Tina Haapala, Excuse Editor

Image from Flickr Ahh.. the first blush of a new love: the excitement, the intensity--you are swept up, head over heels, crazy for...your new writing project. Do you imagine spending sweet time with your new love, exploring your heart in ways you never thought possible? Do you predict the two of you enjoying time between the covers--of a beautifully crafted book? Or...will your grip on to your new obsession last for just a short while, only to be tossed it to the side? Are you taking a "friends with benefits" approach to your writing? Today's Excuse: I like it, but I can't put a ring on it. Excuse Editor Tips: Transforming Your Writing Fling to the Real Thing Notches On Your … Pencil Are you skipping from project to project, writing each off because the next idea may be better? Even if you hear one of them calling you back, you ignore it and rationalize that if it was "the ONE" you would have known by now. Not that you gave it a chance. Limit you...

It wasn't this version, but I had this song on a little 45 record ( Wiki link for you young folks) when I was little. It's pretty catchy, as you'll discover later today when you find yourself humming it. But more memorable than the melody were the messages: Just Sing. Make it Simple. Don't worry.  There's a reason All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten  was such a hit. There are times, as adults, we make things more complicated than they need to be. If we go back to the basics, we may find the answers we are looking for. As writers, it may bring Joy to our writing when the going gets tough. Just Sing Songs sung from the heart touch us. Our writing begins there as well. Writers have stories deep inside that they want to get out and sing--maybe in private, maybe to an audience--but the "songs" are there. When we begin, we need to let go of our expectations of the end result and just enjoy the words eager to rush out and make o...

In honor of Valentine's Day, here's a few quick tips to keep in mind about Finding Your True Love. Of Writing, that is: Love Yourself and Your Writing First You need to honor yourself and your writing. Pamper yourself by making time for your writing love. Come to terms with your writing flaws, and discover what you need to make yourself better. Feel good about your work, and eventually others will too. Put Yourself Out There If you want your writing to get noticed, you make it available. Submit your work as much as you can if you want to be a published writer. Even if you don't have publishing ambitions, share your work with your loved ones, or some kindred spirits-- other writers. While you are at it-- Put Your Best Self out There Especially when submitting, make sure the work that goes out is the best example of your writing that you can give. No typos, spelling errors, mistakes in grammar...This is your time to shine! Don't be Afraid to make the Fi...