Maybe I found out buying candy at the grocery store was easier, or finding a different costume every year was a hassle, or going through and knocking on strangers’ doors was exhausting. Anyway, it’s too much work.

My wife loves Halloween and it’s her favorite holiday. We do like driving around to find all the houses who took the time to setup decorations. My kids liked trick or treating around our complex.

It may not be my favorite holiday but at least my family loves it.

#candy #costumes #family #holiday #Halloween

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I recently suggested my book to my local library since it has a New Releases and a Local Authors section. Not approved. So I will inquire more at my library’s information desk on how I can promote The Package Trilogy. Stay tuned on that front.

If you have experience promoting your books to the library please feel free to provide specifics. I would appreciate it.

#book #library #rejection

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1 of 100: Write a sentence about the last thing you saw before you woke up today.

If you have trouble writing, one sentence is all you need to get started. This workbook can help.

For all 100 prompts, it’s $7 for the PDF and it’s ready for you to print. Click on the link below.

https://ernestortizwritesnow.gumroad.com/l/justonesentence100

Update: I’m waiting for my physical proof copy from Lulu before approving it for sale. I’ll let you know once it’s public.

#writing #book #Gumroad #Lulu #prompts

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That workbook made me realize I can create something similar. Except it would be for adult writers who always have problems trying to write something on paper or on screen and for children to develop their writing skills. I have always recommended for writers to write at least one sentence a day. Now I’m putting that advice into a product that will help writers get into the habit.

Therefore I published Just One Sentence: The 100 Sentence Challenge Workbook.

Included in the workbook:

• 49 pages including a front matter that explains the challenge, a 100-box progress tracker, 100 prompts with space for writing your sentences and a Done box, a “top pick three” section, a day-100 milestone page, and a notes page.

• PDF file ready to print

It’s on my Gumroad sales page for $7. I’m also in the process of publishing a paperback version on Lulu.

So don’t let writers block ruin your enjoyment and learning of writing. Click at the link below.

https://ernestortizwritesnow.gumroad.com/l/justonesentence100

Thank you for your support!

#writing #book #Gumroad #Lulu #prompts #sentence #workbook

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https://oregoneagle.com/what-in-the-world-is-wrong-with-me/

“Why Can’t I Finish Reading a Single Sci-Fi Novel?”

•  “I open a book, feel overwhelmed, and put it down.” •  “I sit down to read, but my family is always calling for me.” •  “I spent good money on books just to leave them gathering dust on my bookshelf.” •  “I bought all these e-books on sale and haven’t opened a single one.” •  “I try reading on my commute, but I get distracted by emails, YouTube, and TikTok.” •  “I bought dedicated e-readers, yet I still don’t read any more than I used to.”

As a busy reader, you often don’t have the uninterrupted time a 400-page novel demands.

Read novelettes instead (7,500 to 20,000 words). Their bite-sized, high-momentum format lets you experience complete, thrilling stories and reach the finish line at your own pace.

That’s why I wrote The Package Trilogy.

Follow Malcolm Diego as he attempts to deliver a mysterious package entrusted to him by his ex-girlfriend—while dodging everyone and everything in space trying to kill him.

•  Average Word Count: ~14,300 words per installment

•  Average Reading Time: ~55 minutes

Get each installment of The Package on Gumroad for just $1 each (instant access to both EPUB and PDF formats).

Scan below to grab your copies and start enjoying reading again:

PS: If any of the problems don’t apply to you scan below to get the paperback version (all three novelettes in one package) on Lulu for $19.99. Or wait for the Christmas sale for the entire month of December for $3 off.

#books #copywriting #marketing

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There are days that I don’t want to write. I know I have always told you to write at least one sentence a day even when you don’t feel like it. But there are days when you’re so overwhelmed that you can’t do anything. Like your brain and body goes to the blue screen of death and you shutdown. What’s worse is that your writing brain still spews out idea after idea.

In that case, it’s better to shut down your writing brain or tune it out and not write. There are days when you just need a break. It’s also why I could never have a full-time writing career. I’d get sick of it.

So ask yourself: do I not want to write because I’m lazy or do I not want to write because my body and mind need a break?

#writing #body #declutter #mind #rest

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On Tuesday, I talked about finding pencils in my condo dumpster. Ever since, I’ve been more alert on finding pencils on the ground. So where do I look for them? On the sidewalk or curb nearby school grounds, the parks, libraries, or where the kids hangout or go during lunch.

Just a little warning, don’t be hanging around when there’s kids nearby or pick up a pencil when someone drops one. That’s creepy. Only pick up stray pencils when there’s no one around.

#writing #pencils

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I’ve seen refrigerators, stands, chairs, vacuums, luggages, baby toys, and more. Some of them I can clean and repair with the right tools and parts. But there’s not enough room to store and repair them and my wife won’t let me keep them.

One day, I found a white mug on top of the recycling bins. I had plenty of mugs but the contents popping out of it interested me more. And I couldn’t believe it.

A stack of wooden pencils.

All those pencils right in my grasp ready for sentences, paragraphs, and chapters. But I was also angry, if I hadn’t been there at the right place and time they would have been doomed to a recycling center. Or worse, a landfill. A crime against nature and humanity.

So I took the pencils home and cleaned them with alcohol wipes. Here were my findings:

• 11 Blue Wharton University of Pennsylvania wooden pencils

• 5 White with red maple leaves Canada wooden pencils

• Black Ohlone College wooden pencil

• Natural Palacic Duhau – Park Hyatt Buenos Aires wooden pencil with no ferrule and eraser

• Yellow No. 2 Tru Red wooden pencil

• Yellow No. 2 Dixon Ticonderoga wooden pencil

• Black Pentel QE515 Twist-Erase 0.5 with no graphite and an empty eraser holder (not sure if I’ll ever use it, but will keep anyway)

If this isn’t a great find then I don’t know what is. If you ever find pencils use them, give them to your kids, or at the least donate them. Any pencil is a terrible thing to waste.

#writing #dumpster #pencils #treasure

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Usually, I can handle changes. Being in the Air Force and working as a private investigator does that. But it is different as a stay-at-home dad.

From early morning to bedtime it’s a constant go, go, go. Writing is a struggle and the brief times I can write I often want to relieve myself in the bathroom or take a nap. But I have to keep on writing.

So what are some things I do to keep writing even when I don’t feel like it?

First, I always keep my notepad on me at all times with my pencil inside the pages. Whether I have the urge to write or not, my notepad is ready for me. Second, I always maintain my “one sentence a day minimum” rule. One sentence is better than no writing at all. Finally, realize that you’ll have your good and bad days. Either way take care of yourself. Rest, eat well, exercise, decompress.

Be well and write!

#writing #exhaustion #health #stress #wellness

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Since my older son’s school schedule change from late morning to early morning there’s no longer time to write before everyone wakes up. Even then, it’s a constant go from early in the morning to bedtime. That’s the reason why I haven’t been able to write as much last month.

Therefore I had to slowly adopt a new schedule before figuring out the best times to write. If you’re having the same problem here’s what I did.

First, once I knew my schedule changes and knew it was permanent for a while I didn’t do any writing for the next couple of days. Second, when I got used to my new schedule I looked at gaps of the best times to write and adjusted to it. Finally, I reflected on whether I’m able to write with this new routine. So far, it’s working. And if it doesn’t work, then I’ll figure out different time gaps between the chaos.

Let me know if this works for you too.

#writing #change #routine #schedule

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