I’m mulling over blog topics last night with my husband. Our conversation went like this: Me: Maybe I’ll post about how writing affects the family. My husband: That would be a great idea! OK, then. Glad he had an opinion. My writing life–my professional life–frustrates my family at times. Not all the time. At least, I don’t think so. Of …
In Others’ Words: Words
“I like good strong words that mean something.” ~Louisa May Alcott, author Well said, Louisa. That’s a goal worth striving for: As a writer, I want to produce good strong words that mean something. As a woman, I want to speak good strong words that mean something. Little Women, written by Louisa May Alcott, was the first book I remember …
Survey Says: Counting the Cost of Writers Conferences
Friends Teri, Pat, Edie and Melissa (the 2010 Frasier winner). A couple of weeks ago, I posted about a survey on writers conferences. Specific question: Why do you attend writers conferences? Today’s question for discussion: What are your major concerns when preparing for a writers conference? Possible answers: Paying for the conference, the travel, and the lodging Pitching my book …
In Others’ Words: Discovery
“One of the greatest discoveries a man makes, one of his greatest surprises, is to find he can do what he was afraid he couldn’t do.” ~Henry Ford, American industrialist Fear ruled my life for too many years. Yes, there were reasons for the fear, but still … I look back and think what I lost. Freedom. Emotional and spiritual …
In Others’ Words: Music
“Take a music bath once or twice a week for a few seasons. You will find it is to the soul what a water bath is to the body.” ~ Oliver Wendell Holmes, associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court I savor listening to music just about any time of the day. If you could hear what I’m singing along …
ACFW Conference Tips: Don’ts (the fun ones!)
Me & Lisa Jordan with Rachelle Gardner, our wonderful agent. On Tuesday I gave you a quick list of ACFW Dos: Be yourself. Ask questions. Reach out. Have fun. Slow down. Today I want to share my list of ACFW conference “Don’ts.” Go ahead and use them for any conference you might attend: the MBT Storycrafters, Mount Hermon, Blue Ridge …