Last week, I found a meme on Pinterest that showed someone dispensing two different soft drinks into the same cardboard cup. One of the drink buttons was labeled “Feeling stressed out when writing” and the other was labeled “Feeling stressed out when you haven’t written.” It’s funny because it’s true. The writing life is constantly […]
April 22, 2019 by 113 Comments Writing LifeHelping Authors Become Artists
In view of this site’s title, it’s not surprising people often ask, “What’s the difference between a writer and an author?” Usually, I admit it’s a cheeky sophistry, since there is no true distinction, save for the common connotation that an “author” is somehow more professional. A writer is just someone who scribbles; an author […]
February 25, 2019 by 111 Comments Writer's Help7 Things to Try When Writing Is Hard
Some writers might look at that title and respond incredulously: “When isn’t writing hard?” But as I’m sure all writers everywhere can attest, there are times when writing is hard in the normal sense and times when it’s hard hard. Often, the difficulty lies simply in the unwieldy story—and the need for an ever-evolving understanding and ability […]
January 28, 2019 by 97 Comments Writing LifeMy 9 Writing Goals for the New Year
Last year, I wrote about how I don’t really like writing goals. Mostly, this is because they focus on the results and too often bypasses the importance of the journey. But this January, perhaps more than any other January, I find myself brimming with intentional and actionable ideas about where I want this year to […]
January 21, 2019 by 78 Comments Writing LifeHow to Create the Perfect Writing Process for You
Remember the good ol’ days when your idea of a “writing process” was as simple as 1, 2, 3? 1. Sit down. 2. Put your hands to the keyboard. 3. Write. For most writers, that quaint little take on the writing process died on the day they stalled out on #2, with hands poised receptively […]
December 31, 2018 by 26 Comments Writing LifeTop 10 Writing Posts of 2018
We’ve made it to the end of another year! I hope you’re able to look back at who you were at the beginning of 2018 and see many changes (for the better, of course!) in who you are now. Honestly, I barely recognize the person I was back in January 2018. It’s been a huge year […]
December 17, 2018 by 48 Comments Writing LifeMy Top Books of 2018
As we close out another year of reading, I find myself with a renewed appreciation and vigor for the importance and the blessing of reading. Having devoured books at the hungry pace of 100+ a year for at least fifteen years (I didn’t start keeping track until 2002), I’ve been feeling increasingly uncomfortable and even […]
November 26, 2018 by 30 Comments Writing Life20 Unique Gifts for Writers This Christmas
Christmas gifts that offer a mix of whimsy, fun, and practicality are the best. Whimsy, fun, and practicality are also three things writers seek on as daily basis. Guess that means we’re the perfect gift recipients! This year’s round-up of unique gifts for writers will help you find the right gift for your writing buddies, […]
September 3, 2018 by 77 Comments Writing LifeDo You Have Sloppy Writing Habits? (And 4 Things to Do About It)
The question I want to ask today is whether sloppy writing habits are a deterrent to success, a natural and unavoidable part of the creative process, both, or neither. I’ve never met the writer (myself included) who didn’t suffer from sloppy writing habits. These habits fall into a number of categories—everything from sloppy handwriting to […]
August 20, 2018 by 84 Comments Writing LifeWriter’s Envy—And 3 Thoughts on What to Do About It
Last year, one of your writing buddies landed your dream agent. This year, they published with a great publisher. Now, they just sent you a #happydance email, telling you they’ve been nommed for your genre’s biggest award. You’re happy for your friend. Really, you are. But try as you might, your gut just closed up […]
