Monday Morning Motivators to Slay Your Creative Dragons

By CJ Lyons and Margie Lawson

Double Negatives from CJ:


Ever have one of those days?

You know what I mean, the ones where the computer acts all fritzy, the light bulb in your favorite reading lamp dies and you don’t have one the right size, the cat barfs on your manuscript pages, your editor loses your cover copy and needs you to re-write, your best-friend (or worse, your mother!) calls to chat, because she knows you don’t have a “real” job and have plenty of time….and, to top everything off, you are totally out of chocolate!!!

Just like opportunity seems to come knocking, so does negativity. I’ve learned not to fight it. Instead, I embrace it–so what if everything goes wrong today? I’ll take today off, make a holiday of it. Instead of fretting about the time I spend on any of the above, I consider it all “free” time. An unscheduled vacation.

Funny thing is, once I readjust my attitude, I suddenly find myself enjoying my day again and becoming even more productive that evening or the next day when I get back to work.

Give it a try–just think of it as yoga for your mind, learning to become more flexible and stretch yourself!

Thanks for reading,
CJ

About CJ:
As a pediatric ER doctor, CJ Lyons has lived the life she writes about in her cutting edge suspense novels. Her debut, LIFELINES (Berkley, March 2008), became a National Bestseller and Publishers Weekly proclaimed it a "breathtakingly fast-paced medical thriller."

The second in the series, WARNING SIGNS, was released January, 2009 and the third, URGENT CARE, is due out October, 2009. Contact her at http://www.cjlyons.net



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Monday Morning Motivators to Slay Your Creative Dragons

By CJ Lyons and Margie Lawson

Cleaning Housefrom CJ


I’m writing this from a new computer…..and in the middle of transferring all the stuff I need from my old one.

Do I really need those articles on Civil War physician Mary Sharrat (the first woman Army physician)??? I don’t write historicals, so why did I keep those? Hmm, there must have been a reason, so guess they should stay….




Yikes! Ever notice how sometimes we get into a scarcity mentality? We live in fear that if we ever do need something in the future, it won’t be there for us. But lets face it, what are the odds that I will ever need information on Mary Sharrat and if I do, that I won’t be able to find it online faster than I could find it in the labyrinth of my files???

Why do we live with all this clutter just because we’re afraid of what-if’s? Take control of our life. Purge your workspace, including your computer, and enjoy–no relish!–the freedom!

I guarantee, there’s plenty of information out there–no need to live in fear any longer!

Thanks for reading!
CJ

As a pediatric ER doctor, CJ Lyons has lived the life she writes about in her cutting edge suspense novels. Her debut, LIFELINES (Berkley, March 2008), became a national bestseller and Publishers Weekly proclaimed it a "breathtakingly fast-paced medical thriller." The second in the series, WARNING SIGNS, is due out January, 2009. Contact her at http://www.cjlyons.net

Margie Lawson -- presenter, psychotherapist, writer -- lives at the top of a Colorado mountain west of Denver. Margie merged her two worlds, psychology and writing, to develop psychologically anchored editing systems and techniques that teach writers how to write page turners. A former college professor, Margie works as a psychotherapist, writes fiction and nonfiction, and presents full day master classes for writers internationally. Go to http://www.margielawson.com for more information.


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Monday Morning Motivators to Slay Your Creative Dragons

PASSION by CJ Lyons

I'm one of the many people who are spending a month with Eric talking about our Obsessions--and making those obsessions productive.

To me, a productive obsession is a passion. I've long believed that the keys to any successful creative endeavor are three ingrediants: Passion, Vision, and Commitment.

Passion--it's what gets you out of bed in the morning, what excites you, what gives you the energy to push through the hard parts, it keeps you alive….


Vision--gives you direction, a star to steer by, guides you into tomorrow, gives you a glimpse of the big picture, of what your simple words on the page could mean to someone else, how what we struggle with inside ourselves can help us connect with others, help them to find their own passion and vision, by sharing ours….Without either a writer fails.

It takes passion to endure, to provide the strength and stamina to finish a book, to give you the courage to share it with others.

Vision guides you through the book and beyond, helps you see the "more" that most people miss, too immersed in their own lives and problems, never bothering to look up.

Where's your passion? What's your vision? Why are you writing this piece, right here and now?

And, for the final piece of the puzzle: commitment.

Commitment is how you get the job done. Finish this page, this scene, this chapter, this book. Find the courage to submit it and go on to the next.

If you're lacking any one of the three--from yourself or the team you're working with--then you're going to have to struggle so much harder to achieve any kind of success. You may still fulfill your creative vision, but it will be much more difficult.

But, combine all three ingredients--Passion, Vision, and Commitment--and it's a perfect storm!

Think what you could accomplish if everyone on your team had the Passion, Vision, and Commitment to make your project a success! How could you fail?

Thanks for reading,
CJ

As a pediatric ER doctor, CJ Lyons has lived the life she writes about in her cutting edge suspense novels. Her debut, LIFELINES (Berkley, March 2008), became a national bestseller and Publishers Weekly proclaimed it a "breathtakingly fast-paced medical thriller." The second in the series, WARNING SIGNS, is due out January, 2009. Contact her at http://www.cjlyons.net

Margie Lawson -- presenter, psychotherapist, writer -- lives at the top of a Colorado mountain west of Denver. Margie merged her two worlds, psychology and writing, to develop psychologically anchored editing systems and techniques that teach writers how to write page turners. A former college professor, Margie works as a psychotherapist, writes fiction and nonfiction, and presents full day master classes for writers internationally. Go to http://www.margielawson.com for more information.


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Monday Morning Motivators to Slay Your Creative Dragons

By CJ Lyons and Margie Lawson

A Girl Who Can’t Say “No!” from CJ:


I’m just a girl who can’t say No! So goes the song and so goes my life….and my free time, my writing time, my work-out time, my family time…you get the picture.

It’s hard for working writers, especially those of us working from home, to say no.

After all, we’re easy targets. To pick up the neighbor’s packages, answer the calls from telemarketers (how many times have you been in the zone only to have it shattered by a call about mortgage insurance?), run errands, help out with writing groups, etc, etc.

Yeah, we know the rules: prioritize our time, protect our working space and schedule, yadada….but it all boils down to learning how to say No!

So, here I go, my new resolution–I’m going to learn how to say No! How about you?

Thanks for reading,
CJ
As a pediatric ER doctor, CJ Lyons has lived the life she writes about in her cutting edge suspense novels. Her debut, LIFELINES (Berkley, March 2008), became a national bestseller and Publishers Weekly proclaimed it a "breathtakingly fast-paced medical thriller." The second in the series, WARNING SIGNS, is due out January, 2009. Contact her at http://www.cjlyons.net

Margie Lawson -- presenter, psychotherapist, writer -- lives at the top of a Colorado mountain west of Denver. Margie merged her two worlds, psychology and writing, to develop psychologically anchored editing systems and techniques that teach writers how to write page turners. A former college professor, Margie works as a psychotherapist, writes fiction and nonfiction, and presents full day master classes for writers internationally. Go to http://www.margielawson.com for more information.


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Monday Morning Motivators to Slay Your Creative Dragons

By CJ Lyons and Margie Lawson

DON'T GO IT ALONE! from CJ

Attending the PASIC conference last week reminded me that even though writers toil in solitary, it really does take a “village” to ensure success in this business.

Everyone needs a little help from their friends–and writing is no exception. This help may start before you write a single word with an encouraging spouse who covers for you with the family when you seclude yourself in your writing cave. Or a friend who doesn’t mind you brainstorming the best way to hide a body as you’re strolling through a crowded mall.


Writing friends who act as critique partners, first readers, early editors, instructors and mentors. Published authors who give you encouragement, advice, and blurbs. The industry pros who help you break out: agents, editors, assistants, copy editors, publicists, reviewers, booksellers, sales force, librarians, etc, etc.

And finally the readers who tell us when we’ve done something right–and who don’t let us get away with anything!

So the next time you’re banging your head against your keyboard wondering if you’ll ever get anywhere with your writing take a moment and reflect on everyone around you. Give thanks to your invisible support team, because no one gets by without alot of help from their friends!

Thanks for reading,
CJ
As a pediatric ER doctor, CJ Lyons has lived the life she writes about in her cutting edge suspense novels. Her debut, LIFELINES (Berkley, March 2008), became a national bestseller and Publishers Weekly proclaimed it a "breathtakingly fast-paced medical thriller." The second in the series, WARNING SIGNS, is due out January, 2009. Contact her at http://www.cjlyons.net

Margie Lawson -- presenter, psychotherapist, writer -- lives at the top of a Colorado mountain west of Denver. Margie merged her two worlds, psychology and writing, to develop psychologically anchored editing systems and techniques that teach writers how to write page turners. A former college professor, Margie works as a psychotherapist, writes fiction and nonfiction, and presents full day master classes for writers internationally. Go to http://www.margielawson.com for more information.


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Monday Morning Motivators to Slay Your Creative Dragons

On not just surviving, but thriving in hard times.
From CJ

I just returned from a wonderful and inspiring writing conference sponsored by the Published Authors Chapter (PASIC) of RWA.

"Wonderful and inspiring" might seem like the wrong word choices given the universal doom and gloom messages that the industry professionals on the panels gave us.

Publishers, editors, agents, publicists....they all spoke about how these were hard times for anyone supporting themselves with a writing career. And that we should expect things to get worse before they get better.

And that all us mid-list, non-blockbuster-superstars will probably need to accept even less money for our work than we already are. And that we should seriously consider trying to write more books, better books, faster. Oh, and that we need to take over all our own publicity and promotion (and pay for it) because our publishers, well, they're spending all their money on the blockbuster-superstars and don't have any to spend to get our books noticed....even though our books often make them more money than those over-priced blockbuster-superstars.

Wait. Did I say "inspiring?" I sure did. And here's why.

This group of authors, around 75 of us, accounting for millions of books sold worldwide, sat and listened to all the information the industry pros gave us.

And then we smiled. And laughed. A few even broke out into song. (Hey, I never said there wasn't a little wine involved!)

Because we know something the industry pros had overlooked in their doom and gloom assessments.

We know that especially in tough times readers are going to turn to books for entertainment. We know that we all pour our hearts and souls into our books and always turn in the best book possible.

We know that the reason the publishing industry is in dire straits right now has nothing to do with the quality of our work. Although the industry pros seemed desperate to blame it on us--hmmm....do they not realize that without our books, they would have no product?

We know that humans have turned to storytelling in good times and bad for thousands of years and no new technology is going to change that.

So yes, this weekend was wonderful and inspiring.

It was fantastic sharing my own passion, vision, and commitment for my writing with other authors who felt just as strongly about their work.

Too bad the industry pros couldn't take a step back from their doom and gloom to see the opportunities they're missing with their tunnel vision and need to play the blame game.

Because if they don't learn to be as passionate and committed to excellent story telling as these fine writers are, then their industry is indeed going to go the way of the dodo bird.

But our stories? No matter the technology used to tell them, they will survive. And thrive. And sustain and inspire and empower our audience during their own time of need.

Because that's why we do what we do. And history has proven that there's nothing more powerful than powerful stories.

Thanks for reading!
CJ

As a pediatric ER doctor, CJ Lyons has lived the life she writes about in her cutting edge suspense novels. Her debut, LIFELINES (Berkley, March 2008), became a National Bestseller and Publishers Weekly proclaimed it a "breathtakingly fast-paced medical thriller." The second in the series, WARNING SIGNS, was released January, 2009. Contact her at http://www.cjlyons.net
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Monday Morning Motivators to Slay Your Creative Dragons

By CJ Lyons and Margie Lawson

Don't Go it Alonefrom CJ



Attending the South Carolina Book Festival last week reminded me that even though writers toil in solitary, it really does take a “village” to ensure success in this business.

Everyone needs a little help from their friends–and writing is no exception. This help may start before you write a single word with an encouraging spouse who covers for you with the family when you seclude yourself in your writing cave. Or a friend who doesn’t mind you brainstorming the best way to hide a body as you’re strolling through a crowded mall.

Writing friends who act as critique partners, first readers, early editors, instructors and mentors. Published authors who give you encouragement, advice, and blurbs. The industry pros who help you break out: agents, editors, assistants, copy editors, publicists, reviewers, booksellers, sales force, librarians, etc, etc. And finally the readers who tell us when we’ve done something right–and who don’t let us get away with anything!

So the next time you’re banging your head against your keyboard wondering if you’ll ever get anywhere with your writing take a moment and reflect on everyone around you. Give thanks to your invisible support team, because no one gets by without a lot of help from their friends!

Thanks for reading!
CJ

As a pediatric ER doctor, CJ Lyons has lived the life she writes about in her cutting edge suspense novels. Her debut, LIFELINES (Berkley, March 2008), became a national bestseller and Publishers Weekly proclaimed it a "breathtakingly fast-paced medical thriller." The second in the series, WARNING SIGNS, is due out January, 2009. Contact her at http://www.cjlyons.net

Margie Lawson -- presenter, psychotherapist, writer -- lives at the top of a Colorado mountain west of Denver. Margie merged her two worlds, psychology and writing, to develop psychologically anchored editing systems and techniques that teach writers how to write page turners. A former college professor, Margie works as a psychotherapist, writes fiction and nonfiction, and presents full day master classes for writers internationally. Go to http://www.margielawson.com for more information. Read more!

Monday Morning Motivators to Slay Your Creative Dragons

Gotta Love It!
by CJ

I just returned from the Love is Murder Conference, a wonderful writers/readers' weekend in Chicago. And I realized something, that no matter how much we love our work, no matter how excited we are by it, there's something special about seeing the response of an audience to the words you toiled over for so long.

In my case, this was especially rewarding as the good folks at Love is Murder awarded LIFELINES the Readers' Choice Award for Best First Novel of 2008!


Of course I was thrilled, more than thrilled--it was an unexpected and most wonderful honor, capping a wonderfully inspiring weekend!

But as I worked my way home from Chicago--complete with unpacking my carry on to show my award, affectionately known as a "Lovey", to TSA officials concerned it could be used as a weapon--I thought about the care and feeding of a writer.

We all need some sort of validation to keep going--everyone does. And, as anyone who read the rather lengthy acknowledgments in my books would know, we can't go it alone. There are always others to thank for help needed along the way to success.

Most writers work in solitary confinement, just the voices in their heads and the paper or keyboard in front of them. Hard to get validation from a computer screen.

Yet, somehow we do. Merely the process of telling our stories, making them come alive outside our minds, keeps us going, is validation enough to get our first drafts done.

Which is fantastic! Because when we write our stories down we're putting our hearts and souls on the line, exposing our vulnerabilities for all to see.

You never knew writing could be an act of courage, but it is. As well as an act of love.

So to get external validation whether a kind comment from a mentor, great cover quotes, fantastic reviews, gushing fan mail, or even an award from peers, well that reward is, as they say in the commercials....priceless!

But you don't need that to stay motivated, which was my big eureka moment as I flew home last night.

All it takes is the smile on the face of a single reader, knowing that for the time they held your words in their head they were transported to another world, one you created just for them.

Thanks for reading! And yes, I mean that literally!!!
CJ

As a pediatric ER doctor, CJ Lyons has lived the life she writes about in her cutting edge suspense novels. Her debut, LIFELINES (Berkley, March 2008), became a national bestseller and Publishers Weekly proclaimed it a "breathtakingly fast-paced medical thriller." The second in the series, WARNING SIGNS, is due out January, 2009. Contact her at http://www.cjlyons.net

Margie Lawson -- presenter, psychotherapist, writer -- lives at the top of a Colorado mountain west of Denver. Margie merged her two worlds, psychology and writing, to develop psychologically anchored editing systems and techniques that teach writers how to write page turners. A former college professor, Margie works as a psychotherapist, writes fiction and nonfiction, and presents full day master classes for writers internationally. Go to http://www.margielawson.com for more information.


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Monday Morning Motivators to Slay Your Creative Dragons

By CJ Lyons and Margie Lawson

SWITCHING GEARS: from CJ


Ever feel like your brain is just plain tuckered out? The writing goes stale, nothing you read is pulling you in….heck, even your fav authors aren’t engaging you, much less inspiring you to get back to work.

What to do?

Try taking a break from processing words and switch gears to more visual pursuits.

Grab some paints or crayons and create some art (no one has to see it except you). Or re-cycle those old magazines by cutting out photos and creating a collage. For those more computer savvy, make a video.

Think of your story as you work, use it as your inspiration. Relax. Have fun. After all, it’s not writing, it’s playtime.

You might be surprised by your results! I know I was.

Using a free, fun-filled site called Animoto, designed for cyber-klutzes like me, I created this video Took me maybe ten minutes--and I could "re-mix" it as often as I wanted.

I think it nicely captures the romance, suspense, medical elements and that these books focus on the women characters. But mainly it was fun! If I ever try again, I can do something different to fit my mood or put the emphasis on a different element--I might even try to do one as a brainstorming exercise!

Obviously, it's not professional quality--it's just me, having fun. But it did inspired me to hire Circle of Seven to make a real video in time for WARNING SIGNS' release on January 27th—and now I can't wait to see how the professional version turns out!

Bottom line: Switch gears and return to your writing rejuvenated and refreshed!


As a pediatric ER doctor, CJ Lyons has lived the life she writes about in her cutting edge suspense novels. Her debut, LIFELINES (Berkley, March 2008), became a national bestseller and Publishers Weekly proclaimed it a "breathtakingly fast-paced medical thriller." The second in the series, WARNING SIGNS, is due out January, 2009. Contact her at http://www.cjlyons.net

Margie Lawson -- presenter, psychotherapist, writer -- lives at the top of a Colorado mountain west of Denver. Margie merged her two worlds, psychology and writing, to develop psychologically anchored editing systems and techniques that teach writers how to write page turners. A former college professor, Margie works as a psychotherapist, writes fiction and nonfiction, and presents full day master classes for writers internationally. Go to http://www.margielawson.com for more information.


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Monday Morning Motivators to Slay Your Creative Dragons

By CJ Lyons and Margie Lawson


Healthy Eating: from CJ

Okay, I know we’re all writers and always talking about ways to make our writing lives better, but one thing we often forget is how to eat right to give our minds the energy they need.

So, with the holidays coming, I thought it would be a good time to discuss simple rules to healthy eating.


Here in the US, we’re plagued by an epidemic of obesity and overweight, so here’s a primer on healthy eating for your mind and body.

A portion size = the palm of your hand. No, the fingers do not count!

Each meal should have one portion of protein (meat, fish, chicken, etc), two portions of colored stuff (fruits and veggies with color), and one portion of the white, starchy stuff (rice, corn, potatoes, bread, pasta, etc)

An easy way to remember this is to mentally divide your plate into quarters:

–1 protein

–2 colored veggies and fruit

–1 starch

It’s that simple. Start with that and next time I’ll throw out some other easy and healthy tips.


As a pediatric ER doctor, CJ Lyons has lived the life she writes about in her cutting edge suspense novels. Her debut, LIFELINES (Berkley, March 2008), became a national bestseller and Publishers Weekly proclaimed it a "breathtakingly fast-paced medical thriller." The second in the series, WARNING SIGNS, is due out January, 2009. Contact her at http://www.cjlyons.net

Margie Lawson -- presenter, psychotherapist, writer -- lives at the top of a Colorado mountain west of Denver. Margie merged her two worlds, psychology and writing, to develop psychologically anchored editing systems and techniques that teach writers how to write page turners. A former college professor, Margie works as a psychotherapist, writes fiction and nonfiction, and presents full day master classes for writers internationally. Go to http://www.margielawson.com for more information.

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Monday Morning Motivators to Slay Your Creative Dragons

By CJ Lyons and Margie Lawson

Time A-Wasting from CJ:

Ever find yourself sucked into a time vortex when you should be working? You know, “I’ll just spend ten minutes checking email before I tackle this next scene” only to turn away, blurry-eyed from the computer an hour later…


Take control of your time wasters! How? Simple. Use time to your advantage by using a timer.

Set your microwave or a kitchen timer to the amount of time you really want to spend on your writing break. This keeps you grounded and gives you a reminder of where your priorities lie: with your writing.

Try it and you’ll find there really are more hours in the day!

As a pediatric ER doctor, CJ Lyons has lived the life she writes about in her cutting edge suspense novels. Her debut, LIFELINES (Berkley, March 2008), became a national bestseller and Publishers Weekly proclaimed it a "breathtakingly fast-paced medical thriller." The second in the series, WARNING SIGNS, is due out January, 2009. Contact her at http://www.cjlyons.net

Margie Lawson -- presenter, psychotherapist, writer -- lives at the top of a Colorado mountain west of Denver. Margie merged her two worlds, psychology and writing, to develop psychologically anchored editing systems and techniques that teach writers how to write page turners. A former college professor, Margie works as a psychotherapist, writes fiction and nonfiction, and presents full day master classes for writers internationally. Go to http://www.margielawson.com for more information.

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Monday Morning Motivators to Slay Your Creative Dragons

By CJ Lyons and Margie Lawson


Banishing Stage Fright: from CJ

Everyone has some stage fright, even if we don’t admit it. But for some it can be incapacitating to the point where they can’t perform at all, whether it’s speaking in public or putting their fingers on the keyboard and writing.

The fear of getting it “wrong” can be paralyzing. Here are some tips to overcome stage fright.

First, close your eyes and breath from your belly. In and out.

Imagine your audience. It can be an audience of one, perhaps your perfect reader or your agent or editor. Or a larger crowd.

Okay, can you see them? Now, ask yourself: what do they want from me? What can I give them that would please them? Make them smile in delight?

Usually it’s Entertainment, Enlightenment, or Education. Or a combination of the three.

Once you decide what your audience wants, why they would pay their hard won money or take the time to listen to your words, then with your eyes still closed, make a grand gesture.

Perhaps a sweep of your arm like an opera singer, or a mysterious flick of the wrist like a magician. Anything that works for you, but use this movement every time you practice your speech or sit down to write.

You’re programming your body that with this gesture, you are now “on”, primed for success, all excuses and stalling behind you, this is it.

Finally, envision yourself giving your audience exactly what they want. And more. Imagine wild success, cheers and applause.

Now open those eyes and get to work!


As a pediatric ER doctor, CJ Lyons has lived the life she writes about in her cutting edge suspense novels. Her debut, LIFELINES (Berkley, March 2008), became a national bestseller and Publishers Weekly proclaimed it a "breathtakingly fast-paced medical thriller." The second in the series, WARNING SIGNS, is due out January, 2009. Contact her at http://www.cjlyons.net

Margie Lawson -- presenter, psychotherapist, writer -- lives at the top of a Colorado mountain west of Denver. Margie merged her two worlds, psychology and writing, to develop psychologically anchored editing systems and techniques that teach writers how to write page turners. A former college professor, Margie works as a psychotherapist, writes fiction and nonfiction, and presents full day master classes for writers internationally. Go to http://www.margielawson.com for more information.

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Monday Morning Motivators to Slay Your Creative Dragons

By CJ Lyons and Margie Lawson


Take Ten: from CJ

We all know that we’re supposed to exercise everyday. We all know that we’re supposed to do 45 to 60 minutes of exercise to reap its benefits.

And most of us, don’t. No time, no energy, no time….But, you do have the time!


New research has shown that it only takes ten minutes of exercise, five to six times a day to gain the same benefits as a solid hour.

The only trick? You need to exercise vigorously enough to build up a sweat. Other than that, anything goes!

So next time you need a break from writing, take ten and by the end of the day you can cross that exercise goal off your “to-do” list!


As a pediatric ER doctor, CJ Lyons has lived the life she writes about in her cutting edge suspense novels. Her debut, LIFELINES (Berkley, March 2008), became a national bestseller and Publishers Weekly proclaimed it a "breathtakingly fast-paced medical thriller." The second in the series, WARNING SIGNS, is due out January, 2009. Contact her at http://www.cjlyons.net

Margie Lawson -- presenter, psychotherapist, writer -- lives at the top of a Colorado mountain west of Denver. Margie merged her two worlds, psychology and writing, to develop psychologically anchored editing systems and techniques that teach writers how to write page turners. A former college professor, Margie works as a psychotherapist, writes fiction and nonfiction, and presents full day master classes for writers internationally. Go to http://www.margielawson.com for more information.

Read more!

Monday Morning Motivators to Slay Your Creative Dragons

By CJ Lyons and Margie Lawson


Build Your Karma! from CJ

Ever get stuck in a cycle of professional jealousy? Or just the blahs…feeling like it’s never going to “happen” for you?

It’s so easy for us writers to do this. We wonder, why didn’t I…..win that award, get the starred review, get a great deal, snag an agent….the list is endless.

Often this isn’t a reflection of where our writing is–but where we want it to be. And our fears that we may never get there.

Here’s one way to banish those green-eyed goblins so you can get to work on building your own future instead of borrowing someone else’s.


Go to www.hallmark.com or a similar site and find an e-card. They’re free, fast and your spirit will lighten immediately when you send one to brighten someone else’s day. Or send one to yourself (you can even set up a calendar to send them on future dates, so that when you need an extra dose of encouragement, one will pop up in your in box) and give yourself a smile!
Try it!


As a pediatric ER doctor, CJ Lyons has lived the life she writes about in her cutting edge suspense novels. Her debut, LIFELINES (Berkley, March 2008), became a national bestseller and Publishers Weekly proclaimed it a "breathtakingly fast-paced medical thriller." The second in the series, WARNING SIGNS, is due out January, 2009. Contact her at http://www.cjlyons.net


Margie Lawson -- presenter, psychotherapist, writer -- lives at the top of a Colorado mountain west of Denver. Margie merged her two worlds, psychology and writing, to develop psychologically anchored editing systems and techniques that teach writers how to write page turners. A former college professor, Margie works as a psychotherapist, writes fiction and nonfiction, and presents full day master classes for writers internationally. Go to http://www.margielawson.com for more information.


Read more!

Monday Morning Motivators to Slay Your Creative Dragons

By CJ Lyons and Margie Lawson


Working Back-wise from CJ:

Writers are particularly prone to low back pain. Here are some ways to prevent or relieve pain.

~Your mother was right about good posture. Protect your back by strengthening your core muscles (abdominals and back muscles) that give you that gorgeous, strong posture. Pilates and yoga are good for this.

~Have a ball! If you work on a laptop, abandon the desk chair every once in a while and instead use a 65cm exercise ball as a chair. Place your laptop on a table or ottoman so that it is at a comfortable height. Feel how you work your muscles to balance on the ball. Talk about time efficient, working out as you work!

~Go for the L-Z boy! Studies have shown that always sitting at a strict 90 degree angle can place a strain on your lower back. Try using your laptop while sitting in a recliner or rocking chair that allows you to lean back. Researchers recommend a 120 degree angle as the most healthy.


As a pediatric ER doctor, CJ Lyons has lived the life she writes about in her cutting edge suspense novels. Her debut, LIFELINES (Berkley, March 2008), became a national bestseller and Publishers Weekly proclaimed it a "breathtakingly fast-paced medical thriller." The second in the series, WARNING SIGNS, is due out January, 2009. Contact her at http://www.cjlyons.net

Margie Lawson -- presenter, psychotherapist, writer -- lives at the top of a Colorado mountain west of Denver. Margie merged her two worlds, psychology and writing, to develop psychologically anchored editing systems and techniques that teach writers how to write page turners. A former college professor, Margie works as a psychotherapist, writes fiction and nonfiction, and presents full day master classes for writers internationally. Go to http://www.margielawson.com for more information.
Read more!

Monday Morning Motivators to Slay Your Creative Dragons

By CJ Lyons and Margie Lawson


Cube Breathing from CJ:

Sometimes our bodies need a little help to get in that writing mood. Next time you’re having a hard time shedding the demands of the real world and escaping into your fictional universe, try Cube Breathing.


First, sit in your writing chair. Close your eyes. Rest one hand palm down just below your belly button.

Now, counting to four, take in a deep breath. Concentrate on breathing so deeply that you push that hand on your belly away. Hold your breath for a count of four. Exhale slowly, in a count of four, feeling your hand collapsing in. Hold your breath for a count of four. Repeat.

Visualize each count of four as one side of a square. Repeat six complete cycles until you’ve completed the cube in your mind.

Open your eyes and start writing!

This type of deep breathing, also known as diaphragmatic breathing, is something we can use at any time, any place. If you feel anxious, feel as if you’re taking short, shallow breaths, try a few cycles of cube breathing and you’ll be amazed at how relaxed and energized you are!

As a pediatric ER doctor, CJ Lyons has lived the life she writes about in her cutting edge suspense novels. Her debut, LIFELINES (Berkley, March 2008), became a national bestseller and Publishers Weekly proclaimed it a "breathtakingly fast-paced medical thriller." The second in the series, WARNING SIGNS, is due out January, 2009. Contact her at http://www.cjlyons.net

Margie Lawson -- presenter, psychotherapist, writer -- lives at the top of a Colorado mountain west of Denver. Margie merged her two worlds, psychology and writing, to develop psychologically anchored editing systems and techniques that teach writers how to write page turners. A former college professor, Margie works as a psychotherapist, writes fiction and nonfiction, and presents full day master classes for writers internationally. Go to http://www.margielawson.com for more information.

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Monday Morning Motivators to Slay Your Creative Dragons

By CJ Lyons and Margie Lawson


SPANISH FINGERS from CJ

Try this quick and easy exercise to help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome during those long hours working at your computer!

First, stretch your fingers wide, hold your hands as flat and vertical as possible, palms facing away from you. Starting with your pinkie finger, curl and stretch each finger in turn inward towards your thumb as you curl your wrist in the same direction, in towards your body—just like a Spanish dancer with castanets.

Repeat several times with both hands, then reverse directions.

Ahh…feel that stretch! Great also while driving—another stressor for those delicate wrist joints.


As a pediatric ER doctor, CJ Lyons has lived the life she writes about in her cutting edge suspense novels. Her debut, LIFELINES (Berkley, March 2008), became a national bestseller and Publishers Weekly proclaimed it a "breathtakingly fast-paced medical thriller." The second in the series, WARNING SIGNS, is due out January, 2009. Contact her at http://www.cjlyons.net

Margie Lawson -- presenter, psychotherapist, writer -- lives at the top of a Colorado mountain west of Denver. Margie merged her two worlds, psychology and writing, to develop psychologically anchored editing systems and techniques that teach writers how to write page turners. A former college professor, Margie works as a psychotherapist, writes fiction and nonfiction, and presents full day master classes for writers internationally. Go to http://www.margielawson.com for more information.
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