In This Issue...
Don't delete this newsletter.
... because this is a TOOL for your writing career.
We've heard you, and we're getting down to the nitty-gritty. From now on, this newsletter is about one thing: Giving your writing momentum.
Below you'll find actionable content you can use TODAY to move your platform forward. You'll find articles we've curated for you, apps we can't live without, and even a few free surprises.
Start out with a little inspiration in Gena's blog, Are You the Smartest Writer in the Room?, where she shares a lightbulb moment about growing as a writer. Maybe the unnerving action she took will resonate with you.
Then see if you can complete today's Author Challenge in 5 min or less. This little step will get that momentum flowing.
Next, check out the new plotting app that's making big waves. (Chris can't live without it.)
And there's more ... but we'll leave the rest up to you.
Go, writer, go!
Chris & Gena
PS If you think something in this newsletter is AWESOME, would you 1) forward it to a friend and/or 2) hit "Reply" and let us know what you loved? We double-dare you!
In This Issue:
- Are You the Smartest Writer in the Room?
- New Trends for Your Blog in 2021
- A 5-Min Challenge w/BIG Implications.
- The Plotting Software That's All the Rage.
- A Free Plagiarism Checker.
Must Reads
Are You the Smartest Writer in the Room?
Every writer needs to continue growing in writing and in business. In this article, Gena shares a question that has changed her writing journey. Maybe it'll change yours too.
writingmomentum.com
Changes in the Publishing World and How They'll Affect YOU
Last year brought about loads of changes in publishing. Some houses didn't survive and others are being acquired by larger houses. What does that mean for authors—both traditional and independent? Find out in this article we found for you!
msn.com
New Trends for Your Blog in 2021
The internet continues to change at lightning speed. Businesses like ours (i.e. writers, authors, bloggers, etc.) have to learn how to compete. Check out the latest trends for building your blog in 2021.
wordtracker.com
Author Challenge
Can you take 5 minutes to give your writing momentum?
CHALLENGE: Open your calendar and block out ONE HOUR tomorrow to work on your novel or non-fiction book. If your calendar is packed, then book it one hour before you normally wake up and go to sleep an hour early so you can write first thing in the morning.
This is a practice called "Time Blocking" and it's all the rage right now – because it works. If you're really ambitious, time block one hour every day this coming week. Whatever you do, don't allow yourself to get distracted, and don't allow yourself to miss that time.
Imagine ... how would you feel if you got one uninterrupted, unexpected hour in on your WIP? How about five?
That's what we're talking about. That's writing momentum!
Power Tools
Plot Like a Pro
Here's something cooler than sliced bread. We plot all our novels using plot trees--and now you can FINALLY do the same thing on your computer.
Plottr is an up-and-coming app that focuses on one thing: Helping you plot a rock-solid story.
Use a popular plotting template or create your own, move scenes around w/drag & drop, insert inspirational dialog as it comes – and then easily export the whole thing to Word or Scrivener.
Seriously, how did we get along without this?!
Best part? Right now you can get a LIFETIME license for only $99. Lock it in so you never have to pay for an upgrade. Ever. These lifetime deals go fast ... get it while you can!
(PS They even offer Lifetime plans for up to 5 devices, so you can go in with a friend or two and save!)
plottr.com
Shortcuts
Things we learned this week that'll take your author platform up a level!
Free Plagiarism Check. Ever wanted to double-check something a VA gives you to make sure it’s not plagiarized? There are a lot of tools out there to do this, but my new favorite is this one by Small SEO Tools … because it’s free.
Better Bookmark This. Here’s a cool tip. If you use a Mac and have trouble getting the “Internet log in” screen to pop up at Starbucks or another coffee shop, just go to this secret link and the sign-in will pop right up.
Better Than Evernote. I’ve always loved Evernote, but they recently pushed an update that is sluggish on even the most powerful machines. Thankfully, there’s Bear! I find it just as easy to use as Evernote, plus it’s blazing fast. Best part is that moving over is as easy as selecting notebooks in Evernote and choosing “Export,” then choosing “Import” in Bear. (PS The Pro subscription is also 25% of the cost!)
The Easiest Way to Create Author Videos. Want to record quick videos of yourself through your webcam or of your computer screen? I’m digging Screencast-o-matic — a super easy-to-use recording tool that even has a full editing suite … at only $1.65/mo.
In Case You Missed It
Here are some of our most popular articles in case you missed them...they're even worth checking out again!
- 5 Simple Keys to Becoming a Successful Freelance Writer
- Two Easy Ways to Build Your Writing Career in 2021
- The Surefire Cure for a Lack of Self-Discipline
- My Book is Finished...Now What?
- 4 Tips for Turning Followers Into Fans
