Michael La Ronn is the author of more than 60 science fiction & fantasy books and self-help books for writers. He writes from the great plains of Iowa and has managed to write while raising a family, working a full-time job, and even attending law school classes in the evenings. You can find his fiction at www.michaellaronn.com and his videos and books for writers at www.authorlevelup.com.

Be a Writing Machine by Michael La Ronn

Do you want to write a lot of novels, but can't improve your writing speed?

Writing fast is the most important skill you can develop as a writer. While it seems hard to hit high word counts, the secrets are easier than you think.

In this writer's guide, prolific author M.L. Ronn pulls back the curtain on the process that he uses to write 6-8 novels a year. He has kept this pace while juggling responsibilities as a husband, father, manager at a Fortune 100 company, and a law school student. This book will help you write faster, write smarter, beat writer's block, and be the prolific author you've always wanted to be!

 

REVIEWS

  • "I read a fair amount of books on writing craft and marketing. Generally, I take away at least a pearl of wisdom from each book. After reading Be a Writing Machine I felt like I walked away with an entire string of pearls, with a gold clasp at that."

    – Amazon reviewer

  • "One of the best books on writing I've read. Inspiring and filled with actionable advice and encouraging wisdom. Highly recommend."

    – Amazon reviewer

  • "This is the book for you if you are looking for a write fast and fearless scheme. This is the book for you if you want to learn how to stand up to your fears and push through. This is the book for you if you need a slap in the face about how much time you are wasting NOT writing your book."

    – Amazon reviewer
 

BOOK PREVIEW

Excerpt

Ah, the dreaded writer's block.

No writing book would be complete without addressing it.

Before we continue, let me make a controversial disclaimer. And unlike in my mindset chapter, I am going to get woo-woo for a moment…

I don't like the term "writer's block." I hate it, actually.

Let's define "writer's block": in my opinion, it's the author's inability to write the next word in their story because of an emotional or creative interruption. I believe that "writer's block" can stop you from writing your next chapter, or it can be like the flu infecting you as you write, making you feel like you're not writing anything of value.

Here's why I don't like "writer's block" and everything associated with it.

It's too much of an excuse. When you utter the words, it's almost like you're giving yourself permission not to write. The world understands you too, and they grant you that permission. Most non-writers have a mental image in their heads of a writer with writer's block, wandering around with a fatigued look on their face, trying to think of the right phrase to put in a paragraph. It's a romantic association that most people have of writers. I believe we should do whatever we can do avoid those kind of romantic associations.

Let me tell you what "writer's block" really is.

"Writer's block" is your subconscious measuring out and managing your interactions with the universe.

Before you run away screaming and accusing me of being a crazy hippie, let me explain myself…

Your Subconscious is the Key to Everything

Have you ever thought about your subconscious?

I don't have a psychology degree, so what I'm about to explain isn't going to be scientifically accurate, but it is going to be true to my own experience.

Most of us write from our conscious. We write our stories, edit them, and make all creative decisions consciously.

However, all ideas and inspiration actually come from the subconscious. And your subconscious is a powerful thing. All the answers you need in life are floating around in your subconscious, and if you want to access them, all you have to do is ask for them. Additionally, your subconscious is always paying attention to your surroundings.

Your conscious is like a stern parent.

Your subconscious is like an optimistic child.

When you're writing, you need to let that optimistic child out and kick the parent out of the house. The child is where the creativity comes from. The parent shuts down your creativity because it focuses on logic, which doesn't play well with inspiration.

There are plenty of ways to describe this relationship, many of which you've heard before. Some call it left brain and right brain. Some people call the conscious the "inner critic" and the subconscious "the muse." Dean Wesley Smith calls the subconscious the creative voice and the conscious the critical voice.

You get the picture.

The point is that you need to trust your subconscious and let it guide you through the writing process. When you do, nothing can stop you.

But what about "writer's block," you ask?

Again, the definition: "writer's block" is your subconscious measuring out and managing your interactions with the universe.

When you experience "writer's block," it's because your subconscious has encountered a problem and needs help solving it.