5 Ways Writing a Book Will Help You to Unlock Your Hidden Creative Genius

 

How often have you thought to yourself, “I’m not creative?” Have you marveled at the creativity of young children playing, wondering where on earth they come up with these crazy ideas? Creativity doesn’t disappear completely as we get older; we simply don’t exercise it quite as much as we did as youngsters. Traditional classroom schooling also doesn’t place a priority on creativity because teachers are so focused on teaching the curriculum and scoring tests. If you want to spur your creative juices once again, write a book.

Here are just a few ways you can unlock your hidden creative genius by writing a book:

1. Use the brain dump method to empty your mind of too many ideas. Experts have proven that multitasking actually diminishes productivity, so instead of trying to write your book while all these other ideas are swimming around, take a journal and just start writing everything down. And I mean EVERYTHING, including calling the dog groomer for an appointment to calling the pharmacy for a refill. Whatever is taking up space in your brain should be on that paper. Now that you’ve released these thoughts onto paper, focus solely on writing your book. You’ll discover the writing process is easier when you’re able to focus on just one task instead of one hundred.

2. Banish writer’s block. Before you start writing your best-selling book create an outline. One might think that this kind of detail will cause writer’s block. But in fact, the exact opposite happens. Because you have a roadmap to follow – and you can decide how detailed to make your outline - your brain will feel safe and allow you to write.

3. Writing itself is a creative problem-solving process. When was the last time you made a pros/cons list to help you make a decision? Or a to-do list to track your daily tasks? Or mind mapping to illustrate solving a problem? Writing out the details of our problem allows us to clarify exactly what has to happen when and it’s then easier to see connections and solutions to these problems our brain relaxes and our creativity flows.

4. Practice makes perfect. Even if you’re not aiming for perfection, this old saying holds true. The more you write, the easier the process becomes. If you’re an expert in a particular field, it makes sense to write about your expertise.  Writing content for your audience will become easier because you have the practice and you’ve done the research to know what your audience is seeking.

 5. Embrace the idea of doing something new or different every day. Our daily lives can become routine and boring but they feel safe and less effort is required on our part. But what if you tried new things, mixed up your daily routines just to be different. Take some time to explore new surroundings, take the long way home from the gym, or skip the gym and go for a walk in nature, turn off social media for a day and let your brain come back to awareness. Your brain will thank you for making it work differently, simply because you mixed things up.

Creativity is hidden inside each of us. Embrace your inner child, and use it to write a book you’ll love. In the end it will be worth it and bring great rewards. 

About Rebecca 

Rebecca Camarena is a Book Coach and author who helps women write, publish and market their impactful books about their heartfelt story of the challenges they’ve overcome so they can be an inspiration to others by sharing their words, their voice, their journey.

As a best-selling author with her co-authored book Out of My Comfort Zone: Stories of Courage, Perseverance and Victory she helped women share their stories of how they got out of their fear zone to excel in their business.

Are you’re ready to turn your heartfelt story into your dream book and become the author you were meant to be? Connect with me here, www.rebeccacamarena.com/contact

All About Extended Metaphors

by Suzanne Lieurance

We all use simple metaphors in our writing. 

But not everyone uses extended metaphors or even understands them, so let’s look at the definition of an extended metaphor first. 

What is an Extended Metaphor?

An extended metaphor is a literary device that takes a single metaphor and expands it over several lines, sentences, or even an entire piece of writing.  

Unlike a simple metaphor, which might compare one thing to another in a single statement, an extended metaphor develops the comparison in greater detail, weaving it into the narrative or argument.  

Think of it as painting an intricate picture with words, layering meaning and imagery to deepen the reader's understanding and engagement.

Why Use Extended Metaphors?

Extended metaphors are powerful tools for writers because they: 

Create Depth: They allow you to explore an idea or emotion more thoroughly, adding layers of meaning to your writing. 

Engage Readers: A well-crafted extended metaphor can capture the reader's imagination and hold their attention. 

Unify Themes: By linking different parts of your work to a single metaphor, you create cohesion and resonance. 

Simplify Complex Ideas: They make abstract or complicated concepts easier to grasp by anchoring them in familiar imagery. 

Tips for Creating and Using Extended Metaphors 

#1. Start with a Strong Core Idea.  

Begin with a single, vivid metaphor that resonates with your theme.  

For example, if you’re writing about a creative journey, you might compare it to planting and tending a garden. 

#2. Develop the Metaphor Gradually.  

Once you have your core metaphor, expand it piece by piece.  

In the garden example, you could describe planting seeds (starting an idea), watering the plants (nurturing creativity), and dealing with weeds (overcoming obstacles). 

#3. Stay Consistent.  

Keep the metaphor’s imagery and logic consistent.  

Mixing unrelated elements—like suddenly shifting from a garden to a spaceship—can confuse readers and weaken your writing. 

 

#4. Use Sensory Details.  

Bring the metaphor to life with vivid descriptions.  

Engage the senses by describing sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures that align with your chosen image. 

#5. Connect to Emotion.  

Great extended metaphors evoke emotion.  

Don’t just describe the garden; make readers feel the joy of new blossoms or the frustration of unexpected storms. 

#6. Avoid Overdoing It.  

While extended metaphors can be powerful, they should never feel forced or overused.  

Know when to step back and let the narrative speak for itself. 

#7. Tailor the Metaphor to Your Audience.  

Choose imagery that resonates with your readers.  

For example, a metaphor about cooking might connect with food lovers, while a sports metaphor might resonate with athletes. 

#8. Tie It Back to Your Message.  

Ensure your extended metaphor reinforces the central theme or argument of your piece.  

Every element should serve the larger purpose of your writing. 

Examples of Extended Metaphors 

The Writing Process as Sailing a Ship: Writing is like navigating a ship through uncharted waters. The blank page is the open sea, full of potential and uncertainty. Your ideas are the wind filling the sails, and your revisions are the course corrections that keep you on track. Storms (self-doubt) and calm waters (writer’s block) test your perseverance, but with determination, you eventually reach the shore of a finished draft. 

Life as a Puzzle: Life is a giant jigsaw puzzle. Each moment is a piece, and some fit together easily while others take time to place. Sometimes, you feel like you’re missing pieces, but with patience and perspective, the full picture begins to emerge. 

Practice Makes Perfect 

If you want to get better at creating extended metaphors, try this simple exercise: 

#1. Pick a common concept or emotion (e.g., love, success, failure). 

#2. Choose a concrete image or idea to compare it to (e.g., a mountain, a river, a marathon). 

#3. Write a paragraph or two exploring the metaphor, expanding on how the two ideas connect. 

Using extended metaphors is a powerful way to elevate your writing.  

It can help you captivate your readers, communicate complex ideas with clarity, and leave a lasting impression.  

So, the next time you sit down to write, don’t just tell your story—paint it with an extended metaphor and watch your words come alive.  

And, for more writing tips, be sure to visit writebythesea.com and get your free subscription to The Morning Nudge. 

Once you're a subscriber, you'll also have access to a Private Resource Library for Writers.

Suzanne Lieurance is the author of over 35 published books, a freelance writer, and a law of attraction coach for writers.

Writing: Context, Content, Conclusion

 

Contributed by Margot Conor

Popular stories normally have what is called a three C’s structure. Context, content, and conclusion. They are the crucial components that can be applied at various levels of your writing to ensure clarity coherence and impact. Context, which is the why of it. Followed by the content, which can be the details of a paragraph, or an entire story, and finally the conclusion.

This is a simple way to break down your process and can be applied in a tight construction for example in every paragraph. Or can be used more loosely for each chapter or section.  

If you are writing a short story, you may only use the three C’s once. Creative writers tend to apply these without really thinking about it. It’s the pattern of story-telling we grew up with, it’s what we know from fairy tales.

As an exercise, you might try consciously using the three C’s in each paragraph of a story. I believe if you are a Plotter you will find this technique easy. As a Panster, thinking of doing that makes my head wobble. It is far too constricting. However, once per chapter is doable.

WITHIN EACH PARAGRAPH

1.    Context: Start each paragraph by providing context. This sets the stage for the reader and ensures they understand the background or the main point that will be discussed. This could be a sentence or two that introduces the topic or provides a transition from the previous paragraph.

2.    Content: Follow with the main content of the paragraph. This is where you present your key ideas, arguments, evidence, or details. Ensure that the content is well-organized and focused on the paragraph's main idea.

3.    Conclusion: Conclude the paragraph by summarizing the main point or providing a transition to the next paragraph. This helps reinforce the key message and prepares the reader for what's coming next.

WITHIN EACH SECTION OF A STORY OR CHAPTER

1.    Context: Begin each section or chapter with context. This could involve setting the scene, introducing characters, or providing necessary background information. Context at this level helps orient the reader within the broader narrative.

2.    Content: Develop the main ideas or plot points within the section. This is where the bulk of the story unfolds, characters develop, and key events take place. Ensure the content is engaging and drives the narrative forward.

3.    Conclusion: End each section with a conclusion that wraps up the events or ideas discussed. This could be a cliffhanger, a resolution of a conflict, or a summary of key points. A strong conclusion at this level keeps the reader engaged and eager to continue.

WITHIN THE ENTIRE STORY

1.    Context: Provide context at the beginning of your short story. This includes the setting, initial character introductions, and the premise. The context should be compelling enough to hook the reader from the start.

2.    Content: Develop the story or chapter with rich content. This includes plot development, character arcs, and thematic exploration. Ensure that each chapter contributes to the overall narrative and keeps the reader engaged.

3.    Conclusion: Conclude the story or chapter with a satisfying ending. This could involve resolving the main conflict, providing a twist, or setting up for the next part of the story. A strong conclusion leaves a lasting impression and provides a sense of closure or anticipation.

Examples

If you examine the stories or books you’ve read, or even the movies you watch, you will be able to point to where this structure is applied. Here are a few examples of Context from Fairytales that introduce key elements of the story that follows:

1.    Cinderella
o    Context: "Once upon a time, in a faraway kingdom, there lived a beautiful young girl named Cinderella. She was kind and gentle, but her life was made miserable by her wicked stepmother and stepsisters."
o    Explanation: This opening line provides the reader with essential background information: the setting (a faraway kingdom), the main character (Cinderella), her positive qualities (kind and gentle), and the source of her conflict (wicked stepmother and stepsisters).

2.    Little Red Riding Hood
o    Context: "Once upon a time, there was a little girl who lived in a village near the forest. She always wore a red riding cloak, so everyone called her Little Red Riding Hood."
o    Explanation: This context introduces the main character (Little Red Riding Hood), her distinctive feature (red riding cloak), and her environment (a village near the forest). It sets up the reader to understand the character's identity and where the story takes place.

3.    Snow White
o    Context: "Once upon a time, in the middle of winter, when snowflakes were falling like feathers from the sky, a queen sat sewing at her window, which had a frame of black ebony wood."
o    Explanation: This opening provides a vivid description of the setting (winter, snowflakes, queen sewing), establishing the scene’s mood and hinting at the magical elements that will be important in the story of Snow White.

4.    Hansel and Gretel
o    Context: "Once upon a time, a poor woodcutter lived at the edge of a large forest with his wife and two children, Hansel and Gretel."
o    Explanation: The reader is introduced to the main characters (woodcutter, his wife, Hansel, and Gretel) and their living situation (poor, edge of a large forest). This context sets the stage for the challenges and adventures the characters will face.

CONTEXT IN DIFFERENT PARAGRAPHS AND SECTIONS

Applying the concept of context within different parts of a fairytale can ensure each section or paragraph is clear and sets up the subsequent content effectively.

1.    Within a Paragraph:
o    Context: "As she walked through the forest, Little Red Riding Hood felt the cool breeze and heard the rustling leaves."
o    Content: "She admired the tall trees and picked some wildflowers along the path."
o    Conclusion: "But soon, she realized she had wandered far from the familiar path."
2.    Within a Section:
o    Context: "The king's castle stood high on a hill, overlooking the entire kingdom."
o    Content: "Inside the grand hall, the king sat on his throne, worried about the future of his realm. Advisors and knights were gathered, discussing the imminent threat."
o    Conclusion: "As the discussions continued, a messenger burst through the doors with urgent news."

By using The three C’s effectively at different levels, writers can ensure their readers are always oriented and engaged, understanding the background and the significance of the events as they unfold.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Margot Conor has been writing for as long as she can remember, but it wasn't until the COVID lock-down that she had enough time to dedicate to the craft and bring something to completion. Having finished her first novel, she went through the grueling two-year process of editing. Now she has jumped into the author's world with both feet. She's preparing to debut her first novel, which means learning how to promote it. The last year has been spent attending many writing retreats, seminars, and writers' events. She also listened to presentations specifically on the topic of publishing and book marketing. She will be sharing what she learns with the reader.
Learn more about Margot at https://margotconor.com/

In the Spotlight: An Interview with Author & Freelance Writer Irene Roth

 by Suzanne Lieurance

Author& Freelance Writer Irene Roth

In the spotlight this month is Canadian author and freelance writer Irene Roth. 

 

As you'll learn from this interview, Irene is quite prolific and I’m sure you’ll find her to be most inspirational.

 

Suzanne Lieurance: Irene, please tell us a bit about yourself and your writing background. 

 

Irene Roth: I started writing in my journal when I was 6 years old while I was growing up in Montreal, Canada. 

 

I was always moved by writing and I used it as a form of self-expression. 

 

Growing up in Montreal, I was an only child. 

 

So, writing became a solace for me, a space where I can express myself in ways that I couldn’t with anyone else. 

 

Add to that, I was a loner. 

 

I’d spend hours on end reading, writing, and just hanging out in my room. 

 

I imagined a lot of stories long before I even knew what I was doing. 

 

I even wrote down some of these. 

 

So, when I got an opportunity to write for the school newspaper in elementary school, I jumped at the chance. 

 

My first published story was about how to spend Christmas. 

 

From that moment on, I knew I found something that I can rely on, regardless of what else was going on in my life. 

 

Writing became my elixir. 

 

And it still is, many decades later. 

 

SL: What kinds of things do you write, and who is your audience? 

 

IR: I write in a wide variety of genres. 

But if I was going to find one umbrella genre for most of my writing, it’s nonfiction. 

 

However, within nonfiction, I write in many sub-genres. 

 

I have written over 50 books for writers on how to be successful. 

 

I also have a large library of over 50 e-courses that I am going to be publishing on my website in the new year. 

 

It has been one of my passions to help writers be their best.

 

In the first part of my creative writing career, I focused on writing e-books for this audience.

 

Here are a few of my more recent titles: 

 

-      How to be an Organized Writer

-      How Writers Can Practice Extreme Self-Care

-      How to be a Productive Writer

-      How to Get Some Writing Done During the Christmas Holidays

-      The Excellent Writer

I also write self-help books for the chronically ill. 

 

This kind of writing is a labor of love since I live with several chronic illnesses myself.  

 

Over the years, I have written over 70 e-books for people living with arthritis, fibromyalgia, migraines, chronic pain, chronic fatigue, and much more. 

 

Here are a few e-books I published on these topics: 

 

-      Living Life to the Fullest: How I thrive with Arthritis and Fibromyalgia 

-      Living Well With Arthritis: Self-Care Practices for a Vibrant Life

-      From Striving to Savoring: Shifting Our Mindset with Chronic Illness

-      From Surviving to Thriving: The Emotional Resilience of the Chronically Ill

-      Sprint into Spring: A Primer for the Chronically Ill to Renew and Refresh

SL: What is a typical day like for you?

 

IR: My typical day starts at 6-9 am. 

 

This is when I get all my creative writing done.

 

The house is quiet, and I can get a lot more done in the shortest time. 

 

I stay off the internet and I don’t bring in any cell phones for three hours.   

 

At 9 am, I take a one-hour stretch break and make a cup of coffee. 

 

At 10 am sharp, my teaching day starts. 

 

I teach critical thinking online from 10:00 to 2:00 daily. 

 

Then I have my office hours, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. 

 

After 3 pm, I start revising my manuscripts. 

 

I revise every day, except Sunday, from 4 to 6 pm.

 

Then three evenings a week, I coach writers on how to be successful. 

 

SL: What is the most challenging part of writing for you?

 

IR: I think the most challenging part of writing for me is changing gears after I teach. 

 

I’m usually tired and distracted. 

 

Here are a few ways I get into the zone with my writing after a 4-to-5 hour-teaching-day: 

 

·      I take an exercise break. I walk on my treadmill for 20-30 minutes or go outside and take a walk, if the weather is nice. 

 

·      I meditate for 10 minutes. I have two apps on my cellphone, Insight Timer which is free, and Calm which I subscribe to. 

·      I have a protein bar and coffee. This usually centers me to start writing so that my mind isn’t all over the place. 

 

·      I look over my goals that are written in my planner. I usually decide what I’m going to do the next day the night before. Then there are no decisions to make when I sit down to write. 

 

·      I turn off all my devices, cellphone, tablet, and internet. I revise for 25 minutes and take a 5-minute stretch break. And I keep revising like that for two hours, after which time I take a longer break. (If anyone wants to try this, the Pomodoro Method is a great place to start.) You can download the app to your cell phone or computer.

 

SL: What do you enjoy most about writing?

 

IR: I love the freedom of mind and heart that writing gives me. 

 

It is absolutely the best part of my life. 

 

It is a time for me to express myself as I want. 

 

I do so many different kinds of writing, including journaling. 

 

Since I became chronically ill over two decades ago, I’ve discovered a reservoir of wisdom and inspiration in my heart that I want to share with others. 

 

My writing makes this possible, and I feel so honored to be able to inspire others to live their best life with chronic illness. 

 

I can also write about topics that I wouldn’t want to talk about with anyone. 

 

It is a place and space for me to really open up. 

 

And, for me, being a writer allows me to do that with safety and without judgment. 

 

SL: I know you also teach writing. Tell us about that. And what other services for writers do you provide?

 

IR: I have been teaching with Savvy Authors for over 15 years. 

I have worked with literally hundreds of writers. 

 

I also have a mentoring program at Savvy Authors that is in its fifth year. 

 

I meet with writers one-on-one a few times a month, via zoom. 

 

I go over their writing goals and how they are doing. 

 

During our 30-minute sessions, they set goals for themselves for the next 2 weeks, and we go over their schedule for these two weeks to examine any obstacles they may have in completing their goals. 

 

I am in the process of setting up my own mentoring business on my website. 

 

I eventually want to branch off on my own and coach writers. 

 

I will start by keeping my mentoring fees incredibly low so that I can get my feet wet. 

 

But once I do, in a year or so, I will be charging at least $50/month for mentoring. 

 

I am also pretty busy presenting workshops for the Fibromyalgia Group in Ontario. 

 

It is a Canada-wide group, so I have a lot of exposure.

 

I present an ongoing writing program that meets twice a month. 

 

The program is called Writing with Pain. 

 

My e-book group sales have quadrupled since I became a full-time presenter for the Fibromyalgia group. 

 

It’s also so great to hear that the people who purchase my e-books love them and get so much out of them. 

 

SL: How do you find sources of information for your nonfiction books?

 

IR: I read widely. 

 

In any given year, I generally read over 400 books and e-books. 

So, I am always in research mode. 

 

And I find all kinds of wisdom in these books, and topics to write about.

 

I also use the notes I’ve taken from past books that I’ve read to create my e-books. 

 

There is so much information out there. 

 

SL: What writing projects are you working on right now?

 

IR: Currently, I have four main projects on the go. 

 

1.     I’m writing a book on how to live a fulfilling life and even thrive with chronic illness. It is called Kaleidoscope and should be available on Amazon for purchase in January of 2024.  

 

2.     I’m also writing a memoir. It’s taking a lot of energy to write this book, as I am delving into some difficult parts of my life. I’ve been writing the book for a few years now, so it’s time to finish it up. My projected completion date for this book is no later than the end of 2024. 

 

3.     I’m writing a chapter for an anthology about my late mother. She passed away over ten years ago and I still miss her terribly. This essay will allow me to honor her life and how her memories which allow me to hold them in my heart forever. 

 

4.     Lastly, I am in the early stages of writing a quote-plus book for the chronically ill. In it, I will offer ten ways that chronically ill individuals should take care of themselves and some famous quotes by people who are living with challenges. 

 

SL: What is your best tip for writers?

 

IR: To be most successful, you must write regularly, even if it is for as little as 15 to 20 minutes. 

 

This will give you continuity and help you will complete your writing goals in a timely fashion. 

 

But what’s more, you will become more confident in the process because what you do repeatedly becomes a habit. 

SL: Where can readers find out more about your writing?

 

IR: My books are on https://www.Amazon.com/ as well as Smashwords at https://www.smashwords.com/

 

I also have an author website where all my more recent books are listed at https://www.Irenesroth.com/

Suzanne Lieurance

For more resources and tips for writers, visit writebythesea.com and get your free subscription to The Morning Nudge.

Suzanne Lieurance is an award-winning author, with over 40 published books, and a Law of Attraction coach for writers.