Through the course of my life I have been call lots of names, a brainiac, bright, an Einstein, sharp as a tack, a smart cookie, and a whiz. No one has ever willingly called on me to be part of a team sport. Coordination is not my forte. My first black eye resulted from attempting to catch a ball tossed underhanded to me. Roller skating left my fingernails embedded in walls and claw marks on my brother’s arm as I tumbled to the floor. I have fallen while walking upstairs and tripped over my shadow. The greatest danger books presented was a paper cut. So much safer.

Books let me experience feats I could never dream of accomplishing. I have battled dragons, won foot races escaping from evil pursuers, and climbed trees with nimble ease. For years I lived on a prairie, I discovered the sidewalk’s end and delivered packages while flying on my witch’s broom. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

What are your favorite summer reads?

_________________________________________

Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

We hear people tell us great achievement emanates from a big dream. Visualize your heart’s desire and attraction brings it to you. Success requires more than good thoughts. You can imagine you have six-pack abs, but they won’t materialize unless you commit to doing the reps. Completing a regular exercise regime guarantee results. Many individuals say they wish to become a writer. You must determine how desperately you crave the title of author. You must want to write.

The daily work is difficult. No one is born a master of their field. Practice, patience, perseverance and dogged determination are required to get through the learning curve. Mastery can be a long journey. Every day we decide whether we keep going or if we quit. For me quitting is not an option.

How desperate are you?

_________________________________________

Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

The thought of spending six hours a day writing sounds like a wonderful indulgence. Summer schedules change and it is impossible to ignore family picnics, concerts, festivals and chasing fireflies in the yard as the dusk falls. A good night’s sleep and the long summer days repeat.

Time to write is at a premium. Creating moments to compose stories instead of allocating hours, becomes a tall order. Early mornings before the house wakes, nap times, lunch breaks, or dictating while you drive may help. Burning the midnight oil, or claiming a weekend retreat at a coffee shop are other options.

How do you fit writing into your schedule?

_________________________________________

Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

It is easy to succumb to Monday morning drudgery and fall into the trap of negative emotions. There are countless psychological and neurological studies supporting the assertion that your current emotional state has a huge effect on your performance. Monday’s return to work dread can make you less productive, less motivated, less creative, less engaged and leaves you depressed, tired and feeling hopeless.

If your job is meaningful, looking forward to Monday is easier. Finding a career you are passionate about, means each new week is an opportunity to do what you love. Even if you wouldn’t trade your business for anything else, you can still face difficulties that test your resolve. Clarify the items that are bothering you and take corrective actions helps you maintain control. It may be as simple as preparing for Monday before you leave on Friday, getting organized, or addressing your most stress-inducing task first. Of course, a cup of coffee couldn’t hurt.

How will you make your transition from weekend to work week easier?

_________________________________________

Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

June proclaims a break in hard work. June demands we push the pause button and relax. School is out, signaling us trade backpacks for beach bags, and parkas for sunscreen. As we shake off the rigors of schedules, we look forward. The best way to unwind is with a good book. “Wait,” you say. “I just closed the books on required reading why would I pick up a novel?”

The reason is summer reading allows us the freedom to choose. Research shows pleasure reading creates positive emotional and social consequences. Self-directed reading increases empathy and reduces stress more than activities like taking a walk or listening to music. The key is to have fun. Whether you read alone or share with friends, family or your favorite book club, pick what interests you, or a genre outside your comfort zone.

What are you reading this summer?

_________________________________________

Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer