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
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 … 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 are your family’s favorite Christmas stories? And 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 … 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–NaNoWriMo: The Finish Line! 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 … 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, … Continued