by Michael Mahin | Children's Writing, Creativity, Picture Books, The Writing Process, Writing Advice, Writing Exercises, Writing Tips
No matter what kind of writer you are, exploring childhood memories can be a rich source of material. Exploring these memories is especially important for children’s writers because they put you in touch with emotions that you had as a child. Remembering how you... 
by Michael Mahin | Blog, Children's Writing, Creativity, Picture Books, Story Development, The Writing Process, Writing Advice, Writing Exercises, Writing Tips
Plotter? Panster? Planster? When I first started writing, I was really obsessed with getting it right. I thought there was a right way and a wrong way to write. So I spent a lot of time reading about how the best writers do it. And it turns out, they do it in as many... 
by Michael Mahin | Blog, Creativity, The Writing Process, Writing Advice, Writing Exercises, Writing Tips
For writers, as well as athletes, there’s nothing like being in the zone. Distractions fall away, time disappears, and your work seems to write itself. Unfortunately for most writers, being in the zone is rare—instead of inspiration, we feel dread; instead of knowing,... 
by Michael Mahin | Blog, The Writing Process, Writing Advice, Writing Exercises, Writing Tips
There’s a reason you listen to Metallica when you’re doing Crossfit. It’s the same reason you listen to raindrops when you’re doing yoga. It’s because music has a powerful influence on mood, so powerful it can actually elicit a physiological response. But as a... 
by Michael Mahin | Blog, Creativity, The Writing Process, Writing Advice, Writing Tips
As all athletes know, whether you’re getting ready for a basketball game or a short jog, you need to loosen up. But for elite athletes, just like writers, loosening up isn’t just about warming up the physical body; it’s also about preparing yourself mentally for what...
