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 »

Don’t get me wrong. Journals are lovely, and I have a drawer full. But there are other, and often better ideas for gift giving to a writer. If you have a writer stowed away in your attic, in a closet, or other suitably tight, dark place please consider some of the following ideas for this holiday season. And feel free to check out last year’s post on gifts for writers. Some gifts are timeless (like the gift of time) and … Read More »

As I write this, the Royal Palm Literary Awards ceremony is merely days away, and the anticipation is building. While we couldn’t gather in person this year, it’s still nice to see so many writers taking the leap, having the courage to put their work out there, and entering the competition. Which brings me to today’s topic: Staying Positive. Focus on the Positives The publishing world is full of negatives: writer’s block, criticism, rejection. And it is SO EASY to … Read More »

You did the hard work. You dreamed, plotted, wrote, and edited the story within you that needed to be told. Then you did more hard work — writing that query letter. Some think it’s more of a challenge than writing the book itself! I’m inclined to agree. Query letters and blurbs will be the death of me, but that’s a topic for another blog. So, the carefully researched queries go out. Then what? Crickets These can be the most disheartening … Read More »

Finding a Place to Write Jean Kerr locked herself in her car to write. Ernest Hemingway stood at a drawing board. Erma Bombeck, I suspect, locked herself in the bathroom. Some of us used to haul the typewriter out every day to the kitchen table. Perhaps some still write on a legal pad on their knees in bed or on the couch. Have you found the perfect place to write, if there is a perfect place? I tried many ways, … Read More »