INSIDE: WIP Update Productivity Tips What's Book Mapping? Character Development Worksheet February Reads |
|
|
WIP Update Currently, I'm working on two WIPs. One is a YA mystery, and the other is YA Fantasy. In March, I plan to revise the fantasy WIP. But first, I'm making a book map of it. Check out more about book mapping below and a template I made for you! You can also check out information and aesthetics for my WIPs on my website. | | |
|
|
Productivity Tips We all have distractions in our lives. To help you have fewer distractions, I've made a list of things you can do to increase your productivity. Planner or Bullet Journal - Keep a list of your monthly goals and break them down to weekly and daily tasks to accomplish your goals. Once you complete something check it off the list. You can also make a Done List, which is a list that shows all that you've done in one day. It can motivate you to see how much you've accomplished. |
|
|
Google Calendar - Use a block schedule. Put your schedule in blocks of time. If you work full time, set aside a time just for writing. For example, set a time to write at 9 pm-10 pm each night, and put in it in your Google Calendar. Notifications - Our phones distract us too much. All you need to do is turn off your notifications. There are even apps that can prevent you from checking your social media. Set a timer - Set a timer for a certain amount of time and only write during that time. You can even do writing sprints with fellow writer friends. It's motivating to write with others. Trello - Use this website or app to make lists of what you need to do each month, week, and day. Author Brittany Wang has a video on how to use Trello as a Kanban board. It's a great way to help your productivity. Brittany also has other videos on simple bullet journaling, how to use Google calendar, and more, so check her out on Youtube! |
|
Apps - You can use an app like Forest to help you stay on track. There are other apps that can limit your social media use so you stay focused on writing instead. Track your progress - Track your progress by using a Word Count tracker in your bullet journal or a spreadsheet. Rewards - After you hit a word count or accomplish a goal, reward yourself. It can be as small as a cookie or as big as a new book or a massage appointment. Use whatever rewards that motivate you the most. Soundtrack - Make a soundtrack to listen to as you write. It can help motivate and inspire you to write more. You can use Spotify, Youtube, or iTunes. I have an entire playlist on Youtube for each of my WIP's. So no matter what I'm working on, I have a soundtrack of songs to listen to while I write. Respond to this newsletter or connect with me on Instagram and tell me what helps you stay productive. |
|
|
| | What is book mapping? A book map is a bird's eye view of your book. It's helpful to use during revisions because it can help you see what areas are the weak points in your novel and what you can improve. I've started to make my own book map for my YA Fantasy that I plan to revise in March. So many of you were interested in book mapping I made a template of a book map just for you! You can change column headings, and you can add or delete columns. This template is just a starting point for you to get started with your own book map. Get creative and make it your own! You can put whatever you need into this template so it works for you. If you have questions feel free to connect with me on Instagram. | | |
|
| | Character Development Sometimes characters are elusive and difficult to flesh out. Many of us make extensive profiles and aesthetic boards for characters. Both of these are very helpful, but there are some other concepts that can really help us dig deeper and get to know our characters even more. Recently, I attended WriteOnCon, an online writer conference, and learned some new concepts for character development, and I thought I would share them with you. For a worksheet on character development, click the button below. :) | | |
|
|
February Bookshelf In February, I read The Dead House and gave it five stars. The layout of this book is so unique, and the mystery of it pulls you into the book. I've always loved mysteries and am trying to read more of them lately. I also read Rebecca and The Haunting of Hill House. I thought Hill House would be scary, but it wasn't. The Dead House was much creepier. I haven't watched the Hill House show on Netflix because I'm too much of a chicken. I get nightmares easily when I watch horror shows or movies. LOL I gave Hill House three stars and Rebecca two stars. To see my other reads, you can go to my Goodreads by clicking on the button below. | | |
|
|
Until next time... Keep reading...writing... and dreaming. :) Always, J.J. |
|
|
By Subscribing to my Newsletter, You are a Member! Take advantage of all the free goodies and insider knowledge by entering the password "littlestar" on my Members Page: | | |
|
|
|
|
