How to Get Published

by Diane O’Connell

Eventually all writers — even the most experienced ones — hit a wall in their writing. Rather than staring at the computer screen with your stomach tied in knots and cursing the writing gods, do something to break the cycle. Here are five things to try to get you unblocked and writing again:

1. Take a break. Get up from the computer and do a few stretches, walk the dog, phone a friend, empty the dishwasher. It doesn’t matter what you do, just do something other than writing. Activity will help clear your brain so you can come back refreshed. (more…)

by Al Philipson

“The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and the lightning bug.”  -Mark Twain

Okay, your muse is on strike and your editor is begging you for another great story like the last one. What do you need to do to feed the stubborn creature?

For me, one of the things I do is just look around. Story ideas are everywhere in “real” life. The news is full of them if you can stand to pay attention to the twaddle that passes for “news” these days. People around you have personal experiences that might make the germ of a story. Your own experiences might give you an idea. (more…)