I’ve been working on the lessons (and gift) for the upcoming free class I’ll be teaching so thought I’d post something about it here along with more details about the retreat I’m offering next summer (and just in case you don’t take the class). Both the free mini-retreat and summer retreat are exclusive to…
Author: This Writer's Life
Wednesday Writing Prompts-Sleeping Dogs
Another week, another prompt based on a saying and yes, a cute photo this week too… Let sleeping dogs lie Does your character take note of this saying, if not, what are the consequences for him or her? Are they the one dishing out this advice and what does it pertain to? For those…
What Should You Write and What Should You Avoid?
Today, I thought I’d share with you a process I go through when I’m in writing coach mode. My first question to a client is what type of book are you planning to write and in a couple of sentences, tell me about its plot. I’m hearing more of the same thing and as…
Monday Motivation-Next Step, First Step
Have you been putting off starting that book or short story? Use this week to get the first sentence or chapter written. Every story begins with that first step…
Friday Ramblings From An Author-Catching Up With Blogging
Another work week slowly comes to a close. Today the weather is perfect with sunny skies and just right temps. The garden isn’t so perfect and leaf raking calls my name. We’ve talked about motivation this week, well, I’m trying to find some in order to get out there and do what must be done. Did everyone hear…
Motivation-It’s What Separates The Unpublished and Published
A few months ago, I had one of those a-ah moments. I’ve been teaching and tutoring for over a decade but I suddenly figured out why some students succeed while others don’t. I can teach people all I know about writing but that won’t be helpful if they’re lacking one thing. No, it’s not talent or…
Wednesday Writing Prompts-Counting Chickens
Another week, another prompt, and continuing with our October sayings, this week it’s Don’t Count Your Chickens Before They’re Hatched What does that mean for your main character? What are they confident about? Is it okay for them to count their chickens or does this saying come back to haunt them? For those…
Let’s Get Those Goals Written
Why do I think it’s important to set some goals before you start to write? Saying you’re going to write a book sounds daunting. And yes, it is. Lots of people say they’re going to do it but few actually get the job done. It has nothing to do with talent or writing ability. Bottom line is it’s…
Monday Motivation-Let’s Set Goals
In the upcoming free class I’ll be teaching, we’ll kick things off with a lesson on setting goals. I like to think of them as a roadmap or the modern GPS. I’m devoting this week on TWL to motivation and that starts with goal setting. Write down your writing goals and keep them handy…
Friday Ramblings From An Author-Ideal Reading a Good Book Weather
I should add writing or maybe even watching a movie to the title of this Ramblings. It’s cold, it’s windy, snow is forecast, and I’m not a happy camper. Anyone else notice the older you get, the less you tolerant change in temperature? Especially temps on the cold side. Oftentimes, I’ve thought about teaching writing seminars…