This writing tip is for all kinds of writing: Non-fiction books, Novels, Children's books, articles, assignments, etc.

Write when you are rested and in a good, happy mood. Many people who are interested in writing for a living, forget that their mood translates into their writing. Yes, even for short articles. It is amazing to see the difference in your writing when you test this tip out.

We see this principle at work in our everyday lives. It's amazing, when you look back at raising your children. Remember all the fun times? If you ponder on it a little bit, you will even remember times that would have, or could have been complete disasters. However, the optimism, humor, or even joy you had at the moment things could have turned bad...somehow pulled everything through. Now you look back with smiles, enjoying good memories.

How about a simple trip to the store with a younger child? I remember so many occasions when it was just plain fun. We had laughs and learned a lot in the store and out. Then there are a few memories I have when a quick trip to pick up a handful of items turned into a hair pulling out experience for me. What was the difference? When I sat down and pondered on the full day, I realized that even the easiest of shopping days turned awful because I had been in a bad mood.

We see the same thing with our work, and with the grown members of our families. I remember watching a movie on TV that I had seen years before in a movie theater. In the theater, I did not like the movie one bit. But, when I saw it on TV years later, it turned out to be very funny. Again, when I pondered on the experience, I remembered something that had happened before the movie, and it colored the rest of the day awful.

Therefore, it is reasonable to think that our mood affects our writing. When I am in a good mood, my writing flows like a spring mountain river racing downhill from the melting snow capped mountain peaks, even when I'm writing a difficult section in a book or article. The days I have sunshine in my heart are the days I write really well.

Now, on the occasional day that I'm out of sorts, I've learned to still complete my daily writing goal. I know that I will have to fine tune it more later. Discipline is important to acquire and maintain early in your writing career. It's important to understand that a bad day in your life, does not equate to a “writing day off”. It simply notifies you of some added TLC you will have to add when you rewrite on a better day.

Another example that I love, is to recall a book that you absolutely could not put down. Think about one for a moment. Remember what made it a real page turner. One of the things that kept you riveted to your seat reading was the way the writer wrote, the emotion...the detail...the scenes the writer set... they all combined to bring you an incredible reading experience.

Now, think of your readers. What do you want them to feel? Do you want them to get lost in your plot? Do you want them to remember and take action on some how-to information you are passing along?

To be sure that you accomplish your goal for your readers, take inventory of your mood and how you are feeling each time you sit down to begin your daily writing or editing. Remember, your mood and feelings will get passed to your readers. Give them the kind of experience you want to have, over and over again.

Remember, research for your article or book can be done almost anytime. The actual writing, however, is best left for times when you are not rushed, you are not angry, and your mood is a happy one. Your genuine happiness will flow through into your book or article and engage your readers even more. Don't skimp on this tip. It will pay you handsomely when followed.




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