How to Discover and Develop Great Ideas
The writing life is an unusual one. During creative seasons, writers can be swimming in a sea of ideas. Other times, it seems ideas are as scarce as water in the desert. If you’re feeling a little dry, here are … Continued
Tax Tips for New Authors
I don’t know about you, but spring is a stressful time here at Smith Creative Headquarters. We start cranking up the end-of-year activities at school, there are a lot more household duties that clamor for attention, and, of course, it’s … Continued
How to Find Margin in Your Schedule for Writing
There just never seems to be enough time to do all the things that you need to do–let alone the things you want to do! It can seem impossible to find margin in your schedule for anything, especially writing. Where … Continued
Get Instant Access to the Cole Smith Writes Resource Library
Good news! Now, instead of catching each of my helpful freebies individually, like fish in a stream, you can find all of them in one easy place. Introducing the Cole Smith Writes Resource Library. Click here for free access! Sometimes, … Continued
Plan a Book Launch Party
Congratulations, Author! It’s time to let your book fly away from you, into the public and into the hearts of your readers. You’ve worked hard for this, and I’m *so* proud of you! What’s next? As you’re designing your launch … Continued
How to Help Others With Your Writing
So many fabulous writers I know have this weird disconnect when it comes to their talents. They think they can’t serve their communities because they don’t have “real skills”. (Listen, writing is hard! If it’s not a “real skill” then … Continued
How to Reach Your Goals When No One Supports You
Lately, I’ve heard a few different people mention that they feel like they’ve got zero support in their quests. One friend mentioned that her friends and family not only doubted her goals, they offered little to no positive encouragement. She … Continued
Free Downloadable Goal-Setting Worksheets
You resolved this year would be the year. It would be different. This would be the year that you launched your dream–finally! But this month has already slipped away, and you’re afraid the others will, too, if you don’t take … Continued
How to Manage the Emotional Ups and Downs of Writing
Writing is a highly emotional endeavor. Whether you’re delving into the mind and hearts of your characters, bringing up difficult experiences for memoir, or exploring motivation and inspiration for nonfiction, writing can take an author on an emotional adventure of … Continued
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