Write by Hand Or Write Straight to Keyboard?

This is an age-old question that writers have been debating for years.

Is it better to write by hand and type your work up later, or write straight to keyboard?

Personally I prefer to write by hand first because I’m more creative when I work this way.

But when you do the math of the extra time this takes compared to writing straight to keyboard, it seems like a much slower way of doing things especially when hand writing is slower than typing AND I have to type my work up as well.

On the surface, it looks like I’m always doing things the slow way, but I disagree.
I’ve tried writing straight to keyboard many times because the way I work can seem frustratingly slow sometimes.

But what I find is that I’m not as creative when I try and write straight to keyboard.

I use JDarkRoom  on my Mac computer which is a free-to-download, distraction-free software that’s meant to block out any of the usual distractions to help enhance creativity. And while it helps, it doesn’t solve everything. I still feel less creative and my writing doesn’t flow as well as usual.

This ends up in wasted time stopping and thinking about what to write, lost creativity and extra time editing and correcting what I’ve written, or completely deleting everything and starting again from scratch.

So while the way I work may look time-consuming and slow, for me, it works.

And as the saying goes, if it aint broken, don’t fix it.

New Work Routine Forced Me to Unclutter Which Lead to an Easier Way to Write

As I told you in the last post, I now use two computers; one for writing and one for all my other work such as uploading, emailing, accessing online accounts, etc.

This has really changed the way I work because my writing computer is distraction-free so I can't check emails, play games or log into online accounts because I don't have access to these on my new computer so I just have to keep writing.

This in turn has made me much more productive and has helped to increase my writing income.

My main computer is a Mac Book Pro and my new computer is a Mac Book Air which is light to carry around which is what I intended to do with it because I bought it so that I could also work on it away from home.

But one of the things I discovered is that I can't carry around all my usual notebooks and writing pads that I use at home.

I have several different websites in different niches and I always used different notebooks for each different site.

But with wanting to move around more I found that I can't carry it all. Not only that but it makes me have to pay more attention to EXACTLY which note books I'll be needing depending on which websites I was writing for.

So I had to streamline the way I work because I can only carry one notebook with my computer plus my usual clutter (purse, cell phone, etc). Even if I'm not going very far and only intend to work outside on the deck because it's raining (and I can't go and work in the park, and the deck has a big roof), I still can only carry so much with me otherwise it turns into several trips in and out of the house and the same again once I've finished working for the day.

So now I only have one notebook/writing pad that I use for everything, no matter which website I'm writing for.

At first I thought it was going to make things more difficult but it has actually streamlined the way I work.

No matter where I'm going to sit and work I only have to grab 3 main things - my note book, my computer and my pencil case.

And whatever helps me to unclutter and makes my life less complicated is always a welcome change.

I love having a simple life.

So why didn't I think of using less "stuff" when I'm working before?

At least I know better now.

--------------------------------

A Simple Program that Meditates for You.

Claim your free audio.

Zen12 takes the hassle out of meditation. Each 12-minute session
brings the benefit of an hour’s advanced meditation.

The program uses special ‘brainwave’ sounds to meditate for you. This means you don’t have to actively try to quieten your mind, stop fidgeting, or focus only on the meditation. And you don’t have to reschedule your day. Each session lasts just 12 minutes, and you only need to meditate a few times a week to reap the rewards.

Immediate benefits:

• Dissolve stress, worry and anxiety
• Greater relaxation
• Increased focus levels
• Enhanced creativity
• Improvement in mood

Longer-term benefits:

• Increased brain power
• Dozens of proven health benefits
• Greater inner peace and serenity
• Higher stress threshold
• Emotional mastery

Download your free audio now.

Why I Use 2 Computers and How It Helps Me to Write More and Earn More

As you know, I have a publishing company and I'm a full-time writer. These two things keep me really busy.

Up until late 2014 I only had one computer, a 13" Mac Book Pro.

Then in early December 2014 I splashed out and bought a 13" Mac Book Air.

I didn't buy it because my other computer wasn't working. On the contrary, My Mac Book Pro still works like a Pro, but I wanted the other computer so that I could write more and earn more.

You see, my original computer contains everything I use to run my business. It has all my files, my passwords to particular website accounts, etc. So I used it all the time.

The problem was though, that it also has my emails and several computer games. So whenever I wasn't in a complete working mood I'd start constantly checking emails and clicking links in them and browsing the internet or I'd start a computer game and get lost in that for an hour or two.

I kept telling myself I'd stop doing doing these things, but every time I time I got bored, I'd open my emails to check them again or I'd play a game. I also have quite a few RSS feeds on my computer so they kept disrupting me too because I just HAD to read the latest article on my favourite websites.

Eventually, I realised that there was no way I was going to stop wasting time with these things. I was a distraction junkie. I needed my distractions to get my fix every day.

So I needed a way to stop myself.

I had two options.

The first was to delete my email accounts, computer games and RSS feeds from my computer. But this wasn't really an option because I need my email accounts and some of the RSS feeds are to websites that I'm affiliated to so I need to know what's going on.

So I decided to turn to my second option which was to get another computer and not fill it with these distractions.

I hummed-and-hahed about it for while because the thought of spending $1,000 to stop myself being distracted seemed wasteful. I hated spending that much money for such a flimsy reason.

So I thought about it for several months, while trying to not let myself be distracted so easily by other non-important things.

In the end I made a deal with myself.

I'd buy another computer, a Mac Book Air, and take it out with me every day and work away from home because it's really light to carry.

That would work out great because it wouldn't have the usual distractions on it plus when I work away from home I get more done.

It was a win-win situation.

Plus the added benefit was that if I got more writing done, I'd earn more money so that the new computer could pay for itself in no time at all.

So that's what I did.

I bought the new computer and I use it when I'm writing.

Sadly though, almost instantly, as soon as I bought it our weather got really hot.

Here in Australia December is a summer month and it heated up quickly and became incredibly hot so I started working from home working inside in the cool air-conditioning which was also much appreciated by our two dogs.

I didn't mind too much but I really wanted to go out and work every day but it was far too hot and it made me really thirsty all the time so I needed to drink a lot of water while I worked, which isn't easy to do away from home. The hot weather also attracted a lot of flies and they were everywhere outside.

So I figured once the weather cooled down a little I'd start working away from home.

But then we had a cyclone which brought weeks of rain and strong winds that lashed our little tiny house and flooded the garden.

When it was all over and the sun came out again, it took weeks for the ground to recover and we were  all slipping in mud for a while.

But now it's back to hot weather again and I still haven't taken my new computer away from the house, except when I go to teach my classes once a week at the local college where I show others how to make money as an online writer.

In my classes I hook my computer up to a projector and show everyone what I do for a living and teach them how to do it too.

So my new computer does get out now and again but not in the way I first intended.

And it feels like it's not so much a computer as a glorified word processor because I only use it for writing and nothing else.

But it has earned it's keep because even when I work from home now I mostly work outside sitting on our big wooden deck that has views of miles and a nice cooling breeze, even though most days do end up too hot to stay out there, but winter is on it's way which, here in Brisbane, means warm (but  not hot) days which should be just about right for outdoor writing.

So eventually I know I will take my computer out to the local parks or the library to work but in the meantime, I'm enjoying using it at home as a distraction-free writing tool.

And I was right that it has enabled me to get much more writing done.

And more writing always means more money, because I'm a working writer, I need to earn from my writing.

So if you are distracted by time-wasting apps on your computer, you might consider getting another computer and using it just for writing.

For me it was a great investment which has not only earned it's own keep, but is still helping me earn money every day.

---------------------------------------

Living The Laptop Lifestyle: How to Start & Grow a Profitable Online Business So You Can Quit Your Job

Is going to work something you suffer through all week so you can enjoy the weekends?
Do you bury your dreams and passions so you can chase a paycheck every week?
Do you spend Sundays with a feeling of dread because you know Monday is right around the corner?

Click the image to find out how you can escape.

Discipline Weighs Only Ounces, While Regret Weighs Tons

Self discipline is the scourge amongst anyone who works from home because it's all too easy to be distracted by other things yo could be doing.

When you think about the times when you worked hard, went the extra mile, worked that extra hour and saw a project through to the end, it makes you feel good.

And when you think of what you gave up - during the internet, watching TV, taking a nap - you realise that the sacrifice was worth it.

And when you lack self-discipline and tasks don't get completed, not only does it kill your results, but it drains your energy and make you feel helpless and hopeless.

Regret weighs tons.

On the other hand, self-disciplin weighs only ounces and not only gives you results, but it gives you greater happiness, fulfilment and self-esteem.

I also feel so much happier and content when I've been working hard and achieving results.

And on lazy days, I feel bad AND achieve nothing.

So I know how I prefer things.

Try lightening your own load with a touch of self-discipline and see how much lighter you feel.

Doing just the smallest amount of something you've been putting off can really change your mood.

And it produces results.

What is one thing you can do right now?

Make a start on it and see how it feels.

---

A Simple Program that Meditates for You.

Claim your free audio.

Zen12 takes the hassle out of meditation. Each 12-minute session
brings the benefit of an hour’s advanced meditation.

The program uses special ‘brainwave’ sounds to meditate for you. That means you don’t have to actively try to quieten your mind, stop fidgeting, or focus only on the meditation. And you don’t have to reschedule your day. Each session lasts just 12 minutes, and you only need to meditate a few times a week to reap the rewards.

Immediate benefits:

• Dissolve stress, worry and anxiety
• Greater relaxation
• Increased focus levels
• Enhanced creativity
• Improvement in mood

Longer-term benefits:

• Increased brain power
• Dozens of proven health benefits
• Greater inner peace and serenity
• Higher stress threshold
• Emotional mastery

Download your free audio now.

From Idea to Results: The One Sure Way That Guarantees Success

It's great when you have an idea and a goal to aim towards.

Sadly, it's all too easy to dream of the results you'll get from implementing your idea, without it ever happening.

So what is it that stops you from going from idea to results?

It all comes down to one small thing.

Action.

Action is the middle-man that stands between you and your idea, and obtaining your results.

How many ideas have you had in your life that you've never acted on?

If you're like most of us, the answer is many.

So what's the solution?

How can you go fro idea to action to successful results?

The answer is simple.

Don't try and do all your actions at once.

Break it down into tasks.

For instance, you might have a great idea for a new website.

But if that's all you have you'll never get started.

Why?

Because building a website is a project, and no one can begin a project until they break it down into do-able tasks.

So instead of just thinking about building a website, write down all the tasks you need to do.

You might write down -

• Get a domain name and hosting
• Map out a flow chart of the site
• Outline page content
• Write content
• Add content to pages
• Upload website

You can see that the list of tasks is something you can accomplish, one thing at a time. But if you're still thinking "build a website" then you'll never get started.

So to progress from idea to successful result, you need action.

And in order to take action you need a list of tasks you can do to achieve your results.

Then use ACTION to complete the tasks.

Because Action is the sure way achieve your results, every time.

Be More Outcome Driven

If you're a creature of habit and keep doing the same things all the time, then if you keep doing what you're doing, you're going to keep getting more what you're getting.

If that's enough for you, then you're doing the right thing.

But if you're not happy with your results, then something has to change.

You need to change your focus to the outcome you want.

What is it that you want to achieve from your work?

Get Ready, Get Set, Write!

If you're a subscriber of mine, then you'll know that a few weeks ago I began a new part time job doing commercial cleaning.

The reason I took on the job wasn't because I was short of money, but short on exercise.

I mean, yes I clean my house every week, and yes I walk my dogs every day as well as mow the lawn every week, do the shopping, cooking, washing, ironing, etc, but it's not enough exercise.

Then I came across a local part time job cleaning two commercial premises.

And surprisingly, this little part time job taught me more about making money from writing.

How so?

How to Transform Your Life Instantly

Are you not getting the results you want in your life?

Well, you're not alone.

There are thousands (probably millions) of other people all over the planet working away at being busy all day yet always unhappy because they're not getting what they want out of their life or their business.

Yet at the same time, there are millions of people all over the world being busy all day and happily reaping the rewards from their efforts.

So how to they do it? What are they doing differently?

5 Things That Hold You Back From Financial Freedom

There is a way to predict your financial future.

It's easy to see, right now, how much money you're going to earn in the next year, the next 2 years, 5 years and even 10 years.

Want to know how?

How to Change Your Life in Just One Minute

If you want to make lasting changes to your life it's better to do it quickly rather than prolong the change or say you'll do it "one day" (because there is no such thing as 'one day.' It doesn't exist. It's just something we tell ourselves to make us feel better).

And if you want to change your life quickly, do it in just one minute.

Is it actually possible to change your life in a minute?

It is if you're determined.

The change you want to make needs to be something you "must" do, rather than something you merely "want" to do because we never get around to doing all the things we want to do, but we always find time for the things we must do.

And make the change fast. Don't give yourself time to second-guess yourself or to let doubt creep in.

You also need to follow these 3 simple steps:

I've Changed My Mind, But That's OK

A couple of weeks ago I said that I was changing the way I worked and instead of working for 3 to 4 hours a day, I was going to work for 2 full days a week.

Well, that didn't turn out to be such a great idea for 2 reasons.

It's the Weekend. Time to Write

This weekend, instead of doing the usual chores, why not get that novel written, write that screenplay, start that blog.

Whatever it is that you've been promising yourself that you'd get done when you get "a round tuit" make this weekend the beginning.

And the reason to start this weekend is because of all the amazing Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals for writers.

Below is a list to help get you inspired and get you going.

Final Draft 9 on Sale for $99+ at Writers Store, now-12/31/14
Get your copy of Final Draft from The Writers Store, the Industry’s #1 screenwriting software source for over 30 years, and you'll receive the latest version, an exclusive Screenwriting Starter Package ($100 value), extended access to your download and serial number, free installation support and peace of mind knowing your purchase is backed by our unmatched 30-day money-back guarantee.

Movie Magic Screenwriter 6 on Sale for $59.95+ at Writers Store, now-2nd December 2014
Format your script and outline it, too, with the newly redesigned Movie Magic Screenwriter 6! This award-winning screenwriting software formats movies, television, novels, stage plays and even comic book scripts, making it the only program for all types of creative writing.

Shop Software Starting at $12.99 at Writers Store
Black Friday Savings at Writers Store are here! Valid 28th Nov till-1st December 2014, Shop Software Starting at $12.99 and Up! In Addition, Save 20% Storewide with Offer Code BF2014. Offer excludes items already on sale and kits.

Save 50% Off Plus an Extra 10% at Writer's Digest Shop with CYBERSALE10
Cyber Monday Savings include an Additional 10% Off with Offer Code CYBERSALE10. Offer Valid until 1st December 2014.

And lastly, but by no means least, Hostgator (a company that I use myself) are having massive "Fire Sales" from Black Friday through to Cyber Monday with discounts on hosting from 55% off to 75% off. Keep checking the site all weekend because many of these sales only last for one hour. Click on the banner below. Get your website started this weekend.

How to Be Better Than the Rest in Just 30 Minutes a Day

There are all different kinds of writers.

But mostly, there are only 2 kinds.

Writers and wanna-be writers.

The real writers write every day.

The wanna-bes don't.

And somehow there seems to be far more wanna-bes than actual writers.

But this is good news for you.

If You Don't Make Your Processes Easy, You Won't Do Anything

I've just finished reading a book on Essentialism and it was quite an inspirational book that changed the way I look at life and work.

One of the things it talked about was the fact that, if you want to do something, you need to make the processes easy or you won't do it, or if you start, you won't finish it.

And I thought that this was so true.

This idea not only applies to many things in life but also to writing for a living.

And I'll explain.

My Writing Failures of 2014 and Writing Plans for 2015

Because the New Year is fast approaching (Holy crap! November already?), I've been doing a lot of thinking about what I've achieved and what I've failed to implement this year with my writing, and what I plan to do next year.

And what I also thought was that I don't need to wait till next year to implement my plans/goals for 2015, I can start them straight away.

Why not?

I know of one blogger who begins his New Year resolutions on his birthday every year because he considers this to be the start of a new year in his life instead of January 1st, which makes perfect sense.

But we really don't need to wait for any particular date to start making better changes and implementing our goals for the next 12 months.

And here is what I was thinking.

Can I Please Stop Wasting My Own Time?

I've read quite a lot of books and articles on Time Management because, as a writer, time is money.

The more time I spend writing, the more money I make.

The time management information I read, often talks about not letting other people undervalue and waste your time, which is relatively easy to do.

Like when someone says "Have you got a minute?" and you know that whatever they want always takes an hour instead of a minute.

So you stop them by saying "Not just now. I'm really busy. But I've got a few minutes spare at 4 p.m. Shall we talk then?" And usually it's enough to get rid of them.

But what about when it's not others wasting your time?

What if you constantly waste your own time?

The Most Versatile Writing You Can Do

Most people think that writing only has one purpose, as in, you're writing a book or writing an email or writing a press release.

But there is one kind of writing that is extremely versatile and can be used in many different ways.

Articles.

Articles can be used as blog posts, press release articles, emails, ebook chapters, auto-responder emails and marketing articles, just to name a few things.

Which means that if you can write a lot of articles, you can earn a really decent income.

2 Free Subliminal MP3 Albums From Inspire3

This is a promotional offer from Inspire3 that I've mentioned before, and I want to remind you again so that you don't miss out.

Inspire3, who have hundreds of MP3 subliminal audios available, including their impressive BrainSalon and Brain Evolution System (both of which I have myself and always highly recommend) have launched their new site called Subliminal Guru.

And to celebrate, they are currently giving away 2 free MP3 subliminal albums. These are not just a few minutes of audio, but almost 5 hours of free listening.

5 Amazing Resources For Writers

Today I have 5 new amazing writing resources from the Writers Store, that are all designed to get you writing and keep you going.

It doesn't matter if you want to write your next novel or start writing that screen play that you've always dreamt about.

2 of these resources are substantially reduced in price and 3 are on sale, but only for a short time.

Download free trials.

An Interview on Content, Creativity and Writing Consistently

This week I read an online Q & A interview with best selling author, Ann Handley.

Ann is the author of "Everybody Writes: Your Go-To Guide to Creating Ridiculously Good Content" which recently reached number 4 on the New York Times Best Seller list.

In her interview Ann talks covers many topics including how writing habits “practiced once a week aren’t habits at all. They’re obligations.”

She also discusses that there is no one way to write, just as their is no one way to parent a child. But she does believe that the following is a guaranteed formula for writing creative and engaging content: