Tag: Substack

  • Substack: How do you make yourself write when executive dysfunction is kicking your ass?

    This week’s Q&A is all about writing when executive dysfunction is in full force. Whether it’s ADHD, burnout, or just a foggy brain day, I break down the practical tools I use to keep writing: time-limited sprints, writing out of order, messy first drafts, and dictation. Plus, how to build a “low-energy writing menu” so you can still make progress, even on the rough days.

    Check it out on Substack: lizwritesbooks.substack.com

    Have a Q you want A’d? Ask it on Tumblr: http://lizwritesbooks.tumblr.com/ask

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  • Substack: How long did it take to finish your first novel?

    Substack: How long did it take to finish your first novel?


    Your first finished novel doesn’t have to be fast—it just has to be finished, and sometimes that means learning to push through the stalls without panicking.


    My first finished book took 7 months—but before that, I started and abandoned at least 4 or 5. Writer’s block? Sure. But also burnout, self-doubt, distraction, and shiny new idea syndrome.

    Head over to Substack to learn how I get unstuck (and finish the damn book):

    Liz Writes Books | Substack | How long did it take you to finish your first novel?

    Have a Q you want A’d? Ask it on Tumblr: http://lizwritesbooks.tumblr.com/Ask

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  • Substack: How to know when your book is ready to query?

    Substack: How to know when your book is ready to query?


    So you’ve finished a novel—congrats! That’s a huge accomplishment—most people never make it that far. But now comes the terrifying question: how do you know when it’s done? The short answer is: you don’t. But here’s what I’ve learned about deadlines, querying, rejection, and whether hiring an editor before you query is actually worth it.

    Today over on Substack, I talk about how you know you’re ready to submit.

    Read it here: http://lizwritesbooks.substack.com

    Have a Q you want A’d? Ask it on Tumblr: http://lizwritesbooks.tumblr.com/Ask

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  • Substack: How to Move Past Fear and Write

    Substack: How to Move Past Fear and Write

    Today over on Substack, I talk about moving past the fear and writing when your novel keeps giving you side-eye. It’s got pasta dough metaphors, ADHD hacks, and a reminder that what you feel about your work isn’t always what your readers feel.

    If you’re like me, and you struggled with actually finishing your first book (or your second, or your third), staring at a blank page gives you an instant panic attack, or your favorite Starbucks barista hands you a box of Kleenex when you walk through the door, this Q&A is for you.

    You can check it out here: http://lizwritesbooks.substack.com

    Remember to subscribe, comment, and share!

  • Substack: How to Protect Your Writing Time

    Substack: How to Protect Your Writing Time

    I’m now on Substack!

    You can follow me at: http://lizwritesbooks.substack.com

    Todays’s post is a flashback to July 2014, but the question and answer still holds today: How do you make people respect your writing time?

    If you’re like me, and you have a problem overcommitting, saying yes when your to-do list screams no, volunteering for shifts on off days, or setting boundaries that pop like bubbles, this Q&A is for you.

    You can find the post here: Q&A: How to make people respect your writing time

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    Substack FAQ

    Does this mean the blog is going away?

    No! The blog will still be around for regular blog posts.

    Monthly updates, weekly Q&A, and polls are moving to the Substack.

    Do I have to pay to read your Substack?

    Absolutely not. And you never will.

    How often will the Substack/blog be updated?

    I plan on doing monthly posts for the blog and twice-weekly posts for the Substack.

    The main difference between the two is that the Substack is for writers and the blog will be more for writers and readers who may not be as interested in how the literary sausage is made.

    I have a Q, where can I send it?

    You can send questions to me directly at lizwritesbooks@gmail.com. If you want to ask anonymously, you can still use my Tumblr ask box: https://lizwritesbooks.tumblr.com/ask