How to Cultivate Powerful Proximity
Just last week I was listening to this podcast. The guest, Jeff Goins, spoke of the power of proximity for creatives. He specifically spoke about Ernest Hemingway joining the community of American expatriates living in France. “He just hung out … Continued
Find the Writing Conference That’s Right for You
It’s late spring, and that means conference season is upon us! My beloved West Virginia Writers Summer Conference is just a week away. It’s my unofficial kickoff for summer, a serene, creative place I can unwind from the frantic end … Continued
Summer Bucket List for Writers
Summer: so full of expectations, but oh-so-fleeting. Do you think the Planner vs. Pantser debate can spill over into writers’ philosophies regarding summer time? If so, with which camp do you identify? Do you make a list of must-do activities, … Continued
Free Download: Printable Writer’s Journal Pages
Some time ago, I published a post called How to Start a Writer’s Notebook. It turned out to be a hit on Pinterest this week (Spring is writing journal season–who knew?), so I decided to make a few free, printable … Continued
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