Writing Is the Future I read a book on capitalism. It was fascinating because way the author describes capitalism is trust in the future. Capitalism works on credit. If I loan you money to start your business, I trust you’ll produce … Continue reading →

Keep the REAL Target in Mind Let’s talk terms: If a goal is something we strive toward and effort is what drives us forward, then success is often defined as when we meet that goal.  If your goal is to get a novel traditionally published, then … Continue reading →

Our Value Recently, I attended a convention for the TV show Supernatual. It aired for 15 seasons—327 episodes! We went at the behest of my teen daughter, a huge fan. I was also interested in meeting the actors, but I am, … Continue reading →

And What They’re “Supposed” to Be I was kinda embarrassed not too long ago. To my great surprise, my husband—a cyclist, not a runner—came on a run with me. I took him on my usual route, where he exclaimed, “Wow, … Continue reading →

As a Writer, Be Yourself Writing is personal. Even if we write the most commercial of commercial fiction, we pour our heart and soul into our work. We bleed onto the page. Writing isn’t for the faint of heart.  But … Continue reading →

Money Matters Everyone in my life warned me I could never be a career author, given how little money, on average, writers make. Not exactly morale-boosting, right?  The problem is, they weren’t wrong about the challenges. A lot of writers don’t make … Continue reading →

Celebrate Each One! What’s the hardest part about writing? Coming up with an idea? Brainstorming? Outlining? Writing the first draft? Revisions? Sending your story out into the world?  Trick question.  The hardest part about writing is whatever part you’re on. … Continue reading →

You Don’t. Failure is all very well and good, right? You learn from your mistakes, you grow as a person, you get stronger, better, wiser.  Not going to disagree.  But here’s the flip side. Failure has consequences. They may be … Continue reading →

Or Half-Full? I am the pessimist of our family. My husband is the optimist. (Yes, his chipper, upbeat outlook is exhausting…) I say why look to the future for sunshine and roses when you’re as likely to get rainstorms and mud? … Continue reading →

Your Stories! Waaay back in 2003, I met a new friend who worked for a cell phone company. He had a state-of-the-art, brand-spanking-new smart phone. I still had an old (already out-of-date) flip phone. With glee, he showed me how … Continue reading →