Before I took myself seriously as an author, I would write in short bursts, either on paper or at my laptop. I did this at my desk, in the garden, or in bed. When I began blogging and writing my non-fiction books, I realized I needed a specific place toContinue Reading
Going to the doctor’s office was never fun, but it’s gotten worse lately, what with the rising medical costs, rushed appointments, and increasing uncertainty about which doctor you’re going to get this time. Writers can find themselves in those offices more than they’d like, though, if they’re not careful. Full-timers,Continue Reading
I kind of hate to admit this, but for me the biggest challenge of being a writer is the computer. I can always tell when I’ve had a good writing day—I can’t stand to read from my Kindle at night! Something about that little lit screen not only tires myContinue Reading
I attended a writer’s conference in Boise back in May 2015. One of the speakers at the event reminded us that writing is supposed to be fun, and that sometimes, we take it far too seriously. I latched fiercely onto that statement. With my first book about to be released,Continue Reading
Even though I deal with carpal tunnel syndrome and a dislocated tailbone, there are other things that stand in the way of spending hours at the keyboard, like the fact that I’m a kindergarten teacher by trade. Each year my attention span lessens because August through June I have toContinue Reading
My mom has a great sense of humor. She can find a laugh in just about every situation. Rarely do I spend a day with her, or even have a conversation with her, that she doesn’t get me laughing about one thing or another. What a blessing that is. IContinue Reading
The long hours sitting at the computer desk and staring at the terminal (both during research and writing) can take their toll on my lower back, my neck and shoulders, and my eyes. The problem is once I sit down at the desk, it’s very easy for me to loseContinue Reading
Are you suffering from writer’s guilt? If so, you may sometimes feel like you’re at war. You fight the battle every day between writing and the rest of your life. Sometimes writing wins. Sometimes life wins. Either way, you feel guilty. The emotion is so common in the writer’s worldContinue Reading
Writing is part of who I am, but it is not all of me. I like the description of myself as a house filled with various rooms, each with a different purpose. If I give all of my attention to only one room, making it bigger and more elaborate thanContinue Reading
Maybe you’d like to work with a writing teacher, but you can’t afford it right now. What if there was a cheaper way to learn more about writing? I made a trip to Colorado last month. From my place, that’s about a day’s worth of driving. I’m not big onContinue Reading
I’m so excited to be featuring Melissa and her work with deaf and other disadvantaged dogs in “Writing for Change.” Melissa is doing great work to raise awareness about the mistreatment of unique groups of animals. She was recently honored with an “Honorable Mention” in the 22nd annual Writer’s DigestContinue Reading
Who are your writing heroes? Can you name them—right now? Do you know who they are? Does it matter? I’ve asked a number of people these questions. I’ve been amazed by how many blank looks I’ve received. Maybe it’s because my writing heroes are so important to me—and I believe,Continue Reading