#selfimprovement

A Prisoner of Hope

Offering hope and encouragement for life, writing, and living a thoughtful life.

A Prisoner of Hope

Offering hope and encouragement for life, writing, and living a thoughtful life.

I post every Tuesday.

Strategies to overcome writer's burnout, part 1

Megan DiMaria

Oct 30, 2018
1 min

Strategies to overcome writer's burnout, part 1

Dear writer, are you feeling burned out? Is your word count and productivity down? Do you want to beat your head against a wall to battle writer's block? Shake those blues, and concentrate on something other than your work in progress. Need some suggestions? (I thought you’d ask.) Take some photographs. Grab your camera and take a field trip to a local park, busy shopping area, town square. Let yourself focus on whatever catches your fancy. You may look back at your images an

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Megan DiMaria

Sep 11, 2018
2 min

How to prepare for a writers conference

Are you going to a writers conference this year? I hope so. Next week, I'm going to the ACFW conference in Nashville. Can't wait! Conferences can be a great boost to your writing career. Not only do you learn tips and techniques about writing, you'll pick up great information about the industry and make good connections in the writing world. If you’ve never gone to a writers conference, attending a small, local one is often a good way to understand the rhythm of the conferenc

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Guideposts for a writer's journey, part 3

Megan DiMaria

Jul 10, 2018
2 min

Guideposts for a writer's journey, part 3

Two weeks ago, we started discussing the writer's journey. I likened it to climbing up the side of a Colorado mountain. In my case, I had started on a path that began easily then got more difficult the longer I climbed. I believe that the uphill climb is similar to writing. I have a theory when it comes to pursuing publication: I believe that every writer can have a satisfying writing journey by following five guideposts along their way. The first guidepost we discussed was t

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Megan DiMaria

Mar 6, 2018
1 min

Writers, get your stubborn on!

See that tree? I came upon it on a hike in the White Mountains of New Hampshire last fall. To me, that tree is the definition of tenacity—which is defined as the quality of holding fast; persistence. And what he greatly thought, he nobly dared. ~Homer That photo captures my attitude toward publishing. I’m the tree; the challenges that come my way are the boulder. Like that tree, I’m not giving up. Sometimes I’ve felt that unseen forces were trying to push me off my path. Have

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Megan DiMaria

Jan 23, 2018
1 min

Why reading fiction is good for you

I have always been addicted to reading fiction. Books have taken me to other worlds and have helped me to figure out my world. When you read fiction, you can "try out" new situations and ideas by experiencing them through the skin of the character in the novel you're reading. You can travel to the outer limits and beyond or stay within the confines of a cozy setting. Fiction can let you experience highs and lows that take your breath away and give you plenty of food for thoug

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The Need for Grace and Second Chances, part one

Megan DiMaria

Aug 8, 2017
2 min

The Need for Grace and Second Chances, part one

Second chances. There comes a time when we all need one. After all, who’s perfect? Lately I’ve been thinking about second chances in regards to many things—relationships, dreams, challenges. Too often we just give up. We don’t extend grace to others or to ourselves. Many years ago I hosted a play date for my son with a boy from his preschool class. The mom came also and brought her two younger children who were the same age as my younger kids. When we’d rub shoulders picking

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What's the best way react when you're scrutinized and found lacking?

Megan DiMaria

Aug 1, 2017
2 min

What's the best way react when you're scrutinized and found lacking?

I once read an article about famous Hollywood types who feel compelled throw around their celebrity to get their way. "Do you know who I am?" Apparently that question opens doors, gives them discounts, offers a way out of legal situations, etc. Those people had learned how to get what they want by throwing the weight of their fame in the faces of anyone opposing their desire. That's too bad. I've always been an Acts 10:34 gal, treating everyone equally. After all, if it'

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Two sentences that helped me reset my expectations and regain my composure.

Megan DiMaria

Jun 20, 2017
2 min

Two sentences that helped me reset my expectations and regain my composure.

I know that I can’t be the only one . . . Perhaps you've also found yourself scrambling to meet your goals, pushing yourself to do more, but failing to see the results you'd hoped for. Lately, I’ve found myself working with such diligence and trying so, so hard. My efforts went toward accomplishing tasks, meeting deadlines, and reaching goals. Some days have been grueling. Let me back up—I hadn’t snatched my dreams and goals out of thin air. I formulated them after much praye

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Megan DiMaria

May 9, 2017
2 min

Do dreams expire?

Is it ever too late to pursue a dream? Can you ponder a dream for too long, and miss the opportunity for accomplishment? Consider the words of C. S. Lewis, "It's never too late." I prefer to think he's correct. We're all so busy. Sometimes we forget to dream or don't have time to set goals. But in the quiet, solitary hours, our mind and our heart wanders to what if. What if I try . . . Are you wondering if it's too late? Are you wondering if you've missed your window of

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Megan DiMaria

Jan 24, 2017
2 min

Character traits in real life and books

Do you appreciate admirable character traits? Excuse me while I get a little introspective. I've been counting my blessings lately, and ALL of them are people, not things. No surprise there. I have amazing family and friends. What I truly value about those who are a close to me are the attributes of their characters. As I thought about my loved ones and friends, I compiled a list of what I admire most about them. Yes, this is what's needed in excess in our world (and in the b

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Keys for writers to develop a unique voice:

Megan DiMaria

Jan 17, 2017
1 min

Keys for writers to develop a unique voice:

I have good news and bad news for you today. The good news is that no one, no other writer, speaker, or thinker can steal your voice. And your voice is what publishers will buy. Your voice is the only product readers can’t get anywhere else. The bad news is that no one can teach you how to create your voice. But, I have more good news—with practice, you can discover and develop your voice. Writers must develop their voice to hone their skill and perfect their craft. Your voic

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Megan DiMaria

Author/Speaker

A Prisoner of Hope

Offering hope and encouragement for life, writing, and living a thoughtful life.

A Prisoner of Hope

Offering hope and encouragement for life, writing, and living a thoughtful life.

I post every Tuesday.