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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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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First, make short posts with a paragraph at most or a sentence at least. Second, write your solutions as if you’re talking to a loved one face-to-face. Finally, don’t push your writing brain too hard. Take it slowly, one sentence at a time, until it becomes a habit again.

Hope that helps. Let’s go October!

#writing #advice #solutions

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The first essay I read was Why I Am Not Going to Buy a Computer. It made me think of all the electronic devices I’ve used. The constant recharging, letting it run out of juice regardless if I used them or not, and finally leaving them in my drawer not used for months.

But it also made me rethink my writing. The countless hours of leaving my laptop and whatever writing app on but not a single word typed, the distractions of email and YouTube, and all the numerous electronic devices that supposedly helped me write whereas I could get a lot more done with just paper and pencil.

Therefore, I write with my notepad/notebook with pencil before typing my draft on my phone or laptop. I sharpen my pencils with a hand-cranked sharpener or pocket knife. I write during the daytime only and don’t sacrifice sleep. And I don’t fall for the next latest app or device that will supposedly help me be a “better” writer.

I bought the two Library of America volumes of Mr. Berry’s essays and hope to read all of them. I might buy his fiction and poems although I’m not a fan of the latter. While I’ll never have as much of his pinky of talent I’ll always remember to use technology judiciously and that paper and pencil/pen is best when starting to write anything.

Rest in peace, Mr. Berry.

#writing #rip #wendellberry

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#writing #break #schedule

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