Creative
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Writing Conflict Tips: Saying NO is a no-brainer
Let’s start with a confession: I’m terrible at saying no.
Not just bad, I’m atrocious!
I can’t even remember the last time I did it. I tried, honestly, but my brain came up with a blank. Which, considering how much I say yes to everything, shouldn’t be a surprise.
But December is here. It’s the month where “yes” starts piling up like glitter at a kids crafting table, and before you know it, you’re left buried in commitments that you never wanted in the first place.
And here’s the kicker: saying no isn’t just a holiday survival tactic; it’s also one of the best writing conflict tips you’ll ever hear.
Think about it. Every memorable plot, every page-turner you couldn’t put down, is driven by conflict, and that conflict often starts with a no.
So, while I figure out how to say no to my next “urgent” invite or present that I need to run out and buy, let’s dive into why mastering the art of refusal is as essential to your December as it is to your storytelling.
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Why Saying No Matters in Life and Writing.
Saying ‘no’ isn’t just making up an excuse, or pretending you didn’t see that text so you don’t have to reply, it’s about creating space for what really matters. It can be a hard thing to do, and often saying no is covered in guilt and messy emotions, both for you and your characters.
And when it comes to crafting great stories, this might be one of the most underrated writing conflict tips out there. I mean, it sounds too simple, right?
In real life, ‘no’ helps us set boundaries.
It’s a word that I’m guessing you don’t use as much as you should, that’s because at heart, we all want people to like us. We don’t want to be the voice of doom or the person crossing their arms and shaking their head, but we also all know how important it is to do that sometimes.
Looking at the ‘no’ in writing, and it’s clear to see that it’s the word that creates the tension. Refusal ups the stakes so that readers keep turning the pages. It’s the moment a character says no to an offer, a plan, or an expectation that sets the plot spinning forward. Writing conflict tips the plot forward, gives it momentum and gets the story started.
When your main character gets the ‘call to action’ at the very beginning of the book, if they turn around and say, ‘oh go on then,’ your reader won’t really care. They kind of HAVE to say no.
Learning when to say no, in your own life and in your writing, can be the key to clarity, focus, and a whole lot of drama (the good kind).
Writing Conflict Tips : The Role of ‘No’ in Writing
So ‘no’ is the spark, and this is one of those writing conflict tips that sounds simple but has endless depth. Because even though we’re discussing it here as a spoken word, it can also be an internal no. A conflict of a deeper and hidden kind.
Is your character drawing a line to themselves, to someone, or something else?
Maybe it’s a refusal to follow the rules, like Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games. Or maybe it’s internal, the the voice in their head saying no to self-doubt or fear.
In Lord of the Rings, Frodo’s internal voice repeatedly urges him to abandon the Ring and run from his responsibility. At the start of Frozen, it’s Elsa’s internal voice that tells her not to use her powers.
Every no is a step toward defining who your character is and what they’re willing to fight for, and that can be a very real and obvious no, or a softer and more secret no.
Choosing what type of ‘no’ is the very best thing about this writing conflict tip, you think it’s simple, but in fact, it can be a very layered strategy that defines the core of the character that you’re writing about.
How to Craft Characters Who Say ‘No‘
If your characters are saying yes to everything, they’re not characters, they’re doormats. And nobody wants to read about a doormat.
Strong characters push back. They stand their ground, and make choices that create tension. And remember, this can all happen within themselves.
They don’t actually need any other characters for this tension to grow and build.
Mark Watney in The Martian had so many arguments with himself when he was saying no, as did Tom Hanks when he was playing Chuck Noland in the Castaway.
One of the best writing conflict tips for creating memorable characters is to focus on their motivations behind every ‘no.’
This is really key to deepening your character and making what they do believable. It’s also a large part of what will drive your plot forward, as no particular element works on its own in writing, they’re all connected, and so, work out the before and the after your ‘no.’
Think about it. Are they refusing out of fear? Defiance? Loyalty? A well-placed no doesn’t just create conflict, it makes your characters more relatable and your story more dynamic. Writing conflict tips the character into his real back story, the why and the reason they do what they do.
When to Say ‘No’ (and When to Say ‘Yes’) in Real Life
Life is full of yes/no decisions, especially during the holiday chaos that we’re all in the middle of right now.
Should you go to that party? The school fair? Do you really need to spend all that money on that present?
One of the sneakiest writing conflict tips is to pay attention to your own life.
The struggles you face when deciding to say no, or yes, are the same kinds of conflicts your characters should wrestle with.
EVERYONE wants to say ‘no’ when they end up saying ‘yes,’ at some point. It’s a human thing, it’s a relatable thing, and it will make your readers fall in love with your characters when they read about this conflict, be it internal or external.
Pro writing conflict tips: say yes to what fills your cup and no to what drains it. Then, use those moments as inspiration to craft richer, more believable stories.
Turning No Into a Page-Turning Hook
If you want to grab a reader’s attention, start with a no.
Don’t wait until you’ve introduced the characters, setting, maybe a few scenes so people can get to know your people. Nope. That way boredom lies. Start with that hard ‘no’ on the first page.
In all of my books, the ‘no’ is right there in the opening paragraphs.
For Closer Than She Thinks, my main character, Louise, is standing over a body with an internal question. Is he dead?
You can feel her screaming NOOOOOOOOO! As she stares at the body, frozen on the spot. It’s an internal conflict within her. She doesn’t want to be there and yet, ‘his body is the anchor keeping me tethered to the room.’
In The Secretary, the book opens with a letter written from an inmate in prison. Someone has said no to them and they write, ‘you want me to beg? OK I’m begging, please write me a bloody letter.’
The ‘no’ is right there, before you even turn the page.
Let your story open with a character refusing or trying to refuse something critical, something that will cost them if they walk away. This is one of the most effective writing conflict tips to make your opening scene irresistible.
For example, think about the classic “call to adventure” trope. The hero almost always says no at first. Frodo doesn’t want to leave the Shire. Harry doesn’t want to believe he’s a wizard. That initial resistance is what makes their eventual journey so satisfying.
The Ultimate Writing Conflict Tip: Say No to Perfectionism
This might be the hardest ‘no’ of all, but it’s the most important one as a writer.
Saying no to perfectionism is one of those writing conflict tips that applies both on and off the page. In your story, perfectionism might manifest as a character who’s afraid to take risks. In your writing life, it’s the voice that tells you your draft isn’t good enough to share.
We’ve all had imposter syndrome, the inner critic that peeps over your shoulder as you’re writing and shouts ‘nooooooo! Stop typing you idiot, this is RUBBISH!’
So here’s me, telling you to say no to that voice. A really loud, shouty NO.
The truth? Messy is good.
Imperfect is progress.
And saying no to perfectionism frees you to actually finish your work, which is the ultimate win.
So say no to the party you don’t want to go to. Say no to the obligations and the guilt, say no to doing things you don’t want to and you’ll feel all the better for it!
If you’ve enjoyed reading this, please share these writing conflict tips with your writing buddies and pin it! Thank you!
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Gifts for Authors : The Essential & Irresistible 3 part guide
Gifts for authors, writers, notebook scribblers and anyone else that likes literary stuff!
Buying presents for people is hard! Even harder when that person is obsessed with books and writing, because what do you get for them – another book? Well, yes, books are always welcome, but buying gifts for authors, writers and creatives can be a minefield, so as it’s the season of giving, I’ve compiled a list to help you out.
This also works really well if you are a writer as you can buy a gift for yourself, or just forward this post and there you have it – a gift that you really want to open!
If there are any that you think I’ve left out, be sure to let me know as I’m going to keep adding to this so it really is the essential guide!
Quick note – these are affiliate links, which means I make a small commission if you use these links, which go towards the running of this site and are of no additional cost to you at all.
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Gifts for Authors – the Luxury Stuff
This luxury list could go on forever, I mean, what writer wouldn’t want a luxury holiday bag, for all those research trips, a Jo Malone candle to write by or a designer writing desk?
Exactly! So if you want to splurge on that very special writer, here a few more luxury picks.
The White Company is always a good choice. I particularly love this cashmere loungewear and these cosy slippers. If I had the duo, don’t think I’d get dressed at all!
L’Occitane is my go-to when I want to smell divine. This almond shower oil is a must at this time of year, it keeps my skin really soft whilst also managing to smell of yummy marzipan. And this Overnight Reset Serum is always a favourite. I haven’t met one person who wasn’t impressed by it.
Gifts for Authors – The Clothing Edit
ASOS is a great place to get a wide range of items, I really like this ‘ask me what book I am reading’ t-shirt, this book club one and reading is my love language one. This co-ord looks really good for writing in, and this cosy coat is a must for adventuring outdoors when writers’ block strikes.
Joanie is always a favourite and this fab book dress is back in stock! Totally IN LOVE with this dress, and this Celia Birtwell one, and also this one with the dark magic print. Really like this book worm jumper, as well as this reading is cool t-shirt.
Marks and Spencer have a really good range of stuff in and always can be relied on for great basics. This pure merino wool jumper is a steal at this price, and I have my eye on these flared trousers.
Gifts for Authors – The Reading and Writing Essentials
This is the best price I’ve seen for a Kindle Paperwhite
I really fancy this Qwerkywriter keyboard, I think it would make a cool sound when writing and get me to work on the keyboard a lot more.
Vans have the best backpacks for carrying stack loads of books and I love this one here as well as the great pencil cases. Cool and functional.
Etsy has some great gifts for writers, and I like the fact that you’re supporting independant businesses when you shop with them. I love this personalised breakfast tray for lazy mornings writing in bed, and this custom book embosser looks fabulous.
I have this luxury heated throw and work in it most days – I have it on now as I’m writing – and can vouch for them. So much so, that I bought my parents and in-laws one as well. A must for reading on cold mornings and writing when it’s chilly outside.
I also can vouch for these candles, as I have one and always think I write better when I light it.
Not on the High Street is another great place to get personalised gifts for authors, with this cheese board and these notebooks, or these PJ’s!
And as a last note, when the writing isn’t going well, how about one of these lovehugs teddy bears? When you haven’t heard from your publisher or agent, when you can’t think of what to write, when you feel down – because let’s face it, the writing and creating life is all about the ups and downs, who doesn’t need a hug?
Found this gifts for authors guide useful? I’d love it if you’d pin it or share it with your writerly mates!
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Bluesky For Authors
How to Master Bluesky as an Author (and Actually Get People to Follow You)
Bluesky for authors? As I’m writing this, Twitter, or X, is no longer the place to be. Well, it is for some, but lots of people have changed their mind about the app for all different kinds of reasons.
Threads is pretty good, but personally, I’ve seen a lot of my writer and bookish online mates heading over to Bluesky and even though it’s been around a while, it’s now got 20 million users, and growing, – which is not to be sniffed at! So here’s a rundown on Bluesky for authors and how I’m finding it all.
X (still can’t get used to calling it that) was the place to network, make online writerly friends, chat about industry stuff and all in a quick sentence here and there, so it’s worth having something like this in your back pocket.
And if you’re new to the app and if you are, come say hello to me and let me know how you’re finding it all.
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Craft a Profile That Makes People Like You (Or At Least Click “Follow”)
Your profile, like your Instagram bio, your Facebook intro and your LinkedIn about section, has to be succinct and make people curious.
Please don’t just say, “Author,” or ‘Aspiring Author’ or anything that just declares what you are in one word and leave it at that. Instead, give people a reason to hit follow.Remember the three-part rule – who you are, what you do, and why they should follow.
Lead with what makes you interesting—”Fantasy author. Creator of worlds. Talk to me about your parallel universe.”
Make them want to stick around for your imagination and vibes.
Post the Kind of Content You’d Want to See While Procrastinating
Think about your ideal reader, the bookish blogger who is going to shout about your book and become your bestie — what are they doing on Bluesky when they’re not working?
Create content for that moment, and if you need a starting point, take a look at these 35 social media caption hooks to get you going.Share snippets from your WIP (Work-In-Progress), post weird facts you researched that no one asked for, or rant about why your protagonist decided they hate plot structure.
Make it relatable, make it funny, and make it you.
Hashtags Are Friends, Not Annoyances
Bluesky uses hashtags, and honestly, they’re lifesavers.
Hashtags are like the index of your sci-fi novel: they help people find the good stuff. Use relevant tags like #WritingCommunity, #AmWriting, #AuthorLife, and whatever genre you’re in.
But don’t overdo it—this isn’t 2012 Twitter. Keep it relevant and natural.
Join or Start a “Starter Pack”
Bluesky has a thing called Starter Packs, and it’s a fast pass into community bonding and brilliant and one of my favourite features so far. I have got 400 new followers due to this feature in the past couple of days.
These packs are like bundles of accounts with shared interests and you can find them on the tab just under the bio along with feeds and lists. I’m in the process of setting up a book reviewer starter pack, so watch this space!
There are packs for fantasy nerds, thriller writers, and people who just really like long discussions about plot twists. Join a few packs that resonate with your genre, or—even better—make your own if you’re feeling ambitious. It’s like starting a club, except no one has to clean their living room.Custom Domains
You can, if you wish, personalise your handle to your own domain name. This is a great feature on Bluesky for authors to point people to their website and it’s quite easy to do.
But if you do put your own domain name on there, make sure you also get your name on the .bsky.social account as well, so someone else doesn’t claim it!
Go to your account settings, click on ‘account’ – ‘handle’ – and follow the instructions.Customise your thread and feed
One of Bluesky’s coolest features is its algorithmic choice. It’s like choosing which type of chaos to expose yourself to. You can tweak your feed to show more of what you love.
Play around with it. The more you tailor your experience, the easier it becomes to find your people—and for them to find you. You can also adjust your preferences on how you see your feed and threads in the app settings.
Moderate your feed – get rid of the trolls
You can report any content or other accounts by clicking on the ‘report’ option for the moderation team to take a look at and review. You can also create an entire list of accounts to block or mute and you can filter the content you see in the preferences section.
Just go to your account settings, click moderation and add the words or tags, create a list and block or mute any accounts who are putting your teeth on edge.
Control who replies to your content
When you post, click on the bottom left where it says ‘anybody can interact.’ So you can select everybody or nobody, or a combination. Which is a really handy thing to know!
Bluesky for authors? Another thing we have to do?
Nope, if you don’t want to be on there, then don’t! Bluesky is not supposed to be just another box to tick. And I’m a strong believer in the fact that if you don’t enjoy a platform, then don’t waste your time on there, but for now, I’m finding it a really fun place to be and enjoying the chatter much more than I ever did on X.
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Ink & Impact
I saw a post the other day that said, “Only a few weeks until Christmas!” and it really hit me—autumn is well and truly here. The leaves are starting to turn, and while it’s nearly October, the weather in the Lake District has already been in full autumn mode for weeks. The mornings are crisp, the afternoons are damp, and there’s that familiar chill in the air.
With the change in season, I’m trying to embrace the autumn vibes. Cosy jumpers, hot drinks, and long walks through the misty woods. But I have to admit, the rainy days are making me wonder how I’ll fill the weekends.
What are your plans for autumn? Any rainy day activities that keep the blues away? I’d love to hear your ideas!
By the way, the final Ink & Impact workbook is now live on my Substack. If you’ve been following along, be sure to check it out. And if you’ve completed all four workbooks, I’d love to know how they’ve helped your writing journey—drop me a message or leave a comment.
Enjoy the cosy season ahead,
Zoe x
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Love a good story?
Me too.
Whether it’s curling up with a great book or settling in to binge-watch the latest Netflix series, stories are everywhere. And if you’ve ever been stuck listening to someone who can’t tell a good story, you know just how important they are.
Think about it: if you’ve been cornered by a colleague who bores the socks off you, read an article that left you confused, or seen a Facebook post that made no sense at all—you understand. We all know when a story isn’t being told right. To craft a great narrative, certain elements need to be in place. You have to hook your audience, stir their curiosity, and deliver a punch (or two).
I’ve been telling stories for over 20 years—from my first short story published in Jackie magazine at the age of 15, to the psychological thrillers I now write, to the content creation and copywriting I do for businesses.
I love nothing more than telling a good tale, and I’d love to help you tell yours.
Stories That Stay With You
Books are my first love, and writing them has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my storytelling journey. It’s always been a dream to see my books in shops and have a publishing deal and I love nothing more than creating characters and plots.
My stories dive deep into the human experience—relationships, emotions, the messy, wonderful parts of life that we all go through.
If you’re like me and love stories that make you feel something, then take a look at my books. They’re filled with characters who might just remind you of yourself (or someone you know), and stories that linger long after you’ve turned the last page.
Want to stay in the loop? I’ve got more books in the works, so if you’re curious, sign up for updates and be the first to know when new stories are ready for the world!
Helping Businesses Tell Their Story
Let’s face it: there’s a lot of noise out there. Every business has something to say, but not every business knows how to say it in a way that really connects with people. That’s where I come in.
I work with creative businesses that want to share their message with the world, but in a way that feels authentic and relatable. I help brands find their voice, and I turn their ideas, values, and goals into content that gets noticed. Here’s what that might look like:
- Story-Driven Content: You’ve got a mission and a story to tell. I’ll help you turn that into words that your ideal audience will connect with. Whether it’s social media posts, blogs, or web copy, I’ll give your brand that human touch.
- Social Media That Feels Right: Social media doesn’t have to be overwhelming. I’ll create a plan that makes sense for your business and helps you reach your audience in the places they love to hang out. No weird gimmicks—just thoughtful, engaging content that feels real.
- Copy That Speaks: If your website or content isn’t quite hitting the mark, or if it reads like, well, an instruction manual (yep, I’ve seen that!), I’m here to breathe life into it. I’ll craft words that reflect your brand’s personality and resonate with your audience.
Let’s Work Together
For Readers: If you’re here for the books, welcome! I’d love for you to dive into my stories and get lost in the worlds I’ve created. Grab a coffee, curl up, and let’s go on an adventure together. And don’t forget to stay tuned for new releases!
For Businesses: If you’re ready to give your brand a voice that truly speaks to your audience, I’m your person. Let’s chat about what makes your business tick and how we can tell your story in a way that sticks. Whether it’s social media, website copy, or content strategy, we’ll make sure your message doesn’t just get heard—it gets felt.
For Authors: If only it ended when you typed ‘THE END’ on the last page of your manuscript or sent off that pitch to an editor. But being an author or freelance writer today is so much more. You’re expected to wear a dozen different hats—PR rep, marketing expert, presenter, social media guru, accountant, personal assistant—the list goes on.
If you’re a writer of any kind, check out my Substack, The Writer’s Guide To… It’s where I share tips, tools, and social media hacks to help you grow your writing business and navigate the ever-changing landscape of being a writer.
If there’s anything else you’d like to know and it isn’t here – send me an email!
Zoe
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Need a bit of help with that?
How I wish that when you typed out ‘the end’ you could send the email to your publisher, dance away from your keyboard and wait for it to hit the bestseller lists.
Maybe you’re in that small percentage of people who can, but for the rest of us, we have to start the hustle…
Being a writer and author today means also being a PR guru, social media manager, sales team, marketing team, accountant, secretary, professional speaker, cinematographer and the list goes on!That’s why I started the weekly newsletter The Writer’s Guide To…
Jumping in your inbox every Friday, it’s packed full of tips, tricks, hacks, how-to, guides and loads more other stuff to help you do everything you have to.
It’s a way of feeling less overwhelmed and alone in all this other ‘stuff’ we have to do. Come and join the community and here is 10% off for being so wonderful!
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How to get back on track: tips and strategies for making up missed writing time
After the last Monday Muse when I said I felt like I wrote like the wind, this week I have got hardly any words down.
Other commitments have taken over the blocks of time that I save for writing.
It was completely unavoidable and I’m about 7k down on my writing schedule. 7000 words down!
I have a weekly goal and track my progress and this has really hit it hard.
I was feeling down about it, moaning to my husband and friends, until one of them kindly told me that moaning about missed writing time, and not actually doing anything about it, wasn’t productive.
It certainly wasn’t making me feel any better, just frustrated and unmotivated.
And as so many posts about writing progress seem to be about quantity of words, here’s a post about when you get zero done.
When you have a schedule, a writing goal, but life gets in the way.
The first thing to remember, I think, is to go easy on yourself and kind of, expect that this will happen.
Life is unpredictable and messy and things don’t go to plan, so prepare for bouts of no words.That’s my first bit of advice from being there this week, don’t beat yourself up about it. I wasted the whole of an early evening faffing and moaning when I could have squeezed in a hour of writing.
The next thing I’d suggest is taking a look at your writing planner and reminding yourself why you’re writing at all. Read over your wish list and your yearly goals as it’s a great boost for remembering your motivation.
What makes you want to write at all.
Here’s what else I plan to do to reclaim that missed writing time.
- I’ve rejigged my schedule for the upcoming weeks in my writing planner and put a few more writing blocks in here and there.
- Some of those writing blocks are small amounts of time that I usually wouldn’t consider. Half an hour here and there. Fifteen minutes when I’m waiting in the car whilst collecting my daughter from an after school activity. I’m embracing writing in small chunks.
- I’ve made strict rules. Those writing blocks are to be without distraction, meaning I can’t have my phone nearby. I’m not allowed to open the internet on my laptop, and if I need to research something, I’m leaving that space blank to come back to later.
- No editing whilst writing. These time blocks are for writing only. Editing comes later. Perfection can get in the sea in these writing zones.
- I’ve added a shortcut on my phone to a folder in my notebook so that throughout the day, I can jot down ideas, thoughts, plot resolutions etc. super quick.
All my notes will be in one place, meaning that when I come to my precious writing blocks, I know exactly what I’m going to write about.
I’m feeling pretty good about it now.
I know I won’t be able to make it all up, but this process is a way to help me write faster, get more organised and hit those targets.
Do you have any strategies for getting back on track?
What do you find helps when reclaiming lost writing time?
Leave a comment, because I kind of need all the help I can get right now!
Have a great week,
Zoe x
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The rucksack of supplies and why it’s stopping you from writing
And enjoying the view…
Did I tell you we’ve bought a van?
It’s not a fancy thing, so if you’re imagining a groovy camper-van stop and imagine a builders van instead.
And it’s not the van in this picture either, our van is the kind with a sticker on the back that says ‘no tools are left in this vehicle overnight.’That kind of van.
Did I tell you we’ve bought a van?
It’s not a fancy thing, so if you’re imagining a groovy camper-van stop and imagine a builders van instead.
And it’s not the van in this picture either, our van is the kind with a sticker on the back that says ‘no tools are left in this vehicle overnight.’That kind of van.
We bought it for two reasons, one because we need it for the business, but also because we want to be able to chuck our bikes in the back and go off on adventures.
Which is what we’re doing for half term, so there may not be a free newsletter in a few Fridays, depending on how the road trip goes.
So this week, we took it out for a bit of a test drive on the motorway. We wanted to check it was alright going at 60mph and see how we all felt about it.
That’s when we realised one of the doors doesn’t shut properly.
It’s only a tiny thing, but when going at high speeds, the air blows back and it sounds like you’re on a jet plane and sitting near the engine.Not ideal for the week of travelling we’ve planned.
So our conversations these past few days have been with the garage trying to get the part that will make the door shut completely, and, lots of heated discussion about my husband’s idea of using gaffer tape. That will apparently, ‘work just as well.’I’ve my fingers crossed for the mechanic, but I’ll let you know how we end up.
The other thing we realised, is that when all three of us are sitting up front, there isn’t much room left for snacks, books, entertainment devices, etc. Which was at first, a big blow to my little girl.
Mostly on long car journeys, she watches a film, or does some kind of drawing or reading, or listens to an audio book and usually she has this big rucksack filled with all her ‘supplies.’
When we got in the van, both of us sitting close together, we found there was no room for her rucksack of supplies and she had to pick one thing that could fit in the small glove compartment.
It was tense.
The choosing and trying to persuade me that I didn’t need a full seat to myself and could easily share it with her rucksack.
In the end she picked her iPad along with her headphones and looked forlorn as the rucksack was put back in her bedroom.We started the journey and she went to get out her iPad and then stopped as we all marvelled how different the view is in the van.
So high up.
You get to see everything and have a good nosey as you pass people in cars on the motorway.The radio was on and we had a chat.
We had a singsong. We talked over and over about the jet-engine sound and if it was bearable.After a couple of hours we got back home and not once had my daughter looked at her iPad or missed her rucksack of supplies.
When I pointed this out, she was amazed.
And here’s the thing, if we’d had room for her rucksack, she would’ve taken out everything in it and used them all.
Five minutes on reading, ten minutes on colouring, etc. I know this because at the end of most journeys, her stuff is all over the backseat and we have to tidy it up.But because it wasn’t there, she didn’t use it.
And what’s more, she didn’t miss it.
She didn’t miss what she didn’t have, and I think it can be the same for most things, but especially when trying to be creative.
I know that when I’m writing, or planning content, if I have a rucksack of supplies to help me, I get hardly anything done.
If say, I have a few books on writing craft that I can dip into for inspiration, along with watching a few videos from other people on how to write, along with my fancy new notebook that’s a bit too nice to write in, along with essential research that I need to do on Google…
If I have anything other than my keyboard, or pen and paper, I’m not very productive.
So if you have a rucksack of supplies, and yours could be snacks, drinks, music, a smelly candle, a fluffy blanket, your cat, social media, your dog, the right playlist…
All those things that you think you can’t work without.
Try taking them away.
See how it feels creating without those supplies. You don’t need them for every journey. Put constraints on yourself.
Don’t have unnecessary distractions, because chances are, without them, the view will be different and you’ll get so much more done.
Have a great weekend,
Zoe x
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People just instantly delete…
How to write compelling emails that no one deletes
That was a comment on a thread in my Facebook group the other day when we were talking about emails and newsletters.
‘People just instantly delete them. They are a complete waste of time.’
We were talking about the evolving news story of TikTok and all the drama surrounding it and if the app will be banned.
I’m writing this to you as the CEO of TikTok goes up before congress today, and I’m so interested to see what happens.If it is banned, what the ramifications will be for social media in general? If the ban will set a precedent for other apps? How China will retaliate and what will it do?
So many questions, and we were discussing this in the group and batting around ideas for how to protect our content and community should the worst happen.
That’s when the subject of newsletters came up.
For me, these letters that I write to you, are my best form of engagement.
Looking at my stats, they get a good open rate, attract new subscribers and I love getting comments and messages about them.
For other authors, it seems not so much.
They told me that no one even opens their mail, or responds, or subscribes.
So here’s a few tips from what I’ve learned in the past nine months of sending these weekly letters out. (I moved over to Substack in January this year and sent them privately before that if you’re wondering where all the archives are!)
Look at your diary
Yep, that’s my first port of call when writing to you.
I look back at what I did in the week. Where did I go? Who was I with? What rubbish stuff happened? What great stuff happened?I make a quick note, and then look them over.
You might think no one is interested in this stuff, but I disagree.
Remember, people sign up to get your newsletters because they are interested in YOU.
They want to learn more about you, people are naturally curious, and chances are your ideal reader is a lot like you, so whatever you did, it will be of interest as long as you make it relevant.But first…
Pick a topic
So let’s say the diary events that stuck out from your past week, look like this:- Wrote 4k words
- Had a dentist appointment
- Rained all week so didn’t go running
Maybe that’s all you’ve got to work with, but honestly, there’s like two months worth of weekly emails there.
How is it relevant?
This is the hard bit.
Take one of those topics and think how it is relevant to your ideal reader? How can you make it matter to them? Why will they care?Think about what your intention is with the newsletter. Is it to tell them about a new book release? Ask them to leave a review? Get them to pre-order? Or just to keep yourself fresh in their mind and nurture them?
Let’s take those ideas and turn them into newsletter topics.
What you want to ask yourself when getting one of those topics is how can provide value to the reader?
Value
I like to take the main topic and then branch it out into why it will be worth reading. So taking the above topics, we can work them something like this:Wrote 4k words – writing advice and how you work.
How did you do this?
What’s your writing plan?
Are you a panster or a plotter?
What software did you use?Had a dentist appointment – how you are courageous in showing your writing
How is visiting the dentist a bit like showing someone a first draft?
Tips for doing something you hate.
How the thought of something is so much worse than actually doing it.
How do you reward yourself after visiting?Rained so didn’t go running – missed plans
How to prepare for the unexpected.
Ways to spend a rainy afternoon.
Tips for exercising when you sit at a desk all day.
Books you love that are about extreme weather.Wrap it up
When you look at it like that, it’s easy to come up with relatable emails that will connect you with your community.This email was from a discussion over in my Facebook group – are you a member yet? I have big plans for it!
Will you try it? This trick for getting oodles of newsletter ideas that people care about?I could write about how to get more open rates, how to sell via your emails and why they are as important for you as they are for your readers, so if you’ve any questions pop them here and I’ll get straight back to you.
Have a great weekend,
Zoe x
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The Ultimate Guide to Staying Creative Through Fear and Doubt
How’s your week been?
It’s been a bit full on here, all week I’ve had a feeling of, ‘I must get everything done, time is running out!’ kind of vibe.When it really isn’t, I’ve lots of lovely things in the calendar but I’ve also childcare planned and working time, so what’s the panic?
I suppose it just gets to me sometimes, another plate to spin along with all the others, and then I have to have a word with myself and remind myself that it’s okay.
That it’s fine to feel a little anxious at what’s ahead and breathe, and relax because if some things don’t get done, then they don’t get done.
And that is fine.
And that’s kind of what I wanted to write you about today, because this week is my first time doing something totally different.
If you’ve been following me on socials, you’ll know that I’ve been a proud affiliate for Lisa Johnsons, One to Many course. (That’s my affiliate link, just so you know)
It’s about how to create passive income, but I don’t want to talk to you about the course, I want to talk to you about the conversations I’ve been having with authors about it this past week, because they’ve been so interesting.Don’t do it
I’ve had some lovely chats with fellow authors about how they can create another stream of income, from subscription boxes, to memberships, to bespoke journals and so much more and it’s been really inspiring.
But as well as encouraging people to join the course, I’ve had to tell three authors not to do it.
To take what they got from the free challenge and work with that.
See, I love this course, it’s changed a lot for me, but it’s an investment. And when I’ve been speaking to some authors this week about it, it was clear that it wasn’t the right time for them, and there’s no point in starting something surrounded in fear.
And I’m not talking about the giddy, nervous, delicious fear of doing something new that you’re excited about and can’t wait to get going with.
I’m taking about the dread.
The complete panic and not having the money to do something you’ve signed up to.
No one is their best self when fear of that kind is sitting next to them, and it got me thinking how, as authors and creatives, can we create when fear is around?
I know my anxiety has been a huge obstacle at times to my creativity.Just after my last book was published, I took a huge knock from someone I really trusted at the time, and I think it was the best part of a year before I got the confidence back in my writing.
Say hello
The first thing to do is acknowledge the fear.
I tried to push my anxiety down for ages, but I think you have to kind of say hello to it and recognize how you feel before you can begin to work through it.
It’s normal to get anxious and a little worried, life is full of unexpected stuff and I don’t know anyone who floats through the days without a little bit of anxiety pinching at them, so it’s fine to say hello to it and know how you feel.
Be realistic
I’m waiting on edits from my agent and chances are they’ll land slap bang in the middle of the holidays.
It would be unrealistic for me to think I can get on with them, so I’m setting a realistic goal instead.
A couple of chapters, hopefully the first ten, instead of my usual, ‘lets get up at 5am and work through the night and smash this!’Which I would do and then after a few days I’d be a nervous wreck and everything I’ve done is useless.
Embrace imperfection
I think a massive part of our fear as creatives, is fear of not living up to our own expectations.
We hold ourselves up to so much. As if everything we create has to be perfect.One author I spoke to this week didn’t have the funds for the course and said if she did it, ‘I’d want to make my money back within the first four weeks.’
That’s a huge pressure to put on yourself! You don’t need that!
Go at your own speed. Be kind to yourself instead of beating yourself up.It’s OK not to do everything and be everywhere. To be everything to everybody.
We need headspace to do what we do, so don’t put unnecessary pressure on yourself if you can avoid it.
Keep swimming
Keep creating, keep going, keep showing up.Even if the fear is telling you it’s not working, you can’t do it and the hundreds of other things it likes to whisper, just work through it as best you can.
It’s important not to let the fear stop us from creating.
I know it can be paralyzing and debilitating, but if we get lost in our work and use it as a way to escape the fear, to relax on the pressure and expectations we put on ourselves, to acknowledge the feelings of anxiety and uncertainty, we can still create when fear and doubt rear their heads.
Have a lovely weekend,
Zoe x
