Critique groups are lifelines for writers. Joining a new writing group can be kind of intimidating, especially when you’re new to an area or if you’re new to writing. But- when you find that right group? It’s game changing. For me, the right group is made up of consistent, candid, encouraging people. People who showContinue reading “How to be a rock star critique partner”
Category Archives: Uncategorized
Unpopular Opinion: Pumpkin Spice Isn’t That Great.
This time of year, people like me lurk in the shadows, stealth-sipping our cinnamon teas or our chai lattes. No more hiding. I’m speaking up. I love autumn as much as the next gal. Honest. I do. I love decorating the house for Thanksgiving. A good harvest theme never gets old. What does get old,Continue reading “Unpopular Opinion: Pumpkin Spice Isn’t That Great.”
Three Things I Learned at a Writing Workshop
Writer friends, I know you. Some of you are on the fence about investing anything other than your time and imagination in your writing future. I know this because that’s where I was. Full of doubt. Overflowing with insecurity. As long as I didn’t take this “writing thing” too seriously, I hadn’t risked embarrassment orContinue reading “Three Things I Learned at a Writing Workshop”
Adjectivery
I recently participated in my first-ever Instagram author’s challenge. You’d think that someone who’d been a marketing manager – as in, paid real money to develop and activate marketing strategies for a living – would be aaalll over the marketing for her own writing work. You’d think that, and you’d be right to snicker aContinue reading “Adjectivery”
Three Content Issues to Consider for Middle Grade Readers
Know your audience. That’s one of the first things they teach you in journalism school. What they don’t teach you is that this rule applies to writing pretty much anything else. Especially children’s fiction. But there’s a catch. When you’re writing for middle grade readers – or children of any age – you’re actually writingContinue reading “Three Content Issues to Consider for Middle Grade Readers”
The power of being chosen
For weeks, my kiddo had been searching for a place to take karate lessons. I schlepped him to trial classes in pretty much every studio within a 15-mile radius. No joy. “Too noisy. Find another one, Mom.” “Too many kids.” “Not enough kids my age.” “Too drill sergeant-y.” “Too crazy. No rules.” Goldilocks had it easy. “Find another one,Continue reading “The power of being chosen”
My Summer ‘To Read’ List
This year I was lucky enough to go to the Blue Ridge Christian Writers Conference and hear the fantastic Nancy Lohr speak about writing for children. One of the first things she asked the group was “who here has read a children’s book recently?” More than half of us raised our hands. She was happy withContinue reading “My Summer ‘To Read’ List”
Please enjoy
Struggling a bit this week – everyone in my house is sick and there’s some kind of thick fog in my head that makes me think I’m next. I’ve written some new stuff. Yay. And I’m on track to get my MS out to a new beta reader in a week or so. That’s prettyContinue reading “Please enjoy”
Progress, not perfection
Early in our marriage, my sweet hubs pointed out what I like to think of as humanity, but he calls a “charming quirk.” We’d eaten out, which we didn’t do often in those days (or these), and he noticed that as I talked, I cut my food into bite sized pieces, then selected a fewContinue reading “Progress, not perfection”
The Getting Started Post
Everybody says you have to have a platform if you want to be a writer. All these agents, publishers, writers’ blogs – they all say you have to put yourself out there. Not just yourself. Your best, nicest self. This will help people like you, want to work with you, and even buy what you write. ThisContinue reading “The Getting Started Post”
