Buildwriting

In this episode, I dive into a common concern among writers: Do you really need to master grammar before you start writing? I share my thoughts on how focusing too much on grammar can actually hold you back and discuss practical ways to improve your grammar skills as you write. If you've ever felt like your grammar isn't good enough, this episode is for you. Let's explore how you can b...

In this episode, I dive into whether writing is too solitary for social people. Yes, writing is often a solo activity, but I stress the importance of seeking out connections and feedback. I suggest joining events, conferences, online communities, or a writing group. Collaboration with other creatives is key, and I wrap up by highlighting the perks of connecting with like-minded folks. Join My News...

In this episode, I explore the idea that even ordinary lives hold interesting stories. As writers, our job is to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. I emphasize that everyday stories can still be compelling and valuable. I provide practical advice for finding and creating stories, including keeping a journal, practicing people-watching, exploring family history, and analyzing emotional...

In this episode, I explore whether new writers can compete with established authors. The emphasis is on developing a unique writing voice and style instead of striving to be the best. Readers crave fresh perspectives, and new writers can provide that. The key takeaway is to focus on continuous improvement over time. I offer practical advice, such as starting with short stories and articles to buil...

In this episode, I tackle the question of whether you need more life experience to start writing. I argue that writing itself is a form of experience, allowing you to create unique perspectives and stories regardless of your age or background. It’s important to use what you have to make the ordinary interesting through twists, surprises, and conflicts. I suggest keeping a daily journal, conducting...

In this episode, I discuss how the fear of criticism shouldn't hold you back from writing. What others say about your work is out of your control, and often, the fear of criticism is worse than the criticism itself. I highlight that constructive feedback can actually improve your writing. Start with small projects to build your confidence, and view criticism as an opportunity for growth. I enc...

In this episode, I explore whether family and friends will support your writing dreams. I stress the importance of showing your work rather than just talking about it. Believing in yourself is key—you’re your own biggest fan. I also discuss how loved ones might not always be supportive and suggest building a network of fellow writers. The episode wraps up with a challenge: write a letter to a skep...

In this episode, I explore the connection between reading and writing. While reading is essential for learning from other authors, it shouldn’t become an excuse to avoid writing. Writing itself is a powerful tool to clear thoughts and organize ideas. I encourage setting aside time for both, starting to write now, and refining your skills through reading. I also suggest joining a book club or writi...

In this episode, I tackle a question that's close to my heart: can non-native English speakers truly excel at writing in English? Spoiler alert: the answer is a resounding yes! I'll share inspiring examples of Nobel Prize-winning authors who've done just that, proving that your mother tongue doesn't define your writing potential. We'll dive into what it really means to write &q...

In this episode, I dive into the age-old question: do you really need a dedicated writing space to succeed as a writer? I'll share my thoughts on how a distraction-free zone can boost your productivity, but I'll also tell you about a writer who had the "perfect" setup and still couldn't put words on the page. Here's the thing - you don't need to wait for the ideal con...

I'll share how finding your writing voice is a journey, not an instant discovery. Like a child learning to speak, we writers imitate others before developing our own style. I'll explain why consistent practice, experimenting, and embracing your quirks are crucial. I'll also touch on the importance of reading widely and getting feedback. For your challenge, try writing a paragraph mimic...

In this episode, I dive into a question that plagues many writers: do we really need to know everything about our story before we start writing? I explore the spectrum of writing approaches, from meticulous planning to pure discovery writing, and how various authors have found success with different methods. Drawing from my own experience and insights from other writers, I emphasize that there&#39...

In this episode, I discuss the financial realities of a writing career in the digital age. I explain that with self-publishing and online platforms, writers have more opportunities to make money. I identify three major ways to make money as a writer: through writing itself, through teaching or talking about writing, and through related tasks like editing or owning a literary magazine. I also empha...

So, you're dreaming of being a writer, but you don't have a creative writing degree? Don't sweat it! Let's bust that myth right now. Sure, a degree can be helpful, but it's definitely not a requirement for writing success. Look at all the amazing authors out there who never stepped foot in a writing classroom. Writing is a craft, and like any craft, it's learned through pra...

Let's talk about something that might be holding you back: age. Believe me, I've heard it all before – "You're too young," or "You're too old." But guess what? Age doesn't define your ability to write. It's your craft, your voice, and your stories that matter. There are bestselling authors who started in their teens and others who didn't publish unti...

You know that feeling when you stare at a blank page, paralyzed by the fear of coming up with something completely original? Yeah, me too. But guess what? That’s a trap. The truth is, originality isn’t about inventing something out of thin air. It’s about bringing your unique perspective to a familiar idea. We’ve all heard countless stories about love, loss, and redemption. But it’s how you tell t...

Let's talk about something that terrifies even the most seasoned writers: the first draft. It's that blank page, that empty document staring back at you, demanding perfection before you even get started. But guess what? Perfection is the enemy of progress. Your first draft is your rough sketch, your brainstorming session on paper. It's where ideas take shape and start to come to life....

In this episode, I'm tackling the myth of waiting for inspiration to strike. Let's face it, relying on inspiration is like planning your day around the weather – unreliable! I'll share why discipline is your secret weapon to becoming a consistent writer. We'll uncover the reasons why so many of us fall into the inspiration trap and how to break free. Get ready to ditch the excuses...

In this episode, I dive into the age-old question: Do you need talent to be a writer? I'll share my take on why I believe practice beats pure talent every time. We'll talk about overcoming those pesky self-doubts and building your writing muscle. I'll also give you some practical tips like joining a writing group or seeking feedback from editors. And to put your new skills to the test,...

In this episode, I tackle the common excuse that writers use: "I don't have time." I'll share practical tips on how to squeeze in writing time, even with a busy schedule. You'll learn how to make the most of small moments, the power of journaling, and the importance of time management for writers. I'll also discuss strategies like early morning or late-night writing sessi...

Being busy is often used as an excuse for not writing, but it can also be a legitimate claim. The reasons people are busy include work commitments, family responsibilities, social obligations, and other hobbies and interests. Being busy is a symptom of prioritization, where certain activities take precedence over writing. It can also be a fear of failure or perfectionism, where writers feel they n...

Join the newsletter https://buildwriting.com/newsletter/ Summary In this conversation, the host explores the idea of waiting for a big writing idea and whether it is necessary or productive. They discuss the concept of waiting and how it relates to writing, the role of the Muse in generating ideas, and the misconception of a 'big writing idea'. The host emphasizes the importance of buildin...

Join the newsletter https://buildwriting.com/newsletter/ Summary In this episode, the host discusses the struggle of getting past the first line of writing. The first line is significant as it serves as the introduction and determines if a book has value. The fear of imperfection and judgment often prevents people from writing. The host emphasizes the importance of embracing imperfection and focus...

Join the newsletter https://buildwriting.com/newsletter/ Takeaways Being a morning or evening person when it comes to writing is not a matter of biology or habit, but rather a matter of trying different times of the day and finding what works best for each individual. It is important to actually sit down and write, focusing on the output rather than just the feeling or inspiration. Famous authors...

Join the newsletter I explore the concept of a perfect writing space and question its necessity. I describe the common conception of a perfect writing space as a quiet, organized place with a view, and challenge the idea that it is essential for writing. I discuss the tools needed for writing, such as pen, paper, and digital platforms like Google Docs and Notion. I suggest that a perfect writing s...