Preparing for NaNoWriMo 2021

Yes, it’s that time of the year again. Just like last year I’ve started to prepare for this year’s National Novel Writing Month in October. I’ve decided to write a Fantasy Crime Novel based in a version of Northern Ireland, that I’ve been thinking about for a while. Criteria for me to choose this project …

Finding Balance

Like the Jedi knight, every writer has to find balance in their lives. That can be especially difficult if we have to juggle a day job or a family that often keeps us away from the desk. Sometimes that can make us feel as if we are unable to make any progress. Or we are …

Why I go Outside

Writing is supposed to be a hobby or profession you can practice well by staying inside at your desk. You can also contact other writers online, join writing streams, and be on social media to talk with readers and writers. So, technically it is not necessary to leave your desk if you want to write …

The Villain’s Journey

I’ve often said that for me the most important element in a good story are the characters. I read a lot of genres. As long as I’m able to identify with the characters, almost everything they do is interesting for me. That’s not to say that a good plot isn’t also important. Because in the …

Finding your Muse (getting motivated)

My writing group (wordandshield on Instagram) talked about the topic of motivation in our Livestream this week. I thought it might be interesting to share some of our ideas and insights.Almost every writer I know struggles with motivation sometimes. While we love and enjoy writing as such it is often difficult to get started. It …

Why can’t I write? – Self-doubts

A while ago self-doubt was a constant companion of my writing process. Writing was always part of my life but for a long time, I felt like what I wrote was only good enough for myself and a few close friends to read. Publishing anything apart from fanfiction seemed like a goal that was impossible …

Writing Update December 2020

Just a quick update on my writing schedule right now. I have to say that I love December as a writing month and I would love it even more if we had some snow as I find it so inspiring when the world turns white. Unfortunately, that doesn’t seem to be in the cards right …

It starts with an idea (plotting)

This year is the first time I’m going to take part in National Novel Writing Month. This means that you try to write a novel of 50.000 words during the thirty days of November. That is a huge challenge for me as you know if you follow this blog, my writing time is limited. I …

Writing Update October 2020

It’s the start of my favorite season and I’m feeling very inspired right now. I’m still currently editing my German Fantasy novel “Der dreizehnte Prinz”, but I’m slowly coming to an end. There are some passages that I have to rewrite while others have to be cut completely. I can’t really understand anymore why I …

Taking Time

Time management is something I’m constantly struggling with. That is probably the case for most writers who have another job as well or are moms and dads. Despite having a job I like and a family, I see writing as one of the most important things in my life and there is a reason for …