Would you like to get out of the starting blocks faster when your alarm clock sounds? If so, you need a morning ritual or routine you adhere to without question. Beethoven, for example, went for an early morning walk each day with a pocket notebook to capture ideas before composing.He did all right.In The Creative Habit, American choreographer Twyla Tharp explained, "It's Pavlovian: Follow the routine, (and) get a creative pay off."So what rituals can you follow to rise up and start the day the ...
Sep 14, 2018•9 min
Writing is a lonely job. It demands spending extended periods by yourself working on articles, stories or books, often without feedback from others.Look at the work spaces of many famous writers, and you'll find them typing away in basements, coffee shops and rooms at the tops of their houses or backs of their apartments. The American poet Raymond Carver, for example, often wrote on a notepad in his car.The big question is: How can you balance the time you need by yourself to create and the acco...
Sep 06, 2018•9 min
Lots of top writers and creative professionals nap every day. It will help you find more ideas and focus on your writing. In this episode, I explain how to nap effectively and get away with it, based on an interview with Christoper Lindholst CEO of Metronaps.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/becomeawritertoday/message Support the show If you enjoyed the show please leave a review on Apple . And if you have any questions you can find me on Twitter @BryanJCollins Thanks for listening!...
Aug 02, 2018•8 min
Malcolm Gladwell is one of the world's top business writers, but did you know he struggled to find success for years?In this episode, I explain how Gladwell made peace with marketing and writing and what you can learn from his approach.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/becomeawritertoday/message Support the show If you enjoyed the show please leave a review on Apple . And if you have any questions you can find me on Twitter @BryanJCollins Thanks for listening!...
Jul 26, 2018•9 min
What's the best grammar checker you can use in 2018?Or are you looking for the best online proofreading software? As a writer who loves tools, I've tested some of the most popular proofreading tools and best grammar checkers for writers, bloggers and authors.In this post, I'll explain what's the best proofreading software and grammar checker software in 2018 and what you need to know about each one of these tools.I'll also review Ginger and Whitesmoke in detail.--- Send in a voice message: https...
Jul 19, 2018•14 min
Albert Einstein knew how to work hard, and he also knew when to take time off. He once said, "I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious."Einstein's curiosity drove him as a child, adult and older man to pursue scientific ideas and projects that are still applicable today, such as his famous Theory of Relativity. His life and approach to work, as detailed by Walter Isaacson, offers many lessons if you want to become more productive. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/b...
Jul 12, 2018•6 min
Author. Printer. Politician. Scientist. Postmaster. Founding father. As one of the leading thinkers and public figures of the eighteenth century, Benjamin Franklin knew a thing or two about getting things done—and playing the whistle (more on that later).He demonstrated a tremendous stability to balance competing projects, interests and jobs. So how did he accomplish so much during his lifetime, and how can you apply these mental strategies today?--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/be...
Jul 05, 2018•8 min
Where are you going next?”I was sick of this question.I was nearly two months into a summer backpackingtrip around Brazil, and I’d begun to loathe the backpackersaround me. They kept asking me questions – not becausethey cared about my answer, but so they could prove theirexperiences were more valid – and I was tired of it.I guess I was jealous....In this episode I narrate an extract from The Power of Creativity and explain how you can find better ideas for your creative projects.Find out more b...
Jun 14, 2018•13 min
This is a follow on episode where I elaborate on my journal writing practice. It's also based on this detailed article I wrote for Better Humans on Medium: https://betterhumans.coach.me/how-to-start-a-journaling-habit-today-99d5f98fe8ccResourceshttps://anchor.fm/becomeawritertoday/episodes/Why-Journal-Writing-Is-Such-a-Valuable-Practice-e16buc--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/becomeawritertoday/message Support the show If you enjoyed the show please leave a review on Apple . And if ...
Jun 07, 2018•13 min
Kurt Vonnegut got over his fears about becoming an author. He learnt how to write great books… and how to sell them. He also crafted eight rules for struggling and fearful writers… but they apply to all types of writing, even if you’re crafting the copy for the back of a cereal box. Resources Kurt Vonnegut’s Rules for Writing Support the show If you enjoyed the show please leave a review on Apple . And if you have any questions you can find me on Twitter @BryanJCollins Thanks for listening!...
Jun 01, 2018•15 min
Famous American playwright and screenwriter David Mamet offers two rules for success as an artist.Although he speaks primarily from his experiences as a dramatic writer, Mamet’s advice is useful for all kinds of creatives including painters, musicians, comedians and even bloggers on Medium.He said, “You’ve got to do one thing for your art every day, and you’ve got to do one thing for your business every day.”What does Mamet’s advice look like in practice? And is he right?--- Send in a voice mess...
May 22, 2018•10 min
Do you want to turn your blog into a book? If you're a non-fiction writer, this is a fantastic approach to writing a book.Last year, I set out to write a book about non-fiction writing. I decided that I wanted to turn some of the blog posts from Become a Writer Today into book chapters.So I drew together the strands of my published blog posts with the topic for my book.In this episode, I'll explain what I learned from this approach to book writing. I'll also give you some blog to book tips.But f...
May 15, 2018•13 min
I once wrote the first draft of a book chapter that smelt so bad, I had to open up the office window while reading it.It's a good thing my first drafts are for me alone, and yours should be too.When you sit down to write a first draft, you may lack confidence or feel uninspired by what you're about to do.When you’re writing a first draft, it's you alone wrestling with your ideas and stories, and if you pin one to the page or if procrastination pins you to the chair, nobody needs to know.Most wri...
May 08, 2018•11 min
New York man Robert Mapplethorpe (1946-1989) wanted to do one thing with his life: to live for art. During his teens and early twenties, he experimented with drawing, painting and sculpture.Then, in 1970 a friend gave Robert a loan of a 360 Land camera, a clunky but technically simple, silver and black device. Robert settled on the camera as his creative tool of expression because “it was more honest.”At first, Robert restricted himself to only taking pictures of his former -girlfriend and life-...
May 01, 2018•7 min
I've worked at home on and off for several years as a journalist, copywriter and marketer. I've procrastinated and accomplished nothing while working outside of the office. I've also enjoyed some of my most productive days while working at home.I'm not alone.Earlier this year, social media software company Buffer found that more than 90% of employees working outside of the office would prefer to work remotely for the remainder of their careers rather than going back to the office.You might prefe...
Apr 24, 2018•10 min
I want to talk about four of the most common fears that new writers and people who set out to write a book for the first time often have. To talk about these fears I want to tell you a little bit about my writing journey.You see, when I was in my early twenties I decided I wanted to become a writer and I said I wanted to write a book but there was just one problem, I wasn’t writing anything at all. You see, I believed I wasn’t ready to write and I needed some anointed mentor in a tweed jacket to...
Apr 19, 2018•11 min
I knew I wanted to publish my first book, and that learning to write every day was the key to doing it.But, it wasn’t enough to know the concept.I had to figure out how to keep my deadlines and finish writing what I started.How could I write every day and balance having a job, two kids, friends and family who don’t write, and all the in-betweens?I faced my biggest challenge yet.If couldn’t face this one down, I’d never be able to call myself an author.I’d never be able to look myself in the mirr...
Apr 17, 2018•9 min
Now, my list of writing prompts works for me... because Iwrote them. No, that’s not the sound of my over-sized egobanging off the ceiling.I’d like you to create your own list of writing prompts and add to it over time.Whether you’re writing a journal entry, a blog post or a book chapter, keeping a personal library of writing prompts will save you hours of wasted time.Use a notepad.Use a digital app like Evernote. Use the back of your hand if you have to... but build your personal library of writ...
Apr 12, 2018•14 min
Steve Martin spent much of the 1970s becoming America’s top stand-up comedian. He toured the country with his surreal show, and he sold out arenas to thousands of screaming fans.Martin wanted more.His real goal was to break into the movie business. Martin knew it would take a single-minded focus to achieve this new, larger goal. So, he put his stand-up comedy career to one side to concentrate on acting and screenwriting.ResourcesBorn Standing Up by Steve MartinSteve Martin's Masterclass-https://...
Apr 04, 2018•8 min
It’s exciting, isn’t it?Writing your first book and then sending the final version to your editor and later it being available (and SELLING!) on stores like Amazon.The months (or even years) of hard work are over, and now you can watch with pride as your book goes out into the world.Now, you can sit back as your ideas and stories make an impact on readers and earn you a side-income.You can finally call yourself an author.But, what if you’re not there yet? What if you’re still struggling to finis...
Mar 27, 2018•12 min
Several readers and listeners recently emailed me asking: “How can I become a better writer?”The right answer to how to become a better writer (or even a good writer), depends on what level you’re at, what you write, and what becoming a better writer means for you.For example, Stephen King may think success means topping the New York Times best-seller list.(Suffice to say, Mr. King did not email me.)Success for a new writer could mean getting published in a magazine for the first time.Years ago,...
Mar 22, 2018•12 min
"The habit of writing for my eye is good practice. It loosens the ligaments.” — Virginia WoolfDo you keep a journal? I’ve spent years writing in journals of various forms and it’s my favourite writing practice. In this short post, I explain why you should start one too.Top Tools for Journal WritingA notepad: you can’t beat the classics!Day One: a dedicated journaling app for Mac and iOS usersJourney: a diary app for AndroidThe Daly Stoic Journal by Ryan Holiday: Packed full of journaling prompts...
Mar 16, 2018•10 min
In episode, I explain how you can find time and space for working on your non-fiction book.This is an extract from The Art of Writing a Non-Fiction Book. The full audiobook is available now on Amazon and Audible. becomeawritertodaybook.com--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/becomeawritertoday/message Support the show If you enjoyed the show please leave a review on Apple . And if you have any questions you can find me on Twitter @BryanJCollins Thanks for listening!...
Mar 14, 2018•14 min
I caught up with Chandler Bolt, the author of six self-published books and the founder of Self Publishing School.In this interview, he told me about:* How to self-publish a book * The one thing you must do before you write or self-publish your book* How to avoid the common mistakes new writers (not authors!) make* The simple rule that helps Chandler balance writing with running a successful businessCheck out:Self-publishingschool.comhttps://self-publishingschool.com/how-to-publish-a-book/https:/...
Mar 13, 2018•24 min
In this interview, David Chesson of Kindlepreneur and I talk about how to sell more books on Amazon Kindle. Dave is 31 years old and a 9 year veteran of the US Navy. He was also a military kid who has lived in all corners of the globe. But that’s not what defines him.After his family, his real passion is books, but more specifically Kindle ebooks.David blogs regularly about selling more books on Kindlepreneur.com. He's also the man behind one of my favourite tools for indie writers: KDPRocket.Ch...
Mar 13, 2018•24 min
Whether you're writing fiction, non-fiction or blogging, deadlines are important. In this episode, I explain five ways you can manage your time and ship your work. I even offer a tip from Elon Musk's playbook.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/becomeawritertoday/message Support the show If you enjoyed the show please leave a review on Apple . And if you have any questions you can find me on Twitter @BryanJCollins Thanks for listening!...
Mar 13, 2018•10 min
Lots of writers and creative professionals worry about keeping focused and productive without burning out. Find out how to strike the right balance in this episode. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/becomeawritertoday/message Support the show If you enjoyed the show please leave a review on Apple . And if you have any questions you can find me on Twitter @BryanJCollins Thanks for listening!...
Mar 13, 2018•11 min
