This excellent quote was sent to me by a very fun, encouraging agent. It totally fits for the manuscript I just finished and for how I try to live. It’s also a great way to approach the craft of writing and the topics I (or you) choose to write. Lately, I’ve been thinking about the… Read more »
Inspiration
Creativity and Goals
I’m not sure what’s in store during the dog days of summer, but I definitely went through a “spring slump.” In early May after the completion of some big road races and writing conferences. Although I had plenty on my plate and managed to meet the deadlines for client projects, I wasn’t feeling the love… Read more »
Making Time to Write
I’m really scared to write this post about making time to write, because I’m going to share my goals here and if I don’t reach my goal I’m going to feel ashamed and disappointed! People might actually look down on me. They might say “Hey, she failed.” But I also want to be a published novelist… Read more »
Books for 11 year olds
It can be tough to find the right books for 11 year olds. I am not an 11 year old, but I remember what books I loved reading when I was 11. My oldest son just turned 10 and I exchange emails with an 11 year old boy about books. I am writing books and… Read more »
Symbols in writing: Birds
Animals make excellent symbols in writing and my children love books and stories about animals. One of their favorite stories is a little one I tell them about my guardian hawk. The hawk lives in the small copse, or group of trees, that borders our property. There are lots of tasty rodents for the hawk… Read more »
Working With Volunteers Made Easy
Working with volunteers can be the most rewarding experience or the most frustrating. Numerous non-profit organizations across the nation rely on volunteers to stuff envelopes, raise money, pick up litter, and donate their time to the cause. It isn’t always easy, but working without volunteers is a frightening possibility for many organizations. Perhaps due to hectic… Read more »
Writing Advice: What not to write
This is a list of writing advice I’ve heard on what not to write or how not to write. It’s probably a little fiction heavy, but I’m open to non-fiction writing not-to advice. Feel free to send suggestions of what and how not to write. But I’m also interested in examples of when going against… Read more »
Reading Goals for 2015
In 2015 I plan to read 100 books. While that total number of books may seem high for some people, but the goal itself seems straightforward, right? Wrong. Debate 1: Does it count as having read a book if you listened to an audio book? It turns out people don’t actually agree on what counts as… Read more »
Creative Writing Ideas
Some people have difficulty accepting input on their creative works, especially creative writing. I think they worry that if they incorporate someone else’s idea, the work isn’t their own. But I really love getting creative writing ideas from people, especially children, mine or anyone else’s kids. People new to writing often say, “I shared this… Read more »
Notes for NaNoWriMo (Write)
Started these notes on Nov. 7, one week into NaNoWrIMo. – Write. – Use those 15 beats. Write out several versions of the story you think you want to tell. – Work on those character descriptions early in October. Know those characters before hand and your story will flow. – Read great books all month…. Read more »