Category Archives: Tips

Take (Un)Calculated Risks: Read Other Genres

chit-chatting with Cat, Tips January 19, 2019 Leave a comment

Hi, folks! A writing tip is in order after so long, I think. We talk a lot about how to write specifically for a certain genre, how to fit in that genre, and so on. But what about branching out?

How about diving into uncharted (by you) waters?

That’s what we’ll see here and how it can help you either expand your writing knowledge and skills, or even find you a better genre for your writing.

Ready?

Let’s go!

The Fear/Apprehension

I get it: you’re way too comfy in your cozy comfort zone to try anything else. Let’s take myself as an example: I’ve been reading language books, how-to’s, documentaries, fantasy, thrillers, crime, LGBTQ+, teen, YA, middle grade, historical, dystopian, and a little bit of romance here and there when the idea sounds really different to my ears. And this up until last year. I knew what I wanted. No dilly-dallying. I had no time to waste and I wanted to get the most out of it. It’s too pleasant and I didn’t see the point in reading other genres.

Truth is: I was afraid. Probably just like you. Afraid of what? Hang on!

Here goes:

  • Wasting precious time
  • Not loving my reading (what is that even!?)
  • Being scared
  • Being uncomfortable
  • Liking it (imagine adding another genre to the big to-be-read list…!)
  • Not understanding and feeling like a fool
  • Entering some kind of “secret club” to which I know nothing and would have to work to better know it
  • Being angry at what I’m reading (from confusion)

I’m one who loves trying new things, activities and I always jump right into it (mostly as the first one to, as well). But reading? Nah, that was my secret altar… Untouchable. But more importantly: unchangeable.

So how come I’ve now expanded my horizons?

My Dabbling in Other Genres

Sci-Fi: One year ago, I was browsing the YA shelves of my public library and the purple spine and title Empress of a Thousand Skies caught my interest. Right away I knew it was sci-fi from the title and I don’t read that genre. Nevertheless, I still picked it up to satisfy my growing curiosity. The cover was just SO gorgeous! With an Asian young lady staring at the beyond over planets and stars on a purple and blue background. I thought it was so pretty that I wanted to read the summary. So I did. In short, it’s about a betrayed young empress who fights to regain her right to rule and avenge her family. I mean: that’s just what I love! So I battled the desire to read the whole story until I checked it out of the library and took it home.

It ended up being a great book and while reading sci-fi felt awkward at first, I enjoyed the discovery of all those aliens and new technology and planets. In short, I liked this sci-fi world! This book started my yearly habit of reading two to three sci-fi stories to diversify my readings. If that’s not fantastic, I’ll be stunned! (You can read my 4-starred review of Empress of a Thousands Skies by Rhoda Belleza here.)

Horror: I’ve always been attracted to the horror and the disgusting what with my loving to watch horror movies (and being so scared afterwards I couldn’t sleep for weeks…) However, reading horror was another matter. Why? Again, I was so scared of being effectively scared. Reading it is worse than watching horror on screen because I feel as I AM there, I am the protagonist! So, I spent years simply skimming the books in the horror aisle (both at library and bookstores), gently touching their spines with envy.

This, too, started about a year ago. As a budding author, I was highly recommended Stephen King’s On Writing and when it was finally available at my library, I read it. But then, it got me even MORE curious… At the same time, It the Movie was in theatres and I. friggin’. missed. it (or It!) And like I told you, I’m a fan of horror movies so this interested me a great deal, but since I always prefer to read the books when there’s one (in this case by Stephen King no less!), I was stuck between actually reading the damn book or just watching the movie once it hit DVDs. So I watched the movie. Then, scared AND interested, I started reading horror short stories by various authors, including Stephen King. I skirted around It, preferring to try other, less terrifying stories… but it was always on my mind, pushing me. I found it at my local library and in a burst of courage I picked it up and took it home. I was hooked! I now have it on Kobo as well as The Bazaar of Bad Dreams by Stephen King and I’m slowly working my way up the horror genre.

Now, why is this important? First, I’m satisfied (even though I’m a tad scared) because FINALLY I’m reading horror. It doesn’t seem out of my limit now. Also, horror stories started to pour out of me! It’s as though they had been WAITING for me to jump into the genre, creeping up on me. I knew I wanted to write darker things, but never got around to it. Well, this is what it did to me: it freed a part of me somehow.

Memoirs (Travel): Frankly, memoirs and biographies (including autobiographies) held zero interest for me. Reading about people’s ordinary, daily lives often riddled with illnesses, false hopes and mean words? Nah, thanks. That was until I stumbled upon Every Day in Tuscany: Seasons of an Italian by Frances Mayes, her travel memoir about her life in Tuscany (half of the year or so). As a huge Italy lover and Italian speaker, I fell in love. There is no other way to put this. Her writing is delicate and always uses the best precise word and is quite rich in terms of vocabulary. Furthermore, her memoir really follows an interesting narrative with confidences and anecdotes (both funny and sometimes awful) . I love how the Italian language, art, architecture, people, and food all hold a major place in her book.

I told you: I fell hard for this one. Curious, I went to check out the second volume (I started by the third one… So I’m reading the series backwards, haha) right away to see if it was only a onetime thing, but no. I still love it!

Now, I checked out Paris in Love by Eloisa James because I’ve been dreaming of going to Paris since I was four or five years old. Of course I have to read this book! Plus, French is my native language so seeing French words and expressions sprinkled here and there is an absolute blast. With this, I assured myself that I really love travel memoirs and not just those from Frances Mayes or about Italy. No, I really discovered this genre in its own right this very year!

I’m both amazed and taken aback! (I still can’t stand autobiographies or biographies of stars and celebrities, though, unless it’s historical.)

Why You Should Try It Too

I highly suggest you to read outside your comfort zone. If you don’t want to try all the genres you usually avoid at the same time, then just pick one or two to start your adventure with. Go with one that has a cover that grabs your eye, read the blurb and if it sounds like something you might vaguely be interested into, take this one! If it doesn’t work the first time, look for another.

But why?

As I mentioned earlier, not only did it make me take a risk and discover new genres I never thought I would enjoy, but it also gave me new writing genres. And those two aspects are exactly what it’s about!

After all, reading more widely opens the mind a little more and allows other information, ideas and concepts to enter your mind. And it’s beautiful. Take memoirs for instance. I thought I’d hate those! In fact, it turns out I LOVE travel memoirs. I noticed a renewal of interest in reading in general, but also an increased enjoyment and excitation at reading about other people’s adventures in countries I hope to visit one day (or maybe just read about them). THAT’s a big point. It makes me feel the adventures. Something I only had in fiction before, but now it’s in the same world I’m living in! Wonderful! Now I’m a voracious reader of travel memoirs and I’ve noticed a more intense, more focused writing of mine. So memoirs brought general appreciation AND energy into my reading and writing.

Now, a similar story happens with sci-fi and horror. I now read about 3-4 sci-fi novels a year hoping to find one that leaves its print on me. So far I have found Zodiac by Romina Russell and Empress of a Thousand Skies by Rhoda Belleza. I’ll soon aim for the classics by H. G. Wells and other big sci-fi names I can find at the library. It’s diversifying my reading and point of view a hell lot! Speaking of hell, I’m trying (the try aspect is very important here) to read more horror. I’m reading Pet Sematary and other books by Stephen King along with A Madness So Discreet by Mindy McGinnis and such. While I might not read more than three horror books (if I get to that number) a year, it’s still interesting, thrilling, and diversifying.

You’re saying: Okay, but what’s the “new writing genres” thing about?

Well, since I discovered an interest in these genres, I noticed a few sci-fi story ideas bubbling up in me. Little bits and pieces, here and there, until there were not only one character fully formed, but two! It didn’t take me long to have a basic plot for a series. Then, other snippets for other sci-fi stories came to me… In other words: science fiction has now become a genre I can write in, even though I still feel relatively awkward in it. Isn’t that great?! See, I did not just discover a new genre for reading, but it also opened my mind enough that I could incorporate it into my writing, too!

What about horror and travel memoirs? Right on that, my friend! I’ve always loved horror movies, but never got around to reading horror books until last year. So, bearing that in mind, it wasn’t hard for my interest in this genre to bloom. And so it did. Now I have about three horror short stories in progress on my laptop. There will be more to come in the future as well! See? It made me go back to horror, a genre (in movies) I had neglected for the last years; it soon caught my attention again and lit my interest on fire (think Carrie here; I love Carrie, the story, though she’s a poor victim). As for the travel memoirs, they fuel my need to write non-fiction further; so I started writing a memoir about how I became a polyglot and the important events I think played a key part in making me choose to learn languages as a fun activity, then as a passion that’s driving my whole life, and now as a job. Since I love travel memoirs especially, and I don’t travel a lot due to many complications in my life at the moment, my languages were the next best topic to write about. Also, it’s pushing me forward in creating my own language learning courses and ebooks.

In Conclusion

Not only do I strongly suggest (and when teachers say that, what I am, its underlying meaning is “do it!”) reading in other genres to discover stories and interests you never thought you’d like, but also encourage you to be inspired by them. Who knows? Perhaps you’ll end up having a few new, different ideas of your own.

I really hope you try this!

Please do tell me, how is it working for you?

What genres are you willing to try out?

See you next post, lovelies!

The Benefits of a Kobo EReader

chit-chatting with Cat, Tips July 12, 2018 Leave a comment

Hello everyone,

A few months ago I got myself a Kobo eReader. An Aura H2O second edition that is. There have been rare times where I’m immensely satisfied I purchased an item… Well, this is one of those times, folks.

Here it is (with Never Enough Time by R.T.W Lipkin as background—a great ARC of mine for which you can read the review here):

Now, what about its benefits? Let me tell you I found many!

The Pros:

  • My sleep has improved SO MUCH since I bought this sweet Kobo, no kidding. I used to toss and turn at night for AT LEAST an hour (it was usually for an hour and a half), but now thanks to reading on my Kobo every night before going to sleep, it only takes me 20 to 40 minutes. It’s a wonder!

But why is that?

  • It’s because it’s got ComfortLight Pro! This means you set a time for the screen to become a light orange, thus it’s sweet for the eyes. More importantly (and that’s the winning point here), this feature removes most of the blue lights! So it does make it easy on your eyes and relaxes you. Perfect for sleep!

It’s been a real game changer for me. Or should I say… sleep changer? Please let’s never talk about this joke again.

  • The fonts are lovely and adjusting them is simple. Same goes for the paragraph spacing, a tool I particularly enjoy. I like when there’s a clear distinction between the paragraphs.
  • The search function is very useful.
  • It has Pocket Reader. If you don’t know what it is: a place (or account) where you can store Web pages and other important bits you find while browsing to read later on your account, then come back to it offline. Basically, you can read Web pages, watch embedded videos and other great stuff on your favourite eReader, yes! You can learn more here.
  • The Kobo shows you the percentage you’re in the book and your time spent reading a particular book and in total. It also lets you decide if you wish to see the percentage of completion or the page numbers, which is pretty neat and practical for book reviewers like me who prefer the latter.
  • One amusing thing Kindle doesn’t have, it’s badges (they’re called ”achievements”, but they look like badges!) When you’ve read 10 books, let’s say, you’ll have a full badge on your ”Achievements” page and you can share them on social media. What for? Boasting, I guess. I love checking what progress I’ve made now and then. There’s one problem though… It’s been acting crazy for the last three months. The system doesn’t give me the badges when they’re obviously complete and sometimes they’re filled to a certain percentage, then when I look again on another day the numbers have changed again! In other words, it was high fun in the beginning, but now it’s malfunctioning. And the worst part is they told me I would need to wait for the next update (which could be in months or even YEARS, they told me) to fix this issue. That’s frustrating.

Speaking of bad things, what of its cons?

The Cons:

  • It’s expensive. There,  I said it. If you want good quality and all, it’s approximately $200 CAD and it’s without the official case which costs about $50. Pricey, pricey. There was a $30 discount when I bought it, but then I purchased the official case and it came near $250 in the end.
  • Oh and it’s also a bit slow, but nothing major. I bet the software is to blame because my Kindle contains way more books and it’s faster than the Kobo. Imagine that!

That’s it. There’s mainly one bad thing about the Kobo and it’s its price, in my opinion.

In Conclusion:

Though being fair, I think the price is worth it. I mean, sleep? I’m in! And I like all the control you get and how it shows you everything you need to know about your reading progress and habit.

If you’re looking for an eReader, may I suggest a Kobo one?

And if you already have yours, what do you think of the Kobo?

See you next post, lovelies!

(As a little bonus, here’s my official Kobo case (I’d have chosen the red one, but there was none where I went…))

Beta Books and Beta Readers (Tip + Update)

chit-chatting with Cat, My project, Tips May 27, 2018 Leave a comment

Hello, peeps!

I hope you enjoyed my last book reviews. As always, it’s a pleasure to read and give my opinions of them to you.

Don’t fret: I’ve also got news!

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I’m still a long way from publishing my Nightshade series; however, I now have TWO beta readers for my short stories and Nightshade in particular! One of them is my best friend, but don’t go thinking he’ll be soft with his critiques… Trust me, he’s not. And it’s a very good thing for me!

As a tip for you guys and gals, here’s what I use to manage the beta reading:

BetaBooks.co

I found this cozy site months ago in its infancy. It wasn’t even open to the general public, imagine that! So I waited… But it sounded like such a great idea! So I waited some more.

Then, it opened. Admittedly, I didn’t sign up until two weeks ago because I thought they were charging even the basic features. I was surprised! You can still create a free account. Isn’t it neat?!

If you do, you’ll be able to upload ONE story and invite up to THREE beta readers and some “fancy” features are locked like the inline comments. Nevertheless, most of what a budding author needs is handled pretty well with the free account, let me tell you. If you go over the limits, you’ll enter the first paid subscription tier (which, I think, is reasonably priced, $14.99.)

Want to know what else you can do with a free account?

Here:

  • Track reader progress
  • Collect reader feedback
  • Reply and discuss feedback in-app
  • Triage and categorize with our feedback marking system
  • See all your feedback in one screen
  • One Book
  • Up to Three Readers

Again, if you want to test this lovely service, sign up at BetaBooks.co for a free account.

Did I mention all of the feedback given and received is private when you invite your beta readers?

See you next post, lovelies (it will be a book review)!

 

A Poetry Workbook For You & Translators’ Annual Conference

chit-chatting with Cat, poetry, Tips November 27, 2017 Leave a comment

cat hello cat gif GIFs

Hello, everyone!

I have such important stuff to tell you.

We’d better start now, then!

Annual Conference and Continuing Education Day

I went to the OTTIAQ’s (Quebec in Canada’s professional translators’ association) annual conference and continuing education day last weekend! It was fabulous, inspiring, and motivational. I learned a lot to help me in my future career and simply about the translation world. It might have been exhausting, but it was well worth it.

Plus, it sounds as though I might have found a few freelance job opportunities too. I met four great women (including two students, just like me!) and we are staying in touch. Networking in your own field can be truly amazing.

For the first time in my life, I saw I was not alone in my little corner of the world, loving languages so much it hurts and makes me fly high at the same time. There are others where I am! I got to talk with them, listen to them, to our shared passion.

It was both uplifting and eye-opening.

Find what you love, folks. And do it.

Want a Workbook? I’ll Make One!

I’ve been thinking about creating a workbook for you guys for a while now… Since my poem was published (read it here) on Selcouth Station, it made me realize poetry is something I do very well! There isn’t enough poetry guides or help in the world for it and I figured I could give you some tips, tricks, and guidelines to write poetry.

So, how about a poetry workbook, fellows?!

I’m still outlining everything, but I learned how to use the tools to make it. Let’s say I’m getting closer to the final product. It’ll have information, my own tips and tricks, examples, and exercises (of course!) to get you going at producing your own masterpieces!

Should I make a poetry workbook that focuses on delivering emotions or how to tell a micro-story within its lines? Or perhaps just about poetry in general?

Also, what would you like to see covered in its pages?

Please leave your answers below!

I love discussing with you, ladies and gents.

 

An Amusing Writing Technique (Characterization)

Tips November 4, 2017 Leave a comment

Hello, ladies and gents!

Here’s the fun writing technique I promised you a few days ago: the characters’ letters to you.

It is that forthright, I’m not joking.

I was inspired to try such a technique after reading the chapter entitled ”Out from the Dust: Creating Characters” from Colum McCann’s Letters to a Young Writer.

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The author recommends we write a letter to each of our MCs (protagonists and antagonists) asking them ”Why don’t I know you?”. A loud bell resounded in my mind.

Indeed, what if I had a go at that seemingly amusing technique? I was in a tight spot where I needed to get closer to my characters in my Heaven’s Army series (particularly Hope, Fesdriel, Anick and Lucifer). Otherwise, I would continue to be stuck and just plain forsake writing their story. Plus, it sounded too fun to miss out on such an attempt.

So, I sat down with a pen and a sheet of paper and I asked that question (”Why don’t I know you?”) to Hope, my MC. I kid you not my hand moved almost on its own;  there were so many words in my head and they all needed to be put on the page! In less than two paragraphs I’d already learned three things I didn’t know about him!

It was riveting and fascinating!

But wait: it gets even better. Yes!

I wondered with alarm if this would help me with Lucifer… I was afraid yet curious. I’d never been close to my Lucifer for diverse reasons (notably because I’m quite a believer, so it doesn’t sit well with me… but my book needs him so I do too!). In other words, I never bonded with him like with my other characters. Does that make sense? Anyhow, I told myself the best thing I had to do was at least try.

Nothing came at first.

A week passed… Then, at midnight right when NaNoWriMo began, I swear to God the answers to my questions for Lucifer flooded me!

Overwhelmed, I couldn’t even think straight or do anything (like write Nightshade: The Death Stone, my NaNo novel this year). Thus, I opened K.M. Weiland’s Outlining software (amazing, by the way!) and clicked on Lucifer’s interview page (which was blank), then the magic happened.

I asked him three questions.

Cross my heart and hope to die but he answered all of them in a fierce and genuine manner. It was so beautiful I could have cried with glee. For once, I was connecting with that important character! Now, I have material to work with and I understand him much better (it’s still scary, but so fun!).

Break away and it. Break the mold and cross that fourth wall. Ask them on paper as though they were in front of you – or that you were them talking to you – and let their answers flow.

It’ll be worth your time. You might not use everything, but I assure you that you’ll know them in better details and perhaps look at them in another light. Either way, you’ll win.

Why not try that writing technique after all?

Go on, have fun and let me know in the comments how it went for you!

I’d love to hear your experience, dears.

See you next post!

 

A Discovery of Writing Wealth

chit-chatting with Cat, Tips September 9, 2017 1 Comment

Hello, fellow adventurers!

Yesterday, I was looking for more information about the writing craft. Perhaps I was hoping to find a book that wasn’t so expensive or a few online articles from trusted sources… but I hadn’t expected to stumble upon podcasts.

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Now, I knew what a podcast was and I doubted listening to celebrities talk about their life and such would help me improve. What I did not know was that I had listened to the wrong podcasts a few years ago!

Let me explain: I thought podcasts were only by celebrities (from the music industry, the movie industry, etc.) and book reviewers. Why would I want to listen to that? I mean, it’s good if you like this stuff as podcasts, but I don’t. I was looking for something to help me improve my writing craft.

The first writing podcast I found is I Should Be Writing (ISBW) by Mur Lafferty. Since I don’t have the money right now to buy her book I Should Be Writing: A Writer’s Workshop, I figured I could glean some information via her podcast.

And it did not disappoint!

So, of course, I opened iTunes and subscribed. Then, I looked up other writing podcasts. Just so you know, it felt like bliss because I had just found that podcasts could actually teach you important stuff instead of just wasting your precious time!

Here are the two other writing podcasts I found that are worth subscribing to:

They have a wealth of information and tips on the writing craft and also how to be an indie author in our years. I encourage you to at least try them.

Go on, listen to one episode and see for yourself!

Did you know about writing podcasts?

If so, which ones do you like to listen to?

If not, what other free writing resources do you use?

See you next post, lovelies!

 

Plot vs Story: What Is the Big Difference?

Tips March 4, 2017 Comments: 7

Hello, gals and guys!

Today, we’re going to tackle the confusing ”plot vs story” question.

plot-vs-story

Indeed! Why can’t they be used interchangeably?

I’ve been taking a writing class on Skillshare this week and finally came to learn the answer. The difference is so big, yet we never really hear about it. We keep on using plot when we mean story and story when we mean plot. I figured I’d share this information with you because I kept wondering why the heck were they different. Isn’t that all just the same thing?

No, it’s not. One might think that they differ subtly, yet it’s far from the truth. In fact, it is quite clear.

Plot is actually the physical action of your novel. Let’s use my novel Nightshade:The Death Stone as an example. Rosellia, the main character, travels to different dimensions (this is physical), then she is kidnapped (again, it’s physical), and saved by the Nightshade (physical). This has nothing to do with how she feels about all this. Plot is that: action. It’s what happens to your character in terms of events and situations.

As for the story, it is simply the contrary. Rosellia’s emotions and feelings towards the events happening to her and her growth as a character are what make the story. Story is emotions. Her relationship with herself? Story. With others? Story.

Story is emotions and feelings whereas plot is physical (action).

Don’t we just feel better knowing the big difference?

I sure do!

Now it’s easier for me to understand whenever I read about one of those two important pieces of the creation of a novel. I hope it is easier for you too.

Do you still have any questions about plot or story?

You’re always welcome to leave a comment.

Two Truths Every Writer Needs to Read

chit-chatting with Cat, Tips February 13, 2017 Comments: 4

Hello, folks! I’ve been reading a lot of writing craft books and magazines lately and stumbled upon two pieces of particularly good advice. Every writer needs to read it, if only to remind us of the important basics. I really hope this post will help you like it helped me. I unleashed my creativity and killed my fears and doubts with these advice.

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So, for Advice Number 1, I quote James Scott Bell with the title of one of his books: ”Just write!” Sounds simple, doesn’t it? Actually, it’s a lot harder than what it looks like because in a continuous search for improvement of our craft, we tend to forget what we longed to do in the first place: write. In fact, we read, we talk, we go to workshops, but we don’t write per say. Or, when we do, it’s sporadic – we don’t write everyday for we spend our time thinking of improving our writing through various ways! I love that advice because it enabled me to realise that no matter how good my intentions are, I’m never going to make it if I don’t actually write every day. I seemed to push away my love and desire for writing in order to hone my skills. Don’t do like me! It’s a surefire way to have you stop writing. You have to fight the fear of not being good enough, let your love of writing take over you and write. Repeat every day.

You want to know something personal? I did exactly as I said above, meaning I forgot how much I loved writing and exclusively tried to improve through reading, etc. The result? I didn’t write a work for three whole weeks… Unbelievable! I knew it had to change, but I was looking for a miraculous solution. Then I saw James Scott Bell’s book title and description, and laughed at myself. It was so easy! It was right there from the beginning! I plucked up my courage and this week I’ve been writing every day. More importantly, I feel great about it. Of course, I still read writing how-to books and do writing exercises, but I’ve learned how to keep it all balanced. You can do it too.

I believe in you.

As for Advice Number 2, I’ve read it from two published authors: ”Whatever you do, don’t give up when it’s hard.” Again, it’s so basic stuff we forget it. Especially when it gets hard. What we must do is find back a bit (just a bit will work) of our love of writing and hang onto it through the storms! I know negative thoughts and feelings will take a hold of you. But your job as a writer is to not let them stray you from your own path.

Here’s another piece of my life to show you: These past weeks were not easy on me. I think in terms of writing I hit rock bottom. Why? Because all I’ve felt like was giving it up altogether. No more writing, no more dreaming. I was so desperate. It was becoming real… until I read that ”don’t give up when it’s hard” advice twice. It shook me to the core. It’s a simple truth yet we need to hear it when we’re down.

So, I’ve followed both of these advice this week and guess what? I’ve plotted not one, but two stories at the same time! I’ve got numerous sheets of paper to prove it. I’ve never been so prolific! The advice were so simple yet crucial. When in doubt, tell them to yourself and cling to them.

Do it for the love of writing.

Just write and don’t ever give up.

This Isn’t a Writing Tip!

Tips October 29, 2016 Leave a comment

Hello, everyone!

I know I’m a day late. I had university work to do, I’m sorry. Today’s tip isn’t much a writing tip per say, but more of a tip to manage your time to write.

Do you know about bullet journaling?

If not, trust me, it’s worth it!

Bullet journaling is cheap. You just need to get a blank-paged journal, number the pages, and date it monthly and daily.

Here’s a short video (5 minutes) to show you what it is and how it works:

Once you have your bullet journal, it’s so easy to keep track of your tasks, events, and notes. I’ve been using it myself for the past week and gosh, I have never been this motivated to cross out a task! This also leaves you with a reasonable schedule in which to include some writing time. Thus, you can enjoy it and not be stressed about forgetting what tasks you have and whatnots. Daily life can be exhausting and I wanted a way to keep track of everything including my writing AND university. This way I can do both instead of being upset all the time. Bullet journaling is the best method for task and time managing I have found!

Although, this method is not bulletproof (oh, the pun!). What I mean by that is that you MUST fill in your daily and monthly logs, otherwise it will do you no good. But once you get the hang of it, it totally works.

So simple, yet so worth it (and fun)!

Don’t forget to decorate your bullet journal with pictures and stickers, or even drawings if you like! It makes it even more entertaining and unique.

What do you think of bullet journaling?

Do you want to try it out?

 

This Isn ‘ t a Writing Tip!

chit-chatting with Cat, Tips October 29, 2016 Leave a comment

Hello, everyone!

I know I'm a day late. I had university work to do, I'm sorry. Today's tip isn't much a writing tip per say, but more of a tip to manage your time to write. Do you know about bullet journaling? If not, trust me, it's worth it! Bullet journaling is cheap. You just need to get a blank-paged journal, number the pages, and date it monthly and daily.

Here's a short video (5 minutes) to show you what it is and how it works: Once you have your bullet journal, it's so easy to keep track of your tasks, events, and notes. I've been using it myself for the past week and gosh, I have never been this motivated to cross out a task! This also leaves you with a reasonable schedule in which to include some writing time. Thus, you can enjoy it and not be stressed about forgetting what tasks you have and whatnots.

Daily life can be exhausting and I wanted a way to keep track of everything including my writing AND university. This way I can do both instead of being upset all the time. Bullet journaling is the best method for task and time managing I have found! Although, this method is not bulletproof (oh, the pun!). What I mean by that is that you MUST fill in your daily and monthly logs, otherwise it will do you no good. But once you get the hang of it, it totally works.

So simple, yet so worth it (and fun)! Don't forget to decorate your bullet journal with pictures and stickers, or even drawings if you like! It makes it even more entertaining and unique.

What do you think of bullet journaling?

Do you want to try it out?