Tag Archives: tips

The Woe of Self-Esteem and Confidence (And How to Beat It!)

Tips July 11, 2019 Leave a comment

Hello, everyone!

This week's writing tip is all about self-esteem and confidence… two hard concepts to keep when they grace you with their magic. However, I have a tip and a real story to share with you about how to get confident and raise your level of self-esteem. Ready?

Let's get started!

The hardest thing to do when one wishes to write is actually sitting down and writing something. But let me tell you that

a) you will NEVER grow your confidence if you don't write. At all.

b) in order for your self-esteem to rise, you need to stop making excuses and find the time to write – you shall feel much better afterwards. You'll see. It's a step in the right direction.

I know, I know. Life is crazy fast. So how does one sit down to write when we have to wash the dishes, etc.? The answer is as simple as it's hard to apply: Make writing your priority. I kid you not. I've been reading how-to books on writing and they all say the same thing. Guess what? They're right. I've been trying it the past few days and my NaNo Prep improved. 🙂 I am now into world-building. It's quite impressive being at that point taking into consideration that I only had a concept for the story two weeks ago. If you don't make it your priority, you'll feel bad and guilty for not writing, which is the exact opposite of how you should feel for your self-esteem to rise!

As for confidence, I have a little story to tell you: This week, I wrote a flash fiction for a contest and posted it on Scribophile for reviews. For the second time in my life, I received a terribly negative review, which came as a shock to me (I'm not used to receiving poor feedback, my stories usually being great). I was hurt. Sincerely. My confidence in my writing took a step back… but then, something awesome happened. Three other people reviewed it afterwards. Their reviews were good and constructive. It made me feel better and more confident.

Moral of the story? Believe in what you can do and share it. If you don't share it, how can you know people will actually like it? You can't grow your confidence by keeping it a secret… Yes, sometimes it hurts like hell, but other times (and those are the important ones) it's as sweet as honey and crucial (as they give you constructive reviews).

You see, confidence isn't a straight line. It's more like a roller coaster. Aim for the climb at the summit, though be aware there will be hurtful going down. When you're at the top of the roller coaster, analyze what got you there. Then cherish it. Write it down, if necessary. This way, during rough times, you can look back at it and know how to work on your confidence.

Did you know that James Patterson, bestselling author of 76 novels, got rejected 31 times when he was starting out?! It's not because a certain someone, professional or not, dislikes your writing, that it is bad. Other people will see something good in it; thrive on this! And improve what you can. It's the only way you will grow your confidence. By sharing your work and becoming vulnerable. It's unpleasant, I know. But it's worth it in the long run.

Self-esteem and confidence are friends of your writing and sharing. It comes hand in hand with them.

I wish you all the best with your writing.

If you have questions about today's tip, ask me in the comments below!

On this: Just write!  

A Discovery of Writing Wealth

chit-chatting with Cat, Tips June 30, 2019 Leave a 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!  

A Poetry Workbook For You & Translators ‘ Annual Conference

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

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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.  

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?  

Let ‘ s… Let us not, after all.

chit-chatting with Cat, Tips August 16, 2015 Leave a comment

We will talk about the biggest problem besides writer's block that writers face every day: yes, procrastination.

It's like the devil in disguise because while we enjoy doing other activities, always putting writing to later, it's not actually beneficial to us. It's like instant coffee: it's a lie we love to tell ourselves. I have found tips to vanquish procrastination. They aren't numerous, but they'll have to do.

The first one is a bit twisted; it consists of making you feel quite guilty about not writing while you're doing your other activities. This one is hard and painful, but necessary I have found. Then, you have to remind yourself of it, constantly. Place post-it's around the house, saying 'You should be writing', a note in your agenda (if you have one), etc. When you'll be sick enough of it, trust me, you will sit down and write a bit, even if just for a few words or sentences. It's starting; procrastination is slowly losing.

As for the final tip, there is nothing better than to actually DO! This is the most difficult point and yet the only one really worth it. I have noticed that since I stopped other activities to write and focus on my priority, I have never been better! Things are falling into place and my general feeling has improved. I now feel content. I know procrastination is a hard one to break, but it's worth it. Pluck up your courage, grab your will, and DO it. Do it for yourself; it'll be one of the best things you could have done. All the rest will soon follow. That poem you wanted to publish? Done. The story you've been putting off for too long? Done. Doesn't it feel great? Fantastic, even? Yes. You'll see how everything then falls into its proper place. I love it now and wouldn't live without it. I battled procrastination for months and finally won. You can do the same.

So go on ahead and DO it.

Where to Write for a Living

chit-chatting with Cat, Tips April 21, 2015 Leave a comment

Writers often look for online jobs and often end up underpaid. However, I have stumbled upon a Web site a while ago that is different from the rest. It is titled ”iWrite” and says it all: You write.

There are two ways to get into the Web site. First, you sign up as a writer. Then, you need to do a few articles before getting to the next rank (there are four in totals, each with its increased payments and advantages). Having reached the ultimate level, you can even get paid $70 for ONE article! Think about how much a day of writing could earn you. That’s right: a lot.

Second, if you want to order articles, you may sign up as an employer and give your order depending on the payment you are willing to make and the description of your needs.

All in all, iWriter is a wonderful site. I used to write for fun… now I write for fun & money! It’s possible for you too! Just sign up here and get started on your own journey: http://www.iwriter.com/affiliate/276382

P.S.: If ever you need help or guidance, please, never fret to leave me a message. I’ll gladly help you! 🙂

Grandeur and Might to the Writer ‘ s Rescue

chit-chatting with Cat, Tips September 1, 2013 Leave a comment

You know how sometimes, despite our persistent Writer's Block, we try to force ourselves into finding ideas and then become depressed, even angry when nothing's come up? Or how even sometimes we do not suffer Writer's Block, but are just too exhausted, crumbling under problems or mind states?

Well, here's a genuinely strange way to uplift your mood and make ideas blossom that I've had the pleasure to experience many times before sharing it with you – I love to give accurate information: a PlayStation advertisement. Now, don't go and say this isn't relevant to our case because it is, trust me. Being quite the gamer I am, I stumbled upon this new ad for a console that is dear to me. Not only did I enjoy its image quality, the music is in itself empowering and so is the whole speech, plus the acting, the man's bearings, his connivance with you and his tone of voice simply subjugate you and make you even believe what he's telling you is true – because, well, it is! That is, also, taking into account the imagination, truth and action of one of the best ads I've ever seen.

Now, now, I know some of you will argue saying ''yes, but it's an AD, how is an ad going to help me write?!'' or ''It's for video games! There's no way it can be relevant to writing!'', but you're not winning. Why, you ask? Watch it once fully, then you'll understand. Thereafter, simply press 'play' again and open Word, never looking back at the video. The music, words and meaning will simply rise up in you, making your blood boil, your face lighten up and your ideas blossoming quickly so you can harvest them with your text editor and beautiful words. It's like a clean high for a minute – if you need to, just press 'play' again and nod throughout the video as it reaches your ears.

It's as if this precise ad aims at our feelings and emotions of grandeur, making us, writers, feel almighty and realize even more deeply that, indeed, we are gods when writing, reading AND playing video games – do you see now the relationship? Everything we do or decide comes true in these stories. Why? Because we can and want it to. It's as simple as that.

Now, go!

Watch the video and enjoy the boost of energy, joy, optimism and realization it gives us (even the title is greatness-spurring ;)):