When I decided to write a fictional account of a time in my own life, I thought, how hard could that be? Surely the objective to write a novel about yourself would not be any seat-of-the-pants endeavor, not with an outline already intact. I lived the story, experienced the inciting incident, faced the point of no return, and after jumping hurdle after hurdle (or more like crawling over them), I … [Read more...] about How to Write a Novel about Your Life
Inspiration
Best Gifts for Writers
This happens every year. The holidays creep up on me until I wake up on Black Friday in a tryptophan-laden haze and realize I've got less than a month to buy Christmas gifts for everyone on my list. Ho-Ho-Ho. 🎄😳 I can't help you with your entire holiday list, but since I'm a writer, I thought I'd compile a list of some of the best gifts for writers out there this year. Journals are nice and … [Read more...] about Best Gifts for Writers
The Best Books on Writing
Here's a small and mighty list of the best books on writing. I believe--and so many writers agree!--that these books will help you succeed in: writing publishing and being motivated to do "1" and "2" again and again Keep in mind, these books mainly emphasize fiction (because I can't help myself ... I love writing fiction!) But all will give you a great picture of the writing life. Okay, … [Read more...] about The Best Books on Writing
6 Ways to Beat the End of Summer Blues (and Stay Inspired)
Back-to-school ads everywhere are bumming me out. My kids are grown and out of school, but it doesn't matter--that old feeling lingers and I still find myself needing ways to beat the end of summer blues (and stay inspired to write)! Impact-Site-Verification: 368994093 You, too? That's what I thought. It's also why I've brainstormed a few ways to cheer us both up 😃 Here are 6 Ways to Beat the … [Read more...] about 6 Ways to Beat the End of Summer Blues (and Stay Inspired)
Goat Yoga Can Make You a Better Writer
A picturesque little farm. Soft hay beneath our feet. Yoga mats under our arms--and goats. For reals. My daughters and I recently took part in a farm-style yoga sesh. And along the way I learned a few things. Here's how goat yoga can make you a better writer: Goats are curious. Curiosity is good for your characters and story plots Goats don’t care that you’re in the middle of some serious core … [Read more...] about Goat Yoga Can Make You a Better Writer
4 Ways to Beat Writer’s Block
You're stuck. Uninspired. You have a deadline. Or perhaps a goal. But the longer you sit in your chair, the slower the words flow. Problem: You need to beat writer's block. Question: What are you going to do about it? Here are 4 Ways to Beat Writer's Block: 1. Get Outside After taking a walk on a sunny afternoon, I sat in a fat Adirondack chair overlooking Moonstone Beach and outlined a … [Read more...] about 4 Ways to Beat Writer’s Block