rebekah writes stuff.

Tag: tips

  • Trying to write a book in your twenties

    Trying to write a book in your twenties

    Life is one big juggling act. Between family, university, working, going to the supermarket – it’s no wonder we’re all so tired.

    It’s one thing to think about writing a book, but when it comes to actually writing one, well, that’s the challenge. Writing a book is not a one step process. Far from it. So, how do people write books amidst their busy lives?

    This is my advice to you, as a twenty-something who is currently trying to factor in that all important writing time.

    Chip away at it when you can

    If you’re writing a book or have a couple of projects on the back burner, it can feel like there’s not enough time in the day. Your writing time contends with all the other stuff you’ve got going on.

    Sometimes you’ll get a day off and all you’ll want to do is relax – not write. I get that. Some days you just aren’t in the right headspace.

    My advice is to tinker at your writing when you get the chance. If you have a holiday coming up, when could you slot in some writing time? When, during your busy week, can you factor in writing time? Even if it’s not huge chunks of your week, little bits here and there can help you track towards your writing goals.

    Business, business, numbers

    Your book is both your passion project and your mini business project. Shifting your mindset can help you reframe the way you see your book as both your treasure and a product. This can help you to …

    Plan a realistic plan

    Set some realistic goals for writing and sending off your book. Factor in time to think long term. You might consider:

    • Where is my book now?
    • Where do I want my book to be at (insert specific time)? Halfway finished? Finished draft?
    • What steps do I need to take to get there? E.g. allocating this amount of time per week/month to writing etc.

    And then, somewhere down the line, consider…

    • Who do I want to send my book to?

    Do your research. Look up the publishing houses and the agents. Write a big list. Yeah, it’s a lot and it’s quite daunting, especially if you’ve never published before. Here is a great resource from Penguin to get you started: https://www.penguin.co.uk/company/work-with-us/getting-published

    I get by with a little help from my friends

    Yup, writing isn’t really a team sport, it’s more like golf, but even golfers have a support network to coach and guide them. It’s the same for writing, which can be lonely, so get your friends, family, a writing group or your work colleagues on board.

    Support comes in different forms. It might be getting advice about your book’s structure or plot. It might be checking in with your goals. It might be understanding days when you turn down hanging out to write, or helping you take a well deserved break. So, while you’re the one physically writing the book, you’re never really doing it alone.

    Remember your ‘why’

    Writing a book is a swirly up and down journey. It’s a joy and you write because you have a story to tell. All I can say is good luck and keep tinkering!

    Cover art: woman working multitask activities by Freepik

  • Overcoming the fear of being the newbie

    Overcoming the fear of being the newbie

    No three words strike more fear into people’s hearts than ‘try something new’. There’s many reasons people avoid trying new things. We’re afraid we’ll look silly or that we won’t know what we’re doing or that we might not even enjoy it!

    We might feel a bit apprehensive or nervous when entering unfamiliar territory – it’s completely normal! However, instead of letting the worries hold us back from signing up, how can we, instead, accept them and challenge them? Naturally, this is much easier said than done.

    You are now leaving the comfort zone

    Ah, the comfort zone. The big cushy halo that surrounds us all and makes us feel, well, comfortable. Why would we want to stray out of it?? As Sheldon in The Big Bang Theory put it: “Why would we want to do that? It’s called “the comfort zone” for a reason”.

    Source: TV GAG & The Big Bang Theory

    Well, because it’s good for you, and you might just be pleasantly surprised. Granted, the comfort zone is great and it does what it says on the box, but it’s taking those tiny-nay-nerve-wracking leaps out of it which can open our comfort zone to new and rewarding experiences.

    In saying that, here are few tips that have helped me over the years when diving headfirst into that new activity, which will hopefully help you too.

    Embrace being the newbie!

    Say it loudly and proudly – “Yes, this is my first time painting fruits in a bowl!”, “Yes, I’ve never done tap dancing before!”. You will feel a bit lost or overwhelmed at first, and why you may ask? Say it with me – because it’s new to you! It’ll take some time to find your feet and that’s ok! It’s part of being the newbie! It says so right here in the definition:

    New: (adjective)

    – already existing but seen, experienced or acquired recently or now for the first time

    Ask questions.

    What better way to learn than to ask questions. That’s what your instructor/teacher/mentor/director is there for, right? Never feel silly for asking for help. You won’t know if you don’t ask! Knock and the door will open! Maybe the person next to you could offer advice – they might be in the exact same boat as you.

    Remember – you won’t be an expert straight away!

    Yes, despite the rumours, Rome wasn’t built in a day. Be patient with yourself. It might be hard for a bit, or frustrating, but be resilient! Slowly, but surely, you’ll get better at it. You might look around and think: “wow, they’re so much better than me”. STOP! Comparison is the thief of joy! Plus, they might look around and think the same thing about you! It’s hard not to compare yourself to others but, trust me, focus on yourself, your own journey and enjoyment.

    Manage your expectations

    I think keeping your expectations at a reasonable level is important. Don’t go in there expecting you’ll have the most amazing time or, on the flip-side, the worst time. Instead, keep your expectations at a manageable level. Go with the flow and take it from there.

    If you didn’t enjoy that new activity as much as you thought you would, that’s ok! We move on to the next hobby. The important thing is that you put yourself out there and gave it a whirl. And if you had an awesome time, hooray!

    Lastly, and most importantly, be open to learning!

    Let new knowledge and skills into your life with open arms!

    Cover art: try something new beads message typography by rawpixel.com on Freepik