Avoiding the Squints

post by Michelle Griep

You know those websites where there's a black background and white type? After you read them for a few minutes and then look away from the screen, do your eyes go wonky? Because mine do, and I'm wondering if I've got short-circuited eyeballs or if that's a normal opthalmic response.

Either way, it got me to thinking about all the time people spend nowadays staring at screens and how that's probably not too good for our peepers. So, I did a little research and you get to reap the benefits.

5 Ways to Avoid Digital Eye Strain

#1. Brighten things up.
Not the screen, necessarily. I'm talking about the room. Make sure to have a light on while using your computer because it helps reduce the strain.

#2. Position is everything.
Sometimes when I'm looking at Pinterest, I practically smash my nose against the screen to get a really good look at a cute pair of shoes. Naughty, naughty. The ultimate distance between your shnoz and the screen should be around 20-28 inches.

#3. Change your focus.
Every 15 minutes or so, look away from the screen and focus on a distant object. This gives your ol' focusing muscles a bit of a workout.

#4. Bat those eyelashes.
It's a fact that your blink rate decreases as you stare fixated at a screen. Make a conscious effort to blink every 10-15 seconds. This coats the front part of your eye, nourishing the area with oxygen and nutrients and sharpens your vision.

#5. Go to your happy place.
Close your eyes and put the centers of your palms over your eyes. Relax by taking some deep, slow breaths. This one is my personal favorite. Try it. You'll love it.

These are just a few tips. If you're interested in finding out more, check out this article by Dr. Edward Kondrot, founder of The Healing Eye and Wellness Center.

Like what you read? There’s more. WRITER OFF THE LEASH: GROWING IN THE WRITING CRAFT is a kick in the pants for anyone who wants to write but is stymied by fear, doubt, or simply doesn’t know how to take their writing to the next level.

Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. Follow her adventures and find out about upcoming new releases at her blog, Writer Off the Leash, or stop by her website. You can also find her at the usual haunts of Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest.

Read More

Lighting a Fire to Your Writing Career by DiAnn Mills

By - DiAnn Mills

When writers realize the embers of their careers are dying, stomping out the few remaining flames is not the answer. Instead, effective writers look for new ways to promote themselves that explode with ingenuity and creativity. 

Are the flames of your writing dying?

Is your career on the verge of smoldering? Try adding a spark to your marketing and promotion plan with these ideas.

1. Brainstorm with other writers about your brand and marketing and promotion efforts. I could write several blogs on this topic. In short, brainstorming is the best method I know to expand creativity from the writing process to branding and promotion.

2. A new professional photo. Invest in a good photographer who will not only create a great new look for media but will also snap a few candid and fun pics that can be used for social networking.

3. Update your website. Now may be the time to consider an exciting design that uses your brand as the focus. Your website is your calling card. It must reflect you, your writing, and your uniqueness.

4. Author bio. A writer uses his/her flair for words to enhance a bio that draws readers into your world. Make it personal and professional. Also develop a shorter version for those times when media has space for two or three sentences.

5. If you’re social media networking includes only Facebook or Twitter, stretch yourself. Dive into the advantages of Goodreads where a writer can communicate with readers. Take the time to read all the benefits of Goodreads for writers. Pinterest is addictive, and the many uses of images in marketing and promotion are endless. Don’t limit yourself! Are podcasts in your future?

6. Use Buffer or Hootsuite to organize and simplify your social media posts. This relieves the stress of watching the clock and questioning when followers are online. Analytics provide information critical to posting and content. Other methods are available, but these are my favorites. https://bufferapp.com https://hootsuite.com.

7. Is blogging a part of your plan? A successful writer understands a blog is only as good as the subject matter and how the material is presented. Use images and make it fun.

8. Commit to reading blogs and books about marketing and promotion for writers in your genre.

9. Are you taking care of yourself physically? A writer who’s not healthy or regularly exercising can’t expect the brain and heart to engage to maximum potential.

10. Are you ensuring each book is written better than the previous one? Are writing challenges met with determination by studying the craft, deepening skills, and evaluating your own work?

11. Prayer. This should be first. Seek God’s guidance for ways to glorify Him as we seek to entertain, inspire, and encourage readers.

Perhaps one of these eleven ideas have motivated you to add fire to your writing career. Determine today to light a match to one of them. Write on!

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels.

Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Library Journal presented her with a Best Books 2014: Genre Fiction award in the Christian Fiction category for Firewall.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers; the 2015 president of the Romance Writers of America’s Faith, Hope, & Love chapter; a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and International Thriller Writers. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.

DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.

Read More