Writing Tips for the New Year

Every week, do something that you’ve always "intended" to do and then write about the experience in a journal. That "something" needn’t be extravagant or elaborate; it could be something as simple as reading a juicy novel that you’d planned on getting to when you "found" the time, traveling down a side road that you’ve always wondered where it led to, or trying out an exotic flavor of ice cream. The purpose of this exercise it to get you into the habit of living life now, instead of waiting "until_____" before you make life memories.
Life waits for no man. Add continuously to your life’s book of memories and it will sustain you during the difficult and stressful periods of life.

Before the month is up, write a letter to one person who has made a difference in your life and thank them for contributing to the person that you are. This person can be your child, husband, wife, a teacher, your mailmain…anyone who has touched your life in a positive way. Do not allow yourself to be one of those people who "wished they would’ve said…"

Show one person something that you have written. One of the hardest things for writers to do is putting their work "out there" in the universe for others to see. It’s scary, but ultimately, very rewarding. Stop depriving the world of the gift of your unique and personal perspective of life and writing.

Get a pen pal. Snailmailing is a wonderful way to expand your writing horizons, get to know other people on a more personal level, and improve your writing skills. (Plus, there’s not a lot that’s more satisfying than seeing your name on a nice, fat envelope…one that’s not a bill, that is.LOL)