But there is more to writing success than just doing the work. A big part of the equation is the environment in which you do your work. Since we’re still in January, this is a natural time to think about changes that can make it easier and more fun to write.

Over the next couple of weeks, we’ll focus on some ways to clear the clutter in your workspace. Although we writers like to talk about lofty ideas like book concepts, character arcs, or publishing strategies, the plain truth is that your environment has a big impact on your mindset and writing success.

Most of the time we don’t give a lot of attention to how our workspace is organized—or if it’s been organized at all! But if this is where your creative work comes to life, you should make sure it’s set up for maximum efficiency.

There is an intimate link between your physical environment and your mind. When you clear the clutter from your environment and have an orderly, clean place to work, you can be more productive and less anxious.

All that said, some writers still believe that a messy workspace somehow benefits their creative output. I can just hear the voices of protest: “But Kent,” you say, “I’m a stereotypical writer or creative person. I do my best work in a messy, chaotic environment.”

If that describes your point of view, let me share three observations:

1. I don’t buy the stereotype of a messy writer or artist. Sure, there are disorganized creative people. There are disorganized, messy people in every kind of field. But not all writers or artists are like that. The most successful writers I know are highly organized and strategic people.
2. Being disorganized and messy is a choice, not a personality trait. Yes, certain personalities tend to be more clean and organized by nature. However, you can make the choice to have a neat work environment.
3. Just because you CAN work in a messy environment doesn’t mean that you should. It’s like driving a car with low air pressure in the tires. Can you still drive that way? Yes. But can you do something about it? Yes. You can put more air in the tires and the car will function more efficiently. If you currently have a messy workspace and everything seems fine, you can be even more productive with a clean workspace.

If you’re ready to make a fresh start and begin creating a better environment for your writing, tune in over the next couple of weeks for the rest of the series!

Today’s Challenge: Ask yourself how you could benefit from having a neater, more organized workspace for writing.

The post Clear the Clutter: Series Introduction appeared first on Daily Writer | Essential Habits for Impact & Influence.

Have you ever avoided doing something that scares you? As writers, we face this every day. After all, writing is scary! Our most important task is to “slay the dragons” that keep us from our writing dreams.

My guest today is T.K. Johnson, and she’s a fiction author who is here to help us do just that. She is the author of riveting plot twists, fantastical worlds, and spellbinding relationships. T.K. is a YA fantasy author of The Loraillvon Series. With four books published and another set for release this year, her stories help readers face the dragons of our world through fiction before they confront them in reality. She is from Fort Wayne, Indiana, where she creates from her 100-year-old tiny house.

In this conversation, T.K. shares how she has conquered fear and developed habits that have allowed her to write several novels. She also shares her story development process, thoughts on self-publishing, and so much more. We also geek out over Star Wars!

I loved the theme of this episode. If you have resisted doing the very thing you need to do as a writer, T.K. is going to inspire you with her wisdom and passion for storytelling.

Discover more about TK and her awesome books on her website.

Connect with TK on Instagram, Tik Tok, or Facebook.

The post T.K. Johnson: Slay the Dragon That Scares You appeared first on Daily Writer | Essential Habits for Impact & Influence.

Have you ever thought about writing fiction? Furthermore, have you ever considered how writing a fiction series might be a great way to expand your story world and gives readers something special?

My guest today is Mary A. Felkins. She is an inspirational romance author, blogger, and contributor to writer’s blogs and inspirational publications. Her debut novel, Call to Love, is set in Hickory, North Carolina, where she lives with her husband. They have four young adult children.

She is a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and My Book Therapy. Her purpose in writing is to reclaim God’s intention and motivation when he created the world—to enable readers to know his heart and experience his love.

It’s always fun to talk to fiction authors, and this conversation is no exception. Mary shares the benefits of a series, how to keep details straight between books, some challenges to writing a series, and much more.

I first got to know Mary through our mutual friend Eric Elder, who has been a guest on the podcast before. So I want to give Eric a shout-out and a thank you for the connection to Mary!

Read the first 3 chapters of Call to Love

Check out Mary’s website

Follow Mary on Facebook

Connect with Mary on Instagram

Discover more about Mary on Pinterest

Reach out to Mary on Twitter

The post Mary Felkins: Writing a Fiction Series appeared first on Daily Writer | Essential Habits for Impact & Influence.