Twitter Resources

As promised, here are a few of my favorite Twitter resources:

• Inky Girl: Guide to Twitter for Writers, including list of writing chats
• Inky Girl: About slow chats
• Emlyn Chand on Novel Publicity: A Beginner’s Guide to Twitter-10 Tips and The Busy Writer’s Guide to Twitter
• How to Get Noticed on Twitter on Make a Living Writing
• Media Bistro Learning Annex: 13 Reasons Why You Didn’t Get Followed Back
• Mashable: How to Get the Most Out if Twitter #Hashtags

There are many, many more, but these are a good place to start. Happy writing and Tweeting!

:) Cheryl

Ten Gifts of Twitter

I consider myself a relative newbie to the Twitterverse, so it amuses me that friends and fellow writers ask me for Twitter advice. The #1 question I get is whether Twitter is worth the time investment—that is, what the heck do I get out of it?

So I figured I’d share my answer with you all, lovely readers and Tweeters. Feel free to chime in with thoughts on what Twitter gives to you!

Read more »

The Most Influential Tweeters

If you Tweet, you might be interested in recent research from the laboratory of Alok Choudhary at Northwestern University, where grad student Ramanathan Narayanan and colleagues created a website that "uses a specialized algorithm to rank the most influential people tweeting on trending topics".

The result? While celebrities like Britney Spears and Lady Gaga gather huge numbers of Twitter followers, people are paying more attention to tweets from those with greater knowledge.

The website, http://pulseofthetweeters.com/, is an interesting resource for those of us trying to figure out what’s going on in the Twitterverse. Although I haven’t quite figured out how to apply it to what I tweet…which has nothing to do with Britney Spears, Desperate Housewives, or #welcometoChicago :P.

:) Cheryl

* Photo courtesy of Giles Gunthier, Flickr Commons

The Week’s (Weeks’) Tweets on how to bypass roadblocks and WRITE THE STORY!

WTS=Write the Story! Why? Because it's fun—rewarding—excruciating—fulfilling—and ultimately cheaper than therapy :) Happy writing!

WTS 75: Set small writing goals for "stolen moments".

Awesome series on creative blocks and how to tackle them at LATERAL ACTION: http://bit.ly/amCki6

Finally, I have the excuses I needed to become a bookstore employee: http://bit.ly/cFWKJj (I already handsell children's lit on each visit!)

WTS 76: Need ideas? Take a creativity nap. Find a cozy spot, a pen & paper, and a story question and drift to answers.

WTS 77: If your productivity lags, try setting a deadline for yourself. Ever notice how we can hit deadlines at "real" jobs? Same idea!

Visit MEN WITH PENS for an inspirational read titled "How to Improve Your Writing" http://bit.ly/d50f2P

I think I'm channeling Meg's mom from Wrinkle in Time: mixed glue and dried beans in a pie tin during dinner prep 2nite (craft inspiration)!

SCBWI members: log onto SCBWI website and paste in this link for info about Rocky Mtn Chap's 2010 scholarship: http://http://bit.ly/bKIiVC

Wisdom from author Linda Rohrbaugh, #PPWC 2010: Even a poor plan, properly executed, will work. it's all in the execution. #writingtips

Inspiration from bestselling author @jodithomas: "Are you a wishbone, a jawbone, or a backbone" when it comes to writing? #writing

If you haven't yet,check out Elizabeth Gilbert's (Eat, Pray, Love) TED talk on creativity: http://bit.ly/b8HXwc

@amyfries writes on how Mind Wandering Enhances Creative Problem Solving: http://bit.ly/dnlrYP

WTS 78: There's nothing like extended time with other writers, editors, and agents to inspire and grow you as a writer http://bit.ly/ckUyw2

:) Cheryl

The week’s Tweets on how to bypass roadblocks and WRITE THE STORY!

WTS=Write the Story! Why? Because it's fun—rewarding—excruciating—fulfilling—and ultimately cheaper than therapy :) Happy writing!

WTS 67: Explore synesthesia--hearing color, tasting sound, etc.--as a way to make the abstract vivid in your writing

WTS 68: When inspired, seize the creative moment by writing with speed, not perfection. Capture ideas, not details! #writing

WTS 69: Write YA? Read what your audience is reading for topics, inspiration, and voice. Top 10 teen girls' magazines http://bit.ly/cfurNI

WTS 70: Sometimes being "in the zone" shifts into being in the grip of an obsessed muse. Don't fight it--but prepare to collapse afterward!

Susan K. Perry, author of Writing in Flow: Keys to Enhanced Creativity, shares tips on re-entering your creative zone http://bit.ly/6vDTov

WTS 71: Inspiration dragging? Try taking a writing class. For instance, low-cost classes available at Writer U http://bit.ly/9pcIRy

RT @MelissaWrites: YA author, Laura Resau on Strong Female Protagonists (who you want as your best friends) http://shar.es/mgilC

WTS 72: Map character motivations and what they’re thinking in response to events in each scene to create believable reactions and dialog.

What color is your universe? Read Nisi Shawl's "Transracial Writing for the Sincere" for thoughts on writing diversity: http://bit.ly/aZh4xX

WTS 73: Imitation can help you discover new ways with words. Take a paragraph from a fave author & rewrite with your character and setting

Great info: SFWA How to Kill ...: A writer’s guide to diseases and injuries, and how to use them effectively in fiction http://bit.ly/c4A6eL

RT @ShrinkngViolets Do your online habits need an overhaul? Ours did. http://bit.ly/bcJJhv - Great food for thought

 

The week’s Tweets on how to bypass roadblocks and WRITE THE STORY!

WTS=Write the Story! Why? Because it's fun--rewarding--excruciating--fulfilling--and ultimately cheaper than therapy :) Happy writing!

WTS 64: Spend a day writing down everything you say/hear in conversation for inspiration. Notice: how is written dialog different?

WTS 65: Sometimes the subconscious needs to work without interruption. Occupy the conscious mind w/meditative task like stirring soup...

...crocheting, walking, ironing, yoga...experiment!

Kitty Bucholtz (Routines for Writers) looks back on a month-o-author interviews & finding a routine that works for YOU http://bit.ly/c8xotM

Cultivate daydreams as a source of innovation & motivation http://bit.ly/cshbCv

Happiness: just finished @LaurenMyracle's Peace, Love, Bby Ducks; stripey socks via http://bit.ly/aGqasJ; and a novel to rewrite....

Looking for a low-key, children's writer-focused #NaNoWriMo alternative? Check out Nancy Sander's Book-in-a-Month Club http://bit.ly/aj5P6k

WTS 66: Give your inspiration a target. Pick a story problem and start looking for ideas--you'll be surprised what you notice!

More on paying attention to find inspiration at Freelance Switch: http://bit.ly/aA3gIt

There is a great deal of difference between an eager man who wants to read a book and the tired man who wants a book to read -(GK Chesterton)

WTS 66: Make small goals when you're "too busy to write". Baby steps move you forward, if only by eliminating what doesn’t work.

Every wrong attempt discarded is another step forward.

(Thomas Edison)

The week’s (several weeks?) Tweets on how to bypass roadblocks and WRITE THE STORY!

WTS=Write the Story! Why? Because it's fun--rewarding--excruciating--fulfilling--and ultimately cheaper than therapy :) Happy writing!

WTS 52: Show up at the page no matter what. Writing is like running: sometimes the hardest part is getting out the door!

When all else fails, write for love. I love my current rewriting. It's a good sign when the climax of your book makes you cry, right?

WTS 53: Disown part of yourself--lose touch with all of yourself, including creativity (from O’Doherty’s GETTING UNSTUCK ...)

Must-read interview with @thewritermama on time management for writers by @inkyelbows: http://bit.ly/8ceoG0

On the topic of time management, check out this inspiring interview with Lindsey Eland (SCONES AND SENSIBILITY): http://bit.ly/6lUTCi

WTS 54: Explore the psychology of creativity with CREATIVITY FOR LIFE by creativity coach Eric Maisel (http://bit.ly/7pWjK0)

WTS 55: Slowing down can inspire http://bit.ly/92rxaf

WTS 56: If you write YA, there's no substitute for eavesdropping with pen in hand. Or better yet, raise a teen of your own and take notes!

Today's quote from oldest son: "Division of labor. I come up with plans and you laugh at them." Ah, I'd never come up w/these lines myself!

WTS 57: Apply critique group to story premise, plot, structure, beginning, and characters.

WTS 58: Stuck on a scene? Who says you have to write them in order? Skip around for inspiration

...or check out Rosenfeld's MAKE A SCENE for info on scene functions, core elements, and types of scenes. http://bit.ly/bSfxMd *GREAT BOOK*

WTS 59: Ask: What do I care about? What am I confused about? What do I love and hate? The best fiction moves past plot to philosophy.

The Week’s Tweets on how to dodge subconscious blocks and WRITE THE STORY

WTS=Write the Story!

WTS #44: Learn to recognize procrastination! When you feel called away from the page, ask yourself why; you may need to keep on writing.

WTS45 What project do you procrastinate? Does it need a rest? The best writing comes from the heart. Find your heart=beat procrastination!

Speaking of procrastination, here's my current distraction...http://bit.ly/7PnZ6O. "Getting organized" can waste more time than it saves!

RT ElizabethSCraig: Is your writing flat and wooden? How to enliven it: http://tinyurl.com/yb3bauo

WTS 46: Sometimes if the words don't come quickly, you're trying to write the wrong thing. Step back. Approach the scene from a new angle.

RT CynLeitichSmith: "Is it clear what characters want? don’t want? what’s in the way?" -- great revision q's via #yalit author Brian Yansky http://bit.ly/7rxgXW

WTS 47: Feeling stuck? Check out GETTING UNSTUCK WITHOUT COMING UNGLUED...by Susan O’Doherty (review: http://bit.ly/6VLAZn)

WTS 48: What would you write about if no one else could see? (inspired by GETTING UNSTUCK)

WTS 49: What voices from your past or present deflate your dreams? (inspired by GETTING UNSTUCK)

WTS 50: What story from your family or childhood can you never tell? (inspired by GETTING UNSTUCK)

Surround yourself with the positive to reach your goals: http://bit.ly/8h9xnQ

Write The Story 51: A story is like an iceberg; 85% of the work is invisible. Trust the process; story groundwork isn't always visible.

If you’re interested, come join me at @CherylRWrites for Tweets to help you overcome creative blocks and thrive on the writer’s road!

:) Cheryl

The Week’s Tweets on how to dodge subconscious blocks and WRITE THE STORY

WTS=Write the Story!

Write the Story 38: Meet a writing friend to brainstorm solutions to tough writing problems. Coffee helps

WTS 39: Feeling stuck? Read with an eye for for craft--for ex in Maggie Stiefvater’s Ballad: A Gathering of Faerie. See http://bit.ly/4WFqwL

WTS #40: Feeling overwhelmed with holiday bustle? Steal a writing hour w/no distractions: turn off phone, Internet, and chatty relatives :-)

WTS #41: Take advantage of holiday get-togethers: listen, ask questions, collect stories, discover insights into character, place, & dialog

WTS #42: Setting New Year writing goals? Consider making them public at Writer's Digest http://bit.ly/8lDX05

RT @ElizabethSCraig Applying the SMART doctrine to your writing resolutions: http://tinyurl.com/yeby9eo

RT @gretchenrubin A Year In The Pursuit Of Happiness: 7 Surprising Truths About What Makes Us Happy... http://bit.ly/87PfSl

Feeling Stuck? Chris Guillebeau suggests some great strategies for escaping the rut: http://bit.ly/5mKIdz

WTS #43: Stuck on a scene? Who says you have to write them in order? Skip around for inspiration.

The Week’s Tweets on how to dodge subconscious blocks and WRITE THE STORY

WTS=Write the Story!

WTS 33: Does mood affect creativity? Research suggests recovery from depression, not depression, inspires creativity. http://bit.ly/8FkBQQ

WTS 34: More on mood/creativity relationship: One study shows both positive and negative moods spark creativity http://bit.ly/93aW3k

In other words:happy or sad people more creative, relaxed or angry people less so. And playing a video game can spark creativity

...and for another take on creativity and mood, see http://bit.ly/6GKI0p, which claims a sad writer is a careful writer.

WTS 35: Feeling stuck? Take a long walk, with pen and paper or a voice recorder for when inspiration strikes.

WTS 36: Create an inspirational playlist. What music does your character like? What music reflects your character’s mood?

WTS 37: Play a “background sounds” CD of waves, birds, a crackling fire, etc., to help create the right mood for writing a particular scene.

:) Cheryl

*Photo courtesy of Giles Gunthier, Flickr Commons

The Week’s Tweets on how to dodge subconscious blocks and WRITE THE STORY

WTS=Write the Story!

WTS 29: Immerse yourself in setting--read up on local news. For ex. you might read about the barefoot burglar! http://bit.ly/8BwAsY

WTS 30: Immerse yourself in the sounds of setting--and add in creativity-boosting binaural beats using a product such as www.Brainbaths.com

Skeptical of binaural beats? See http://bit.ly/5t9YPj for more info. For me: they help improve my focus and creativity. Why not try?

WTS 31: Impossible-seeming goals stretch you as a writer + help you learn to access creativity more quickly http://bit.ly/7ybcGN #Nanowrimo

WTS 32: Use the sense of smell to get inside your character's head. See http://bit.ly/505m5v for Debby Dahl Anderson on sensory detail.

…and for my favorite random post of the week: RT from @katert0t LOLCATS NEW MOON. BRINGS JOY. MUST LOOK. http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/7392/newmoonlolcat.jpg

The Week’s Tweets on how to dodge subconscious blocks and WRITE THE STORY

WTS=Write the Story!

WTS 25: Sometimes, the physical act of writing will trigger a breakthrough. Start small: brainstorm a list of plot twists and surprises.

Newberry winner Susan Patron speaks on tricking your muse (and finding inspiration in the dirty clothes): http://bit.ly/6pJKfB

WTS 26: Brainstorms count as writing! Brainstorm character quirks, flaws, motivations, desires--and see where it takes you.

WTS 27: Take advantage of the brain-body connection. Inspire creativity through movement! http://bit.ly/6QUHNF

More inspiration through movement: Try guided yoga (http://bit.ly/2H6K14) to energize mind and body.

Let a prompt inspire--check out the writing contest over at readergirlz: http://bit.ly/81xHUW

WTS 28: Sign up for monthly inspiration and info in Randy Ingermanson's ezine http://bit.ly/7mGkSj.

...or check out the Dec issue (http://bit.ly/6cFLsv) for tips on creating mood in fiction and tips on keeping yourself accountable.

If you’re interested, come join me at @CherylRWrites for Tweets to help you overcome creative blocks and thrive on the writer’s road!

:) Cheryl

This week’s Tweets on how to dodge subconscious blocks and WRITE THE STORY

Write the Story 22: Obsess on setting: read travel blogs & local news. Plaster pictures on your desktop. Find sounds & smells that inspire.

Write the Story 23: Obsess on sensation: roleplay characters’ physical actions - notice every sensory detail as if for the first time.

…for example: How does it feel to climb out of the sea and have cold wind blow dry your skin?

WTS 24: Mindfulness meditation: how slowing down for a few minutes can speed up your writing (among other benefits) http://bit.ly/66WljH

If you’re interested, come join me at @CherylRWrites for Tweets to help you overcome creative blocks and thrive on the writer’s road.

:) Cheryl

This week’s Tweets on how to dodge subconscious blocks and WRITE THE STORY

Write the Story 14: New blog post – researching first love http://bit.ly/QIfXo [Okay, that’s a bit self-referential, but I didn’t want to confuse the rare individual who might actually be keeping track of my bizarre numbering system]

Write the Story 15: Success inspires: Enter a contest such as THE WRITER’s scholarship competition http://bit.ly/48hgAJ (due 3/1/10)

...or enter the Pike’s Peak Writers contest http://bit.ly/3jKf0E (due 11/15/09) for critiques and a chance to meet an editor or agent

Write the Story 16: Train to write the way you'd train for a race--and sign up for a "race" like NaNo for motivation http://bit.ly/4uQWiw

Write the Story 17: Explore place. Need ideas how to do so? Check out the November 2009 issue of The Writer

Write the Story 18: Seek fire's hypnotic inspiration—at your own fireplace (if you’re so lucky), a local Starbucks, or in a candle’s flame .

Write the Story 19: The more intensively you write, the more you need to refuel: read great books, walk down the street, people watch!

Write the Story 20: Dig for ideas - see blog post "On prairie dogs, seeds, and elusive ideas" http://bit.ly/pphtW

Write the Story 21: Obsess. Imagine your next scene while falling asleep; let your subconscious work; wake early to write what results!

If you’re interested, come join me at @CherylRWrites for Tweets to help you overcome creative blocks and thrive on the writer’s road.

:) Cheryl

Last Week’s Tweets: How to dodge subconscious blocks, inspire creativity, and WTS (Write The Story!)

Ease your subconscious into WTS, #6: “Sketch” scene in note form on the left-hand notebook page—less intimidating than real writing.

Ease your subconscious into WTS, #7: Step back into research. Spend time on Flickr or Google searching for images that inspire.

Ease your subconscious into WTS, #8: Step back into research. Read news articles or blogs from the place your story is set.

If you’re interested, come join me at @CherylRWrites for near-daily Tweets to help you thrive on the writer’s road.

:) Cheryl

Twitter? Me?

Well, I’m finally convinced. If the Shrinking Violets say that Twitter can be a good thing, well, I figured I’d better give it a try. (See their post “If At First You Don’t Succeed, Tweet, Tweet Again”.)

I've been signed up on Twitter for a while, to follow a few others; now, I'm actually going to--don't keel over here--POST. Sorry. I mean I'm going to TWEET. I've actually posted one already!

Starting this weekend, I’ll be posting a series on how to bypass your creative blocks, inner editor, outer distractions, etc., and actually Write The Story (WTS). If you’re interested, you can follow me at: @CherylRWrites.

Come find me so I don’t get lonely in cyber-twitter-land!

P.S.

Thanks to the Shrinking Violets (@shrinkngviolets) for pointing me to this great guide for Twitter newbies: RT@mitaliperkins: Getting Started on Twitter: A Quick Guide for Kid/YA Writers: Newbie to Twitter http://bit.ly/f5pke