I hope you new writers question everything “they say” you have to do to succeed. That includes any advice I might give on this blog. Thirty years ago “they said” a new writer had to find a way to get to New York and meet the editors face to face if she wanted to sell […]
writing life
Retreat Time: Is It Possible?
While recovering from an illness I picked up simply (I believe) from being exhausted, I was going through my favorite writing books. One caught my eye and created an instant longing: The Writer’s Retreat Kit: A Guide for Creative Exploration and Personal Expression by Judy Reeves. It’s like a writer’s retreat in a box, with […]
Writing–and Writers–That Last
I’ve been watching Walton’s re-runs since the recent death of Ralph Waite. (He was the father of the Waltons.) So for you Waltons fans, here is a re-run of a post done after visiting Walton’s Mountain, VA…and what I learned about writers there. I’m going to reveal my age here–I was born the same year […]
Writing on the Road
If you can’t be flexible, don’t be a writer. Deadlines. Emergency phone calls. And you’re on the road again! Sometimes there is just no choice. Family needs you. Deadlines won’t budge. So you do what you have to do. It may not be ideal, but writing in the car can be do-able. Writing in a […]
Principles of a Creative Life
“The healthy creative life is an intentional life, in which the person examines options and opportunities, necessities and desires, and makes his or her choices accordingly.” ~~(Vinita Hampton Wright) in The Soul Tells a Story You may know exactly what your writing dreams and gifts are because you’ve pondered them and journaled about them for […]
Frustration and the Serenity Prayer for Writers
This has been a frustrating week on several levels. When I’m frustrated, it’s usually a sign that I’m trying to control something I can’t control. This can be a person or a situation or an event. The process can churn your mind into mush until you can’t think. On the other hand, making a 180-degree […]
Harnessing the Unconscious
If you already write fluently, for hours at a time, and you can write at will whenever you choose, you don’t need today’s idea. However, if developing and then maintaining a daily writing schedule keeps eluding you, you’re in the right place. This post describes the first type of accountability challenge for April. Back to […]
How to Take Charge of Your Writing Life
Welcome! I’m glad to see that you found me at my new “home.” As promised, starting today I’m giving away a free e-book for frustrated writers. Rx for Writers: Managing Your Writing Space and Your Writing Time is short, but it contains solid advice for three of a writer’s biggest problems: 1. following through on our […]