Self-doubt can feel like just another miserable part of writing, but in my experience, it often becomes far more dangerous than that. That’s because it tends to show up at the exact moments that matter most in your writing life. And if you don’t recognize it for what it is,Continue Reading
If you’re making writing career mistakes, I want to spare you some of the years I lost. Picture this: Years of your life wasted, stuck in your first book, completely invisible to readers. And why? Because you ignored four simple pieces of advice. I know because I ignored them, andContinue Reading
Do you have a strong foundation for your writing career? If you do, you probably know it. If you don’t, you may be asking: a what? I got to thinking about this after I found this nest (pictured below). I think it’s a robin’s nest, blown out of my cottonwoodContinue Reading
What’s the best investment you can make in your book? My mom—a big reader—just finished reading a self-published book by an author she had read before. The first book she enjoyed. The second one, however, was frustrating for her. Because it was filled with errors. Was the author aware ofContinue Reading
If you want to be successful as a writer, you have to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. That’s not easy in today’s world. Americans have become addicted to comfort. There’s a term for it: “comfort addition.” Like any other, this addiction keeps you seeking the next “hit” rather than makingContinue Reading
Do you struggle when marketing your book? If so, you’re not alone. Book marketing remains one of the biggest challenges—if not the biggest challenge—for writers wanting to expand their careers. It’s easy to see why writers are struggling. More books are published every year, with self-publishing flooding the market. BowkerContinue Reading
We writers rely on our emotions. They propel our stories. They help us empathize with our characters. They pave the way to story themes. Our emotions keep us dreaming big. They provide the rich tapestry from which our creativity emerges. Without emotion, a writer is no more than a wordsmith.Continue Reading
Where were you as a writer 10 years ago? What was important to you then? And how does it compare to what’s important to you now? I got to thinking about this the other day after watching a TED talk by Dan Gilbert called “The Psychology of Your Future Self.”Continue Reading
Writers often feel powerless. We must compete in an increasingly saturated marketplace, and the challenges of marketing our work and building strong platforms can often feel overwhelming as we try to maintain regular writing routines. After coming up against a defeat or two—which is bound to happen—we can start toContinue Reading
Have you ever been thinking of someone, only to have them call you a few hours later? Or have you wondered about making a change in your writing life, only to have the right opportunity show up? Call them meaningful coincidences or signs from the universe, these little incidences canContinue Reading
Do you get easily discouraged as a writer? Most writers do, some more often than others. The more important question, then, is: Are you easily discouraged? And if so, what can you do about it? How to Tell If You’re Easily Discouraged I have to admit that I’ve been guiltyContinue Reading
Could your character traits really determine how well you succeed as a writer? According to recent research, they could. After following thousands of people over a period of decades, economist and researcher James Heckman and colleagues found that perseverance, good study habits, and the ability to collaborate were more importantContinue Reading