for the better.
Thanks for the post, I’m sharing the link. I’d love to be in the mix for the gift card.
Hey Leslie, thanks for the visit, and that pad...it's a lifesaver! Helps me to move on and keep in the flow.
DeleteAnd it's key to finding what works for you and going with it. TorT! :)
Consider yourself mixed! :)
Loved your ideas
ReplyDeleteThanks, friend!
DeleteAll great ideas, and sorely needed! Thanks for the post - and I hope to try your chocolate chess pie recipe soon!
ReplyDeleteAppreciate that, Janice. And oh...it's so good. I'm working on a Keto version now. Will post that once it's ready!
DeleteHi Tamera!
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the tips! I know these things - but it's so good to be reminded of them.
My big thing is "it will only take a minute to send this email," but opening the internet to do that one thing often turns into a big time waster. :/
And I use my timer all day long. I use it for writing, for breaks, and for my after lunch 15 minute power-nap. (Giving myself permission to take a nap every day has been life-changing - I love my naps, and they make my afternoon much more productive!)
Thanks for being on Seekerville!
Hey Jan! And I hear ya on the "this will only take a minute." Sigh... But we're getting there! #lovetimerstoo
DeleteThanks for the visit!
Jan, I love the idea of a scheduled power nap! I'm a Sunday napper, and an occasional evening napper (fall asleep about 11 pm and should just go to bed). But I should try that after lunch for a refresher.
DeleteThanks, Yvonne! I'm grateful to my design teams for those covers. And yes to what you said. It's a fine balance! Thanks for visiting.
ReplyDeleteI've recently been having trouble focusing. But I have my reward in sight: the cover for my next book, all ready and waiting for me to put my manuscript into.
ReplyDeleteYay for you, Boo! Congrats!! And blessings on your writing!
DeleteBoo, that's a great reward!!
DeleteI think I need to buy me a timer. :)
ReplyDeleteLOL, Megan!
DeleteTamera! Such a delight to see you here! One of your books (Rekindled) was the first inspirational romance I read. I was hooked ... went through the Fountain Creek Chronicles and Timber Ridge Reflections as quickly as you wrote them and then recommended and loaned them to friends. Thanks for making me aware of the genre.
ReplyDeleteNancy C
How cool, Chill! Rekindled was your first... Thanks so much for sharing that. A real encouragement, and my pleasure! Thank YOU for the word-of-mouth you give my books. No amount of marketing in the world can make up for that. Bless you!
DeleteTamera, these are wonderful! I definitely need to invest in a timer because I lose sight of time and am like...SQUIRREL!!
ReplyDeleteWhere was I? Oh! I start Keto in June and am down 31 pounds!!! The mental clarity is amazing, and I love the energy I have. I was addicted to carbs and sugar and feel much healthier. Now to add exercise. Meh.
Love your books!!!
YAY YOU, Sherrinda! What are some of your fav Keto foods? I'd love to know! Congrats on the getting healthier.
DeleteLOL at SQUIRREL. Yes, oh yes.
Thanks for the kinds words and for reading! Hugs!
Hi Tamara, What a great list of ways to stay focused and finish that book. Thanks so much for sharing that with us today in Seekerville. We appreciate the tips and support. Thank you for your generous gift also. I'm sure that basket and gift card is going to be a blessing to some lucky winner.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sandra, and thanks for visiting today. What a great community this is!
DeleteTamara, I love Ephesians 1:19-20, the verse on your Web site:
ReplyDelete"I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms."
Think what we could do if we truly lived as if that power was for us, in us! Wow, this world would not be the same!
I'm impressed that you write your wonderful books, prepare low carb recipes and do BSF. Do you get any sleep?
Janet
Janet, the Lord has written that on my heart... That the SAME MIGHTY POWER that raised Christ from the dead is what indwells us. Oh to live moment by moment with that clarity and faith. My goal!
DeleteThanks again! Great to chat with you.
Hi Tamara,
ReplyDeleteI became a huge fan in 2009 when I read The Inheritance. I can't tell you how many times I recommended it!
Great tips and I appreciate the low-carb link. Mindless eating while writing can be a problem for me. I do much better when I set eating goals along with my writing goals.
Thanks so much for your post!
Lyndee!! Thanks so much. I still love Wyatt and McKenna and think of them so often. I'd love to write two follow up books to that one—one about Robert and the second about Emma. We'll see. Maybe some day!
DeleteThanks for your kind word and for visiting today!
: ) Thanks, Kate!
ReplyDeleteTamera,
ReplyDeleteOn the subject of no cal drinks, I wanted to share I have found Stur water enhancers that are sweetened with stevia. They have helped me drink more water, that's a good thing. You can,find them on Amazon and Kroger grocery store carries them. Strawberry/watermelon and coconut/pineapple are my two favorite flavors :)
I'm on it, Tracey! Thanks for the tip! I love EVERLY drink mixes too. So good. And yes, more water is a great thing! Appreciate you sharing.
DeleteI looked up EVERLY, those look good, do you have any favorite flavors?
DeleteTracey, thanks for the Stur recommendation! I'm terrible about drinking water.
DeleteTracey, I love the Strawberry Lemonade and the Peach Mango. Delish! The others are good but those are my favs. I order them with caffeine (for morning) and without. But since going Keto, I don't have those big energy slumps anymore so I don't drink the caffeine ones much. They taste the same, btw. : )
DeleteI find that giving myself deadlines work, I just have to figure out how to set realistic ones...
ReplyDeleteAlso I really need to start trying to set the timer and writing for an extended amount of time because I get distracted WAY too easily.
I'm right there with you, Nicki. It does help! Thanks for visiting today.
DeleteTamera,
ReplyDeletethese are such great tips. Printing for my file! Turning off distractions is my biggest issue. And what I'd give for a door to my "office" (it's actually a hallway). Alas, realistic goals is my next goal. :)
Please toss me into the drawing for your fabulous books and the gift card giveaway :)
Consider yourself tossed, Sharee! And thanks for sharing. Yes, realistic goals are huge (love your hallway/door comment). Much love from Nashville...
Delete#9 -- Nine is my favorite number. Bible Study Fellowship says a lot just in the title. We fellowship with God when we study His Word.
ReplyDeleteI cling to "If He calls, He equips."
Thanks for the pointers, Tamara.
Yes, LoRee, I cling to that as well. Because so often (more often than not) I feel so inadequate to the task. But he is bigger than my deepest doubt, stronger than my greatest weakness, and is the most powerful Victor I could ever ask for or imagine.
DeleteLove this list of tips! Very helpful and resonates to other areas of life. Fave quote "Remember, if God calls you to write, he’ll also equip you to write. Lean into the eternal confidence of the One who’s called you, not in your own ability to complete the task." I just started reading Christmas at Carnton. So excited :)
ReplyDeleteHey Jeanne, and thanks, sweet friend. I'm learning to lean more fully into him, and am running in his strength, not my own. Bless you! Hope you enjoy Christmas at Carnton!
DeleteYay! Tammy's on Seekerville! I love it. Great tips today and I'm thrilled you're writing about Carnton. I live on a hill nearby that was used as a lookout during the war. Can't wait to see Franklin in your stories!
ReplyDeleteHey Keely! Fun to connect here, too. And how cool to learn this about where you live. Love it.
DeleteWonderful tips! I really need to start using them! ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Haley. Thanks for sharing today.
DeleteI love your idea of writing things down to free your mind. You no longer worry that you'll forget. I like doing that before bedtime, too. I keep paper or my phone by the bed. If I think of an idea that I don't want to forget, I write it and text myself. Or just save as a draft. Then I can sleep peacefully.
ReplyDeleteIt really does help me, Shelli. Otherwise, it's still bugging me. : ) Thanks for visiting!
DeleteTamera, I love your tips. Over the summer, I discovered how distracted I'd become by all my tech. I'm learning to set boundaries on what's open/on/available during my writing time. It's been harder than I thought to unplug and just focus on the story.
ReplyDeleteAlso, multi-tasking...I have to re-train myself to NOT multi-task so much. Again. Distracting.
I've been a low carb and gluten-free eater for awhile, though I've never tried Keto. It's just what does my body good. :)
Good for you on setting those boundaries, Jeanne. That's huge. And YES on the no multi-tasking. It really is so much more fulfilling (and productive) to concentrate on just the writing alone.
DeleteYay too on the LCGF. I'm with ya! :)
These are fantastic tips, and since I'm writing this afternoon, I'm going to use my timer!
ReplyDeleteBSF has been wonderful for me to grow my faith and focus on why I'm writing. And I love Romans, so this will be a good year!
I'm a carb addict, so I'm switching over to Keto. I don't miss the cravings for chips I used to have! I love that you treat yourself to time in the kitchen!
By the way, I am currently listening to the Audible of To Whisper Her Name and I am in love! We visited Belle Meade and Belmont this past summer - amazing! Thanks for the tips!
Love that we have BSF in common, Anne. I was a carb addict too. Never thought I'd be able to do this but God met me at every turn. Just remember Eph. 1:19-21. The same might power that raised Christ from the dead is what indwells believers. That changed my entire outlook when I started this transition. Excited for you! Check out Carolyn Ketchum's new cookbook too. It's FABULOUS!! http://amzn.to/2z27Gst
DeleteThank you for the kind words about To Whisper Her Name! So glad you're with Ridley and Olivia, and I hope you enjoy their journey.
Great tips, Tamera. I especially love the tip to write a biography for your characters. I've started doing that recently, and it seems to be helping me understand my characters better. I still need to work on setting realistic goals and deadlines, though.
ReplyDeleteAlso, thanks for sharing about your Keto lifestyle. I will be visiting your low carb page. Hubby and I have been working toward a low carb Keto lifestyle, too. We're not there 100%, yet, but we're learning and making improvements.
Writing the biographies really does make a difference for me, Rhonda. Hope it does for you too. And yes on the Keto lifestyle. It's a journey, for sure. And a most rewarding one!
DeleteAs I told Anne above... Check out Carolyn Ketchum's new cookbook too. It's FABULOUS!! Just released this week. http://amzn.to/2z27Gst
I love this list! I have to give myself a reward, which usually means I will be reading. Haha.
ReplyDeleteLove that, Terressa!
DeleteLove the tips! Especially the last one ;)
ReplyDeleteHa! Yes, that's a fav of mine too, Heidi!
DeleteNot sure why my comment didn't come through earlier, but congrats, Tammy, on these two new releases. I'm listening to Christmas as Carnton and it is fantastic! I do a lot of these things you recommend and they really help! Many blessings!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Carrie! Appreciate your kind words and encouragement!
DeleteI can relate these tips to my non-writing career and general household life! Thanks for sharing with us!
ReplyDeleteSo glad, MH! I do the same. Discipline in one area of your life tends to spill over into others over time. Bless you!
DeleteI think number one is so important to life in general. We need to disconnect!
ReplyDeleteI think smart phones and the like keep us from really connecting with others.
Amen, Patty. So true. Thanks for sharing!
DeleteI absolutely love your books and look forward to reading To wage her heart and your Christmas book. And hope to visit Belle Meade on day.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Keeonna! Appreciate your kind words—and you reading. Belle Meade is waiting on you! :)
DeleteTamera, I loved reading your tips. All were great pieces of advice. I love my Pomodoro timer, which I use while I write. I am also fortunate to have found a wonderful critique partner who reminds me to add emotion. Those tips reinforce and encourage me. Anyone who advises me to read always has my full attention. Thank you for the encouragement and for sharing your tips that I'll use. Thanks for reminding me of the importance of tuning out the world and for thinking about the characters.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tanya! And you're so welcome. It's been a pleasure to be here at Seekerville with you all. Blessings on your writing!
DeleteLovely tips! I have to admit the healthy snacks part hit me most. Haha! I love my carbs, too. Ugh!
ReplyDeleteI hear you, Susan. But it CAN be done! I'm living proof! Thanks for visiting.
DeleteGreat tips! Thanks for sharing! And congratulations on your dietary changes. I don't know if I could be that brave - especially since I do not love cooking or baking.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Sue
Thanks for sharing, Susan! I DO love cooking and baking which helps a ton. #myreward : )
DeleteGreat tips! As a recovering procrastinator, I can definitely relate and learn from the tips.
ReplyDeleteI'm the librarian at my church and your books are hot property! The readers love them.
Thank you, Terri, for serving as the librarian at your church. Such an important role. I had to smile at your "recovering procrastinator" comment. Cute! Thanks so much for the word-of-mouth you give my books. Truly makes all the difference.
DeleteSooooo good! I loved all of these, and needed to read them! I'm preparing to make some big changes in my writing routine and how I structure that oh-so-critical writing time, and this was so helpful.
ReplyDeleteHey friend! And so glad the tips were helpful. Thank you AGAIN for coming to the booksigning last Sunday. Was so good to see you, and Whitney—and Aunt Becky! Praying for your writing!
DeleteI so agree with your tips. I truly used to get more reading done when I worked a full time job but didn't have internet or cellphone than I do now. I really must stay off social media and read more.
ReplyDeleteIt's so fun to keep up with all the authors I love but I have been trying to make myself read more. Thanks for the giveaway.
Thanks for sharing, Brenda, and I so "feel your pain." It's hard. But I really have become "addicted" in a way to those times of respite from being online. It's a fine balance, and it won't look the same for everyone. Find what works for you and go with it! ;)
DeleteI really enjoyed reading your post today Tamara. Good tips. I tend to get overwhelmed with the amount of things that need to be done so I've been working on breaking things into baby steps. That is helping me to accomplish things. I will admit that the social media is definitely a tough thing to do that with.
ReplyDeleteI'm getting to a point in my writing where I need to connect with a critique partner so I'm curious - How did you and Deborah Raney become critique partners?
Congrats on the new release and Happy Birthday Seekerville. :)
Hey Loraine! As for the crit partner, very first thing to do... Pray about it. Ask God to lead you to that person. Deb and I met through ACFW. (Are you a member of that group? If not, run don't walk to ACFW.com! :) So many wonderful connections can be made there.) Watch for God's hand and be open to the possibilities he'll bring. I'm praying for that door to open for you right now!
DeleteTurn off your media sources. Great advice for all of us! I know how much time I can lose by just Peeking at my FB and Twitter accounts. Your tip about music to write by resonates with me because I had s favorite soundtrack when I was cataloging books for our library. The music of the group Abba somehow inspired me and Mamma Mia helped me achieve great success. When I was planning Adult programs and needed inspiration I chose Phantom of the Opera. Don't know why exactly but it worked!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Connie
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
Love your music choices, Connie! I really like listening to soundtracks, too. But, personally, I can only listen to instrumental music when writing. The lyrics mess me up. : } But other writers can listen and it doesn't bother them at all. To each her own! Blessings and thanks for sharing!
DeleteThanx for the giveaway!!! I really enjoyed your points. Even as a reader, I found suggestions that will help me stay within the time and activity boundaries I want to keep.
ReplyDeleteSo glad, Jennifer! Thanks for visiting!
DeleteGreat reminders. I'm planning my next calendar to complete my next novel. I never turned on the email notification on my PC on purpose. I've gotten in the habit of checking my email on breaks at work and deleting all unnecessary ones. By the time I get home and get dinner and what have you out of the way I've very little email to address and can focus on writing. I liked your website ideas for research tidbits. I love research too.
ReplyDeleteThrow my name in the hat.
Thanks for sharing! Sounds like you're already well disciplined and on your way! Your name is in the hat!
DeleteGreat tips! I always seem to come up with good ideas while walking on the tradmill, washing dishes or cooking. Haha.
ReplyDeleteYES! Me too, Abigail. I always keep my iPhone close for dictating on walks. :)
DeleteI am not a book writer. But I do enjoy writing un my journal. Thanks for the tipsm Number #1 is very helpful for me. It is easy to get distracted on social media.
ReplyDeleteI admire those who journal regularly, Stephanie. Good for you. So glad you visited!
DeleteI just want to say thank you to all of you that keep going and finish wonderful books for us to enjoy!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, friend! Appreciate you reading—and stopping by today.
DeleteGreat tips! I am a champion procrastinator, and have to MAKE THE TIME! And yes, I've found it very effective to write out "the rest of the story" - so I know where my characters end up in life. Helps me write them in the "present."
ReplyDeleteI hear you, Janice! Amen. Thanks for sharing today.
DeleteThank you for a great post! Looking forward to reading your new book! Also, thank you for the giveaway opportunity. :)
ReplyDeleteI’m not a writer but you could apply this to everyday things! Thanks for the tips. Sometimes it’s just making priorities. I thoroughly enjoy your novels. You do such great research! Blessings!
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