One of the first how to write books I ever read said that waiting and then getting published is a lot like waiting for a train. Everyone stands waiting for the train to arrive. It’s sometimes late, people get impatient and leave. Just as they leave the station that train arrives. For those patient enough…
Author: This Writer's Life
Friday Ramblings From An Author-Snow, Sun…You Name It!
Less than 30 minutes ago, I glanced out of the window and saw snow falling. Not just flakes, but heavy snow and thought about all the leaves that need raking, the umbrella and patio furniture that still need storing away for winter. Panic set in thinking this was it, winter had arrived, but now as…
Are You One of the Few Still Standing?
Imagine that you’re taking one of my writing seminars. I’m going to ask you all to stand. Now I’m going to ask those of you who have said you’re going to write a book someday to continue to stand. If that doesn’t apply to you, sit down. My next question is have you started to…
Wednesday Writing Prompts-Are You Sure We’re Not Lost?
Here’s week two of an image along with some dialogue. Your two characters are in this scene and here’s their exchange. “This doesn’t look like the place?” “You heard what the guy told me, take the next left, head down the road, and then turn right” “Are you sure we’re not lost?” Have fun and…
Another Tuesday Story Sparkler
No Tuesday guest blogger today so it’s time for another Story Sparkler. This week it’s a scenario for your character- They get locked in a store overnight. What sort of store is it and how do they pass the time?
Monday Motivation-Don’t Be Afraid
I don’t usually use the same motivational quotes on both TWL and my Budget Smart Girl site, but this week, thought I would. While this site focuses on writing and being an author, BSG, focuses on starting a business and being an entrepreneur, but fear is an emotion that many people experience. In fact, it…
Friday Ramblings From An Author-Three Paperbacks Published
I know, I know, I was supposed to be recording my new classes, but there was construction noise in the neighborhood so I decided to switch projects. I got three paperbacks ready and also published. Two are for my Kalispell Shifter series. I’m combining three books into one paperback. The other was for a daily…
Why Don’t You Feel Like Writing?
Lots of students tell me they don’t always feel like writing. That’s fine, I say, nothing wrong with that. However, after a pause, more is revealed… they’ve felt that way for weeks, if they’re honest, maybe even months. Now that’s a problem. First thing I always ask is do you really want to be a…
Wednesday Writing Prompts-Image and a Line
October! Every month I try and come up with something different and decided we’d combine an image along with a line from the story. This first week, it’s this photo and let’s use an opening line which is dialogue between two characters. “I’ve never made anything besides toast, but I know I can do this….
Story Sparklers-Showing and Not Telling
No Tuesday guest blogger today so thought we’d dive into another Story Sparkler. This time it’s all about showing versus telling. Telling a story rather than showing it, is a common reason for the dreaded rejection letter. Here’s a short scene from a story, see how you can take it from its fatal telling mode…