No guest blogger this week, instead it’s me. I thought I’d use this space to post an assortment of things. Lots of people ask me about publishing trends. If you know me well, you already know I say not to focus too much on them because they come and go. However, if you’re self publishing,…
Author: This Writer's Life
Wednesday Writing Prompts-Green Grass?
Continuing with our October theme of prompts based on sayings, this week it’s The grass is always greener over the other side of the fence. What meaning does that have for your character? Are they thinking about moving or taking a new job? What are the consequences? For the journalers…think about a time when…
Free Writing Class
Many of you know I teach online classes exclusively for OIRW which is a chapter of the Romance Writers of America. I always try to add new classes each year. I brainstormed ideas for 2020 and came up with the idea of teaching a three month writing retreat where all classes are taught online. Everything…
Monday Motivation-You Are What You Think
I always say you are what you think (not what others think about you). It works for writing too. Do you think you’re not as good as a bestselling author? Feel that you don’t have a chance to ever be published? Can’t handle self-publishing your own book? This week, choose to have a positive state…
Friday Ramblings From An Author-A Busy Break
Weatherwise, not a great start to October. First two adjectives which come to mind, overcast and dreary which usually doesn’t bother me but for some reason, I’m ready to see the sun again. (I also have lots of outside chores to do too!) I’ve had four days off from teaching but I’ve kept busy with planning out upcoming classes, books,…
How Authors Choose Their Genre
Welcome to guest blogger, Nalini Warriar who tells us why she chose to write romances… Romance novels have a central theme: a happily ever after. The book is about how they get there, overcoming obstacles and resolving conflict. A romance novel delves into the emotional state of the hero and heroine’s mind. A good romance…
Wednesday Writing Prompts-Shoes
A new month and I thought we’d use it for prompts based on sayings- The first one is if the shoe fits Is your character buying a new pair of shoes? Are they retuning shoes? Find a pair of shoes? If you’re journaling, what does the saying mean to you? Do you have a memory/story…
Five Tips for NaNoWriMo
On Monday, I’ll begin teaching How To Get Ready for NaNoWriMo for the very last time. The class is going into retirement and eventually into the archived classes over at my Zenler writing school portal. Today, I thought I’d share with you what I think are the top five tips you need to know to stand the…
Monday Motivation-You Are The Only Limitation
You’ve heard of the saying about being your own worst enemy and I sometimes think that applies to writing. It’s all too easy to get into your own head, hear those voices of self doubt…the ones that tell you you’re not as good as bestselling author A, don’t write prose like author B, and…
Friday Ramblings From An Author-800 and Counting
The This Writer’s Life community is now 800 followers strong and still counting. Remember my goal is to reach 1,000 by the end of the year. We have three months to go so spread the word because I have lots planned for 2020 and beyond. I love it when I get ahead with my to…