Sometimes writing is easy, when you feel deeply impassioned about something and know just how to say it. The words flow.  I think it was Truman Capote who said something like “I’ve always been able to throw words up in the air and have them come down in the right order.” Sometimes we can do that, too. When you’ve emptied the passion bucket, maybe all you have to do is tweak a sentence or two, choose a better word here … Read More »

Working as a reporter at the Pentagon, I learned a lot of fun acronyms. Among my favorites was MOOTW (Pron: MOOT wuh). It’s short for Military Operations Other Than War. When you think about it, that describes much of what the military is called upon to do: peacekeeping, humanitarian operations, disaster relief, dispute mediation, even diplomacy. I want to propose the creation of a new acronym: AOOTW (Pron: ah-OOT wuh)—Author Operations Other Than Writing. Like MOOTW for the military, AOOTW … Read More »

As a teacher of writing, I have had the pleasure of working with some creative, ambitious young authors who write with passion and originality. However, their fan base generally resided within the walls of our classroom. If you are a young author, and you would like to take your writing to the next level, this post is for you. Read the advice and check out the list of publications and contests. Take a step toward seeing your work in print! … Read More »

Writer’s block (shudder). Nobody needs to tell us wordfolk how painful and frustrating that condition that freezes up our creativity can be. But you know the old saying: “When life hands you a lemon, make lemonade.” Yes, fellow authors, even writer’s block can be put to good use to further our literary careers! I’m not guaranteeing that you’ll thank the Powers That Be for a spell of block, but at least you won’t have to look back on it in … Read More »

Now that we’re well into the new year, we can actually (cross fingers, throw salt over shoulder, spit three times) start planning to attend writers’ conferences in person. Attending conferences is one of the most useful things a writer can do to improve their craft, make contact with other writers, and promote their work for publication. And they’re fun! Holy Mackerel, There Are a Lot of People Here! These days, there’s a lot of pent-up demand for just about everything. … Read More »

People need people. Most of us humans are a gregarious sort. When the writing life becomes discouraging and lonely, it helps to be able to talk to another writer. This is the virtue of a writers’ group. I have started a writers group in an area that had none (with one other person over coffee at the kitchen table) and also have come to new areas that had existing clubs to join. Perhaps this discussion will help you in your … Read More »