Writing to SucceedA monthly dose of mini motivations for the writer in you

From David Stoddard – The Unmotivated Motivational Writer

www.djstoddard.com

3-Minute Chat With The Unmotivated Motivational Writer David Stoddard

Writers On WritingLife Around the Blogosphere

Quotes On SuccessPrompts To Write About

Plus

Welcome to the first issue of Writing To Succeed. An online mini magazine designed to motivate you to do more, be more, write more and continue forward in whatever your calling.

What I like about this mini magazine is that it’s short and quick to read. We all have way too many things to do on a given day, I didn’t want this to be something that took up entire afternoons.

The 3-minute interviews will include writers as well as others who are moving forward toward their own successes in various endeavors. The first interview is with myself, just to see what the format would be like. I’m not that crazy.

Finally, and don’t be scared, there is homework at the end of each issue. But nothing to turn in. It’s based on what Scott Ginsberg always says, - writing is the basis of all wealth (I call it success). So That’s what I want you to start doing to become successful – Write

(Thank you for your time) --- David

A Note From David

First Issue Mostly Means Changes Will Follow

Table

of

Contents

2 Writing To Succeed – March 2010

Quotes On Success - 6

Around the Blogosphere - 7

Writers On Writing -3

3 Minute Chat with TheUnmotivated Motivational Writer, David Stoddard - 4

Your Homework Awaits - 8

March 2010 - Writing To Succeed 3

“Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart...”William Wordsworth

"Th

e d

iffe

ren

ce b

etw

een

fic

tio

n a

nd

rea

lity?

Fi

ctio

n h

as t

o m

ake

sen

se..

" To

m C

lan

cy

"I don’t believe in writers’ block. Plumbers don’t get plumbers’ block. Why should writing be the only profession that gives a special name to the difficulty of working.”Philip Pullman

“If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot...reading is the creative center of a writer's life.”Stephen King

“Outside of a dog, a man's best friend is a book. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read.”Groucho Marx

4 Writing To Succeed – March 2010

David has been a pin chaser, soccer referee, parks worker, audio visual specialist and coordinator, IT professional, online columnist, news paper layout assistant, and was not afraid to tackle climbing through the iron and steal obstacles at the City Museum a few years back.

A Few years back, he started the online motivational newsletter, “Que Sera Sera,” Since then, he has become the Unmotivated Motivational Writer so he can cover writing, which he can do, and motivation, which he can better help others do.

Q. Did you choose the writing profession or did it choose you?

As much as I try to fight it, writing seems to have chosen me. I often wonder just what in the

world I am doing being able to write fairly okiedokie despite really not liking all of those English classes back in the day. Since then, and to no real understanding of my own, I have managed to make (or better yet, writing took me by the hand and sat me at the keyboard and made me make) writing a part of any job I had..

Q. When did you ‘know’ you were a writer?

Who me? You talkin’ to me? I still don’t feel I am a writer in respect to doing it day in and day out like those who live the title of writer. I guess there is still this part of me which refuses to claim the title because of that. Then again, my deeper feelings about it are that anyone who has the courage to put their tail in a seat and write, is by all other terms, a writer. Of course, I am a Gemini, so that might explain the dual thoughts.

David Stoddardwww.djstoddard.com

Q. How would you describe your style

I see it as more conversational. Not really storytelling and not really in the journalistic vein of the inverted pyramid. I just want to talk to folks in a way most can relate to. And, if I can put in a touch of humor, that’s all the better.

Q. What is your writing process?

Just like low calorie pizza, there is no such thing for me. I do it when it feels right. I know I need to get into the habit of writing more if I feel like it or not. So that is my ongoing New Year’s resolution I keep working with month after month.

Q. What was your path to publication?

It started with that journalism class in high

school. After that, I wrote for the college paper, and later got a job at the North County Journal. Since those early days, I’ve sent off letters to the editor, columns, essays and related items to different places. I found that starting my own online news letter several years back helped me reach a larger audience.

Q. What’s your advice for new writers?

YES! You. Sitting there reading this in your bunny slippers, torn shirt, cowboy hat with that can of grape soda, you can write. You are the one we’ve been waiting for. You’re the one who will be speaking to the world through your written words of wisdom and feeling. Just, when you do, please put some pants on before you go out into the world looking like that.

March 2010 - Writing To Succeed 5

David Stoddardwww.djstoddard.com

6 Writing To Succeed – March 2010

“Success doesn’t come to you… you go to it.”Marva Collins

"Su

cce

ss is

sim

ply

a m

atte

r o

f lu

ck. A

sk a

ny

failu

re."

Ea

rl N

igh

tin

gale

"My list of ingredients for success is divided into four basic groups: Inward, Outward, Upward and Onward." David Thomas

“You are the only one who can use your ability. It is an awesome responsibility.” Zig Ziglar

"I don't know the key to success but the key to failure is to try to please everyone." Bill Cosby

March 2010 - Writing To Succeed 7

Angie Lay’s Motivational MusingsFinding golden nuggets and lessons everywherehttp://tinyurl.com/yfg6t5r

AliventuresWhat Does Success Mean To You?http://www.aliventures.com/your-success/

The Urban MuseWriting Lessons From Charlottes Webhttp://tinyurl.com/ybngz5p

Zen HabitsThe Little Guide To Inspirationhttp://zenhabits.net/2010/03/little-inspiration-guide/

Spring Break is here. And that’s not why I took off this week, though it does help. Write about your own spring break memoires, wishes, or imaginary outings. And this is NOT about Spring Cleaning, so watch it.

Write about kids picking out candy this time of year from the chocolate bunny’s perspective. (feel free to substitute Peeps if you wish).

The NCAA men’s basketball tournament takes place This month. (I’m picking Kentucky, btw). The Final Four will play April 3 & 5. Write about your own final four. – I leave it to you for your own interpretation.

200 Writing Prompts

For many, it’s the getting started in the first place that makes writing difficult. 200 Writing Prompts by David Stoddard gives you the nudge to begin your story.

Visit David online at www.djstoddard.com

Your Homework Awaits…