Chanticleer Book Reviews

Tag: Routines

  • Unlock Your Creativity With These Keys to Break Through Writer’s Block from the desk of Dena Weigel

    A Writer’s Greatest Enemy: The Block!

    Your creativity is elusive and your imagination has taken a backseat to worry and anxiety.

    Don’t worry!

    We have time-tested tactics to break through writer’s block

    Writers Block, brick wall, computer, frustration, table

    Writers block is a common nemesis every writer faces at some point in our creative journey.

    It’s a frustrating experience when inspiration seems elusive, and every word feels like it’s buried under layers of mental fog. But fear not! In this blog post, we’ll explore practical strategies to help you conquer your creative blockade and break through what’s keeping your imagination at bay.

    Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out, finding the keys that will unlock the door to your imagination and reclaim your writing flow.

    The secret tools against writer’s block are just ahead!

    Free write:

    The first draft is for you, so embrace your half-baked ideas and write with total freedom! Push your negative thoughts to the side and just start writing anything that comes to mind. Don’t worry about structure or grammar, or the areas of your story that haven’t yet come together. Starting out boldly, without regard to what comes next, can help get your creative juices flowing.

    Take breaks:

    If you’re feeling stuck, take a short break. Take a walk, play with your pet, go for a run or do some yoga. Physical activity or relaxation techniques like deep breathing can help clear your mind.

    Change of scenery:

    Sometimes a different environment can stimulate your mind. Try writing in a new location, such as a coffee shop, park, or library. If you don’t want to roam too far, explore another writing space at your home. I do this often and find that it acts as an eraser to all the noise that came before, freeing up my mind for new thoughts to come in.

    Headphones, man, beard, computer, phone, lamp, window

    Set small goals:

    Break down your writing task into smaller, manageable goals. For example, aim to write for 15 minutes without interruption or limit yourself to just one chapter. Sometimes I find seeing each chapter as its own super short story can help avoid feeling overwhelmed. You can read more about our suggestions of tracking productivity in your writing here.

    Read:

    Read books, articles, or even your own past work can inspire new ideas and perspectives. When we’re in the midst of writers block doubt can often seep in and stymie our writing process. By reviewing your own past work, you’ll see for yourself the wonderful writing we’ve delivered in the past. Need a new book? Check out our most recent reviews and add to your TBR!

    Brainstorming:

    You never know when inspiration will strike, so carry a notepad or use your smartphone to write down ideas, words, or phrases related to your topic so you can put into your story the next time you sit down to write. Overtime, that treasure chest of great ideas will be full of ideas for you to pull from on your next book, and the next, and so on!

    Friends, women, books, computer, smiling

    Talk it out:

    Discuss your ideas with someone else. Sometimes talking through your thoughts can help clarify them. We love to reach out to people in our Circle of Influence. You can learn more about forming a Circle of Influence here!

    Change your approach:

    If you’re stuck on a particular section, skip it and work on a different part of your writing. You can always come back to it later. Kiffer’s favorite advice we ever received is “Write Fast, Edit Slow.” Chanticleer Award Winner Michelle Rene goes into detail about why here!

    Eliminate distractions:

    Find a quiet space and eliminate distractions such as phones or social media to help you focus. If you find you are interrupted by people walking in and out of your writing space, clearly define your writing time and let them know you when you will once again be available.

    door, man, black suit, pushing, door handle, lock

    Set a routine:

    Establishing a regular writing routine can help train your brain to be more creative at specific times. Some writers rely on a pre-writing ritual that helps to clear their minds and put them in the right headspace to imagine the next plot twist. I like to make tea while listening to music that fits the scene I’ll be working on. YouTube has innumerable choices of background noise videos that help set the right mood, too.

    Use prompts:

    Sometimes a good writing prompt is all you need to do to get those creative juices flowing. Pick a photo, a phrase, something in the news, or something you overheard to get you started. Knowing this is just a one off, fun writing assignment, you can allow yourself to breath and enjoy the writing process once again.

    Seek feedback:

    All writers like to hear good reviews! Sharing your work-in-progress with others can provide fresh perspectives, constructive criticism, and even a whole lot of confidence that you can use like a sledgehammer to break through that writers block.

    Remember, writer’s block is a common challenge, and different techniques work for different people. So, try a few different ideas and see what works best for you!

    typewriter, woman, floor, paper

     

    Chanticleer Editorial Services – We’re ready when you are ready!

    Did you know that Chanticleer offers editorial services? We do and have been doing so since 2011!

    Tools of the Editing Trade

    Our professional editors are top-notch and are experts in the Chicago Manual of Style. They have and are working for the top publishing houses (TOR, McMillian, Thomas Mercer, Penguin Random House, Simon Schuster, etc.).

    If you would like more information, we invite you to email Kiffer or Sharon at KBrown@ChantiReviews.com or SAnderson@ChantiReviews.com for more information, testimonials, and fees.

    We work with a small number of exclusive clients who want to collaborate with our team of top-editors on an on-going basis. Contact us today!

    Chanticleer Editorial Services also offers writing craft sessions and masterclasses. Sign up to find out where, when, and how sessions being held.

    A great way to get started is with our manuscript evaluation service. Here are some handy links about this tried and true service: https://test.chantireviews.com/manuscript-reviews/

    Thank you for reading this Chanticleer Writer’s Toolbox article.

    Helpful links!

  • On the 6th Day, Chanticleer brings to me… | 12 Days of Christmas 2023

    Celebrating the Twelve Days of Christmas – One Day at a Time

    On the 6th Day of Christmas, we wish you a very HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

    “But Jiminy Crickets, it’s after December 25th! Is it not too late for the 12 Days of Christmas?” you say.

    Not to fear, Chanticleerians! The 12 Days of Christmas begins on December 26th! And it continues to the 6th of January – Three Kings Day. The four weeks leading up to Christmas is known as the Advent.

    So if you haven’t finished wrapping presents, sending out those cards, and baking cookies—don’t worry—you’ve got an extra seven days!

    Happy Holidays to You from the Chanticleer Team! 

    On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me

    Six Geese a-laying

    Five Golden Rings

    Four Calling Birds

    Three French Hens (Chanticleer’s favorite #justsaying)

    Two Turtle Doves

    And a Partridge in a Pear Tree 

    The 6th Day of Christmas, December 31st, is New Years Eve! Despite not all cultures celebrating in accordance with the Georgian calendar, everyone culture has their own ways to mark the end of one year and arrival of the next. Here are some traditions from around the world!

    United States

    The Times Square ball drop is a nationally televised event that millions of Americans tune into on December 31st, with thousands more waiting on the freezing streets of New York City to watch in person. The inaugural drop was to mark the start of 1908 but the countdown until the midnight has become a wide-spread tradition enjoyed by folks of all ages.

    Denmark

    Danes take the expression “leaping into the new year” literally! It’s traditional to jump off a chair, couch, counter, or wherever you can find yourself several centimeters off the ground right as the clock strikes midnight. It is seen as a way to bring good luck into the new year.

    Brazil

    Since the new year arrives on the same day as the summer celebration of the sea god, these annual traditions overlap. Wearing white, meant to signify purity for the sea goddess Iemanjá, the culminating event of the night, everyone runs into the ocean fully dressed and jumps over seven waves. These jumps and waves are meant to hold wishes and hopes for the coming year. 

    Ireland

    The Irish have many traditions surrounding the new year, including banging the outside of their homes with bread to keep away bad luck and evil spirits. The most heartfelt of these is the setting of an extra place at the table for the evening meal, said to be for any loved ones who have been lost in the past year.

    Philippines

    While many cultures eat “lucky” foods, such as Hoppin’ John in the southern USA or 12 raisins in Spain, or twelve grapes in Italy, in the Philippines it’s considered lucky to eat numerous round fruits. And not only do they eat round things, they also dress in polka dots! The more round objects the better.

    What are your favorite ways to mark the new year? Resolutions?
    Thorough house cleaning? A polar plunge?

    On the 6th Day of Christmas, Chanticleer brings to me…

    6 Rituals and Routines of Famous Authors!

    We at Chanticleer know that while writing is a creative process, it is also a discipline. It can be hard to finish writing your book while balancing work, family, friends, relaxation time, self-care, and numerous other demands on your time. So here’s how some famous authors managed to make it work.

    E.B. White

    Most famously known as the author of Charlotte’s Web, White has been interviewed several times about his writing routine.

    A writer who waits for ideal conditions under which to work will die without putting a word on paper.

    Reportedly, White never listened to music while writing. Instead, to keep his mind on the task, he would write in his living room, a main thoroughfare in his home, and allow himself to have the distractions of his family’s daily activity force himself to keep focused.

    If you want to try this approach, go for it! Just warn others in your home first of they may wonder why you’re sitting in the hallway with your writing tools. If that doesn’t seem advisable in your home, maybe sit in a busy coffee shop without headphones or earplugs. Let the lull of mundane activity be the background for your masterpiece.

    Henry Miller

    The late Henry Miller had a very different approach to his craft, creating a work schedule with writing “Commandments” that he followed in his daily routine.

    1. Work on one thing at a time until finished.
    2. Don’t be nervous. Work calmly, joyously, recklessly on whatever is in hand.
    3. Work according to the Program and not according to mood. Stop at the appointment time!
    4. When you can’t create, you can work.
    5. Cement a little every day, rather than add new fertilizers.
    6. Keep human! See people, go places, drink if you feel like it.
    7. Don’t be a draught horse! Work with pleasure only.
    8. Discard the Program when you feel like it – but go back to it the next day. Concentrate. Narrow down. Exclude.
    9. Forget the books you want to write. Think only of the book you are writing.
    10. Write first and always. Painting, music, friends, cinema, all of those things come afterwards.

    If you want to adopt some of these commandments, more power too you! Just remember number 6 and keep human. Balance is important.

    Karen Russell

    Her novel Swamplandia! was a Pulitzer Prize winner and since she has written several other books. Her personal metric is to set aside a daily word count or pushing herself to produce volume every day. Instead, she gauges her productivity on “time spent in a fictional world.”

    “…the trick is to just keep at it for several hours regardless of your own vacillating assessment of how the writing is going. Showing up and staying present is a good writing day.”

    If you want this kind of mentality, maybe start by setting a timer for 15-25 minutes and try and meditate yourself into your writing. Try not to let your mind wander away from your work until you hear the timer go off. Keep this up and gradually increase the time increments as you find it possible to stay in the zone.

     

     

    Joan Didion

    The late Joan Didion implemented an incubation period for her ideas. A solitary hour of time before dinner solely dedicated to going over what she had written that day.

    I need an hour alone before dinner, with a drink to go over what I’ve done that day. I can’t do it in the late afternoon because I’m too close to it. Also the drink helps. It removes me from the pages.

    After ending with this kind of review, the next day would start with implementing any changes or edits deemed necessary. And then, the day would end again with that drink and review process.

    If you want to try this sort of review then implement routine but aren’t a fan of alcohol, try a cup of calming tea, strong coffee, or experiment with some non-alcoholic spirits and wines that are becoming popular. A personal favorite are the Wilderton spirits!

     

    Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette, pen name Colette

     

    Known in the English speaking world from penning the novella Gigi, the basis for both the 1958 film and 1973 stage production, Colette was a talented author, mime, actress, and journalist. A renegade in turn of the century Paris, Colette was an outspoken feminist and turned heads by writing about everything from warfare, domestic abuse, faking orgasms, to fashion of the day.

    To get herself in the mode for writing, Colette would spend time methodically picking fleas from her beloved bulldog’s back until inspiration struck.

    If you have pets, and aren’t squeamish, this might work for you! And if grooming your furry friends doesn’t sound inspiring, maybe a brisk walk with your pup or a long play session with your kitty will get your mind nice and relaxed before you start on your current writing project.

    Charles Dickens

    The famous English novelist most know of A Tale of Two Cities and A Christmas Carol was another author that kept to a rigid schedule during his years of writing.

    Breakfasting early, writing undisturbed until lunch, remaining rather aloof and quiet during the family meal, and a vigorous 3-hour walk at 2 o’clock daily before returning to his study and writing until dinner at 6pm. Afterwards he returned to his familial life, joining in socialization with friends or visitors.

    Maybe a strict break time would work to reinvigorate your brain in the middle of the day? An excuse to walk away from the minutiae of writing and re-immerse yourself in the wider reality of our world.

    We would love to hear about your writing rituals and what inspires you!

    Stay tuned for the 7th Day of Christmas! And HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

    And don’t forget about considering joining the Roost with the 12 Days of Christmas Special!  Just click here! 

    An invitation to join our curated online community The Roost!

    We are so proud the community we have on The Roost!  It is great perch to hang out on for writers and publishers to hang out in and connect.

    We host weekly write-ins, discussions of writing craft books, and advice on the author’s journey. With authors in all stages of the writing process joining us, there is always something to learn on this independent PRIVATE social media site.

    Writing may seem like a solitary activity, but stories are told in community. Whether you find that on The Roost or elsewhere, we’re happy that you are a part of our community here at Chanticleer.

    Limited Time Only! Join The Roost during the 12 Days at a discounted holiday price.

    Sign up now for $9.99 a month or $99.99 a year.

    Valid until January 6th.

    Follow this link to find out more information. 

    And just for fun: 

    We now have: 

    • Six Partridges and Six Pear Trees
    • Ten  Turtle Doves
    • Fifteen French Hens
    • Eight Calling Birds
    • Ten Golden Rings 
    • Six Geese-a-laying   

    The Chaicleer Rooster logo wearing a santa hat

    Our favorite part about having the 12 Days of Christmas is that we can have the time we need to celebrate with our loved ones. We have time for wrapping presents, meeting with friends for hot cocoa, and continuing to prepare the Chanticleer Authors Conference and the 2023 CIBA Banquet and Ceremony.

    Wishing you Happy Holidays from Chanticleer! from Kiffer, Sharon, David, Dena, Vilina, Scott, Anya, and Argus!