There are many methods you can use to keep up with your writing. Some writers simply sit down and write the story, while others prefer a more organized approach with charts, graphs, timelines, etc.
Writing 101 is working on a series of guides for those who want to try a more structured and organized approach.
Remember, no one’s method is perfect except to them. We all must find or develop our own method before its perfect for us. This series will simply be some guidelines or tactics you may want to test …

Hello Writers,
I am very sorry for the lack of updates lately. I have been very ill for the past 2 weeks and just now starting to feel human again.
I’m still taking it easy this week because I’ve had one relapse already and don’t wish to push my luck with another. Next week I should be back on some type of schedule and will get some new material posted.
Thank you for your patience and understanding,
Happy Writing!

I recently covered the topic of rejection, Are You Passionate and Excited Enough to Handle Rejection?

Today I want to list a few rejections received by some of the most famous and well-established authors in the industry–past and present.

The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter was rejected 7 times before Beatrix self-published. One of the previous publishers, who had rejected the book, had a change of mind and is still selling the book today.
Peyton Place …

Having trouble finding your muse?  I’ve recently discovered three great writing sites that I’d like to share.
Story Fix is written by Larry Brooks, a fellow writer at Blogging Tips.  Larry will help you keep your dream real by offering concrete advice dealing with writing and the world of getting published.
Next in the lineup is Mary DeMuth: Relevant Blog.  Mary is a published author with many great insights.
And third is an article The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Authors.  A lot of great tips there about getting your butt planted in …

Each Wednesday a small group of writers devote the day to writing. It’s not a massive spree like the 10K Day, this is just about setting time aside each week to devote to your craft.
The time can be spent outlining characters, plots, scenes, etc. or it can be spent using it for a writing marathon. The focus is to simply devote more time to your writing.
It’s often difficult to schedule a chunk of time each day for personal writing. We keep making plans to do it, keep telling ourselves to …

I recently did a post at Blogging Tips titled, “You Were Not Born a Writer.” One reader disagreed with me.  I’d like to use my own blog here at Writing 101 to discuss it further and explain why writers are not born but created.
We are not born writers.  Before we can become writers we must take a few steps to reach that destination.  It takes years to get there.  This process requires us to learn the alphabet, learn how to make our little fingers form these new frustrating shapes, then …

Writer’s Digest annual “Short Story Competion” is now underway.  The deadline for entries is  Monday, November 2, 2009.
As usual there are 5 categories of entries:

Romance
Mystery/Crime Fiction
Science Fiction/Fantasy
Thriller/Suspense
Horror

The Grand Prize consists of:

$2,500 cash
$100 worth of Writer’s Digest Books
2010 Novel & Short Story Writer’s Market

Check the website for more information about submissions and prizes.  Writer’s Digest Short Story Competition
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Yesterday marked another 10K Day for Writers and was a huge success.  We had several writers finish up books or screenplays they had been working on.
We had several writers who simply got back in touch with their passion for writing and the written word.
We all came together, shared our ups, downs, accomplishments and distractions and cheered each other on.
You can view our progress and support at 10K Day: Live While It’s Happening – July 16.
The next 10K Day for Writers is August 13.  Making a commitment can help you clear …