How to Build Confidence as a Writer
Is it possible to build confidence as a writer? I don’t know about you, but I find it incredibly difficult to talk about my work. I can talk for hours on writing in general, but to speak about my … Continued
To Blog or Not to Blog?
In certain writing circles, there’s a debate about blogging. “To blog or not to blog?” Some argue for its merits, others say blogging robs time and resources from writing projects. Here are three big benefits I’ve found through blogging … Continued
Make the Most of Your Summer Conference
Have you ever stood in the corner of a conference room full of strangers and wondered, “Now what?” Many writers are introverts, and jumping into the crowd at a conference can seem daunting and a little disorienting. But networking is … Continued
It’s my Blogiversary!!
Happy Blogiversary! February 27th will mark a year since I launched Cole Smith Writes, can you believe it?! Looking back over the last trip around the sun, there are so many positive changes I’ve been able to experience! When I … Continued
Books for Personal Growth This Year
2018 is off to a great start! How can you keep January’s momentum going strong into spring? By taking time to invest in personal development! Harry S. Truman said, “Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.” If … Continued
The Benefits of Reading Bedtime Stories
Christmas break is nearly here, and school-time routines fly out the window! That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it can be a fantastic opportunity to shake things up and try something new — like reading nightly bedtime stories. We’ve … Continued
5 European Christmas Characters You Might Not Know
Last week, I shared a few ways to incorporate December’s magic into your creative projects. For centuries, people have grappled with the season’s opposites and have expressed that tension with rich characters, themselves dichotomies of light and dark. I can … Continued
How to Practice Gratitude Everyday
With yesterday’s arrival of another Thanksgiving Day, gratitude and thankfulness got their yearly spotlight. But how can we practice gratitude everyday, not just visit it once a year?
7 Spooky Books for Readers of All Ages
If you’re anything like me, a little scare goes a long way. I don’t want to lie awake all night after reading (I’m looking at you, The Iliad. So. Much. Killing…). But the allure of a spooky story at … Continued
Why Morning Quiet Time Will Change Your Day
What does your morning look like? Do you start the day at a panicked Warp 9, flying from your bed after hitting the snooze several times? Do you skip the coffee because you’re late, only to reconsider and … Continued