I thought we’d try a two part story. This week (part one), your character sits down to write a letter. Who is it to? What is it about? Does its content contain good or bad news? Maybe it’s a love letter or a dear john style one. Perhaps it’s to complain about something. Is it long…
Author: This Writer's Life
Guest Blogging Time Again
It’s sign up time for another round of guest blogging. I’ve set aside Thursdays, starting Feb 21st, for anyone who wants to share a post on anything writing related. It could be how you plot, how you got published, how you deal with rejection letters…just about anything. Usually under 1,000 words but I’ll leave that up…
Monday Motivation-Look At It In A Positive Way
There are some many great quotes out there. Not all of them were written with us writers in mind but it doesn’t stop me from putting a author’s spin on them. Take this weeks quote is a great example…no rain, no flowers. You can’t have one without the other. I’d like to say, no…
Friday Ramblings From An Author-Pet Project
The cold and snow continues but it’s jumpstarted my need to get some serious winter reading done. I just finished reading Allie and Bea by Catherine Ryan Hyde. Yes, that was on a previous reading list and I just got round to reading it. I know, it’s embarrassing to admit how far behind I am….
Do You Have a Plotting Problem?
I’m teaching a class on plotting a novel and while I was putting together notes for the first lesson, something dawned upon me. I shared it with the students and I thought maybe you’d like to hear it too. I always hear people say their biggest problem is plotting but I don’t think that’s always…
Wednesday Writing Prompts-The Girl in the Raincoat
I can’t remember if we’ve had a story title prompt before. If we have, it was a long time ago so here goes… The title of your story is The Girl in the Raincoat. Who is she? Where is she going? Is she going to meet someone? Are her intentions good or bad? So much…
The Bookstore That Travels to You
I thought we’d take a break from writing how to’s and I’d post something fun for you to read. Yes, it’s sort of writing related. I can’t remember where I heard about this traveling bookstore but I knew I had to contact the owner to see if she’d be willing to be interviewed. Say hello…
Monday Motivation-Hang Out With The Right People
Monday Motivation time again. This week I want you to think about your writing peers. Are they helping you write? Helping you get published? Being positive and cheering you on? When I first started writing, I was lucky enough to have my father as my cheerleader. Each time a rejection letter fell into the mailbox,…
Friday Ramblings From An Author-Be A Successful Freelancer
We’ve had the Polar Vortex and now this weekend is supposed to feel like spring. If only the spring part would stay around that would be great. I’m sure lots of you were also in the path of that nasty cold weather earlier this week. People always debate whether it’s better to be in a heatwave…
Hi Susan-Critique Groups, Partners, Beta Readers
This e-mail from Stephanie touched on a topic that I’ve been meaning to post about for some time. Here’s what she wrote… Hi Susan, I keep hearing about critique groups and beta readers. One editor who recently sent me a rejection letter even suggested I find a critique partner? What’s what and which one…