Hi,

I am so pleased to have your subscription to A-Muse Letter! I hope you are enjoying receiving it.

As you know, each month I offer coaching tips, ideas and inspiration to support you in your writing, creativity and personal growth. Please send your comments and questions and I'll write back personally or respond in a future edition of A-Muse Letter.

WRITING IN CRUISE CONTROL

While driving on the freeway the other day, I decided to turn on the cruise control in my car. There are lots of good reasons to use cruise control---you're likely to drive closer to the speed limit, you can relax a little bit at the wheel and give yourself a break from steady pressure on the accelerator.

But what are the disadvantages to driving in cruise control? Possibly letting your attention stray for a moment? Becoming too relaxed? Or maybe even becoming a little lazy?

Now consider your writing lately. Has it gone into cruise control? Are you not feeling as excited as you were about your topic? Have you lost focus, vision or purpose?

If your writing has gone into cruise control mode, there are several things you can do. Check out the ideas below:

TALK WITH YOUR WRITING

In this month's seminar we discussed dialoguing with your work, environment and other people. Set up a dialogue on paper with your writing and ask it about what it needs and where it wants to go.

CHANGE THE SCENERY

Mix things up a bit. Take a new route home or try driving or walking down a different street just for fun. Shop at a new grocery store. When you change your environment you are likely to pay more attention to what is new around you. Change your writing environment, too. Try writing in a different place, at a different time or with a different kind of paper or pen. Try changing your computer font to give the words you write a new perspective.

TAKE SOME RISKS WITH YOUR WRITING

You can always edit it out or delete it later. Stuck on the plot of your novel? Has it been awhile since you've written a poem? Try a whole new genre for a few days. Write a story from a different voice.

DON'T BE AFRAID TO DIG DEEPER

In addition to trying new approaches to your writing, try taking your current writing deeper. Ask yourself what you might be avoiding in your current writing. Or, be willing to experiment with new ideas you've been setting aside.

Sometimes it's just fine to drive in cruise control for a little while. But if you find yourself stuck in a rut or just skimming the surface, take your writing out of Cruise Control!

If you find yourself stalled in Cruise Control, contact me and request a GRATIS SESSION via phone or in person. Phone (800) 552-WRITE, that's (800) 552-9748 or write to me at susan@susanborkin.com to find out more.

Take good care,

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UPCOMING EVENTS AND WORKSHOPS:

TUESDAY, MAY 13, 2008 - COMPLIMENTARY MONTHLY TELESEMINAR

Join us the second Tuesday of each month for live teleseminars on support and tips for writing and creativity. Calls are at 12:00 noon, Pacific (1:00 pm Mountain, 2:00 pm Central and 3:00 pm Eastern).

TOPIC: HOW TO USE SIMPLE LISTS TO MAKE PROFOUND DISCOVERIES

Can't make a class? No worries. Sign-up anyway and we'll send you a free recording.

Never been on a teleseminar? A teleseminar is a virtual classroom. Accessible by telephone, you simply sign-up beforehand then dial in at the appointed time. No travel, no hassle. Listen or be part of a seminar from anywhere in the world!

CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT, NOW!

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Susan Borkin, M.A. is a licensed psychotherapist, coach and writer. She is the founder of Write Now! a professional practice specializing in the use of writing for personal and professional growth. Susan specializes in helping people overcome creative blocks and achieve deep personal transformation through the use of writing. A personal growth writing teacher for more than twenty-five years, she is the author of When Your Heart Speaks, Take Good Notes: The Healing Power of Writing and Writing From the Inside Out: Using a Journal for Personal Growth & Transformation.

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BOOKS TO STIMULATE YOUR WRITING AND CREATIVITY By Susan Borkin

Writing From the Inside Out: Using a Journal for Personal Growth and Transformation When Your Heart Speaks, Take Good Notes: The Healing Power of Writing

Both books are available for previewing and ordering at www.susanborkin.com. Sample chapters are only available to preview.

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GRATIS CORNER

• Sign up for free monthly teleseminars!

• If you find yourself needing some help getting unstuck from Cruise Control or have questions about your writing and creativity practice, contact me and request a GRATIS SESSION via phone or in person.

• Need some journaling tips? Send for your GRATIS BONUS ARTICLE, 'JUMPSTART YOUR JOURNALING'. Send an e-mail requesting the article by name.

• Have a question about writing or creativity? E-mail your question to Susan. She may use your questions in future issues of ' WRITE NOW! A-Muse Letter by Susan Borkin '.

Phone (800) 552-WRITE, that's (800) 552-9748 or write to Susan at susan@susanborkin.com to find out more.

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