Family and friends have always known that I’ve harbored a secret desire to paint. It’s been on my to do list and last year I dived straight in. Well, I say dived straight in but that isn’t really true. I looked at the watercolor paper, had the paints set out at the side of…
Author: This Writer's Life
Monday Motivation-Why Do You Want to Write
It takes motivation to not only get started on a story but to keep on writing especially when the going gets tough. One thing that can help you achieve a goal is to understand what it is that drives you on and keeps you going. This week, write down three reasons why you want to…
Friday Ramblings From An Author-Classes and More Classes
There’s been a touch of fall in the air but it’s perfect take your work outside weather. In fact, I had an outside office for most of the afternoon. I’m happy to say I think the fresh air made me more productive. So give outside writing a try and see what happens. I have some classes…
Hi Susan, Do You Always Have to Write About What You Know?
Here’s something new I thought I’d launch on TWL, my response to questions I get sent from aspiring writers. I’m calling it Hi Susan so if you have a question about anything writing related whether it be fiction or non-fiction just leave a comment or you can send it to me via writerslifeblog@gmail.com. The first question…
Wednesday Writing Prompts-Three Word Prompt
This week’s prompt focuses on three words that you have to fit somewhere in your story. They are- Swimming with sharks It could be that your character is literally swimming with sharks…maybe on a dare, perhaps they’re lost at sea. Or it could be just a phrase about someone or a situation where the…
Me, Myself, and I-Writing in the First Person
Raise your hand if you write (or want to write) stories in the first person? It’s hard for me to guess the exact percentage of you who are holding your hand high in the air. I have lots of students who tell me they’d love to give it a try but feel it’s too difficult….
Monday Motivation-Don’t View It As Failure
Edison probably wasn’t talking about writing when he made this quote but it’s ideal inspiration for authors. So what if a plot doesn’t go as planned, or the characters fall flat, or another rejection hits your mailbox. You’ve not failed. It’s just that something didn’t quite work for that story. Fire up the computer and start…
Friday Ramblings From An Author-Cooking and Sci-Fi Are Hot
A cooler rainy week which meant I got lots done. When I say lots, it seems like I don’t have much to show for it, but it’s all about preparation. One thing I’ve been working on is the sister site to this one that’s focused on self publishing. My intent was to have it…
Anthologies-Ideal for Beginning Writers
I’m often asked for suggestions about markets that are more willing to consider new writers. There are a lot out there. Some will pay you a small amount while others will pay in copies. One market area I had a lot of success with was anthologies. In fact, I think being published in four anthologies at the…
Wednesday Writing Prompts-You Pick Your Favorite Opening Scene
I thought we’d try something a little different for this week’s prompt. Write the opening scene for three different stories based on this photo, then pick which one you like best and complete the short story. Have fun and happy writing.