Category: blog
3 Reasons to Give Yourself a Break
You may (or may not) have noticed that things have gotten a little… quiet around here. For a while my web site was shut down completely. I’ve had technical difficulties to work through, and Iâ... Read More
How to Set Your Readers Up For Success
We don’t think, as authors, that we’re responsible for making our readers successful. We think about making our careers, our book, successful, but our readers? How can we control that if w... Read More
8 Reasons Why I’m Glad I Earned My MFA
There are some degrees that seem to elicit controversy for some reason (I mean really, who cares if someone wants to get a certain education), and an MFA in creative writing is one of these such degre... Read More
So, You Want to Make Money as a Writer?
Maybe you have an English degree. Maybe you have an MFA, like me. Maybe not. Maybe you just love to write and think it’d be really nice to make some dough while you do it. Maybe it’s more ... Read More
7 Reasons to Include Holidays in Your Writing
As I’m writing this, it’s Good Friday and I’m preparing for my role as puppeteer in my church’s annual Easter event. In thinking about the holiday and all that comes with it, I... Read More
Is Your Story Contrived?
Yes, your story is contrived. ALL stories are contrived. The word contrived means to plan, to invent, to plot. And even pantsers plot and invent, regardless of whether or not they did it beforehand. I... Read More
6 Reasons to Write What You Want
A few months ago, I heard Sandra Huertes, a memoirist, speak. She said this: Don’t give yourself over to the fickleness of the publishing industry. Be in love with the writing, not the approval ... Read More
Know When It’s Time to Give Up
Most people tell you not to give up. Most times I will, too. And most times, you absolutely should not give up. But there are a few instances when giving up is the best thing. Maybe. Sometimes ideas c... Read More