Here is a quick review of three apps for freelance writers that make my life easier. Voice Memos – There are lots of audio recording apps out there but this one is included on your iPhone so you had better be using it! I use it to record ideas that pop into my head while… Read more »
Writing
Storytelling and Story-selling
Let’s talk about storytelling and story-selling. Take a moment and click on the image above and read the text on the back of these three bottles of shampoo, conditioner and body lotion. Storytellers weave magic with their words and transport their listeners to other lands, ignite dreams in their hearts, bring out tears and laughter,… Read more »
Favorite Bedtime Books
I recently joined the Society of Children’s Books Writers and Illustrators and my first few meetings have me thinking about my favorite bedtime books. I have a quite a few. In fact many of my favorite bedtime books have no words! But instead of making a list of which books I love, I am actually… Read more »
Helpful Resources for Freelance Writing
Do you belong to a community that improves your freelance writing? I’ve found that freelance writers tend to be very supportive of each other. They don’t mind offering help to other writers and sharing effective resources. There are several communities that I rely on for help, from in person meetings right here in my neighborhood… Read more »
Fiction Writing Contests
Fiction writing contests are a great way for me to work under pressure of a deadline and to learn about new fiction publications. While many literary journals and publications will pay writers when their work is accepted, fiction writing contests come with a fee. This fee goes toward the prize money for the winners and… Read more »
Skinny Pete’s Kitchen growing among family friendly restaurants in Pittsburgh
Who’s hungry? Join me at Skinny Pete’s in Avalon for Farm to Family, a fantastic new option and from one of the truly family friendly restaurants in Pittsburgh. Parents, grandparents and kids can come together to enjoy a special meal in a relaxed fun atmosphere. Kids get to create their own meal while adults can… Read more »
How to Edit Your Writing
Are you working on a novel, like I am, and need to edit your writing? It’s not easy but there are a few tricks that writers use, like starting at the back and reading forward, setting the writing aside for a few days and coming back to it, and reading it aloud. Each of those… Read more »
Homework for Writers: Writer’s Digest January 2011
The next assignment in my Homework for Writers series! Writer’s Digest January 2011 Obviously looking to meet the New Year’s resolution crowd, this issue is all about writing and outlining a novel. – Differentiating between idea theft and simultaneous discovery. This isn’t something I am worried about. This issue lists three ways to tell the… Read more »
Will Wine Help? For Writers, Cooks and Moms
A toast to Moms (and dads)! Something funny today! I offer this light-hearted look at some of the tasks that require both creativity and inspiration – and are made easier by an excellent glass of wine! I’m not talking about drinking to get drunk here. I’m talking about stimulating the parts of our brain… Read more »
Homework for Writers
There are many excellent books, blogs and conferences available to writers. One resource I find particularly helpful, especially in my fiction writing, is Writer’s Digest magazine. My writing partner recently gave me a hefty stack of back issues bulging with funny articles, useful tips and excellent revision guidance, not to mention the lists of agents… Read more »