Spring Cleaning for Writers
The temperatures are soaring, the birds are singing, and the trees and flowers are bursting into bloom. It’s time to shake off the cozy lethargy of winter and clear out the cobwebs. It’s also the perfect opportunity to examine your … Continued
The Problem with Reading Personal Growth Books
I recently discovered a problem with reading personal growth books. But I love these types of self-help books! In 2018, I read more of them than fiction (which is saying a lot, for me)! It was toward the end of … Continued
5 Myths New Writers Should Ignore
There’s a lot of good advice about writing floating around the internet, the writing community, and your local community. There’s also bad advice. As a new writer, how can you tell the difference? Here are 5 myths new writers shouldn’t … Continued
Exercises to Help You Become a Stronger Writer
Want to become a stronger writer? ** You should. We *all* should. There should always be a little discontent in your heart, a little nibbling gnaw, caused by the scope of your vision. I think it should feel … Continued
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