Why do you write?
I enjoy writing because it allows me to express myself. I never really know what’s going to come out of me or through me. Writing allows me to be creative and communicate thoughts and ideas in a different way than when I communicate verbally. There’s also a meditative quality about writing that allows me to get silent and explore the more intellectual side of my personality.
What made you decide to sit down and actually start something?
When I have something I feel is important to say, that’s what usually motivates me to write an article or a book. If I never start the process, then I can’t say and communicate the ideas I want to put out there and share.
Do you write full-time or part-time?
I write part time, but whenever I have the chance to write, I write. I’m always writing something. I rarely go a week without writing, unless I’m traveling or on vacation. In addition to writing, I’m also a psychotherapist, national spokesperson for BabyCenter.com, relationship expert for Investigation Discovery’s show, Scorned and national TV commentator.
Do you have a special time to write or how is your day structured?
I tend to write during my off hours. I write at night, in the morning, and on the weekends. I need a silent space to write, so I usually write from my home, where I can control my writing environment.
Do you write on a typewriter, computer, dictate or longhand?
I write on a computer. It makes writing so much easier! I remember writing on a typewriter. It wasn’t fun! LOL
Where do your ideas come from?
My ideas come from my experience. Sometimes it’s a personal experience. Sometimes it’s based on a TV show I’ve done or been asked to comment about. Sometimes my ideas come from work assignments I have been given. But basically my ideas are always motivated and inspired by some aspect of my work or personal life.
What is the hardest thing about writing?
I think the hardest thing about writing is wanting my article or book to be perfect. The goal of perfection can be a bit daunting at times.
What is the easiest thing about writing?
I don’t know that there’s anything easy about writing. But for me, coming up with what I want to write about is usually the easiest part for me.
How long on average does it take you to write a book?
I would say approximately 9 months on average.
Do you ever get writer’s block?
There are times I really have no idea how I’m going to write a particular article or chapter, but I just end up taking action and seeing what happens. That’s usually the best way for me to proceed and I’ve found it to be pretty effective.
Any tips on how to get through the dreaded writer’s block?
Sometimes writers just need to take a break, sleep on the topic, and see if they get inspired. Then I think the best thing to do is to take action. Just see what comes out of you. Perfectionism can be the biggest enemy to writing, so when you take action, you’re breaking down your resistances and opening up the creative process.
Your Best Age is NOW
Although we’ve been conditioned to think “middle aged” is practically a four-letter word, the realities of women in midlife today are far different than what our mothers experienced. Women in their 40s, 50s, and even 60s are living younger, vibrant lives. But influenced by our youth-obsessed culture, we fear that when we hit midlife, we stop being relevant and no longer have options—that it’s simply too late for us.
Contradicting long-ingrained beliefs, Robi Ludwig draws on myth-busting data from scientific research and on her experience as a therapist to show midlife is not the beginning of our decline—it is actually a time to pursue our dreams. In Your Best Age Is Now, she offers specific advice on how to change our perception of this next life phase and make the best of it by:
- Letting go of stress to create a more balanced life;
- Identifying false thinking that is holding us back;
- Taking charge of our love life and relationships;
- Staying relevant in the workplace or starting new, exciting careers;
- Becoming more spiritual and leading a life of gratitude; and more.
Your Best Age Is Now provides the guidance you need to reject the status quo, become more “you” than ever before, and find the kind of happiness you never thought possible.
Author bio
Robi Ludwig, Psy.D. is a nationally known psychotherapist, award-winning reporter, and author. She is a relationship contributor for Investigation Discovery Network’s Scorned, and has hosted TLC’s reality show One Week to Save Your Marriage and GSN’s Without Prejudice? Dr. Ludwig is a regular guest on CNN, Fox News, and Headline News, discussing psychological and lifestyle issues as well as the criminal mind. She has appeared on Today, Entertainment Tonight, 20/20, World News Tonight, Nightline, The View, Fox and Friends, Steve Harvey, The Wendy Williams Show, and is on the medical board and a contributor for BELLA Magazine. She also writes for the Huffington Post. Dr. Ludwig lives in New York City.
Connect with Dr. Robi Ludwig
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