Coming Sept. 3rd…Distractions

August 27, 2017August 27, 2017Leave a comment

RWchat 9-3-17

Between the news, social media, family, and friends, there’s a lot to distract us from our writing, especially when we’re on deadline. How do you stay focused and on task in the midst of everything else that’s going on? How do you know when it’s time to just take a break? We’ll talk about it next week, on Sunday, September 3rd, at 7pmET/4pmPT on #RWchat.

Coming Aug. 20th… Burnout

August 13, 2017August 13, 2017Leave a comment

RWchat romance writers chat topic graphic burnout

You know the feeling.

You’re on a roll. Or you’re on deadline. You’re living and breathing the story as your schedule allows. And then…burnout.

Whether it manifests for you as writer’s block, sickness, physical pain, or just mental exhaustion, burnout is something we need to watch out for no matter where we are in our writing careers.

Join us next Sunday, August 20th, to discuss what burnout is, how to avoid it, and how to deal when it inevitably happens.

ICYMI: You did it! Now what? Storify

August 13, 2017August 13, 2017Leave a comment

If you weren’t able to catch last Sunday’s chat on hitting goals and next steps, RWchat co-host C.L. Polk created a Storify highlight reel. We celebrated each other’s writing career accomplishments and talked about leveling up. We also discussed reassessing goals and methods, to make sure we’re still going after what we want in ways that are healthy and effective.

Our next chat is about writing strong settings! See you then.

The Impact of Setting on Story

August 7, 2017Leave a comment

RWchat setting graphic This week on #RWchat, we’re talking about writing strong settings. Regular participant Kate McMurray (What’s the Use of Wondering?) teaches workshops on setting, including one that starts today, so we asked her to write a guest post for us on the power of setting. Take it away, Kate!

When we talk about craft, we often talk about plot and character, and these are of course vital parts of any novel. But so is setting, which I think often gets overlooked in the planning phase. I’d argue that setting is just as important as plot and character, and that the intersection of these three ideas is what we call story.

Your setting shouldn’t be incidental, in other words. Where and when the story takes place has to be the only place and time that your story could take place. It should influence the plot and characters. It should be a living, breathing part of the story.

Continue reading →

Coming August 6th… You did it! Now what?

August 5, 2017August 5, 2017Leave a comment

RW chat romance writer chat topic graphic you did it! now what?

We talk a lot about goal setting. But what happens after you’ve set your goal and met your goal? How do you determine what your next steps should be? In Sunday’s chat, we’ll talk about continuing growth and implementing the lessons learned along the way.

Join us Sunday, August 6th, at 7pm ET/4pm PT.

See you then!

ICYMI: Author FOMO Storify

July 31, 2017August 13, 2017Leave a comment

If you weren’t able to catch last Sunday’s chat on the fear of missing out, RWchat co-host C.L. Polk created a Storify highlight reel. We talked about the networking, social media, and publishing options authors might worry they’re missing out on, along with the big money things that might keep us up at night, and the genres we wish we had time to expand into. If you missed it, check out the link! And remember, you don’t have to do everything.

Coming July 30th… FOMO

July 29, 2017August 5, 2017Leave a comment

The urge to do it all can be stressful and tiring. In truth, we don’t have time to do everything, and sometimes what we’re not doing can haunt us when we’re not seeing the results we’d like to see. Worrying about what we’re missing out on is normal, and in this chat we’ll talk about those worries to see if they’re real, or just fear-based. Maybe the thing you’re worried about doing isn’t really right for you anyway!

Come chat with us about the fear of missing out. Sunday 7pm ET/4pm PT.

See you then!

ICYMI: Summer Goals Storify

July 16, 2017July 16, 2017Leave a comment

If you weren’t able to catch last Sunday’s chat on summer goals, RWchat co-host C.L. Polk created a Storify highlight reel. Since we’re past the halfway point in the year, participants checked in on whether they’re 50% of the way through their yearly goals, if they need to reassess (“Is this goal still right for me & my career path?”) or course correct (“I’m still aiming for this goal but I have to get back on track.”), and if it’s easier or more difficult to meet goals during the summer.

Join us for the next chat on Sunday, July 16th, where we’ll talk about selling your book!