If you’ve ever had a hobby or a pursuit that’s become your passion, you might relate to this story. When I knew I wanted to be a writer, I bought just about every writing how to book written. I even joined the Writer’s Digest Book Club and couldn’t wait for the booklet they used to…
Author: This Writer's Life
Monday Motivation-Be Positive
The theme of this week is keeping positive thoughts even after you’ve received a rejection or your story isn’t going as planned. Nothing comes from being negative. Give yourself a pep talk. When you get a rejection know that you’re one step closer to getting a yes. Let’s be positive this week and beyond.
Friday Ramblings From An Author-It’s Summer…
Or winter depending on what part of the world you live. Either way, it marks a new beginning. Days start getting shorter again or longer. New beginnings are perfect to look at goals. Ones you’ve set or ones you want to set. Recently, I’ve discovered that it’s goals and motivation that are the biggest hurdles, or…
Wednesday Writing/Journal Prompts-Motivation
This week the focus has been on motivation so let’s continue with that theme for this prompt. If you’re going the short story route, think about what motivates the character in your story. In fact, knowing that is key to any good story. What do they want? How are they going to get it?…
It’s Not Always Due to Talent But…
I’m writing this early Monday evening. It’s overcast so sitting outside has lost its appeal. It’s time for fiction. For that mystery that I told you I want to get finished. I’ve been looking at words all day. I’ve been writing for most of the day. It’s my job, it’s what I do. Netflix is…
Monday Motivation-Put Your Dream In Motion
Thinking about writing a short story, novel, maybe becoming a freelance writer? This week take that first step. As this quote by Shonda Rhimes reminds us, you can’t achieve anything unless you cross that line. What is your line going to be…feel free to share it with us all here at TWL.
Friday Ramblings From An Author-Time Isn’t Refundable
It’s almost summer (officially), the year is almost half way done so it’s time to look at the goals I’ve set for the year. One thing I struggle with is getting back to the mysteries I started and never finished. I get busy with other writing, teaching, tutoring…okay, it’s no excuse. This week something…
How Not To Go Crazy When Promoting Your Book
Say hello to this week’s guest blogger, Terry Shames who shares some tips about promoting your book… This writer (me) has just been on a three-week binge. No, not that kind of binge! The book promo kind of binge. Promotion included a launch party, attendance at Malice Domestic Convention, library and book club appearances, a…
Wednesday Writing/Journal Prompts-A Summer Day
Memories sometimes make the perfect stories or at least an idea for a story. They also make the best journaling prompts. For this week’s prompt either journal about one of your summer memories or base a story upon it. Maybe it’s going to the beach, trying to get out of a sudden downpour or thunderstorm…the sights…
Hi Susan-Dead End Dialogue
The Hi Susan letters are filling my e-mail so let’s dive into another one. This was sent by Ashley who wrote- I had a bunch of beta readers look at my manuscript and each person had the same comment, my dialogue stinks. Is there anyway I can improve that skill? Absolutely, anything that’s your Achilles’…