Dear friend, this year is the year of fullness. I have committed to make this year a year of commitment, accomplishment, and productivity. Want to make this year the very best ever too? Let’s find some keys to productivity. Let’s dig in and get moving strong. Ready? Well, today let’s look at one of my biggest keys to productivity…

Take time to write EVERYTHING down!

Talk about a key to productivity! If there were one thing that I really believe makes the difference in my own productivity, it is this one discipline. I know, I know what you may be thinking…

“But, Cindy, I write things down and that is as far as they go.”

or

“I write things down, but then I can’t find it again.”

or

“I get too overwhelmed when I see ALL that needs to be done.”

Oh! You are going to love this, beloved! Let me take you by the hand and show you how to make this work for you. It is soooo important. You see there are some secrets that productive people have. Want a few?

1. They have ONE PLACE to write things down. Now, this does not mean that it you will have only one place forever and ever. Let me give you an example from how this looks for me. I always have my “Little Black Book” in my purse. No, not for phone numbers of old beaus–I am married to the ULTIMATE beau!   Rather, I invest in one small notebook that is small enough to carry everywhere I go, yet big enough to hold my goals, lists of steps to reach those goals, brainstorms, etc. This is SO IMPORTANT! Invest in ONE notebook as YOUR “brain” for this year.

2. They take time to pull aside and “brain-dump.” Yes, you read correctly. Want a secret to productivity? This one will make sense as you pull it all together. Yes, dump your brain regularly. Actually, take some time to dump out everything in your brain now–all of those things that need to be done, all of those things you wish for, all of those things that you want to do, but cannot find time to do. Dump it all into your “little black book.” As little things come across your mind, dump them. That will be your “place” for every idea, hope, dream, goal, to-do, and wish to all be dumped off of your brain and “kept” for you. Wondering why this is a secret to productivity? Glad you asked! The leading hindrance for most people is the stress of having to remember or not forget details. This distracts. This takes the focus from what you need to be doing. Actually, this contributes to forgetting what needs to be done in the task you are doing at the moment, causing things to take longer than they should. Not to mention, we are much, much less likely to ever do things that float in our head as well-wishes. Instead, dump it all in a safe place–your very own “Little Black Book.”

3. They plan. They plan yearly, monthly, weekly, and daily. You probably know this. However, do you know how to make it work? This is an essential!  Here is how I do it.

Every year, I plan a nice Mommy Getaway to really evaluate and plan out the next year. I cannot express how much of a difference this makes for me. I am not talking about putting every day on the calendar. I am talking about sketching out the events of the year and planning my projects for my home, business, family, and myself. I PENCIL in my yearly plans. I also spend time brain-dumping anything that may be floating in my brain. I love this time. It helps to give me a grasp on my year and get in gear.

Of course, this is not enough. Each month, I pull back for an afternoon or weekend to plan out my month. I go back to my yearly plan and pray over what REALLY needs to be on my calendar. Once the final projects and events are chosen, I brainstorm all that needs to be done (all of the things to do) for that project to be completed. Now, do note that because I have “my place” for brainstorming, my little black book, I can brainstorm as things come to mind all along the way. This makes that monthly planning very easy.

Another thing that helps me along the way are my checklists for common projects–like all of the things to do to finish a book or an audio set or prepare a seminar. I have done those things so many times that I have developed checklists so I remember each step that needs to be done to get everything ready. Same thing for my holiday meals or other home projects. Talk about a time saver. Well, wondering what you do with those? I take those and put them on my monthly calendar at a good pace to get things done incrementally.

Each week I make sure that everything is done for the week before and take a good look at what will be done the following week. If I need any supplies, I pick them up over the weekend so I am ready to go each day-nothing can mess up your schedule like missing what you really need to get things done.

Finally, every day, I plan the night before. I end each day going over my daily list of things to do. Any of the the tasks that did not get done for the day are moved to the following day’s list. I also plan in the next steps and make sure that everything is ready to go when I wake up. I get SO much more done when I have a clear picture of all that needs to be done before the day begins. Want a key to productivity? PLAN!

4. Work your plan! Finally, want to know the difference between writing things down, having the perfect plans, and getting things done? This is it! Productive people work their plans! This means that we don’t just write things down. But, we also have a plan for working the plan. This is the bottom line that determines whether we are productive or not. So, how on earth do you do this one? A few quick tips:

–>  Keep your planner WITH YOU! Keep it out and keep it with you. I have a small daytimer that I can carry with me all of the time. All of my important information is WITH ME all the time.

–>  Set up your planner to work with YOUR LIFE. My daily things to do probably look very, very different from yours. What I need in my binder is different today than last year. One key that really made a big difference for me was when I finally set up my binder with forms that *I* needed. In fact, that is the story behind our Make Your Own Brain-in-a-Binder that I developed for my own planner. I always buy a nice binder and throw out anything that does not work with my life. Then, I print out pages that help me to put all of the things I need in one place. I use my planner all day long every single day. It goes everywhere with me. The key was in setting up my planner to work with MY life and all of the things that I do each and every day.

–>  USE IT! Nothing helps me more than having my binder out first thing in the morning over my Quiet Time (to pray over my day)…sitting out in the family room all day…going back over all of the things to do all throughout the day (after each task)…going back over my day as I wrap up the evening…AND most of all, planning the next day right before I go to bed so everything is ready to get going the next day. USE that planner. Watch to see the difference!

Yes! Write things down. Make that time. It will make a HUGE difference in your productivity. It will help you to get a plan for reaching for those dreams.

So, what do you think?

Ready to make this year the very best ever? Want to make this year the most productive year ever? Why not take time today to write everything down? Why not begin today to put those dreams on your to-do list, bit-by-bit, day-by-day?

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Working at home can be challenging, but there are things that you can do to better your chance for success. Read on to find out the top ten tips for mothers who want to work at home successfully.

1. Set up your work space to match your personality. If you are bubbly and enthusiastic, use bold bright colors on your walls, and even for your mouse pad and file folders. Have matching accessories that reach out and make you want to use them. If you tend to be quiet and laidback, a more subtle approach may be more your style. Surrounding yourself with your comfort level, will actually encourage you to spend time in your home office and enjoy what you are doing.

2. Be organized. Lack of organization is the single biggest time waster and energy zapper. It’s too easy to get off-track and lose focus on the task at hand when you can’t locate that crucial piece of information.

3. Use a planner to organize your day, your week, and your month. Make lists, prioritize planned activities, and then set out to accomplish what’s on your list. It’s so satisfying to cross things off the “to-do” list.

4. Set up a work schedule. Although this may vary from one day to the next, after all that’s one of the perks of working from home; be realistic in your expectations. Be careful not to over-schedule yourself. Working too many hours is often a bigger problem than devoting too few hours to a home business.

5. Have call display on your phone. Only answer if it’s business related, during your scheduled work hours, if at all possible. Ask family and friends to understand that you will be unavailable at times each day, and to leave a message.

6. Be professional in your dealings with your clients. Even though you are at home, maintaining a business-like atmosphere makes it easier for you to act professional and be treated like a professional, rather than just someone who is working at home.

7. Have set times to read and respond to daily emails. Unless an email relates to your current project, don’t open it until it’s the designated “check email” time. It’s too easy to fall into the trap of quickly checking and the next thing you know a half hour has elapsed.

8. If you find that you are having difficulty devoting the necessary time and energy to your business, here’s something different to try. Treat your home business as if it belongs to someone else. Although you love your boss, she is very demanding. You want to show her that you can do this job well, but to do that you’ll have to put forth a solid effort. Sound kind of silly? By pretending that you have a boss you may be more likely to treat your home business like a real job that you want to keep and work that much harder at.

9. Eliminate distractions whenever possible. That may mean that the blinds on that window right in front of your computer are closed or that the TV in the corner is off.

10. Stay creative! If you have small children at home, you may want to be very creative about balancing them and your business. Do remember that this season with little ones is very, very short. You don’t get this time back. It is very, very difficult to balance work at home and tend to the needs of children at the same time. Stay creative! Get up a little earlier–I used to get up 2 hours earlier every day. I wrote almost all of my books in those early morning hours. I also stayed up later than them. I put them to bed every night on time. After they were in bed, I snagged that time until dad came in from work to brainstorm, write, set up books, work on my website, etc. I still get SO MUCH done that time of day. Plus, I can end the day feeling productive. Another thing that helped when the children were little was taking work with me. If you set up an Idea Notebook with your ideas, brainstorms, and writing, you can take it with you to the park or to lessons. You can also take a smaller laptop with you too. Use that time that would be lost to plug away. Just stay creative!

Keep in mind that working at home is challenging, but greatly rewarding. Following these tips will help you to overcome the challenges and become a successful work at home mom who still has her sanity at the end of the day.

WRITE IT ALL DOWN!

Another one of our secrets to success here in our home! Actually, this one needs to become a lifestyle thing. Let me explain!

The past few years have been very, very different for me. I have had a plan for getting things done. It has worked!

I began 2006 with a bit of frustration. I had so many dreams…so many desires…so many goals…so many to-do’s. In fact, I had had those dreams,desires, goals, to-do’s for many years. Each year, I would dreamily resolve to “go for it” yet again. And…again the next year. Know what I mean???

Well, 2006 was a year of change for me. Looking back, this was one single factor that really made the difference!

I took some time during the last week of December 2005 to just brainstorm anything and everything that I really wanted to do and accomplish. Oh! You should see the poor journal that housed those dreams, desires, goals, and to-do’s! Such a treasure as I walk into a new year! I just kicked back and spent the time to get everything out of my brain and into the journal. When I woke up in the middle of the night and something was on my brain, I got up and wrote it down. As I ran errands and thought my GREAT thoughts, I didn’t lose them. I wrote them down in my little journal. I kept the journal close for the whole week.

I wrote out everything–the little things that I just could not find time to get wrapped up…the projects that seemed to never fit into my schedule…the business goals that I had…the financial goals (including how much money I owed on my debts–remember 2006 was my attack year on my debts and I ended the year with ALL of them paid off!!! WOoohooo!)…the dreams that just seemed a bit out of reach.

I wrote down everything that came across my mind. I compiled them in the journal as “to-do” lists for different areas of life–the financial page listed each bill I owed with the amount I owed. For my writing goals, I listed books I wanted to finish and project ideas that were on my heart. I even wrote out my dreams for an online radio show–YEP! That far-fetched dream became reality as I began Mom-to-Mom Radio Show in January of 2006. Only a dream. Just needed focus!

Want to know the fun part about this? I reached ALL of my dreams, desires, goals, and to-do’s that I wrote down in January BY MAY!! I had to sit down and begin a new journal then with the same format, except I was much more bold in my dreams, desires, goals, and to-do’s. Of all of the years of my life, 2006 was record-breaking! Since then, I have not gone back! I have made this a discipline in my life. In fact, I just spent the weekend away a few weeks ago going through my old “little black book” transferring the few things left over into my new “little black book.” I brainstormed. I brain dumped. Now, I am off and going strong again. More dreams. More desires. More goals. More to-do’s. More focus!

The past three years have been our very best ever for me and for my entire family. We have dared to reach for bigger things than we could have ever imagined just 3 years ago. As a family, we reached for greater things and grasped onto them! We dared to go for all of the “impossible” things with focus and determination. It made all of the difference in the world to have it all written down. To mark off each accomplishment was priceless!

Yep! This was another secret for staying focused. Why not try it today? The year is still young! Just give it a try and see how it works. Watch things begin changing!

I know, I know.

It was a study that took on a life of its own. It began with a simple biography about a great businessman. We continued through as many biographies as we could find. We STILL pursue these studies even though my son graduated almost 4 years ago!

What’s the point? Oh! This is a good one!

We read one book about Mary Kay. You always learn so much when digging into the lives of others. One of the life-changing things that I learned from her life was from one thing that she attributed to her success–her daily to-do list. Daily, she kept a list of 5 things to do for the day. Each day the list changed. She wouldn’t list the impossible. She just plugged away each day on 5 vital things.

I pondered that for a while. I knew that my biggest struggle was having bigger plans than I have hours to work on them. I decided to pray for my daily “5 things” for the day. I get everything dumped into my “Little Black Book.” I brainstorm and break things down until they are in bite-size pieces that can be done in just minutes. Then, I go through and pick the things that need to be done first. I make them reasonable and do-able. I add them to my daily schedule. Things get done!

Remember that saying, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time?” How do you get things done? One “to-do” at a time!

Talk about a great secret for getting and staying focused! It would even work if you had ONE thing for the day or three things for the day. The point is to not miss one day where you intentionally plan in one thing that helps you move forward. It can take 5 minutes or an hour. It is just something that helps you to move forward. It is SO essential!

First, it keeps us from going day-after-day never getting “anything” done. You know that feeling? It comes from a lack of purpose and direction. You cannot get things done if you are not clear about what needs to be done. You have to know which way to go or you will probably sit still.

Also, it clarifies everything. It clears your brain and keeps you focused on how you will get things done. You can clearly see a step that you can do. It is clear. It is doable. That clarifies everything!

Keeping a journal with all of the stuff on your heart for the year is great–it is one of my biggest secrets to getting LOTS done. But, I hear all of the time from friends who share with me that writing down the ideas and brain-dumping is where they stopped. They get so frustrated because they cannot fit things into their life. Days go by. Weeks go by. Months go by. Years go by. Still in debt. No books written. House is still a mess. On and on. Their journal becomes a nag. It condemns them.

It can be frustrating if you do not have a plan for getting all of that in motion. It can be so frustrating that you either think that it is impossible or that YOU are the only one who cannot get things done. There is nothing worse than having lots of goals, dreams, and desires, but seeing them SIT there in your little black book for years and years without a plan to make them happen.

The answer? “To-Do” lists, of course!

Then, we can look at our daily schedule and add into our daily schedule our 5 things for the day or, if you are just getting started, just one thing “to-do” to work toward our goal or our project. In fact, maybe this might be key for some of you. 5 things look completely overwhelming to you? Just choose one thing to do each day.

So, what ONE THING can you do TODAY? One thing can make a difference! We can all fit ONE THING into our daily schedule.

Now, I am not saying that your ONE THING should be “clean the house” or “write a book.” NOT! That can be a big problem!

Having a thing to do that is made up of many, many other things/tasks is not brainstormed and broken down enough. To just say, “Clean the house” as your thing “to-do” almost always insures that it will go from day-to-day undone. at minimum, you will never “feel” like you are getting anything accomplished. That because it is not broken down into things “to do” that you can manage and SEE each day as you can fit them into your day.

“Cleaning the house” or “Writing a book” are GOALS or PROJECTS. Those need to be broken down into small, small tasks that you can do. For example, if you want to write a book, the first thing you will need is your topic. So, how about taking 20 minutes today to brainstorm for your topic–write down all of the ideas for what you would like to write about. Just dump it all down on a page in your journal. Want to clean your house? Same thing. Brainstorm out all that needs to be done. Get them out of your brain and on paper (preferably into an Idea Notebook so you don’t LOSE your ideas!!).

Feel good? YES! That is a simple thing to do. It is part of the process. It is a very VITAL part of the process. That will get you moving forward and out of your rut. That will give you tasks that CAN fit into even YOUR day!

Now, quick note! You may not know all of the things that you need to do in order to reach your goals. That is where you get a mentor, a coach. That is where you invest in a book or a class to teach you how. I am not saying to hit EVERYTHING on your life-list. I am saying focus on ONE THING. Give it your entire focus as you get down the process. Learn what needs to be done to make it happen. Get busy. (Quick note! If you want to be a writer, I am working on a course to take you through all of the steps. I am also going to offer personal coaching for several key areas for writers. Stay tuned! It is going to be the ULTIMATE course! More on that very, very, very soon! )

After I brainstorm all that needs to be done, I try to add at least ONE THING per day from my journal into my schedule, even if it is a little thing. My personal goal is to work on 5 things per day. I try to balance those from things that I am working on for different aspects of my home and business. Of course, there are days that I have to be realistic and limit myself to the demands of the day. I am OK with that when I have hope that I will not put off the heartbeats for years to come.

Adding them into my “5 things” regularly helps. Also, on those days that I am blank or that I happen to have some extra time to myself, I go through my journal and work through some of the simple tasks that I can attack and conquer.

It works great! I get SO MUCH MORE done each day…each week…each year. Now, I am seeing those books finished that were dreams years ago. I am able to pursue those business dreams and make them a reality. We even beat debt a few years ago–same principle! We hit it bit-by-bit adding it to our list of things for the week. Lists get things done!

Oh! On those days that I have 25 things to choose from…you know that those days pop up constantly, don’t you? I am having one of those weeks this week. Well, during those times, I have a secret that may help some of you who are battling with just TOO MUCH to do–I pull out my Post-it notes. I love the Post-it notes that are around 5X7 and lined. I write my whole list on them. Then, I post the note on my daytimer. As I get things done, I mark them off and journal them in my planner on the day that I finished them.

I know what helps me the most–I NEED to mark things off and see things getting done, especially on those “25 THINGS TO DO” kinda days.

Each day, I will go through them as I plan my next day. I jot my top five for the day into my Daily Planner (I call mine my BRAIN-IN-A-BINDER ). I keep the “Post-it” on the opposite side of page (I use a planner that has the Daily To-Do’s and a Daily Appointment Schedule on the left side of the notebook and Daily Notes on the right side of the notebook. I just post my “Post-It Note” on the right side. That way it is right there in my face all day. If I get more than my BIG GOAL of 5 things completed, I mark them off and work on more. I just jot them down on the Daily To-Do list and mark them off there and on my Post It note. At the end of the day, if I have finished my big list on my Post It note, I leave it on the right side of the page. That lets me know everything on that task is done and when I finished it. Then, on to the next big project! Is this clear as mud?

Special note… I have some things that I do over and over that have a huge list of things that need to be done–set up a website, set up an online study, work on a book, write articles, etc. They once had a cute little “Post-It Note.” Since I do them over and over and over, I have set up a permanent checklist that has been tweaked into a system that make it easier to complete that project. Talk about simplifying the process!

All I have to do is print out my checklist again. Put the project name at the top of the page. And, start working on that checklist each day until that project is complete. I have those tasks broke down into very quick and easy things to do. I have worked through them so many times that they are tweaked to a perfect order and everything that I need to remember to do is included. Talk about DESTRESSING big jobs! That is how I recently sponsored the largest online homeschool convention ever. In fact, it was almost as large as the largest state homeschool conventions. I was able to do it this year with my lists from last year. Since I have it tweaked even more, next year I can hire helpers to help me get it all done! That is where we are going! Over time, using to-do lists gets easier and easier. You can do bigger and bigger projects. Plus, you CAN use your lists over and over too!

Give it a try! Take time today to brainstorm. Brainstorm until you get a nice list of do-able tasks that help you get busy on the projects that have only been on your heart until now. Then, plug them into your schedule this week.

There is nothing quite like moving forward. A daily “to-do” list will help you move forward and stay focused. Give it a try! This year will be your best year yet!

Hi!

Thanks for inviting us. I love what you do with your newsletter and blog. It encourages me regularly. Thanks for all you do!

This year we are celebrating two big anniversaries with our business/ministry. In the fall, we will celebrate 20 years since God called me into ministry. We also celebrate 15 years of being in business this summer! Can you believe it? We can hardly believe that the years have gone by so quickly. It is a great time to ask about our story and what the Lord has been teaching us. Thanks for the honor!

Everything began 20 years ago when I attended a Ladies’ Retreat as a nineteen-year-old newlywed. For the first time in my life, I was taught what the Bible had to say about godly womanhood. Now, I had been active in church from the time I was a baby. I never missed a church service from the time I was 2-years-old. I also grew up in a Christian home. But, these things were never specifically taught taught to me. Actually, if we are honest, these topics are not the ones that give warm fuzzies, so they are still not the most “popular” topics of many ministers and Bible teachers.

During that retreat, my whole life changed. It was not so much the retreat as it was a holy moment between me and God. In that tiny country church, I sat in prayer thanking God for teaching me His truth early in my marriage. As I sat in prayer, the rest of the world going on around me, God whispered His call to me, “Will you purpose to get to know what I have to say about womanhood?” That was a no-brainer! I was READY to learn everything that He wanted for me to learn about being a godly wife and one day a godly mother. I wanted all that God would give me in my life. The life-changing moment came when He whispered into my heart the call, “Will you teach it?” My instant question was, “WHO ME?” But…you know my answer…the rest is history!

I didn’t begin writing or begin a business that day. In fact, it is funny looking back. I thought my “job” in life would be Dental Hygiene. I loved my career. I loved my patients. I was in school training to be a hygienist and working full time on the side to get on the job training. I loved my life. It was a nice balance between my marriage and career. I never had a single thought about writing or having a business of my own. In fact, the two classes in school that I really “hated” were writing and marketing! Funny how God changes everything!

The following years were very dormant years. God blessed me with my two precious children. He took me home from my job to be a stay-at-home wife and mom. Harold finished college. And…I settled in to be a godly wife and mommy. I did not begin writing or a business at that time. It just did not cross my mind.

As the years went by, I developed a passion for encouraging other women. I simply loved being around moms. I loved Bible Studies—especially the challenge of preparing to teach them. I loved my life.

My writing began “accidentally” as I agreed to be the editor of our local Smocking Guild’s monthly newsletter. I would include neat tips and ideas for making heirloom sewing and smocking easy. This would later be the theme for all that I do today—making it easy! Many of my newsletters would feature cute ideas from my friends. I would collect the ideas and put them into print. It was a HUGE hit!

One day, my husband’s grandmother, Mamaw Alma Lee Rushton, asked me to go to the local paper to ask them to include my tips and ideas in a column (like Dear Abby—remember those?). My first response to her was, “Mamaw, I am NOT a writer!” Of course, she would not accept any excuses. She very insistently informed me that I was TO GO to the local paper and show them the newsletters.

Well, I still look back in awe, knowing that it was that one pivotal event that changed the direction of my whole life. It took someone who adored me to inspire me to get outside of my box and go for it! Yep, they DID add me as a columnist that day!

My column was an immediate success. My editor was thrilled with the response. He even told me that his mom considered me as her favorite writer.

I began writing steadily at that time. I set aside time when the children were sleeping in the morning or during their naps to regularly write. Also, at that time another thing was happening parallel to the writing—I began my first business sewing for the public. I would alternate sewing and writing when the children were asleep. It worked out nicely. Plus, the business gave me fresh ideas for my column…the column inspired me to try new things with the business. It was a super combo. I had no idea of how much I would love being in business for myself at that time. I cannot imagine life any other way now.

I continued writing and running my business for several years. Only a few months after I began my column, my articles were picked up by other newspapers and magazines. By that time, I found the most unlikely thing about myself—I was ADDICTED to writing! Writing had never been such a blast before!

The next biggie happened about a year after I began my column that I was visiting with Mamaw—we loved our girl-days! When the guys would get together, Elisabeth and I would spend the afternoon with her. She and I could not have been more kindred if I were her flesh in blood. She loved me so deeply and believed in me long before I knew what I could ever be or what I could ever achieve.

I was so excited one day that another magazine had picked me up as a columnist. I took a copy of the magazine to her—she had long before set up a neat notebook (anybody recognize something here—she was the first binder queen I knew!) that included all of the things I wrote to be published and wrote for her (letters, recipes, etc). I wanted for her to have a copy of the magazine. She was always SO exhilarated about the little things that were happening in my life. She could not have been more happy about her own accomplishments!

That Spring day will forever be etched in my mind. It was the last day that I was able to see her before her death. I don’t know if others of you have ever experienced the loss of someone so dear, but it was beyond the loss. That day she spoke her “vision” over me and my life. I still feel that what she spoke to me was a word from God. During those moments that I feel a bit overwhelmed and chaos sets in, just the memory of her conversation helps me to get back on track—that was the way she was. That day was pivotal in my whole life—especially in my calling and life purpose.

The conversation was priceless. It was more of a “charge” toward God’s calling for me. Just one thing seemed out of place in the conversation. She looked at the magazine and instantly declared, “Cindy…you have GOT to write a book!” Now, the other things she said about being a wife and mommy were a “given” for me. I was committed to those things. The “book thing” seemed a bit radical…a bit far-fetched! Yep…my comment back was very original, “Mamaw, I am NOT a writer!” My how she must look down from the heavenlies with Jesus and just laugh now that I have over 80 books and even more coming very soon!

It may seem to all of you that this is just what I do, but I had every excuse that I have ever heard about why NOT to write. Now, it is just that—excuses! There is nothing like getting beyond the excuses into the calling!

There is SO much that I could share about the process. Rather, I would love to encourage those of you who are writing, yet weary…and those of you who feel that call and have no idea how to get where you are going. I am excited for you! It is no accident that you are reading this specific interview. You CAN be a writer too! Want to know some of my secrets to getting all of it done? Tips from a prolific writer? Here are a few:

Read…Read…Read!

The very best writers are the most voracious readers! Give them a book and a quiet nook to read and you have just sent them to heaven on earth! Reading supplies ideas that get the mind thinking, fresh perspective, and even train the writing style of those who read. In studies, most writers tend to read at every opportunity, but those who are the most successful writers have a discipline of reading for at least 2 hours per day! So, want to be a writer? Read.

Keep an Idea Notebook (With YOU!)!

You may prefer a pretty journal or a spiral notebook or you may be a fellow binder queen, loving the versatility of 3-ring binders. I keep both kinds. Whatever your preference, keep an Idea Notebook. Fill it with your brainstorms… outlines…ideas…rough drafts. Keep it with you. Work in it during your free time along the way. I keep a notebook for each book that I write and each conference that I teach. I have a bunch of notebooks that I use to store my individual workshop titles—I keep them together in themes and pull them out for teaching at conferences or to use for articles or radio interviews. This is one thing that has helped me to keep track of ideas and to continuously come up with new and fresh ideas for my writing projects. This ONE key will help you to develop your writing into all it can be, make you the most productive, and keep you organized all along the way!

Write EVERY Day!

Yep! You will find this counsel in every writer’s manual and in every class for writers. Does it work? Absolutely! I am not talking about writing a fresh manuscript or article each day. There are SO many ways that you can keep your skills fresh and develop them into greater skills.

For example, I recommend copying great quotes each day. As you read (did I mention to read every day? You will come across neat “gems” in your reading that beg for you to remember them. You know those quotes. Those that make you pause and soak them in! Begin a journal that is specifically set aside for copying those quotes.

The fruit of this discipline can never be underestimated. It is not just for our budding young writers, it is a life discipline for those that really want to be all that they can be. In fact, in Deuteronomy 17:18-20, God commanded that as the kings sat on their throne, they copied the Law into a book that they could keep with them. Even God, Himself, keeps quotes in a book—see Malachi where He talks about how precious it is for Him to listen to His saints as they talk among themselves about Him. He loves what they say so much that He keeps a copy of those “gems” in HIS Book of Rememberence. HOOT! And…isn’t God the most precious writer of all times? This may sound like an easy way to write every day, but it is a discipline that writers have had all throughout time. It will make a difference in your writing that will be immeasurable!

Also, try your hand at writing email or blogging (See my blog at http://www.CindysDesktop.com or http://www.Writers-Nook.com) or even beginning your own message board. You may want to join email discussion lists in areas of your interest or begin your own ezine. These are all wonderful ways that I keep myself writing every day, even when I am not working on a specific project. They make me THINK and keep my ideas organized. In fact, many times the very discussions or emails that I have written become articles or tip sheets later on. It is a fantastic way to write every day!

Of course, another way is to write bit-by-bit on your projects. Did you know that if you just write ONE chapter in a book a week, you will finish the typical book in only 10 weeks? In a year, you could finish 5 books! It just takes bit-by-bit, consistent effort! You can do it! Just write every day!

Constantly Learn!

Yep! All great writers have a discipline to learn every day! Reading is a part of that, but not the whole. We are surrounded with information, ideas, and a need to “DO.” We should all be constantly learning for our entire lives. All writers who are prolific and successful are constantly learning. They are constantly growing. They are constantly developing as a person.

Every year I make a list of things that I want to learn, along with my yearly goals and resolutions. I carry that list with me. Sometimes it feels like it is nagging at me to get busy doing something to learn something fresh. Other times, it is a nice treat to check off the new things that I am learning or look back over all that I have learned over the year. When we keep on learning and growing, it adds a freshness to our writing. Plus, it also gives us neat new ideas for those future books and articles!

In addition, constantly learn about the art of writing. A writer never completely “arrives” at perfection. Writers must constantly work on the art of writing. Writing today is nothing like yesterday’s writing and tomorrow’s writing will not be like today’s writing. It is constantly growing. Constantly changing.

And…the writing is not the only area that changes. A writer MUST stay abreast of the writing business. To be a writer is to be IN BUSINESS. Even the sporadic writer must have keen business sense or they will never make it—either someone will take advantage of them or they will never be taken seriously in the business (aka—get jobs or sell their work!). The writer of our day must learn marketing, publishing, selling, speaking, advertising, editing. No one can do these things for you. In fact, many writers fail because they wait for someone else to fund their work (publish their work) or promote their work. No one else can promote YOU like YOU can! No one else is going to take that time to take care of you—well, unless you paid them a lot of money to do so on a constant basis! You can do this yourself. Even if you had a “publisher” that you were working for, they are going to want YOU to do this in your sphere of influence. One of the “selling” factors of a writer is whether that writer will “sell” books for the publisher. They want to know that the writer has bookings to promote the books, a market for selling their books, and the ability to get the books that are published into the hands of the buyers. In short, they want to invest money that is a “sure-thing” when they print books. YOU CAN DO THIS YOURSELF! Learn the business! Commit to do it! Stay abreast of all of the changes. Your blessings will be immeasurable!

Finally, learn the technology! Technology constantly changes. A writer who wants to succeed needs to be in the mode of learning “the next thing” on a continual basis. It really pays off to learn web design and computer skills. Today there is so much opportunity available for the professional writer just because of desktop publishing. Each DAY I am amazed at the things that you can do to take your writing to the next level. The biggest hindrance is getting comfortable in what you do. A writer that wants to do all that God has called them to do, needs to be constantly learning the new things that are out there within their reach! Want to know a few that are musts online? Here are a few:

Blogging…

Have no idea where to begin? Why not try a blog? A Blog is an informal website. You can post articles, tips, journal entries, or anything that you want. It is a wonderful way to get busy writing and develop that habit of writing. You never know—your blog material may be just the perfect material to use in your first book! You have got to give it a try–I have several reasons that I recommend this to you-

1. You can set it up for easily and quickly.
2. You can post your material yourself without a web designer.
3. You can become more familiar with web design.
4. You have a place to keep your work online!
5. You have a “place” to send people who are interested in your work.
6. You can write every day or as you can!
7. Oh! You CAN DO IT!

Get Your Own Website!

Another MUST is to get your own website. I cannot recommend highly enough that you invest in your own website. It is one of the most important things that a writer can do. It is like a “home” on the web for you! Invest in that “cyber-real estate” today! Here are some pointers that will make your website all it can be…

==> Invest today at MINIMUM in your own web address—buy YOUR NAME. If your own name is available, invest in it today—even if you are not building the website immediately. For years, I wrestled with a vision for my website. In that time, I did NOTHING! For real! When I decided that I wanted to move forward, I was blessed with some of the best advice ever from a dear friend. I was advised to set up my website with MY NAME as the web address—for real: http://www.CindyRushton.com. I felt SO awkward in doing so. It just seemed a bit self-promoting—exactly! If you are a writer, you MUST promote yourself. You have to get beyond the fears and trepidations. Think for a minute. If you wanted to find me on the web, what would you look for? I have now written almost 80 books, would my website be titled under one of them? I produce 6 ezines? Would my website be best set up under one of those? What about my business name? We have three businesses at this time and we are considering expanding into a couple of others? Which one would you look for? Do you even know their names? Yes, the most reasonable name for all I do is MY OWN NAME— http://www.CindyRushton.com. It tells who I am today…and tomorrow! And…yours will too! Invest in YOUR name as your website!

==> Create a HOME on the Web. Don’t just make it a website with information about products—I HATE THOSE! Don’t you? They give NOTHING for the reader to enjoy today or to come back for later. If they do not buy the product at that time, you lose them. Rather, make a website that is a HOME on the web! Make your website a reflection of YOU! Include your articles/poems/tip sheets. Include fresh material through an Ezine or a Blog. Set up your website with a sampling of who you are and what you love to write on. Then, you will create a successful website that makes your readers want to buy your work as it comes out in print.

Set up an E-zine!

I get tickled regularly when I read different marketing ideas online. If you have been reading much of it lately, you have probably ran across the debates over whether email marketing is going “out” or not with the huge interests in blogging and RSS feeds. The opinions are as varied as you will ever find on any other topic.

Many of you probably know that I use all of them. So, what do I think? The opportunities for marketing and ministry are abundant for today’s Christian writer. I find that each of the methods we use in our ministry/business reach a different segment of our supporters. Each segment has a preference for how they most enjoy material and how they prefer to access the material. I recommend building steadily into using many different means for sharing your message—just don’t begin something that you cannot continue. Nothing looks more unprofessional than a neglected blog (I have a couple!) or a neglected message board. If you can only choose one or two things, I recommend a blog and an e-zine. An e-zine helps to develop your message for your reader. It also helps to build a mailing list of your supporters. There are SO many other perks. Every writer should have at least one newsletter list. Get started on a theme that is very natural and easy for you. Find a topic in which you can easily have fresh new material on a regular basis. Set up a schedule that works for you. Then, spread the word!

Develop Your Mailing List…

One last thing! Don’t lose those that come by your website. Be sure to set up a form for capturing their addresses. Make it easy to use. Offer them something for free—a subscription to your E-zine…a free E-book…a free bonus. Just adding a form on your website or blog will capture hundreds of people who are interested in following you through the years. Also, don’t forget to make a point of promoting your mailing list when you travel to events, speak at conferences, or send out orders. We did not announce ours as much in the early years and it took several years to build up as much as ours grows every six months now. A mailing list is the life-blood of our businesses. Begin yours TODAY!

So…Want to Be a Writer???

Any of you ready to take the plunge? These things have really made a huge difference for me through the years. Hopefully they will really help you to be all that God wants for you to be.

So many of you have immense talent. Why not offer it up to God today as a precious sacrifice? You have great things ahead of you! So…beloved…why not write that article? Why not write that newspaper column? Why not write that book. Yes! YOU can be a writer too!

Happy writing!
Cindy Rushton

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For real!

A simple 3-ring binder.

I will never forget the day that Mamaw, my husband’s precious grandmother, came to me and asked me to just take my little articles to the local newspaper for a column so she would not risk losing her copy by loaning it to her friends. She was collecting all of my articles in a notebook of her own. Of course, she was so excited about them that she was constantly sharing them with friends. She, get this, wanted all of her “copies” in her notebook and did not want to lose even one. Her only idea for being sure that everyone could read it AND that she would not risk losing even one of them was for me to begin a column for our local newspaper!

It almost went over my head! I almost missed it. In my abrupt efforts to share with Mamaw that I was NOT a writer and that our local newspaper would surely NOT want me as one of their columnist, I almost missed one of the most important lessons of my life. Of course, God had a big plan!

Mamaw would not accept my many excuses for not submitting my articles to the newspaper. She saw something in me that I could never see. She valued my words. She valued my ideas. They were very precious to her. So precious that she had invested in a 3-ring binder and sheet protectors just so she could keep all of my writing in one place! Did I mention that she was on a very “fixed” income? And…she spent what she had to invest in me.

My focus was on my limitations. Her focus was on the great value of my writing. It was a treasure for her. I simply did not see that value. It showed in my actions.

Funny thing…I had never kept any of my writing. Sure, I had kept sweet letters from those I loved…neat quotes…even sermon notes. However, I simply did not even think to keep my own writing after I finished it. It just seemed insignificant to me. Until Mamaw inspired me!

That day everything changed for me. Something (umm…the Holy Spirit! ) moved me to just “ask” if my local newpaper editor was interested in a new column–he was! My writing took off! And…I bought a binder! I invested in my writing. I began to collect a portfolio of my articles. Everything changed!

As I look back over the past 14 years since Mamaw insisted that I submit my goodies to our local newspaper, I see the importance of truly valuing our writing! It is vital!

Do you value YOUR writing?

It is priceless!

What you have to say is not only worth keeping; but it is a valuable family treasure! As a writer, you get the opportunity to build a legacy! Your words can be a treasure to our generation…and many more to come!

So…beloved friend, do you VALUE your work? What are you doing today to invest in your legacy? To invest in your family’s treasures?

Want to be a great writer?

It begins with treasuring your work. What you have to offer is simply priceless! Why not take a few minutes each day to pour your heart out upon paper? Maybe you have lots on paper…why not begin today to keep those treasures in one place? Why not build them into a precious collection–uh…a book? (grin!) And…as you do, make copies for those you love so dearly–your children, grandparents, friends, and family.

Your words are important! Very, very important! They are meaningful, special, unique, and with a great purpose. Record them today. They will be tomorrow’s legacy!

Oh! Don’t feel bad if your answer is “NO” right now. (at least until the end of this post!)

I just got the most AMAZING journal as a gift. A friend of mine sent my entire family a journal each. Not just ANY journal either! Designer journals! It was such a treat. Not just because they were special designer journals. Rather, it was more because of what was going on in MY HEART right before she sent them. Well, you may need a bit of background!

I have always kept notebooks, journals, and idea books. But, I have not been journaling. GASP!?

No, something deep within has hindered me from journaling. Was it reading Anne Frank’s diary in school? Ugh…well, probably…I remember thinking that IF we were being required to read her diary…then…ugh…I might not ever want to journal MY THOUGHTS…they could be at risk! Insane huh? ha!

It might be more than that!

There is something else just a bit deeper that has kept me from journaling. Actually a few things!

First, valuing my own thoughts! For real! Journaling is an investment. It is an investment of time and money. Something deep within me has held me back from preserving those thoughts. They are so rambly (is that a possible word???)…they say things that I am not sure I want in print…they have no specific focus…they lack any refinement. With all of that said, see my dilemma with investing my time to journal them down? See my dilemma with placing THOSE thoughts into a beautiful journal?

Second, fearing my thoughts! Scare you yet? No, I am just like you! I get SOOOooo mad at my in-laws. I get so frustrated parenting. I get PMS. I battle fears (obviously!). And…that is not all! I also get TOTALLY hyped up over things that God blesses me with. Truth here? Yep! I get afraid that journaling my thoughts just might make me “sound” manic! hehe! Oh, yet another dilemma that hinders me from journaling!

And…ugh…TOO BUSY! Enough said? Well…this one just wasn’t a good enough reason, but it was probably one of the largest hindrances to journaling! Getting so busy with so many things–many of which are very insignificant compared to the riches of journaling. Yet, the very things that get done!

Excuses. Excuses. Excuses!

Can you believe I write ANY books and articles? These are the same things that hinder some of you from writing!

Yep! I battle with the same things that YOU battle against!

BUT! ONE THING is needful!

We all NEED to journal!

Journaling is especially necessary for the very reasons that I have not been journaling! I need to journal! YOU need to journal! Why?

Journaling processes our thoughts, feelings, and emotions. It pulls them out of the deep recesses of our mind. Once it is on paper, we can literally disect our thoughts and see the hidden jewels in there! Totally necessary for the Christian writer! Actually, journaling is one of the most essential disciplines for the Christian writer. In a journal, a writer can brainstorm…outline…collect ideas…and work out a manuscript. Humm…only our enemy of our soul would want to discourage such a discipline!

Which brings me back to this amazing gift!

Just the day before the journal arrived, I was sitting with my family in a bookstore just pondering a million and one thoughts. I saw the cutest little journals just within eye-range. I sat there thinking, “WOW! It would be a great time of my life to begin journaling! There is SOOOo much going on in my mind. I really need to put these thoughts on paper.” Then, my brain kept racing…”Maybe I can invest in a journal JUST for these thoughts…BUT (you know where this is going!)…they cost soooo much…I would mess those pretty journals up with my crazy thoughts….” FOR REAL! And…I discounted the whole idea away.

The mail came the next day with all of the every day stuff–except a very precious box. As I opened it up, all I could do was cry. God had moved in my friend’s heart to have a journal sent to me. BUT, not just ANY journal! A designer journal! YEP! FOR REAL! It is one of the most beautiful journals I have ever seen!

Heather invested IN ME!

Words truly are so insufficient to capture what has gone on in my heart every since!

My first reactions were…”NOW THIS ONE *REALLY* IS TOO PRETTY TO USE!” (it is!) But, God moved on my heart immediately to say, “Cindy, Heather wanted to bless you and you can do nothing less than pour into this journal your heart!”

So, there it is! The beginning of MY journal!

My first entry included this (no worries to MY mind–I am not typing in EVERYTHING!),

“…Another thing that this gift does is convict me about journaling. Do you think Heather knew that there is so much on my heart and I just needed to pour it into a good friend? My first response was so wrong–”Oh! It’s too pretty to use with what *I* think and feel!” HELLO! Yep! I am a writer–80+ books–100’s of articles–and yet can it be that I do not value my own heart cries? My own exhilaration? My own walk with you? My own wisdom? Well this journal is too beautiful and too dear to NOT write in! To not record these precious days! Goodness my life is pivoting on the edge right now–I am walking into a Great Big Place! You, beloved journal, get to be my friend and host of all that desperately needs to be poured forth! Ready? Meet ya soon! Cindy”

So…all of this “ado” to bring me to a question for you….

Journaling?

Beloved, are you journaling? Are you clinging to your excuses?

Today is the day! Invest in your new friend today! Nurture your heart! Nurture your creativity! Nurture your brain! You will never be the same!

Ohhhh!

Journaling! Do it TODAY!

Writing to See Writers Reach Their Dreams…
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* Decide on your topic/theme/book subject.

* Brainstorm all that could be included in your book—try creating a mind-map, making a list of what you want to cover, or jotting down chapters or sections of your book. If other thoughts come to mind, write them down as fast as possible. Keep jotting down ideas as they come. Do not censor your thoughts. That is for later!

* Look back over your ideas. Choose your subtopics (your chapters/sections of your book). These should support your main topic/theme.

* Under each subtopic, go back and fit in any points to be covered (in each chapter/section). The more ideas under each section, the better your details (although that is not necessary) Your details will become your paragraphs and sentences in your chapters.

* You are ready to write!

Writing to See Writers Reach Their Dreams…
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Daily. Daily, daily.

I spend so much time wondering…

What I’m supposed to write about?
What am I so high and mighty knowledgeable about?

I feel as though I am not an authority on any subject at all, especially motherhood, which is what I think the Lord wants me to write about. If He wants me to write to mothers, and if my husband believes that I can do it, then why not just take the plunge and do it? What could possibly go wrong? The type of “no” one gets in this publishing business is a written “no.” That is so much more easy to swallow than a face-to-face “no”, or a phone-call “no”.

On the other hand, if I do not write, I will lose my husband’s trust in my self-discipline, God’s calling, and much more personally.

I AM A WRITER!!!

On our last day in Mexico, I sat on a wooden carved bench with my feet on a cobblestone path in Mismaloya Village, with the river gurgling behind me, and with the bougainvillea blooming in front of me. I said aloud, “In this place, this idyllic place, I say out loud, ‘I am a writer.’ From now on , I AM A WRITER.”

Then I wrote the below resolutions in my journal:

* I WILL write every day. NOTHING will get in my way. NO interruption will be placed in importance above this calling (definitely family and home come first, of course, but I’m just saying that I’m through with excuses!). I can take my writing with me wherever I am needed, whether it is in a hospital room or on a playground. I will take it, I will use my time wisely, and I WILL be self-disciplined.

* I will stop endlessly reading about writing - I have learned enough to at least start.

* I will stop scheduling writing time - instead, I will just write.

* I will stop giving excuses to myself because I am a busy mother - God knows that, yet He called me to write anyway.

* I will stop wondering what to write - instead, I will sit down and write, even if in sentence fragments; even if I only write, “I don’t know what to write.”

* I will stop wondering why I am such an authority - I will instead agree with God that I should be writing and leave the expert editing to Him.

About Lori…

Lori Seaborg is a wife and homeschooling mother of four who lives and writes in the Gulf Coast countryside of Alabama. You may view her blog (one of MY FAVORITES!!) at http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/KeepingtheHome

If we were at a professional writer’s conference or if we were reading a professional writer’s magazine, we could be sure that we would hear one piece of counsel over and over again:

Write EVERY day.

That counsel is the one factor that separates great authors from those who never write. Yes, write each and every day!

One of my favorite authors, John Grisham, claims this as his key to writing. Other great writers throughout time have attributed this as a secret to their success.

Does this scare you? Don’t let it! There are many ways that you can write each day. On those days that things are just not flowing well for me, I love to get out a journal and just begin copying neat quotes by other authors. Usually it is not long before my juices are flowing and overflowing!

Another thing that I enjoy doing is making outlines. During those times that I sit down with a empty brain, outlining in my Idea Notebook helps make progress and usually inspires me. On days that I am ready to write, my outlines are finished and ready for me to write away!

At this time, the best thing for you may be just copying neat quotes each day. Keep those in a notebook or journal. This skill will do more for your writing than anything else (You are writing each day AND having to proofread your copy against a model—great skills!).

Write each day! It will make your writing great!

Happy Writing (EVERY Day)!
Cindy Rushton

Writing to See Writers Reach Their Dreams…
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Does chaos kill you? It sure gets me every time! I simply cannot think, concentrate, or create in a big mess. Also, I found early on that organization and having everything in one spot (a welcoming one) was one key to doing anything creative whether sewing, baking, or writing. Otherwise, I never get around to doing it.

Want to make the most of each minute so YOU can write as much as possible? Want to know MY secrets to writing TONS?

Or…Homeschooling and want to encourage your young writers to write and create books during those moments that they can steal away?

Why not set up your own Writer’s Nook? Nothing can make writing more DOABLE. Nothing can encourage your children to write like having their own spot for writing where they can settle in without distractions to get lost in their work.

Interested? Just want an easy way to create your own publishing center? It’s easy as ABC…

Ready? This is EASY as ABC…

FIND A GOOD NOOK FOR YOUR SPOT! It does not have to be huge. Certainly does not need to be expensive. All that is needed is a place that invites the writer to think, work through the manuscript (writing, proofing, and setting up), print, and produce the book. Ask, “Where do they gravitate toward to read…to research…to write…to print?” Keep in mind that each and every writer in your family will be very different during the writing process, but most will appreciate having all of the supplies and equipment in a safe place for production. When deciding on a spot, make sure that your spot has good lighting and a good, solid, clean, work surface. Make sure it is a good spot for you to think AND work on the book set up. Set up your area with a nice table or desk with plenty of work area…comfortable chairs…shelves for your books and notebooks…space for your computer and printer…convenient power supply…and a specific spot for your organizational bins that will hold your supplies.

GET YOUR SUPPLIES TOGETHER! You probably have supplies ALREADY in your home. Use our list to remind you of which supplies you will need while creating homemade books. Gather them and organize them in the publishing area so they will be ready to use when your children can snatch time to write.

KEEP AN “IDEA NOTEBOOK” IN YOUR WORK AREA (OR CARRY IT WITH YOU!). I have a journal that is completely dedicated to being my spot for brainstorming book and article ideas. Keeping it where I write and read keeps it accessible when I am drawing a blank! PLUS! I know where to look for it!

KEEP AN “IDEA FILE” IN YOUR WORK AREA. This is a bit different than your Idea Notebook. When you begin, you will need only one file, but as you find research information, you may grow to need a few files on topics that you are wanting to possibly research and develop. I keep files for smaller collections and notebooks for ideas that grow too large for my file folders. When I work on a topic, all I have to do is pull my file/notebook to carry with me in my tote. Everything is in its spot, not wandering aimlessly around the house.

KEEP “HARD COPIES” OF YOUR BOOKS THAT YOU WORK ON… As you work on a book, whether you are setting it up like a scrapbook (for your hard-copy) or you are setting it up on the computer, keep updated copies in a file/box/notebook in sheet protectors/gallon plastic bags. Keep away from reach of little ones or pets.

PRESERVE YOUR ORIGINALS… After your project is completed, keep the original manuscript safe. Make an extra good copy of your original if possible to duplicate for your bound copies. EVEN if your book is saved on a computer. If you have your book manuscript on a computer, print your original copy and save the manuscript on a CD-ROM and a floppy disc. Keep your original manuscript and your CD-ROM/floppy safe. On a regular basis, make sure to update your saved version—my first articles are inaccessible because my first versions were published on a program that is no longer available. Although I still have hard-copies of my manuscripts, the ideal way to have access to those articles would have been to transfer them into newer programs along the way. Yep, only 13 years ago and they are inaccessible!

HAVE A BLAST!! The tough part is over and the rest will be a blast! Have fun…you are NOW in the publishing world!

Need more help???

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We have a wonderful question about Idea Notebooks. Here is the question:


OK, Ladies, I’m a VERY visual person (something I have begun to understand about myself only in the last few years, LOL…..I’m almost 41!). I’m not sure I understand this concept of an idea notebook. Could someone paint me a picture in words, or better yet, post snap shots of theirs? Tamera from ND

Hey Tamera!

Great question!

I am actually going to pull out some of my old articles and posts that I have written about writing professionally so I can share them with all of you. I will make some time this week to begin posting them. These questions really made me think that it just might help to pull those out of my files and folders in my laptop!

Until then… Let me see if I can help you a bit more with your Idea Notebook.

First, your idea notebook can be anything you want—a 3-ring binder…a pretty journal…a spiral notebook…even (you know I would HAVE to admit this!) a BlackBerry! I personally have my “little black journal” in my purse that houses my to-do’s and keeps a list of projects I want to work on with outlines. When I have more than a title or list of chapters, I develop a 3-ring binder to house my topic. That may be something you may want to go ahead and do. Actually, I have about 25 notebooks that are full to overflowing that have not been developed into books yet—they have been articles, seminars, workshops, podcasts, etc. I don’t keep those in my purse—obviously they are too big and have too much detail. I also have a few of my current projects brainstormed in my BlackBerry—in the notes (I can also access the notes in Outlook). Just depends on what I am doing.

Moral to this? You can do what works for YOU!

The most important thing would be to get started. You can tweak it as you make the discipline part of who you are. So, pick a format and dig in!

What do you do? Well, first of all, Keep your Idea Notebook (With YOU!)! You can seize time to brainstorm topics or outlines or even sections of your book along the way. It will become the place where you keep your ideas, brainstorms, outlines, work, rough drafts—not on bits of paper, napkins, or in your head!

Just keep it simple! Get started!

You may prefer a pretty journal or a spiral notebook or you may be a fellow binder queen, loving the versatility of 3-ring binders. Whatever your preference, keep an Idea Notebook. Fill it with your brainstorms… outlines…ideas…rough drafts. Keep it with you. Work in it during your free time along the way. This ONE key will help you to develop your writing into all it can be, make you the most productive, and keep you organized along the way!

Hope this helps!

Love,
Cindy…who obviously LOVES Idea Notebooks!
http://www.Writers-Nook.com

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