This #1 Writer's Excuse Gets Busted

This #1 Writer's Excuse Gets Busted

By Matthew L. Hart

Writer & Humorist

Author of:

Uncle Matty's Halloween: Jokes, Bits & Anecdotes

"Until you value yourself, you won’t value your time. Until you value your time, you will not do anything with it." 
- M. Scott Peck

We are great creative writers.

I'll prove it to you.

I'll answer this question with you:

Why aren't we writing every day?

"I don't have the time.

I'm too tired to write.

I'm too busy."

I'm about tapped out and bored already.

You may have come up with more or less, similar, excuses.

They aren't bad but, let's be honest, they're all kind of rudimentary.

So, let's try this again.

This time, I want you to set a timer for three minutes.

I like using sand timers for this kind of thing.

KSM UP Sand Timer 6 Colors Hourglass 1/3/5/10/15/30 Minutes Sandglass Timer Sand Clock for Kids Games Classroom Kitchen Home Office Decoration (Pack of 6)

 Now, we write from our stream of consciousness on a new question:

Why ARE you writing every day?

I'll join you:

GO!

"I am writing every day so that my writing skills will be honed. I am becoming a Master Storyteller and as part of my training, I MUST write every day. I am writing every day to become more diciplined in my craft. I want to be able to spin compelling stories around a campfire with my family and friends. I want to tell stories that inspire people. I want to tell stories that change the world in a positive way. The only way I will be able to accomplish these things is if I write every day. I am a writer, so I write. I look forward to writing every day because I know that I will be one step closer to reaching my goal of becoming a Master Storyteller. There is no person out there just like me. By writing every day, I am expressing all that I am and contributing to the world."

TIME'S UP!

Wasn't that a lot more fun?

Looks like I had a whole lot more to write about, too.

Here's my point:

When writing becomes fun, it becomes easy.

Did you notice how uninspired our excuses were from the first question?

I believe that is because it's a negatively framed question. 

I think it's much more fun to postulate on the positive. 

Again, we're trying to make the writing experience something fun we want to do.

Also, did you notice I put no time constraints on us to write the answer to our first question? 

We had the 

"full-time cabin in the woods without 

distractions" framework to answer this question 

which I'm sure you also felt very opinionated about.

But, when we answered the question, 

"Why aren't we writing every day?" 

what did we write?

A paragraph?

Page?

A sentence?

Or, even a manuscript?

I didn't even write a paragraph! 

I literally had a list of cliched excuses.

They weren't even original or fun!

Let's take a look at the first item on my list of excuses of why I am NOT writing every day:

"I don't have the time!"

Now, let's bust this #1 writer's excuse!

We do have the time.

I have the time.

You have the time.

Everyone has three minutes to write about why they would like to write every day.

There you have it.

Writer's Actionable:

Every day, after you have brushed your teeth and right before you go to bed, I want you (us) to take three minutes to write down our answer to this question: "Why am I writing every day?"

That's it. 

Answer the same question every night before you go to bed.

Even if you have already worked on a writing project, I want us to continue to write the answer to this question every day before bed.

If you were to busy all day?

Still write the answer to this question and know that you have just written something for the day.

Mastering your time is the first step to mastering your daily writing routine.

Why do you want to write every day?

SHARE YOUR ANSWER WITH US 

IN THE  COMMENTS BELOW

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How To Use Story Sticks To Break Through Writer's Block

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How To Use Story Sticks To Break Through Writer's Block

This writing exercise was discovered from
The Writer's Toolbox by Jamie Cat Callan

How To Use Story Sticks To Break Through Writer's Block

By Matthew L. Hart

Writer & Humorist

Author of:

Uncle Matty's Halloween: Jokes, Bits & Anecdotes

Someone once said, 

"Writer's Block is when your imaginary friends stop talking to you."

So, let's get your friends talking to you again!

I found The Writer's Toolbox in 2007 and, I must say, writer's block has been a thing of the past for me.

That's because the concepts and tools make writing fun.

Remember when writing used to be fun?

Long before thoughts of becoming a well known author or famous screenwriter or whatever dream, goal or ambition you started to cultivate once someone first complimented your work, we used to write just for the hell of it.

That's what The Writer's Toolbox hopes to accomplish for you.

A few days ago, we discovered the Sixth-Sense Cards in The Writer's Toolbox and I showed you how they would improve your descriptive writing. 

You can find that post here:

This single writing practice improved my work forever!

Today, I'm going to show you how The Story Sticks will help you defeat the blank page and sprout some story structure through conflict.

How do the Story Sticks work?

There are three different types of story sticks. Each story stick is used in it's turn with the aid of a three minute sand timer (Included in The Writer's Toolbox) to get you writing about something right away.

The three types of Story Sticks are:

1. First Sentence
2. Non Sequitur
3. Last Straw

The First Sentence Stick destroys the blank page because you don't have to come up with something to write.

Simply choose a First Sentence Stick at random, write it at the top of the page, flip the three minute sand timer and start writing about what happens next.

You'll also notice how fun the experience is to actually retrieve the wooden popsicle sticks from the box and shuffle them in your hands. You get to feel the texture of the wood and the weight of the thing.

In a world where there's an app for just about everything,
this simple act of getting your hands on something tangible just might be the thing that sparks your creativity.

Now say "Goodbye" to writer's block!

I'll show you.

My First Sentence Story Sick reads:

"There I was, just standing there, when what I wanted to do was forbidden."

Before I start thinking about this sentence too much, I'm going to flip the three minute sand timer and write from my stream of consciousness.

Feel free to write with me. Now,

GO!

"There I was, just standing there, when what I wanted to do was forbidden. It was Friday! I just wanted hang out with my friends. It wasn't even like it was a school night or anything. I mean, sure, mom wasn't happy that I forged her signature on my mid-term grade report but, she shouldn't have been going through my bag in the first place! I can't wait to get out of here. This is so unfair!"

Pens down, you're done!

Now that the First Sentence has been written, we've got some characters interacting and a situation developing, we're going to draw the next story stick.

The Non Sequitur creates a twist in the plot to surprise our reader.

It's easier to explain by just showing you. 

Let's draw a Non Sequitur Story Stick now.

My Non Sequitur Story Stick reads:

"Tom lost 25 bucks at the races."

Now, picking up from where we left off, we're going to drop this Non Sequitur somewhere in the next paragraph.

Just flip the timer and

GO!

"I stormed to my room and slammed the door shut. No sooner had I done that when the front door opened and slammed shut as well. I could hear the conversation through the thin walls of our trailer. Mom started yelling. Tom lost 25 bucks at the races. "She sure knows how to pick'em." I thought. They would be up all night fighting and I couldn't stand to hear my mom cry. The window screen popped out easily with the screwdriver. The notch on the window sill was well-worn. They won't even notice I'm gone."

Time's up!

I think that the hardest part at this point is not to go back and read what you've written. It's so important not to be the editor right now. We just want to generate the raw material as fast as possible.

Let's keep going and draw The Last Straw Story Stick.

The Last Straw Story Stick expresses a small, mundane moment that suggests a greater underlining conflict. 

We use The Last Straw to add deeper conflict between the characters that will push them forward towards some satisfying resolution.

Follow along if you'd like.

My Last Straw Story Stick reads:

"the last time they saw a movie"

Now, don't think, just write. We'll flip the timer and

GO!

"I met Angela at the park near my house. It was a typical Friday night for us but, Rob was going to be there, too. We'd only been seeing each other for a week and I was already mad at him, and Angela, that skank! She knew I liked him. Why is she even here? "How about a movie tonight?" Angela, asked. "Ew! No way." I said, hopping off the picnic table. That was it! I wasn't going to put myself through that again. The last time they saw a movie together I was surprised she didn't end up pregnant. It should have been me! "Why don't you and Rob just go together since you like each other so much!"

AND...WE'RE DONE!

Now, we can take a moment to go back and read what we just wrote.

If you want, make changes and edit how you see fit.

But, really take the time to see what you were able to write in about 15 minutes.

Not bad, huh?

Mastering writer's block is the first step to mastering a daily writing routine.

Do you think that the Story Sticks will be an effective way for you to break through your writer's block?

SHARE YOUR STORY 

IN THE  COMMENTS BELOW

Continue your journey:

This Wireless Keyboard Just Topped My Wish List (blog post)

This single writing practice improved my work forever!

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This Wireless Keyboard Just Topped My Wish List

 By Matthew L. Hart

Author of:

Uncle Matty's Halloween: Jokes, Bits & Anecdotes

Every once in a while, I'll leave the house.
That's when the real magic happens.

I patiently waited my turn in line at the drug store.

I ordered a Venti Carmel Macchiato.

The music was Jazzy.
The crowd, typical.

I thought,

"Do the rules for Gremlins apply to man-buns? This could explain why these people don't take showers. Good heavens, it might be too late! There's a man-bun in here for every ounce of coffee I just ordered...There's a venti of man-buns!"

Welcome to the birthplace of the great American novel.

Then, an angelic voice, as if sent from above, calls out to me.
"Venti Carmel Macchiato for, Matthew!"

"I'm, Matthew." I reply.

I see my name scribed on the cup.
M-a-t-h-e-w

 I want to say,
"Guess I should have ordered an extra 'T' with my coffee."

Instead, I just grip my fix.

The barista smiles.
"I like your shirt."

I smile back.
"Thanks. I like your man-bun..."
I read the name tag.
"...Angela."

I turn around.

I'm only a few strides from escaping the Twilight Zone when...

time stops.

...

"What's that fantastic (sound), ((Sound)), (((SOUND)))?"

Clattering.

The chattering.

It's solid and mechanical.

The finger jazz is unmistakeable!

"Who would lug their typewriter here?"

There's a man-bun in the corner.

A small table for two.

An author?

Or

A magician?

"What time machine is this?"

BEHOLD

It's not just a typewriter. 

It's not just a tablet stand. 

It's the

Qwerkywriter S Typewriter Inspired Retro Mechanical Wired & Wireless Keyboard with Tablet Stand

"Yes, please!"

Learn More about it:
https://amzn.to/2UEzeS2

This wireless keyboard just topped my wish list!

Do you have a favorite writing instrument?

TELL US ALL ABOUT IT 

IN THE  COMMENTS BELOW

Continue your journey:

This Single Writing Practice

Improved My Work Forever

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Matthew The Great Coin Roll Hunter

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and this blog uses Amazon Affiliate links.

This single writing practice improved my work forever!

How to use

THE WRITER'S TOOLBOX:

Discovering the Sixth-Sense Cards

This writing exercise was discovered from
The Writer's Toolbox by Jamie Cat Callan

This single writing practice improved my work forever!

By Matthew L. Hart

Writer & Humorist

Author of:

Uncle Matty's Halloween: Jokes, Bits & Anecdotes

I'm becoming a Master Storyteller.

I have read and explored a lot of information on the topic and one thing stood out above the rest.

Daily writing practice is the best way to improve your writing.

It's that simple, right? Well...that's what we are going to discuss today. 

What is the single writing practice that has improved my work forever?

Getting excited about my daily writing practice!

I believe that writing should be fun and I should be excited to write every day. 

How do I get excited about writing everyday? 

I make it fun.

That's why I use,

 The Writer's Toolbox: Creative Games and Exercises for Inspiring the 'Write' Side of Your   Brain.

Check out my product review to discover if this is something you might want to add to your shelf:

PRODUCT REVIEW: The Writer's Toolbox

Now, let's get to work!

I think that it's hard to write every day but, there is not a single writing project that I've finished that didn't require me to do just that! And, to be completely honest with you, I write in spurts and fits. I can sprint for about thirty days and then I fizzle out. You might relate.

But, I can confidently say, I will not suffer from writer's block.

The Writer's Toolbox cures writer's block!

Let me show you how!

Inside The Writer's Toolbox, you will find three writing prompt games to play.

That's right. Games! 

Remember how I said, "writing should be fun"? Now you know what I meant.

We have three games to choose from: 

1) Story Sticks

2) Sixth-Sense Cards

3) Story Wheels

Today, I'm going to write using the Sixt-Sense Cards.

A 64 page booklet inside The Writer's Toolbox explains how to go about using each game, but I'll be brief to get us started.

To really get the most out of this product, you're going to want to read the booklet in it's entirety and get your hands on the tools. 

Once you're familiar with how each game works, you can start to mix them together, add your own original writing prompts, and use a combination of the techniques to enhance your own writing projects.

But, since this blog is about a daily writing practice, let's write something already!

I'm going to pull three Sixth-Sense Cards from the deck of 60 cards and leave them face-down on my desk. 

(You can also make your own cards once you see how this works)

Now, I want to consider my six senses:

Touch, taste, sight, smell, sound, and any memories or imagination the card might conjure up in my mind.

The Writer's Toolbox also contains a three minute sand timer which I will use once I flip over one of the three cards.

Here's our card!

"someone's red leather journal"

Now, I'm gong to flip the timer and write about "someone's red leather journal" for three minutes, making sure to utilize my six senses.

"I walked past the cluttered tables of the rummage sale and stopped only after I discovered someone's red leather journal. The cover looked wrinkled and cracked in the noonday sun. The corners curled. Retired from use some years ago, I thought it looked very well traveled. The manuscript had the weight of a lifetime in my grasp. The page edges, stained by saltwater as evidenced by white, salt-encrusted rings, I thought to large to be tears or, perhaps, not large enough? The spine cracked, by age or protest, or both, as I exposed its cursive-penned secrets. The red paper inside the binding had blistered and peeled but, I was greeted by a sweet thread woven into the breeze. Still vibrant. Still young. I closed my eyes and took in the essence with a deeply inhaled breath. The warm fragrance illustrated intimate images of a warm beach, white sands and azure waters. I could almost feel the grains of sand between my toes, could almost hear the gentle lapping of waves from an incoming coming tide."

Pens down, time's up!

Daily practice is the best way to master any craft.

Do you have a daily writing routine?

SHARE YOUR DAILY WRITING PROMPTS 

IN THE  COMMENTS BELOW

Continue your journey:

This Wireless Keyboard Just Topped My Wish List (blog post)

KNOW: The Author!

My Audio-biography Playlist

Or, hop over to my YouTube Coin Channel:

Matthew The Great Coin Roll Hunter

*I am an Amazon Affiliate
and this blog uses Amazon Affiliate links.

PRODUCT REVIEW: The Writer's Toolbox

PRODUCT REVIEW:

THE WRITER'S TOOLBOX

By Matthew L. Hart

Writer & Humorist

Author of:

Uncle Matty's Halloween: Jokes, Bits & Anecdotes

I'm on a quest.

Join me, if you will, to become a better writer and storyteller.

Although, it is true, that I enjoy writing comedy and, yes, I will continue to post trade articles to help develop our humor-craft, my ultimate intention is to become a

Master Storyteller.

With that in mind, every great Champion needs a gym to practice in.

This is my gym:

The Writer's Toolbox: Creative Games and Exercises for Inspiring the 'Write' Side of Your   Brain

Product created By Jamie Cat Callan

I'm always on the lookout for how-to books about writing, outlining and the like.

A staple of the how-to writing genre are writing prompts.

I have not seen writing prompts presented better 

than what I have found in, 

The Writer's Toolbox.

Writing prompts are primers to get you writing something immediately.

 Sometimes, Writers need a quick way to find inspiration, or they just need an easy way to practice the discipline of their craft daily.

Writing prompts tend to be quick writing assignments that one can finish in 5-10 minutes.

I usually buy e-books for this kind of thing but...

It is a great time to be a reader and a writer because we can now carry most of our library with us. And, just in case you haven't discovered how nice that really is, allow me to drop a link to one of my favorite tools so that you might discover this joy for yourself. 

Shop Amazon Devices - Introducing the all-new Kindle

With the digital world in mind, now we can talk bout my favorite features of,
The Writer's Toolbox.

THE WRITER'S TOOLBOX is best purchased as a physical product because it literally is an actual toolbox!

Here's what to expect:

• An actual hardbound box 7 x 1.8 x 9.6 inches with custom fit trays for...

• 60 wooden popsicle sticks printed with First Sentences, Non Sequiturs, and Last Straw moments.

• 60 Sixth-Sense Cards for descriptive writing prompts.

• 4 Story Spinner Palettes to create dynamic plot twists.

• A sand timer

• And a 64 page booklet containing writing advice and instructions for how to use the creative tool prompts.  

I have used The Writer's Toolbox since 2007.

The quality of the materials are very high quality and durable.

What makes this product so much fun to use?
 You will be physically handling each tool.

The format of the games also lead themselves to personalization, customization and expansion, as you will eventually create your own unique writing prompts.

Shuffling cards and sticks, spinning palettes, and flipping a sand timer feels more like play than work.

For this reason, I will always recommend this product to aspiring writers!

Anytime you can make practicing your craft fun, you will be encouraged to do the work it takes to become your best.

"If I was ever stranded on a deserted island, I would hope to be marooned with a case of blank paper, pencils and The Writer's Toolbox!"

- Matthew Hart

Daily practice is the best way to master any craft.

What's your favorite daily writing routine?

SHARE YOUR FAVORITE WRITING PROMPTS 

IN THE  COMMENTS BELOW

Continue your journey:

Lunch, anyone? I could eat.

KNOW: The Author!

Or, hop over to my YouTube Coin Channel:

Matthew The Great Coin Roll Hunter

*I am an Amazon Affiliate
and this blog uses Amazon Affiliate links.

Lunch, anyone? I could eat.

By Matthew L. Hart

Writer & Humorist

Who's hungry?

Author of:

Uncle Matty's Halloween: Jokes, Bits & Anecdotes

"What did you have for lunch today?"

Thanks for asking, Flip7!

When I saw your question in my e-mail box, I cracked a smile because I really like to cook.

So, not only will I answer your question, I'm going to hook you up with the recipe!

For today's lunch, I made a meatball sub.

You probably thought it would be something more exotic but, there you go.

Here's the recipe. 

Try it out. I hope you enjoy it!

Matt's Meatball Sub

1 Hoagie Bun or Deli Roll

4 Meatballs

1 Cup Marinara Sauce

1/4 Cup Sliced Olives

2 Slices Provolone Cheese

A Dash of Italian Seasoning

Top With A Sprinkle Of Grated Parmesan Cheese

I like to use pre-cooked, frozen meatballs. I'll just throw them in a microwaveable-safe bowl, slather them with the marinara sauce, and toss in the olives. I'll microwave that for about 2 1/2 minutes. 

Make sure you cover the bowl with a paper towel so you don't splatter a mess inside your microwave. 

While that's cooking, I'll split the hoagie bun on a microwaveable-safe plate and place the two slices of provolone cheese down across both halves of the bun. 

When the meatballs are done, I'll throw the bun with cheese in the microwave for about 20 seconds.

Once the provolone cheese is somewhat melted on the bun, mix the meatballs, marinara sauce and olives then, scoop the whole mess over the melted slices of provolone.

Dash on your Italian seasoning to taste and top with a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese. 

Close the sandwich. You're done!

I like plain potato chips and a Coke-a-Cola Classic on the side but, I'll leave those choices to you.

If you're curious if Amazon.com sells everything you need to make 

Matt's Meatball Subs, they sure do.

(I'm laughing as I type this but, if you want your groceries delivered to your door, why not?)

Amazon.com Ingredients List

Martin's Hoagie Rolls- 6 pk 20oz (2 bags)

Omaha Steaks 2 (12 oz. pkgs.) All-Beef Meatballs

Romanos, Marinara Sauce, 26 Ounce

Pearls 3.8 oz. Sliced Ripe Black Olives, 6-Cans

8oz Glacier Ridge Farms Smoked Provolone Cheese (One Cheese per order)

Simply Organic Italian Seasoning Certified Organic, 0.95-Ounce Container

Expect More Frigo Parmesan Freshly Shredded Cheese,1 ct. / 5 oz

I look forward to answering more of your questions!

What's your favorite take on lunch?

DROP YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH RECOMMENDATION

IN THE  COMMENTS BELOW

Continue your journey:

This Wireless Keyboard Just Topped My Wish List (blog)

KNOW: The Author!

My Audio-biography Playlist

Or, hop over to my YouTube Coin Channel:

Matthew The Great Coin Roll Hunter

*I am an Amazon Affiliate
and this blog uses Amazon Affiliate links.