writing habits

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October 15, 2021

What Successful Children’s Authors Know About Writing, Rejection, and Creativity

Writing is often portrayed as a magical process fueled by inspiration and creativity. In reality, most authors spend far more time wrestling with self-doubt, revising imperfect drafts, managing rejection, and learning how to stay consistent when motivation fades. To better understand the realities of the writing life, six accomplished children's authors share insights into their creative process, writing habits, challenges, sources of encouragement, and proudest career moments. Their answers reveal common themes about persistence, creativity, community, and the mindset required to build a sustainable writing career. Whether you're an aspiring writer, a published author, or simply curious about the creative process, these lessons offer a valuable behind-the-scenes look at what it truly means to be an author.

February 16, 2021

What Tara Lazar Taught Me About Writing Children’s Books, Creativity, and StoryStorm

Many aspiring authors dream of publishing a children's book. Far fewer build a sustainable writing life that lasts for years or even decades. In this interview, bestselling children's author and StoryStorm founder Tara Lazar shares lessons on creativity, idea generation, publishing, perseverance, and why writing is more than a hobby—it's a lifestyle. Whether you're an aspiring author, experienced writer, or creative professional, Tara's insights offer practical encouragement for building a long-term creative practice.

October 25, 2020

8 Mistakes Writers Make That Hold Them Back

Most writers want better results. Better feedback. Better engagement. Better stories. Better responses from readers, agents, editors, or publishers. But improving our writing usually means confronting uncomfortable truths about the way we work. Here are 8 mistakes that quietly weaken otherwise promising writing — and what to do about them.

August 18, 2020

Heather Macht on Writing, Publishing, and Finding Time to Create

How do authors continue creating books while balancing careers, family responsibilities, and unexpected life challenges? Children's book author Heather Macht understands that challenge firsthand. As a traditionally published author, healthcare technology professional, parent, and active member of the children's publishing community, she has learned how to pursue creative goals even when time is limited and circumstances are less than ideal. In this interview, Heather shares insights into publishing with Pelican Publishing, launching books, managing a busy schedule, staying productive during periods of disruption, and continuing to write despite competing demands. Whether you're an aspiring author, working professional, or creative trying to find more time for your craft, you'll find practical encouragement throughout her journey.

July 4, 2020

Why Discipline Matters More Than Talent for Writers

Many aspiring writers believe great books are created through inspiration, creativity, or talent alone. While those qualities certainly help, most successful writing careers are built on something less glamorous: discipline. The ability to write consistently, especially when motivation fades, is often what separates finished manuscripts from unfinished ideas. Whether you're writing articles, novels, memoirs, or children's books, discipline creates the momentum that turns goals into completed work.

August 16, 2019

What to Do When You Don’t Know What to Write (Writer’s Block Fix)

Most writers eventually reach a point where they don’t know what to write, feel uninspired, or hit a creative block. Low levels of inspiration happen to everyone. The question is what you must do when writer's block arrives.

June 18, 2018

How to Become a Better Writer: The Two Habits That Matter Most

Writers are constantly searching for better techniques, better routines, and better strategies to improve their work. But most writing improvement comes back to two simple habits: writing consistently and reading intentionally. No shortcut replaces either one. If you want to become a stronger writer over time, these are the two skills that matter most.

August 27, 2017

Stop Perfecting Every Sentence – Just Share Your Story

It's been said every sentence is a persuasive argument that succeeds or fails in convincing the reader to read the next. Agree or disagree?

Frankly, I don't agree (completely) because the reader is complex, having a multi-dimensional purpose for reading. One aspect may be truly that each good sentence does cause the reader to continue on. But at the same time, the reader, once personally invested through time, money, promise, or any other act of will may continue reading not for that purposes alone. I listen to audio books during my commute. I have literally finished books only to be able to say I finished them, not because they provided some revolutionary insight or emotional experience. I simply wanted to finish what I started.