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How to Create Motivation and Momentum for Your Writing

12/26/2022

 
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If you’re not the type of writer who writes every day, then you’re probably looking for ways to motivate yourself to write more often, write more consistently, and keep the momentum going once you do write.

I actually don’t recommend writing daily. I don’t run every day either. These passions practically require rest days. Rest days for running might look like going for a walk, swimming, playing volleyball, riding a bike, or doing yoga. Rest days for your writing might look like creating a character sketch, researching details for your setting, or brainstorming title ideas.

The bad thing that sometimes happens is our rest days turn into a week, a month, a year, or even a decade of NO WRITING. That’s where motivation and momentum come into play. How do you get back to your writing and keep the momentum going?

Motivation vs. Momentum
When it comes to motivation and momentum, it helps to define the terms. Motivation is the inspiration and the why behind an action. It’s the positive feeling that helps push you out of inaction, which is often part of your safe comfort zone, and into action, which is sometimes uncomfortable or even scary. But it’s the action that gets results.

Momentum is the action. Motivation is what you want. Momentum is how you get there. Momentum is the force that keeps you going until you reach your desired result. Momentum is showing up for your training runs each day of the week so you can finish the race with a good time.

It may seem as though motivation comes first. And usually it does. But think about this: which comes first, the chicken or the egg? When we move closer to our goals, we tend to feel a sense of accomplishment. This, in turn, creates a feeling of motivation. Thus, our momentum also leads to more motivation to keep going, thus creating more momentum. It’s a really strong positive cycle when it’s activated.

Why is Momentum So Important?
While motivation is what gets you started, momentum is even more important. The first step to running a race is to sign up or register for it. Then you train. Then on race day, you cross the starting line and put one foot in front of the other until you cross the finish line. While running the race, you gain momentum. You might get faster or stronger as time goes on. 

Even when you hit the wall, you’re getting closer and closer to the finish line, and you become less likely to stop. Momentum creates habits that bring you closer to your goals. Momentum is a key component for success. It’s almost another way to define persistence. So keep writing until you can write THE END.

Every time you switch your focus from your goal and allow yourself to get distracted or let your rest days go longer than a week, you lose a portion of the energy moving you forward. You lose momentum when you lose your focus.
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How to Create Lasting Momentum in Your Writing
First, you have to be motivated to get started. If you’re struggling with this, attending a writing retreat can really get you motivated to take action, whether that be to write a new manuscript or finish an existing one before the retreat or even to work on your manuscript while you’re there. Especially retreats that provide plenty of free time to work on your writing, such as the Writers Who Run Retreat. Get clear about not only your goals, but also your big why. Start writing!

Second, don’t allow yourself to get distracted and lose focus. Celebrate your wins! And I mean all of your wins, big or small. Your wins will feed the feedback loop of motivation, momentum, motivation, momentum.

Third, attend a writing retreat. While they can provide motivation to help you get back into your writing practice, once you’re at the retreat, you’ll be writing every day, gaining momentum. You’ll be celebrating small wins every day and feeding that positive feeling of accomplishment. 

You’ll face your fears, make new friends, and create lasting memories that will help you stay focused in the face of distractions, give you more energy to keep going, and provide lasting momentum for at least another year so you can reach your goals faster. And the faster you work toward a goal, the more momentum you create. See you in July!

Keep writing, keep running.

XO, 
Christie :)
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Overcoming the Fear of Getting Your Manuscript Critiqued

12/1/2022

 
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I majored in Creative Writing in college so I quickly got used to giving and receiving critiques without making them personal. But for a lot of writers, that’s a difficult thing to accomplish, especially in the beginning.

I have friends who have told me their horror stories: showing up for their first-ever in-person professional writing critique, only to retreat to their room and cry for hours. But they said as hard as it was to hear the feedback, the person giving it was absolutely correct. My friends’ eyes were opened to how much work they had to do and how much they had to learn about writing.

It’s not so much about how to give a critique or how to implement someone else’s suggestions, but how to prepare mentally to receive one in the first place (or 21st place) so that you don’t take it personally.

After all, writing is about the READER.

The Importance of Getting a Critique
Beta readers and critique partners are the lifelines to taking your writing to the next level. Without feedback on your manuscripts, it’s hard to see your blind spots. Do you need help with characterization, plot, setting, tense, verb choice, weak sentence structure, point of view, theme, voice?

Getting a critique, or any kind of feedback (from another writer) is especially helpful in making your writing the best it can be. The reader needs to understand your story, poem, essay, or book in as few words as possible. And of course, when an editor gets a hold of your writing, there will be even more revision work to do. And you’ll be prepared for it.

When you’re able to accept constructive criticism (i.e. a critique), you’ll experience the following benefits…
  • See it for what it is – helpful feedback
  • Become a better writer
  • Make changes that can have a positive impact on your manuscripts
  • Increase your confidence as a writer
  • Earn the trust of your critique partners and/or beta readers because they’ll know they can be honest and you won’t take offense

Prepare to Receive Writing Feedback
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Getting in the right mindset to receive feedback for your manuscript will help you incorporate the advice without taking it personally. Some feedback will resonate with you more than other comments. Remember that you don’t have to make every single change that is suggested to you. Knowing this makes it easier to hear the feedback without getting defensive.

If you feel the need to explain yourself, don’t. To put it simply, your writing wasn’t clear. Revise your writing so it’s clear to the reader. Be aware of your emotional state and create a positive mindset. You can prepare to receive feedback by adopting the following mantras.
  • I always seek feedback to consistently improve my writing.
  • I am committed to growing as a writer.
  • Feedback provides me with the opportunity to become a better writer.
  • I’m receiving this feedback because my critique partners want to help me polish my writing.
  • If I want to improve, feedback provides perspectives from others that can open my eyes to pitfalls or weaknesses in my writing.
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Getting Your Manuscript CritiquedAttending a writing retreat can be a safe place to find a new reader for your manuscript. Especially if you don’t know where else to look for feedback. Getting feedback from other writers is extremely important. Your family and friends may love you, but if they aren’t writers, or at the very least avid readers, they won’t be able to point out where your writing falls short or give suggestions for how to improve it.

No matter where you find a beta reader or a critique partner, keep the following tips in mind so that you take their feedback personally.
  1. Listen actively while the other person gives feedback and explains their thinking.
  2. Ask clarifying questions so you understand where they’re coming from.
  3. Take notes. Don’t interrupt.
  4. Consider the other person's point of view. Remember that revision creates polished writing.
  5. Let the critique sit for a while and allow reflection time. Then you can decide what suggestions to keep and what to ignore.
Whether you get a professional critique at a writer’s retreat (you can start planning for next year now) or find someone on social media to give you feedback, remember that they have your best interest at heart. Even if it makes you feel like crap and run to your room and cry for hours. That’s okay.

Give yourself some space to feel the pain. Then when you’re ready, pick yourself up and dust off the negativity so you can dive into your manuscript with fresh eyes and start making improvements. Start with the ones that make sense and resonate with you. Then keep going.

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Keep writing, keep running.

XO, 
Christie :)
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FAQ - 2017

7/6/2016

 
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Here is a list of our frequently asked questions - updated for the 2017 retreat.

A few questions asked and answered:

  1. Yes, there is on-site laundry.
  2. Yes, we are able to make dietary accommodations. 
  3. Yes, the retreat moved from August 2016 to JUNE in 2017.
  4. Yes, you will receive two critiques while there, in a small group of 5 attendees to 1 faculty. It can be for 2 chapters of a longer work, or 2 separate manuscripts of a shorter length. We are currently considering adding an option to allow for 1-on-1 critiques with faculty.
  5. Yes, there are private single rooms available, but they are limited in number.
  6. Yes, there is a shuttle service from the CHARLOTTE (CLT) airport (leaving at 3:30 PM on Monday June 19 and returning on Saturday June 24 at 4:30 PM).
  7. No, the faculty is not all female. We have male speaker(s) also.
  8. Yes, lodging is included. Food is included. The race is included.
  9. The cost is $1499 for a shared double room.

More questions answered:

What do I need to bring?
  • pens, pencils, paper, journal, notebook, laptop, flash drive, etc.
  • your novel, so you can finish it or continue working on it
  • a copy of your first two chapters (for taking notes during roundtable critiques)
  • or two shorter manuscripts (i.e. picture books, etc.)
  • running shoes and running clothes
  • casual clothing, swimsuit, and toiletries
  • bug spray, sunscreen, bandaids
  • an open mind and a willingness to learn

What is the deadline to get registered?
  • Friday March 10, 2017 is the last day you can sign up to attend the 2017 retreat.

Is this retreat for a specific genre or a specific type of writer?
  • We focus on a love for running and writing. Writers and runners at all levels are welcome!
  • You may be a beginner type of runner and an advanced writer, or you might be an advanced runner while you're a beginning writer, or anywhere in between!
  • You may write for children (picture books, middle grade, young adult), or you may write for adults. The staff is well-rounded.
  • Fantasy, historical, science fiction, suspense thrillers, mysteries, romance... It doesn't matter. Bring it!

Is there a shuttle?
  • Yes! We will depart from the CHARLOTTE (CLT) airport at 3:30 PM on Monday June 19th. The cost is included in the retreat tuition.
  • There are also rental cars available from the airport, if you prefer to spend extra money and keep your eyes on the road.

I don't normally run a lot. What do I need to know to be prepared?
  • If you can walk for 2 hours, you can finish the race.
  • If you are running 2-4 days a week, you will be fine. Aim for 30 minutes during the week and an hour on the weekend. Or you could aim for distance instead of time. Run 2-4 miles during the week, and 5-6 miles on the weekend. Either way is good.
  • Don't buy a brand new pair of shoes just before a race. You might end up with blisters. But if you don't have ANY running shoes, then go to a running specialty store and get their opinion.

What should I start doing now to be ready?
  • Finish your first two chapters and email it to us by Sunday April 30th at midnight.
  • Run.

How do I submit my first two chapters?
  • Up to 4,000 words total.
  • Deadline to submit is Sunday April 30 at midnight. These need to be submitted ahead of time so we can get them to your group and to the faculty members.
  • Send to authorcwild @ gmail . com (without the spaces)
  • Subject line: WWR Retreat: First 2 chapters by YOUR NAME 
  • Standard manuscript formatting.

What is standard manuscript formatting?
  • Double spaced
  • 12-point font
  • Times New Roman
  • Use a header with last name, title of ms, and page number
  • Don't number first page
  • Start each new chapter on a separate page
  • Type chapter title in ALL CAPS
  • Use a 5-space tab for all paragraphs
  • Name and contact information at top left-hand corner of first page
  • Word count for each chapter at upper right-hand corner

How will the roundtable groups work? If I write picture books, will I be placed in a group of writers who write adult fiction?
  • Every effort will be made to group like categories and genres together. 
  • One or two faculty members will be designated to focus on picture book mss, depending on the number of attendees who register for picture books.
  • Middle Grade (MG) and Young Adult (YA) may be grouped together.
  • Adult novelists will be grouped together, and maybe drilled down further into genres.

I've never critiqued someone else's writing before. How do I give a good critique?
  • With a 1:5 faculty-to-attendee ratio, you'll have 4 other attendees in your group.
  • As you read the other 4 manuscripts that you will receive in May, either print them out and handwrite your notes on the mss, or open in Word and type comments in that way, and then print to bring with you.
  • This is not meant to be a line-by-line editing session.
  • Writers will want to know what is working well, and what is confusing.
  • You may circle things and put a smiley face or a checkmark beside things you like. You might underline things you find confusing and put a question mark beside it. It's up to you.
  • During the Roundtable Critique sessions, give positive feedback first, followed by constructive criticism that could make the ms better, and finish up with more positive feedback. Look to your faculty member to be the facilitator. I highly recommend setting a timer so each participant receives equal time from the faculty member.

2016 Press Release

7/5/2016

 
​Writers Who Run Race to NC for World's First Ever Retreat of its Kind
 
Writers will be racing to Fontana Dam, NC on August 3, 2016 to attend the world's only writing retreat that also incorporates running a race as part of the agenda. Space is limited to 32 participants who think of themselves as writers and runners (or walkers). The culminating event of the 5-day, 4-night writing retreat is a 10k trail race on Sunday August 7 through the Nantahala National Forest of the Great Smoky Mountains. The race is limited to 250 participants and is also open to walkers.
 
The Writers Who Run (or Walk) Retreat combines the best of both worlds all in one trip, saving you time and money. One website visitor commented, "What an awesome concept. I cannot believe I've found this. It's like Goldilocks discovering just the right bed! Writing retreats are sedentary. Running retreats are exhausting. But this one sounds just right!"
 
The retreat promises to be rejuvenating, educational, productive, and social. The 10k trail race isn't just a race. It's an inspirational journey including some of the most popular racing elements that attract runners: adventure, costumes, charity, and bling!
 
  • Rejuvenating: Write, run, and relax
  • Educational: Hone your writing craft
  • Productive: Time to work on your novel 
  • Social: Connect with other writers and runners
  • Adventurous: 62-foot bridge and 2.5 miles of narrow trails
  • Thematic: Dress up as a book character
  • Charitable: Donate a children's book for literacy 
  • Braggable: Awesome finisher medal
 
Writers Who Run was founded by Christie Wright Wild, a writer who realized that the only time she ever traveled was to go to a writing event or a running event. There's finally a solution where you can do both in the same trip! 

Book Giveaway

6/27/2016

 
J.J. Hensley is providing one lucky reader a Kindle version of his first book, Resolve. Simply leave a comment below with your email address to be considered. A random drawing will take place on Friday, July 8 to choose one lucky winner! 

Resolve                 
Published 2013

​In the Pittsburgh Marathon, more than 18,000 people will participate. 4,500 people will attempt to cover the full 26.2 miles. Over 200 of the participants will quit, realizing it just wasn't their day. More than 100 will get injured and require medical treatment. One man is going to be murdered.  When Dr. Cyprus Keller lines up to start the race, he knows a man is going to die for one simple reason. He's going to kill him.​

*Finalist - 2014 International Thriller Writers Awards - Best First Novel

*Named one of the BEST BOOKS of 2013 by Suspense Magazine

​
*One of the Best Books of the Year - Authors on the Air​
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    Christie Wright Wild
    Founder, Writers Who Run
    Creator, Plot Like a Novelist

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