Published on September 19, 2012
“So, what do you do?” is a popular icebreaker question at any social gathering. The answer “I’m a writer” opens the floodgate to follow-ups such as “What do you write?” and “Where might I have seen your work?” Having a few specific answers “on tap” is vital to appearing professional. These questions are not only getting-to-know-you party tricks, they are networking opportunities to discover alternative writing career avenues.
Published on September 12, 2012
This weekend starts my favorite six weeks of the year! The Fall 24-Hour Short Story Contest is this Saturday and it always has swirling red, orange and yellow leaves, and crisp breeze, and, on occasion, something odd or creepy. Since Halloween is my favorite holiday (I get to display my horror doll collection), I absolutely LOVe reading the stories for the Fall contest! And, I get to start this weekend!
Published on September 12, 2012
book marketing

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, and again, and again. DO NOT PAY FOR BOOK REVIEWS! Once someone finds out you paid a book reviewer, your reputation is toast.
Published on September 12, 2012
Angela,
These contests are great fun, and have helped me hone my editing skills.I use them to create back stories and alternative realities for the characters for my novel in progress.
Regards,
Marcia
Published on September 12, 2012
Do you have any suggestions on how we can get the paperback edition of my book to appear first on the Barnes and Noble website? When shoppers look it up, the hardcover comes up first and I think the price is going to scare readers off, especially if they don’t know how to navigate to other formats of the book.
Published on September 12, 2012
As a freelance writer, I’m always racking my brains for new story ideas. Once a week, I block an entire day off to research new ideas and write queries. With pen in hand and a pot of coffee brewing, I tap out story idea after story idea, then delve into online research, finally coming up with a query letter sometime between lunch and dinner. The process can be time consuming and daunting as sometimes my brain muscles have to really stretch far to pull out a fresh idea.
Recently, however, I discovered a brainstorming strategy that had me turn one assignment into two, cutting down on my research time and allowing me to earn more money by doing less. It happened like this…
Published on September 5, 2012
Max and Mason, who are homeschooled, started “school” this week. They were pretty happy when, on the first day, I let them do arts and crafts first. I gave them a box full of craft supplies, and said, “You have 30 minutes to make whatever you want.” Holy cow, you’d think they’d both just won the lottery! They were so excited!!
Published on September 5, 2012
After reading the entries for each contest, we can see how difficult it is to come up with a unique plot when working with an assigned topic. But, inevitably, a few writers do manage to successfully break away from the pack.
So, today, hop aboard a fishing boat, and assist with processing today’s catch…
Published on September 5, 2012
Letters will return next week.
Published on September 5, 2012
Well, that’s a silly title, isn’t it? I chose it because of a little read-in-the-bathroom book a friend gave to my husband last Christmas. In it there was this saying: ‘I became self employed and I still have a jerk for a boss.’ It gave me a chuckle but it also got my gray cells going in the direction of writing. When it comes to this area of my life – and maybe yours – I’m self employed. And sometimes I don’t like my boss. Why? Let me count the ways.