How to Use Serendipity in Your Writing
Do you remember the last book you read that made you feel breathless to turn the next page? Have you ever been so surprised by a plot twist that it left you reeling … or delighted? You know how much … Continued
How to Start a Writer’s Notebook
Where do you keep your lists, research, and inspiration for your works-in-progress? Are you a digital devotee, or do you prefer to keep it “real” with paper and ink? While digital organizers definitely have their place, I’m a fan of … Continued
How to Set Writing Goals That You’ll Keep
How do you set writing goals? I have a bad habit of listening to alternative hits from my junior high days during the last week of the year. It sends me down this weird path of melancholy and … Continued
Top Ten Posts of 2018
We’re winding down 2018, almost ready to close it and put it on the shelf. (Am I the only one who bawls during Rudolph’s Shiny New Year, during Father Time’s song?) I’ve been doing some reminiscing and a little analysis … Continued
Favorite Christmas Stories for Families
What was your favorite Christmas gift you received when you were a kid? Mine was the entire set of the Chronicles of Narnia. For me, the highlight of the gift exchange was always books. In true bookworm fashion, I loved … Continued
Christmas Card Alternatives for Writers
I’ve written some controversial posts before, but I have to admit–this one makes me nervous. I just want to preface today’s post by saying, no, I’m not a Grinch. If you want to send me a card, I’m super-thrilled I … Continued
NaNoWriMo: The Finish Line
Huzzah, you made it! Here we are on November 30th, ready to ring in December and wave so-long to another NaNoWriMo. I hope this month was more than you hoped it would be. I didn’t get to 50k, but this … Continued
NaNoWriMo: Post-Thanksgiving Slump
Every year, Mr. Smith wonders why NaNoWriMo is in November. “It’s the busiest month!” he gently grumbles. I remind him that all our months are busy, but I know what he means. It does seem like every week in November … Continued
NaNoWriMo: 3 Powerful Habits to Keep You Focused
Oh, November! It’s such a wonderful but horrifically busy month. No normal routine will suffice. To navigate November, we need powerful habits! Of course, there’s NaNoWriMo and the holidays. On top of that, there’s the daylight savings time change, which … Continued
NaNoWriMo: When It Feels Like Your Writing’s No Good…
We’re well into NaNoWriMo, and the emotions are doing what they do — shooting us high and dropping us low! For me, it’s never a wall of doubt. Rather, the creeping suspicions start gradually, a little like a walk through … Continued