This site started as a way to keep myself accountable for my writing. My intent was to use it to keep myself to a writing schedule. My first idea was to keep it private. However, I knew other writers might be struggling too so I turned it into a blog. It’s grown, it’s evolved, and this week…
Author: This Writer's Life
What Art Has Taught Me About Writing
Most of you know that these days as well as write, I also sketch and paint. I’ve struggled with it just like I did when I began my journey as a writer. The self-doubt, the second guessing yourself. Not being able to figure out why you can’t be as good as someone who’s been doing it for…
Wednesday Writing Prompts-What Do They See?
Let’s start May with this photo prompt. What have this characters seen and why are they taking a photo of it? Have fun and happy writing.
The Words of Ernest Hemingway
The other day I was searching a site that had quotes by famous authors. This one by Ernest Hemingway jumped out at me… Write Drunk Edit Sober Maybe he intended us to take that literally, maybe not. Either way, he summed up the writing process perfectly. I always tell my students if there’s only one…
Friday Ramblings From An Author-Long Term Goals
The last Ramblings of the month…yes, April flew by which got me thinking about my goals. Not just goals for the rest of the year but long term ones. Getting some mysteries finished and published and maybe even starting a cozy series is on my list. It will soon be May and on the 6th,…
How to Live a Writer’s Life
Say hello to today’s guest blogger Jeanne Oates Estridge who has some tips about living the writing life…. 1) Open yourself to every experience that comes along. Play soccer. Work in a commercial kitchen. Go fly fishing. Hunt for diamonds. Try exotic foods. Your characters are going to need lots and lots of interesting experiences…
Wednesday Writing Prompts-Final Character
Here is the final character(s) for your story. How do these two people fit into your story and how do they interact with the other three characters? I hope you’ve enjoyed the month long writing prompt. Would you like to see more four week writing prompts? Have fun and happy writing.
How To Recharge Your Story
If you’re anything like me, you have one (okay, more than one), story sitting on your computer that you started and never finished. I’ve lost count how many I’ve had in that suspended state. Not all of them have gone on to be completed, but a lot have. I thought I’d share with you five…
Monday Motivation-I Want To Be A Writer
This is one of my favorite quotes that I really believe in. This week, say the words I want to be a writer. Say it out loud, write it someplace you’ll see it every day. Tell your best friend or even share it on social media. Cast it out into the universe, continue to believe…
Friday Ramblings From An Author-What A Difference A Week Makes
I have a confession to make. I’ve had to drag myself inside to write this Ramblings. Last week at this time, it was snowing and cold. Today, sunny, warm, and a chair on the deck was calling my name. I thought I’d continue reading the mystery I’m half way through but the sun was too…