LitHabits for Writers

LitHabits for Writers

My Winter Wish

My Winter Wish

*Sung in the voice of Kermit & the Muppets*: There's only one more sleep 'til Christmas!

I love Christmas Eve. Growing up in New Jersey, we'd occasionally get a white Christmas. Before bed on Christmas Eve, I'd sneak outside in my onesie pajamas, look up at the stars, and listen for sleigh bells in the snow. There's a special, deep kind of quiet unlike any other night of the year. The quiet anticipation of miracles.

Even if you don't celebrate Christmas, this season is hectic and often loud. The winter solstice is intended for quiet reflection, and we often spend it in a blur of business. With all that needs to get done, it's tough to get quiet and open to miracles.

This year, I'm setting an intention to listen.

Spiritual Writing, The Writing LifeRenee LongDecember 24, 2018Comment

The Lit-Up Writer’s Guide to Mega-WOW Writing Goals

The Lit-Up Writer’s Guide to Mega-WOW Writing Goals

If fear is clogging up the street to finishing writing projects and reaching our wildest dreams, how do we move through it? First, we tap into our creative writing skills. Make the general 👉specific. We do that through two types of goals that work in synchronicity: SMART and Stretch Goals. We’ll start with Stretch Goals. This will make you uncomfortable. Good. Let’s go!

The Writing Life, Writing HacksRenee LongDecember 14, 2018Comment

Why Most Writing Goals Flop

Why Most Writing Goals Flop

I loathe resolutions. Who’s idea was it to set wildly audacious and unrealistic goals the week after major carbo- and sugar-loading? At that point in the year, I have no concept of time. My holiday onesie pajamas are on 24/7. My body is basically 70% Christmas cookie, 20% sweet potato pie, and 10% roast beef. How am I supposed to be clear-headed enough to chart course for the year ahead?

Real talk. Most goals never transform into being. Why? Why do 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail by February? Something’s holding us back.

Writing Routines, The Writing LifeRenee LongDecember 7, 2018Comment

This Sneaky Writing Myth Is Blocking Your Next Big Project

This Sneaky Writing Myth Is Blocking Your Next Big Project

Has this happened to you?

You’re journaling, reading, or cooking, and suddenly… BAM! It hits you.

A flash of brilliance. A blessing from the muse. It’s an idea for your next writing project!

You sit at your desk with tea steeped and writing playlist queued. You open Google Docs to a blank page. As suddenly as the inspiration hit, these thoughts slide into your head: Has somebody else written this before?!

Writing Hacks, The Writing LifeRenee LongNovember 29, 2018 Comments

The Answer To The Question: “Will People Read My Writing?”

The Answer To The Question: “Will People Read My Writing?”

"Will people read my writing?"

"Will anyone care?"

If you’re like me, these questions run through your head every time you sit down at the writing desk. It’s taken me a long time to get to the short answer. . . .

Spiritual Writing, The Writing LifeRenee LongNovember 22, 2018Comment

How to Overcome Energy Vampires: The Spookiest Stumbling Block for Writers

How to Overcome Energy Vampires: The Spookiest Stumbling Block for Writers

Energy vampires are activities and people that suck the life outta you. They drain your energy. Instead of feeding on your blood, energy vampires live on a diet of glucose. Glucose is fuel the brain and body uses for energy. It’s our gasoline. Decision-making, good and bad stress, deep focus, and other mentally or emotionally taxing activities deplete the brain’s fuel.

The Writing Life, Writing HacksRenee LongOctober 24, 2018Comment

The Writer’s One-Pot Sweet Potato Chili #NoExcuses

The Writer’s One-Pot Sweet Potato Chili #NoExcuses

Quick, healthy, and yummy meals are excuse busters when I whine about… “But I can’t write! I have to cook dinner!” Or, “I need take out so I can finish this essay.” This vegetarian chili recipe takes 30 minutes to make and covers my lunch or dinner for a week. And it’s FALL! 🍁😍🍂 It’s cool enough to steam up your kitchen with a hearty one-pot recipe.

The Writing Life, Writing RoutinesRenee LongOctober 17, 2018Comment

The One Tool You Need To Overcome Fear Of Uncertainty

The One Tool You Need To Overcome Fear Of Uncertainty

I love a good plan. I love checklists, maps, itineraries, and tables of contents. Why? Because I want to know what I’m getting into. I want to be prepared.

Because I hate uncertainty.

Uncertainty by nature involves risk and potential for pain and suffering. This makes me very scared. Uncertainty makes me want to crawl into my solid bed, under my real covers, and remain in the present moment in the fetal position. This helps for a few minutes, but if I stay there, I don’t move forward.

Writing Routines, The Science of HabitRenee LongOctober 11, 2018Comment

How to Bounce Back into Writing After Vacation or Sickness

How to Bounce Back into Writing After Vacation or Sickness

Have you ever returned from a magical and expansive vacation only to feel too foggy to get back to your writing routine? That’s me. 🙋🏻 Every time. It’s a challenge to re-awaken the willpower and discipline muscles after a few weeks off. Here are some tried-and-true strategies I’ve used to bounce back into writing after a break:

The Writing Life, Writing RoutinesRenee LongOctober 3, 2018Comment

Out to Sea: 4 Writing Practice Articles to Read While LitHabits Takes a Break

Out to Sea: 4 Writing Practice Articles to Read While LitHabits Takes a Break

The LitHabits Blog is taking a break for the next three weeks! I’m heading out to sea with my family on a cruise to Alaska. 🚢Still, I’m not going to leave you hangin’! There are some new faces around the LitHabits Blog these days, so I’m going to share five of our best-liked articles from the last few months.

The Writing Life, Writing RoutinesRenee LongAugust 22, 2018 Comment

Reconciling Humility And Self-Worth In The Age Of Ego [Ruminate Blog]

Reconciling Humility And Self-Worth In The Age Of Ego [Ruminate Blog]

Recently, I had to reframe my ideas around humility. To me, humility was connected to the “fallen” trope we’re told as Christians in both Catholic and Evangelical circles. We are broken. We come into the world broken, marked by original sin. We have fallen. We are inherently disposed toward evil. We need fixing. Jesus needs to fix us. I no longer believe this idea defines the true meaning of humility.

The Writing Life, Spiritual WritingRenee LongAugust 9, 2018Ruminate Magazine, humility, self-worthComment

How to Overcome Writer’s Block and Burnout

How to Overcome Writer’s Block and Burnout

Recently, I watched an interview with Roxane Gay where she was asked if she’s experienced writer’s block. She responded, “Yes, I’ve been having writer’s block for two years now. I can write through it, but it’s shitty writing. It’s hard.” This incredible writer, who has inspired millions, writes through writer's block, and has produced a lot in the last two years, including her best selling memoir, Hunger.

The Science of Habit, Writing Hacks, The Writing LifeRenee LongAugust 1, 2018Roxane Gay, Natalie Goldberg, Writer's Block, Burnout, Artist Dates, Julia Cameron, Artist ChildComment

Recipes for Writers: Brain Fog Bustin’ Golden Milk

Recipes for Writers: Brain Fog Bustin’ Golden Milk

A dedicated coffee queen for years, I eventually admitted it was a trigger for my anxiety. Thankfully, I’ve found a delicious tea and coffee substitute that not only satisfies the rich beverage fix we writers crave, but also lifts the mood, reduces inflammation, and may improve memory and cognition, among other perks in a long list of health benefits: Brain Fog Bustin’ Golden Milk!

Renee LongJuly 25, 2018Comment

1 Simple Thing You Can Do Today To Help Your Writing Practice

1 Simple Thing You Can Do Today To Help Your Writing Practice

One reason it’s hard to get “butts in the chair” and “just write” is because, unless we have a solid routine in place, we must choose to write. Decision making eats up precious glucose in the brain. Each decision you make throughout the day is a deposit from your willpower bank account. Habits remove decision making from the equation.

The Science of Habit, Writing Routines, Writing HacksRenee LongJuly 17, 2018 Comments

Your Brain on Writing Routine: The Neuroscience of Habit

Your Brain on Writing Routine: The Neuroscience of Habit

Why does a writing routine work? From Anne Lamott to Flannery O’Connor to Toni Morrison, why do writers swear by the power of routine to quiet the inner critic? Because… brain science! Writing––like all the other arts and skills––is a practice. When we develop and maintain a writing routine, our brains change. We don’t have to make the decision––it’s automatic.

Renee LongJuly 4, 2018writing practice, the science of habit, researchComment

The Power of Practice: Quieting “The Censor” Through Writing Routine

The Power of Practice: Quieting “The Censor” Through Writing Routine

Every other piece of writing advice seems to be a version of, “Write every day!” I’m not sure new writers really “get this” until we actually write every day at the same time. It’s easier to wait for inspiration to hit. But experienced writers know: if you want to get work done, waiting for the waterfall is a precarious existence.

Renee LongJune 26, 2018writing practiceComment

Writing Is Cold Water

Writing Is Cold Water

A few weeks ago, I fell down my sister’s stairs and sprained my ankle. I usually walk my dog to the beach for an hour, but for the last month, I’ve shortened my walks to 15 minutes.

This was a blow. My morning walks are an essential piece of my wellness routine. Fortunately, my apartment complex has a pool. At first, I thought, Great! I’ll replace my long walk with a morning swim. My love for water runs deep, so this was an attractive option.

Renee LongJune 5, 2018Comment