“I didn’t know it was going to be this difficult!”

Have you found yourself saying that very thing? “Wow! This is a lot of work, and difficult, and confusing.”

I know. I’ve said all those things, plus many more things, while sitting here completely overwhelmed and discouraged. If you’re at all like me, the idea of writing novels and writing my blog seemed so glamorous in my head.

I thought, I can write and blog anytime I want, anywhere I want. Picturing myself sitting in a gorgeous location, drink in my right hand, pen in my left, leisurely writing the next thing that is going to bring in boatloads of money so I don’t have to work that 9-5 anymore.

Yeah, no! Eventually, though? Yes, absolutely. It’s just that there’s a lot of work that has to be put into it first. And, not to scare you away, there’s much more to learn about novel writing and blogging that first meets the eye.

For blogging, I had to attempt to navigate WordPress (still struggling with that). I had to learn how to post, what to post, how the posts should look, where to post, where to get stock photos for the posts, and on and on.

For novel writing, well, quadruple that learning curve and then some.

How Do I Do That Without Going Crazy? Or Hating It?

• I recommend you learn as you go. That’s what I do and I have to say, I’m thoroughly enjoying the process.

Here’s Some Advice

Whether you’re a blogger or a novelist, if you’re not sure how to do something properly, get assistance. There are a plethora of resources out there that have valuable information to help you.

I’ll give you a list of sites, courses, blogs, newsletters, websites, etc., that have helped me. I am a novelist and also write short stories and this blog, thetimeiswrite.com. I am always trying to learn. I want to write the best stories, courses, and blog that I can.

I Have Found the Following to be Invaluable:

• Asking your favorite, successful authors on facebook for advice. Most are happy to help you
• Searching for Pinterest pins on any topic for which you need help. I created a “writing tips” board on my personal Pinterest account and posted them there for reference
• I signed up for newsletters from Reedsy, Taylor Stanford, K. M. Weiland, Jerry Jenkins, Kristen Keifer. Their emails have such valuable, free information
• Courses that are free or low cost: Udemy, Taylorstanford.com, DailyOm, Kristenkeifer.com
• Other writing blogs. On facebook, just type into the search, creative writing or blogging and follow any one’s in which you find interest
• Stephen King’s book- “On Writing,” is quite helpful
• YouTube has videos on just about anything with which you need help.
• Programs such as Grammarly (free version is great) is an awesome program if you’re not as great as you’d like to be at grammar and punctuation

I hope I’ve given you some ideas as to how to best learn and navigate the world of blogging and novel writing.

If you have any sites or avenues that have helped you learn, please mention them in the comments. Feel free to ask questions as well.

Happy Writing!

[ctct form=”387″ show_title=”false”]