7 Things You Can Write Before NaNoWriMo

It’s tempting to write before NaNoWriMo, especially if you’re really excited about your next novel. However, writing your novel before November is against the rules—that is, if you want to win the National Novel Writing Month challenge.

Luckily, there’s plenty that you can write before NaNoWriMo begins. You can’t write your novel just yet, but you can write about your novel. Focus on finessing the plot, characters and setting of your story now so that you write with confidence during National Novel Writing Month.

NaNoWriMo Planner or Pantser: Which One Are You?

It’s NaNoWriMo season, so chances are every writer is asking if you are a planner or pantser. And if you’re new to National Novel Writing Month, you have no clue what those words even mean.

Thank goodness you found this blog post!

Do You Need Creativity to be Successful?

Many people believe that you don’t need creativity to be successful. You’re either creative or analytical. You either prefer words or numbers. You either use your right brain or left brain more.

These people couldn’t be more wrong.

If you’re reading this blog post, chances are you want to be successful. And the act of wanting means that you lack that success in your life.

I have a secret: you have the power to be successful.

National Punctuation Day: What It Is

September 24 is National Punctuation Day! Discover what this literary holiday is and how you can celebrate this grammar day in punctuating fashion.

How to Take Chances with Your Writing

If you’re like me, you hesitate to take chances with your writing. What if it screws everything up? What if it goes nowhere? What if it’s a waste of time?

The most triumphant of tales follow a specific story arc that we as writers must replicate in order to be successful in writing our own books. Yet the most memorable of stories are those that take chances, ones that do something so different enough that it stands out as genius among a sea of shelves stocked with hardcover novels.

But how do we get there?

What Happened to StumbleUpon?

In the early years of my blog, I relied on StumbleUpon to spread the news about my latest blog post. Many blog referrals came from StumbleUpon who then continued to stumble upon more of my posts. I enjoyed showcasing that StumbleUpon icon at the bottom of each blog post next to the other social media sharing icons.

But then one day it disappeared.

Slash vs Backslash: A Grammar Guide

Not all punctuation marks have a long list of nicknames. Stroke, virgule, diagonal, right-leaning stroke, oblique dash, solidus, slant, separatrix, forward slash—all can be used for the slash.

And there’s the backslash. No nickname required. Unless you prefer to say backslant, slosh or reverse slash.

Laundry list of names aside, you’re here because you need answers. What’s the difference between the slash and the backslash? How do you use the slash correctly in a sentence? And is there a way to use the backslash correctly in a sentence?

Best Times of Day to Increase Workday Productivity

No one at my place of employment questions my level of productivity. Not only can I account for the work I accomplish on a weekly and monthly basis, but my methods to increase my workday productivity tend to be a running joke.

They’re just jealous.

Because I take pride in the value of my work, I make choices on how I conduct my workday. And after years of trial and error, I have found that my productivity on certain types of tasks are best done at certain times of day.

My hunch tells me that those times of day can also help you increase your workday productivity.

It’s all about routine, commitment and the angle of the sun.

What Happened When I Stopped Drinking Coffee for 2 Months

I love drinking coffee. When my workweek alarm rings, my sole motivator for rolling out of bed is knowing that in a few hours I can drink a cup of coffee.

And after the long run, morning chores and commuting to work, I have a moment of peace holding my mug of coffee. The steamy aroma of java, the gentle heat pressing upon my palms, the taste of coconut milk creamer swirling in my brew—it’s my reward for all that I accomplish before 7AM.

If I love coffee so much, why would I give it up?

7 Must-Haves for Solo Travel: Road Trip Edition

Recently, the team at Red Roof welcomed me on their podcast channel so that I could share my experiences with and advice about solo travelling. I had a blast talking with the hosts and I’m thrilled that they’ve invited me back in the future for a second conversation.

If you’re curious about my solo travel life—or eager to listen to my stories, particularly my snow blizzard survival story—I recommend taking a listen.

K.L.Wightman

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