Tag Archives: writing
Be Prepared
I prepare for emergencies. It must be that early Girl Scout training. FEMA advises that everyone should have a disaster plan. So, what plans should a writer formulate over and above the usual FEMA stuff? 1. Plan for your risks. … Continue reading
Writing in Layers
So what have I been up to since my last post? Reading, writing, working. The usual. The largely finished novel is receiving a final polish. There are two novels “in transition.” They have shape and text, but are nowhere near … Continue reading
A Lesson from Gibran
Yesterday is but today’s memory, and tomorrow is today’s dream. Khalil Gibran This morning, I had a dream moments before the pesky alarm was to ring. It was a wonderful, amazing dream, encapsulating every wish currently whirring around my brain. … Continue reading
Tool Magic
Have I mentioned I’m a tool junkie? Chain saw, power washer, detail sander. You name it. I’m a girl who’s not afraid to get her manicured nails dirty. These past few weeks, I put my gadgets to good use sprucing … Continue reading
Inspiration
A few weeks back, a beta reader was going through my latest novel and asked, “Where did you come up with your story idea?” I wanted to tell her I woke up one morning and, voila, I had a terrifically … Continue reading
Grammar Rulez
Okay. Raise your hand if you’ve ever taken a writing side job. Don’t worry, I’ll wait… Facebook posts? Twitter? Editing the master’s thesis? If you haven’t, once your friends find out you write, you will. So read up. This past … Continue reading
What to do when an Agent says No
Attention Writers! I am interrupting this blog for an important public service announcement. Believe me, I am passionate about my writing. And the search for an agent can be horribly frustrating. But it is NEVER EVER acceptable to hunt down … Continue reading
Finding a Critique Partner
There is a host of writing advice sites on the Net. They counsel you on topics such as revising and rewriting. Almost all of them also suggest finding good critique partners. Not just one—several—like a Woodstock Love Fest. And then … Continue reading
What I did on my summer vacation
School’s back in session, so here’s what I did on my summer vacation: I took a fabulous trip to Europe and called it “Book Research.” Oh, I’m not going to write it off as a business expense. I enjoyed too … Continue reading