TakingDictation

Got a Lot of Browser Tabs Open as a Writer? Try This Option to Get Organized

Ah, the age-old writer problem...having so many browser tabs open your brain cries. Typically, I'm pretty time-crunched through my day. (Anybody else relate?) So, for many tasks, it's efficient for me to leave my browser...

The Two Basic Stories You Can Tell

Over the past few years, I've been checking out a lot of psychology books, as well as videos online, as mental health has become one of my primary focuses. I've incorporated what I've learned wherever...

What Happens When You Depend on Writing or Other Art to Survive

Writing and other creative arts are supposed to provide expressive outlets and support mental health. But when you have to depend on writing to survive, life gets a little dicey. These are my tips to...

Copying the Style of Other Writers

How do you reach the level of success other writers have? Do you just copy what they do? That might work in the logistical sense, such as using great tools they've found or managing a...

Why You Need to Write Your First Book (Even If It’s Bad)

When I was around 16, I got the idea into my head that I could write my first book. After all, I'd been writing tons of short stories. No one was telling me no or...

The Most Expensive Book in the World

What's the most you'd pay for a book? $50? $100? Most books are between $1 to $30, depending on format, genre, etc. But that pales in comparison to the most expensive set of volumes ever...

Should You Do a Cover Reveal?

If you've been on social media at all within the writing community, you know its common for an author to do a cover reveal. Sometimes, the reveal is a low-key announcement post. But others do...

Should You Repost Your Old Content As a Writer?

Over nearly 20 years, I've written thousands (yes, thousands) of pieces. But I rarely repost. Here's why I don't reschedule the bulk of my work. https://youtu.be/-41ypMfNG5w Watch/Subscribe It's true that social media moves so quickly...

What Writers Sacrifice When They Follow Trends

I've noticed something over the years about some of the writers who get a lot of reads: They find a topic they can spin from a lot of angles as small new developments continue to...

The Way We Teach Writing Is Bad

You probably remember it. Your English teacher carefully goes through how to write a formal essay, do an outline, and so on. You spend a ton of time on figuring out how to do citations....