No Wasted Ink Writer’s Links

August 24, 2016October 22, 2016 / Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 3 Comments

Need help finding the best conflict of your story? Check out Wendy’s list of resources.

Maybe Another Word for Indecision

August 11, 2016October 21, 2016 / Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 12 Comments

The Daily Post Prompt: Write a new post in response to today’s one-word prompt. Maybe

Don’t you hate it when someone puts you on the spot with an unexpected invitation? I do and like many people tend to fall back on the old reliable, “Maybe.”

It’s a word (answer) we believe will help get us out of making a decision or a commitment we’re certain, in the back of our minds, we aren’t, can’t, or won’t keep. We don’t want to hurt feelings so, “Maybe” gives us a way out. Only, it’s not a way out; it’s indecision.

“Decision is a sharp knife that cuts clean and straight. Indecision a dull one that hacks and tears and leaves ragged edges behind it.” Gordon Graham Tweet this

Now, I’m not preaching to the choir or holding myself up as a decision guru. When I worked, my decisions were quick and decisive, but take me out to dinner and this is what my decisions look like.”Maybe” has been my fall guy for many years.

“Maybe” has been my fall guy for many times. But, here’s the thing, it also leaves jagged edges behind.

Invitations stop, projects lay unfinished, and feelings are hurt. As I’ve gotten older, I do my best, to be honest with myself and say, “no” instead of “maybe.” It isn’t always easy, but I have encouragement from one of my all-time favorite resources – a book by Manuel J. Smith, Ph.D.

When I say no, I feel guilty. Since the day I discovered this book, I have kept it close by for easy access and referral. The very from page includes a Bill of Assertive Rights.

“You have the right to say, really No, without feeling guilty.” Manuel J. Smith Ph.D. Tweet this

The next time you’re tempted to say “maybe” want to say, “No” – be true to yourself; you have that right.

I’d love to hear your comments. Talk to me. Tell me your story and look for me on Facebook at SheilaMGood, Pinterest, Bloglovin, Twitter@sheilamgood, Contently, and Instagram. You can follow my reviews on Amazon and Goodreads.

Procrastination: There’s an App for That

August 9, 2016October 21, 2016 / Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 10 Comments

Do you have a project you’ve been working on since Edison invented the light bulb? You want to get to the finish line but for some reason, you haven’t.

I know, it’s the hours in the day ( they haven’t changed), the retired husband (I sympathize), the grandkids, laundry, HBO (had to catch up), Twitter, Facebook, or any number of excuses we come up with to justify not reaching the finish line.

“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” Thomas Edison
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Procrastination is one of those insidious things that – surprise, surprise, do not get better with age. But, cheer up – there’s an app for that!

Thanks to Amy Rolph from Unstuck Advice, we can now have a digital monitor. The Unstuck app helps identify the type of procrastination you’re exhibiting and offer solutions.

Are you a drifter, deflated doer, waffler, perplexed planner, avoider, or just a fuzzy forecaster? Check out the Unstuck App to find out, and get the project completed!

My Top Twenty Websites for Writers

July 25, 2016July 25, 2016 / Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 59 Comments

Photo: courtesy of wikipedia.org

I don’t know about you, but I rely on the expertise of other writers and bloggers. I have collected an array of blogs that are my go-to resources for writing advice, critiques, editing, grammar, writing prompts, research, publishing, and blogging.

I’m sure you have your favored sites, but I thought I would share with you my top 20 websites for writers. Enjoy and if you have one, you think my readers, or I would like them, please pass the link on in the comment section below.

Fiction University with Janice Hardy – one of all time favorite resources on writing.
WOW- Women on Writing – designed to support women writers through all stages of writing.
Live Write Thrive with CS Lakin – copywriter, editor, and writing coach.
Writer Unboxed – all about the writing of fiction.
The Review Review – a source for all writers interested in submitting to literary magazines; read reviews and interviews with the editors, her.
Mash Stories – started out as a competition site, now a platform.
Every Writer’s Resource – Literary Magazine with all kinds of resources for the writer.
Now Novel– a structured method to help anyone write a novel.
Story Medic – professional editing blog.
Crimespree Magazine – an award-winning print magazine that covers all aspects of crime fiction writing.
Melissa Sugar Writes: Have You Heard -if you love legal thrillers, Melissa is your gal.
The Short Mystery Fiction Society Blog – Markets for mystery and crime short fiction.
Crime Writer Sue Coletta – A crime writer’s resource.
The Memoir Writing Club – Mentors and courses for those interested in memoir writing.
Sister’s in Crime – With chapters all over the US, this organization’s mission is the recognition, advancement, and development of women crime writers.
One Stop for Writers – the library of resources for storytellers and writers.
No Rules, Just Write – CJ Lyons – Pediatric ER Doctor turned thriller writer.
Writer’s Digest – both print and online magazine with every resource the writer may need.
Mystery Writers of America – open to the public, this organization is for crime writers (all levels).
Freelance Writing – Everything you need to know to get started and more.