inspiration

Switch it Off.

Hershman RightsLeave a comment

The internet and social media can be great tools to leverage when writing a new novel. However, today we will talk about the benefits of shutting down your devices and stepping outside of the box when it comes to getting ideas/information for your next novel.

I often catch myself scrolling for hours on end reading comments and looking at different social posts to pass the time, but I realize that in some cases it is doing more bad than good – and not just for the stress on my eyes.

I encourage you to go outside and clear your mind with a daily walk. Listen to your favorite songs, podcasts or even find a new podcast for whatever you are searching for. Are you writing a new crime thriller? Find a crime related podcast channel, or do you need daily motivation or need to start your day with a meditation find a podcast for that as well!

There is so much good you can do for yourself by unplugging and focusing on yourself. And if you truly care about keeping your followers on your social media updated schedule your Facebook and Instagram posts for free with Facebook Creator Studio! That way you can still enjoy your time to yourself.

Now, I understand I am recommending you to unplug but you will need a device to play music and listen to a podcast. But there are ways in which you can hide notifications and even delete apps on your homepage without deleting their contents. iPhones also have the ability to ‘Focus’ where you can silence certain notifications.

So once again take certain times in the day or designate a day to yourself to unplug and see the benefits for yourself! You might find it helpful for your lifestyle and it will become a habit in your everyday life!

How to Bring Back Your Writing Motivation

Hershman RightsLeave a comment

You haven’t been motivated to write lately…so what do you do? Take a little break and spend more time on yourself or find ways to bring back the motivation? There is no wrong answer here, but we will dive into both of these answers to see where you may or may not stand. 

Spend More Time on Yourself

Don’t worry if writing is getting harder, it might just be a way of telling your brain you need a well deserved break. So our recommendation is to do just that! Think of some things that you have been meaning to do but just haven’t had the time. Go meet up with friends, hit up the local fair or farmers market or head to the movie theater or go to a new restaurant. By taking your mind off the things that you are “expected” to do just might be exactly what you need to get back into it!

How to Spark Motivation

You’re on an intense deadline and you can’t seem to find the right words. Have no fear, more often than not there are ways to spark motivation. Dive a little deeper into what you’re writing about, is it a new thriller, romance or sequel to your book? If you are writing about a specific genre one great way to get inspired is to do what your characters are doing (within reason of course). Head to a romantic restaurant or a  place like where your characters met. Live the life of your character for the day and see what ideas arise. Try and make your real life about what you’re writing, or trying to write, it might be easy for the words to fall out!

Happy Writing!

Add A Monster To Your Next Novel: The Erymanthian Boar

Hershman RightsLeave a comment

Come with us on another monster adventure! Last post we focused on the Mesopitamian creature the Aqrabuamelu (Scorpion Man). Today we jump to Greek mythology with the Erymanthian Boar!

It is always fun to learn and test out new creatures in your novels, so while we are focusing on the Erymanthian Boar today, we encourage you to do some research of your own and see what monsters you may find, and we would love to hear about them!

But let’s get started…

If you are familiar with the story of Hercules, then you may have seen this particular creature. Hercules was tasked with bringing Eurystheus an Erymanthian Boar alive for one of his twelve heroic labors, which is no small task. 

In Greek mythology, the boar was a giant creature who lived on Mount Erymanthus and would lay waste to anything that came in its path with it’s strong and large canine teeth. 

How to use this creature in your next novel:

  • Your take on the legend of Hercules
  • A modern day example of the Erymanthian Boar
  • Your character travels to Mount Erymanthus

We hope you enjoyed our little journey through Greek mythology, and hope it inspired you to do some research of your own! And maybe even a new novel idea!

Happy Monster Hunting!

Source: https://www.greekmythology.com/Myths/Creatures/Erymanthian_Boar/erymanthian_boar.html

Let’s Write A Shapeshifter Romance!

Hershman RightsLeave a comment

Spooky season is upon us! And if you prefer a little growl with your romance, then get to writing! While animal instincts and natural raw behaviors may not be what you want in your real-life partner – doesn’t mean you can’t can’t write about them!

When writing in this specific category of paranormal romance here are a few guidelines to go off of:

Dive deeper into the sensory realm – readers want to embrace the wild side!

Do your research! – what paranormal animals do you want to use, and what special abilities do they have amongst others?

Purpose of shapeshifting – do you want them to be stronger, can they blend into the environment?

How will the character be different in human form? – What traits will make them stand out?

Story line, story line, story line! – It is very important to identify the origin story! How were the shifters created? Who was the first one? How do they reproduce? Etc. 

When thinking about a shapeshifter romance most people strictly think werewolves (shoutout to Twilight). However, there are other shapeshifters you can base your character off of, many countries have their own version of a shapeshifter. For example:

Canada : Bear Walker is from First Nations folklore of that area. It’s an evil sorcerer who walks around in the form of a bear.

Haiti : loup-garou can change into anything, both plant and animal.

Ireland & Scotland : The selkies are seals that take off their skins to become human. Dark-haired Celts may have their genealogy explained via the selkies. Selkies are helpful creatures who watch over fishermen.

Portugal : The bruxsa or cucubuth is a vampire-werewolf that consumes both flesh and blood. 

And there’s so many more! Writing is work! Especially when building a complex and dynamic world. But you can do it, don’t be afraid to put your mind to the test! Do some research and have fun. 

Happy Writing!

Sources:

List of Shapeshifters from Around the World

What To Do When You Stop Writing

Hershman Rights1 Comment

You haven’t been motivated to write lately…so what do you do? Take a little break and spend more time on yourself or find ways to bring back the motivation? There is no wrong answer here, but we will dive into both of these answers to see where you may or may not stand. 

Spend More Time on Yourself

Don’t worry if writing is getting harder, it might just be a way of telling your brain you need a well deserved break. So our recommendation is to do just that! Think of some things that you have been meaning to do but just haven’t had the time. Go meet up with friends, hit up the local fair or farmers market or head to the movie theater or go to a new restaurant. By taking your mind off the things that you are “expected” to do just might be exactly what you need to get back into it!

How to Spark Motivation

You’re on an intense deadline and you can’t seem to find the right words. Have no fear, more often than not there are ways to spark motivation. Dive a little deeper into what you’re writing about, is it a new thriller, romance or sequel to your book? If you are writing about a specific genre one great way to get inspired is to do what your characters are doing (within reason of course). Now that spooky season is upon us, go on a ghost tour or haunted house to get ideas for your thriller. Or head to a romantic restaurant or a  place like where your characters met. Try and make your real life about what you’re writing, or trying to write, it might be easy for the words to fall out!

Happy Writing!

Get Started!

Hershman RightsLeave a comment

Don’t wait on your dreams and things you want to work on. The best way to get ahead is to say today is the day I will start! Procrastination time is over, your adventure is just getting started. 

We love to give inspiration and motivation to our readers but if you think you want to do something, the best thing is to get started! Scroll through our posts to get the ultimate motivation package!

Daily Motivation – Be Amazing

Hershman RightsLeave a comment

Hello Monday! I always like to start the beginning of the week with motivation, and I hope that it inspires you all to do the same! This week focus on going outside the norm. You don’t realize how much you conform to society’s standards until you realize why you do things a certain way. So be different! And don’t try so hard to be normal because as Maya Angelou said “you will never know how amazing you can be.”

Follow us on Instagram to get motivation right on your feed!

Be A Masterpiece and A Work In Progress

Hershman Rights1 Comment

You are already a masterpiece, but your current situation is a work in progress. Always set yourself up for success! You are allowed to be both. Or let’s say you already have your masterpiece out in the world… and there’s no shame in starting back from the beginning to create another masterpiece!

The thing I love most about these messages is that they can be viewed in many different ways. After reading this, how would you describe the connection between being a masterpiece and a work in progress at the same time?

Happy Monday!

Don’t Limit Yourself!

Hershman RightsLeave a comment

Here is your weekly reminder that you can accomplish anything! You shouldn’t limit yourself before it’s even begun. If you can think it you most likely can achieve it, and guess what? There’s so many resources at your disposal to help you get there!

So even while this says “go as far as your mind lets you” the beauty of it is…you can constantly be learning and educating yourself. You don’t think you can get 500 followers? Look into analytics and click rate. The internet is your best friend! AND hey, you found this post to give you the push you need! First step, complete.

If you need more motivation go look at our previous Monday posts and it will be sure to put some pep in your step (and come back for more)!

Happy Monday!