Monday's can be tricky for most writers who have full-time jobs. I usually take Mondays off from writing. This helps me reorganize my thoughts and gives me a much-needed break. What is your opinion of Mondays off? Let me know

Today's coffee time was a minor success. I was able to utilize the camera feature, and maybe next time I can record this for everyone to look back at. I am actively working on my Classroom. Is there anything you would like to learn specifically? Please let me know what you think.

Sometimes it is not about the IF I want to write, but the 'do I have the motivation' to write. Have you ever felt like that? Some days it feels like nothing helps. I've got my computer open, with the chapter I have been working on or want to work staring at me, along with coffee, music, etc. Yet, no words are flowing. Yep. I have those days. Sometimes back-to-back. I try reading. I try watching stupid things. Nothing helps. Those days can be the days I want to quit. You may have those days and want to quit. My advice... DON'T! Those are your defining moments as a writer. Write anything—a letter to your dog, cat, or pet tarantula. Write your thoughts. Write hello. Write anything. If you can write out anything, you have had a successful writing day. Tomorrow is a new day. Not all flow comes when we want it. Pushing past it is all that matters in those moments.

You know when that idea of a great story hits? Or maybe it is, I can write that movie better? You know, the, OH I better write that down moment? Yeah! I get those too. I was so disappointed when one of my favorite books was butchered as a movie years after I had the idea to write the screenplay. What happened? I thought about it but didn't act on it. Motivation is fickle. There are days we have it and days we don't. Welcome the age of smart phones! Most cell phones will allow you to take notes or voice memos from a simple command. My smart watch does too. So, when inspiration hits, that is what I do. I tell my phone to make a note. Get my idea out of my brain before I lose it or lose motivation to do anything with it. If you got past this part, congratulations, you are ahead of the curve. My next post is how to start using that thought or idea to develop it into a story all your own. Stay tuned.

I have been writing novels for years. I always find that once I have started them, my idea is great, but the words just stop flowing. Does this happen to you? The outlines we are told are standard to use don't always work. So I have modified them to work for me. I am hoping they can help you. I will gladly take time to break down my step-by-step layout for my books, the chapter breakdowns, and how I have managed to get away from writers block without the use of AI writing for me. Want to know more?