A writer’s wisdom
Scrolling through my Feedly feed yesterday, I came to Copyblogger’s interview with bestselling author Hugh Howey, who wrote and self-published Wool. It was a Q-and-A, and one question in particular caught my eye: Do you believe in “writer’s block”? If so, how do you avoid it? Howey’s answer: “Other people...
Desert Dreamin’
My first Desert Dreams Conference won’t be my last. It’s over now, and I just settled into my favorite spot at the Starbucks in Camp Verde (near the outlet, naturally). The plan is to sneak in a little writing time before I crash. Am I nuts? Why not skip the...
My take on time management
Let’s get something straight: I might not be the best choice to talk about time management. As I sat preparing the remarks about time management I was supposed to deliver — less than 12 hours before I was set to deliver them — I certainly felt like a fraud....
Mom doesn’t always know best
If your mother was anything like mine, she dispensed tons of advice: Sit up straight … Don’t go outside with a wet head or you’ll catch a cold … and NEVER stop at a rest area after dark. Well, I slouch all the time, frequently go out with wet...
I’ve been doing it wrong?
No, not IT it. But I just found out I’ve been taking the wrong approach to query writing. A friend and I recently exchanged query letters. Keep in mind that I’ve written my share of queries — and have read more than my fair share of advice on how...
Setting writing goals
A couple of months ago, I wrote an article for my RWA chapter newsletter about the Do’s and Don’ts of Setting Writing Goals. I thought I could use a refresher course before I craft some very attainable goals for the Ruby Slippered Sisterhood Winter Writing Festival. So how does...
Dirty little secret
Every few months, it wallops me upside the head. What is it, you ask? Nothing good, that’s for sure. It’s the fear that, even after years of writing — and getting a degree in journalism, I still don’t have a clue what I’m doing. The familiar foe hit me...
Meeting momentum
It always amazes me how attending my RWA chapter meeting recharges my creative battery. Sure, it means a long day for me. I usually don’t get to bed until at least 2 a.m., and I’m up before 8 on meeting day. We meet from 10:30-ish to 2 p.m. and...
More food for thought
Over at the Ruby Slippered Sisterhood, my writing blog home away from home, I read a fantastic post the other day. It was all about what editors want from a category romance. After reading it, I wonder if Brad and Erin’s story is as ready as I thought. I...
Words of wisdom
I recently discovered the blog of Nathan Bransford — Literary Agent. He’s both witty and wise … and rumor has it that he responds almost immediately to queries, whether he wants to see more or not. I’ve yet to test that myself because I haven’t quite perfected my query...