Leaving is easy. Why stay?

There are some characters you need in your story.

Sometimes you need an ex to still be around. Sometimes your protagonist needs a high school friend that never abandons them. Sometimes a childhood crush has to be the solution to a self-esteem issue.

The problem is: there isn't always a reason for these people to still be around in your protagonist's life.

The world is huge. There are opportunities everywhere. Your protagonist is not the main character in everyone's life.

Why would the people who can most help shape your story still be around when inciting events are happening to your protagonist?

There can be a lot of reasons, but you have to make sure you pick one. If someone from a long time ago is still in your character's life, you may need to justify it. Find the right reason for your story.

Best today. Better tomorrow.

Every year, best of lists come out. Lists of the best books and the best writing aids and the best writing websites. The best of the best, all lined up.

When it comes to websites, podcasts, and blogs, you'll find some repeats. Some of the items identified as the best one year are still there the next.

But there are always some new entries. There are always some new appearances.

The creators of these tools have learned from previous lists. They have studied. They have applied themselves.

And if they stop, they'll drop off the list.

Aim to become the best today by studying tools like these, and then keep working if you want to stay the best on your list.

Give more context to those great ideas

When you have a great idea, you're sure that it's going to stick with you. You're sure that this is so amazing that you'll remember when you need it.

You might jot down a few words so that you can pull it back when required.

But more than a few words are probably required.

While "joy at the carnival" might seem enough at the time, it will likely not be enough for you to remember that you were inspired to write about the joy that prize toys feel at the carnival. And the amazing view they have. And the joy of the man who stocks the booth with the toys.

"Joy at the carnival" isn't going to bring all that back.

So, while you might only have a few moments to write your idea down, write as much as you can. What seems so clear now might not be when you dig up the few words you have days, or months, later.

Overthinking overthinking

There are some things that you're really good at. Some things that you do without even thinking about them.

Then, someone asks you how you do it, and suddenly, you are overanalyzing your every action.

Are you starting sentences differently and not always with the same word? Are you removing all adverbs? Are you using dialogue tags efficiently?

Once you start thinking about what makes your writing good, you might suddenly stop writing easily, overthinking everything you;re doing.

Take a breath. Clear your mind. Forget the rules, and get to writing.

After all, if there's a time for analysing your writing, it can wait for the editing phase.

Looks will matter—Write in a format people can read

You can have the best ideas in the world. You can be the most profound person. You can have the secret to a happy life.

If you don't know how to present these, however, you aren't likely to get your message out.

If your website is full of broken images, people aren't going to stick around. If your fonts are hard to read, no one's going to power through. If your words are printed on a neon green background that hurts the eyes, no one is going to notice what's written on it.

Substance is important, but looks could decide if people stick around to read your content. So, spend time on your container or get the help you need to create a visual that people will be able to work with.

Don't worry about them

Some people are using AI to help write their novels. Some people have novels that are full of typos. Some people are writing books that are clear copies of something you've read before.

Not your problem.

This can annoy you. This can bother you. This can make you roll your eyes.

That's fine, but it shouldn't impact your writing. It shouldn't distract you from getting words on the screen. It shouldn't discourage you from moving forward.

Have your anger. Discuss it with your friends. Write your blog about it.

But don't let it disturb your writing. Don't let their wrong impact your right write.

Don't give up on the done

Sometimes, you read something that seems a little too similar to what you're writing. You read something that seems to copy what you were putting together.

You read something that completely depresses you because you were sure that this was your original creation.

Deep breath. Moment of calm.

Okay. So your idea is out there. But that doesn't mean your story is out there.

There's a chance that you have more to say. You might have a different perspective. You might have a different message. You might have something different to say.

You might find something similar to what you're writing, but that doesn't mean you have to give up on your piece. Just make sure that your piece has your own flavour to it.