We don’t have to share our work in order to be a writer, through and through, but at some point in our writing journey, we’ll at least think about it. Sharing has its pitfalls, sure, but it also has many rewards, not the least of which is letting your family in on just what it is you’re doing when you set your timer and disappear for a couple of hours. Sharing should be a considered act. It’s as much of … Read More »

I’m in the zone. I know just what needs to happen in this particular scene, and it’s practically writing itself. As I type away with a satisfied grin on my face, the Plot Police burst through the door and stop me dead in my celebratory tracks. “Halt! Hold it right there!” the tall, handsome one orders. “We’re the Plot Police, here on behalf of your readers. Take your hands away from the keyboard—slowly.” “What’s the problem, officer?” I smile at … Read More »

Memoirist Susie Baxter wanted to save the memories of her family and childhood growing up in rural Florida for future generations, but wasn’t sure how. After taking a Life History class, she quickly discovered her calling and began penning her memoirs. At first, she believed her tales of growing up to be fairly ordinary, until members of her critique group convinced her otherwise. Further proof? Susie won First Place for Published Memoir in the 2018 Royal Palm Literary Awards and … Read More »

The start of a new year often brings with it the desire to improve our lives over the next year. Are there ways we can improve our writing lives? Always! Get Real Although we’re all writers, we are as individual as the quintessential snowflake. It seems obvious, but a glance at any writing forum often reveals writers insisting that “everyone” should read a book a week or commit to 2500 words a day or write every single day without fail … Read More »

While Anne Hawkinson is accustomed to the long hours of writing in solitude, she recently enjoyed a collaboration with another author overseas—the fruits of their labors bringing two, soon three, adventurous novellas into the world. Inspired by her recent partnership, Anne adapted the concepts from the adult novellas to a young child’s perspective. My Faraway Friend won First Place for Unpublished Early Reader at the 2018 Royal Palm Literary Awards. Anne discusses the transition from working solo to collaborating and … Read More »

Jenny Ferns, a professional psychologist, knows the impact trauma can have on people. She uses this specialized knowledge to build character arcs and show the comprehensive impact on families in her stories. She also discovered through her own experience that writing memoir can be a therapeutic exercise. Using her memories from living in England for over twenty years, she created an authentic voice for her book, Ripple Effect, which won First Place for Unpublished Blended Genre in the 2018 Royal … Read More »