For the first time in years, I’ve completed my summer reading list and yes, way ahead of schedule. However, I didn’t finish three of the books on my list. I’m adding three more so I can say that I read ten books this summer. I re-released a back title. The third in my Kalispell Shifter…
Author: This Writer's Life
Switching Genres
Here’s today’s guest blogger Rhonda Gilmour telling us why she switched genres… Until 2017, I was one of those readers–looking down my nose at romance for the usual stupid reasons: too corny, too predictable, too fluffy. Not that I had any grounds for being a snob since my first three (as yet unpublished) novels were cozy mystery…
Wednesday Writing/Journal Prompts-Out The Window
This week’s prompt is all about a window. For a short story, what does your character see when he or she looks out of the window? Something they shouldn’t? Something beautiful? Someone they like or have a crush on? Do they go outside or stay indoors and spy from afar? For journaling…look out the window…
How To Stand Out From The Crowd
I probably don’t need to tell you that being a writer is a competitive business. Whether you write fiction or non-fiction, it’s a crowded pursuit. I remember talking to a fellow freelance writer and he said something that stuck with me even to this day. Writers are just like dogs all going after the…
Monday Motivation-I’m My Own Writer
I’ve had students who have given up because they felt they didn’t write as well as their favorite author. When we compare ourselves to people who have been practicing their skill or trade for a long time, we’re setting ourselves up for disappointment. Writing is a skill that takes a long time to master, and master well….
Friday Ramblings From An Author-The Heat Goes On
Another hot humid day…you’ve probably guessed that neither freezing cold temperatures or humidity are my favorite weather terms. As I always say, look for a silver lining and both mean indoor time writing or reading. And yes, if I’m being honest, watching Netflix too. This week the short story class kicked off and I’ve…
The Journey To Becoming A Writer
Here’s today’s guest blogger, Alice Renaud, to share her story of how she became a writer… My journey to become a published writer was a long one. Thirty-three years long, to be precise. It started when I wrote my first story aged fourteen. It was a sprawling, way-too-ambitious fantasy saga, set in a world that…
Wednesday Writing/Journal Prompts-Sing a Song
This week it’s all about songs. If you’re writing a short story, your character decides to write a song. What is it about? Does he or she sing it for someone and what’s the result? Do they have a winning song on their hands or something they’d rather forget? If you’re going the journaling…
Hi Susan-Transforming Stories From Ideas
Time for another Hi Susan and this one was asked by Kimberley… I have a ton of ideas rattling around in my head. First of all, how do I make sure I don’t forget any gems? Second question, how do I determine if one’s good enough to become a story? I loved these questions…
Monday Motivation-You Are Talented
Why do I love this quote and why do I think it’s motivating? It reminds us that we all have a talent to give to the world. (Maybe even one other human being who’d love to have you share your skill and knowledge with them). I’m guessing for most of you reading this it’s your writing and storytelling…